Steelman: I won the debate

With a headline that said "Steelman wins debate," her campaign issued the following statement from Sarah Steelman, following last night's debate in Springfield:

Last night I had the pleasure to participate in the final debate of the primary season. KY3 in Springfield was the host, and the debate was broadcast live and on the internet by the Springfield News-Leader. For an hour, southwest Missouri voters had an opportunity to hear my opponent and I tackle the critical issues facing our state.

While the questions were tough, I was proud to be able to answer each of them directly, honestly and fully. Tony Messenger of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said I was "well prepared for the debate and more than matched" my opponent. He also thought my direct questions of my opponent "hit on timely topics."

While Congressman Hulshof continues to claim a fair look at his record is somehow out of bounds, we were able to continue shining the light on his spending record. The Congressman was eager to defend his earmark votes by trying to justify how important the projects are. He just doesn't understand that Missouri needs a Governor who will look at each spending priority and make the right decision for the taxpayer.