COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP) — Democratic governor candidate A.J. Balukoff came out swinging against incumbent Republican Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter during the candidates' first debate.

Balukoff attacked the two-term incumbent for leading Idaho to a low-wage economy, with low educational attainment and numerous government scandals during Otter's eight years in office. Otter defended his record, painting a sunnier picture of the state's economy.

Friday's debate at the Coeur d'Alene downtown library also featured Libertarian candidate John Bujak and independent candidate Pro-Life.

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