A debate between Republican gubernatorial candidates Kenny Hulshof and Sarah Steelman gets testy as they spar over spending, stem cell research and ethanol.
Steelman, the state treasurer, has cast Hulshof as a big-spending Washington congressman. In a Wednesday night debate, Hulshof fought back by questioning some of Steelman's votes when she was in the state Senate.
Hulshof also claimed Steelman was buying into the spin from ``big oil'' by pushing for a repeal of Missouri's ethanol mandate. Steelman contends the corn-based fuel is driving up the cost of food while Hulshof contends it is lowering gas prices.
Each candidate questioned the other's resolve against embryonic stem cell research.
The winner of the Aug. 5 Republican primary is expected to face Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon in the November gubernatorial election.
