The three major party candidates for governor debated in Duluth, speaking at the Minnesota Rural Summit, a yearly meeting of rural economic development workers. This year the summit's focus was the link between health care and rural economic development. (Listen to entire debate)

	Green Party candidate Ken Pentel said rural Minnesota would be healthier, both physically and economically, if the state shifted more quickly to renewable energy. (MPR Photo/Stephanie Hemphill)

The rhetoric was generally respectful. Republican Tim Pawlenty and DFLer Roger Moeeven traded compliments. But there were flashes of criticism and even anger. All three candidates played to the audience of economic development and health workers from rural Minnesota.

Pawlenty said the state is in the grip of "a quasi-monopoly" in the health care industry. He said three big providers control 80 percent of the health care market. He said they should be required to provide care throughout the state, and not just in areas where it's easier to make a profit.

Moe pointed out that he grew up in rural Minnesota, and has always supported rural communities by fighting for revenue-sharing programs.

"We spend $7 to $10 billion a year on bringing these fuels into the state. We then establish highly toxic systems that are vast waste areas; nuclear waste we have to isolate for 10,000 to 200,000 years. There is no budget, it's the largest unfunded mandate in human history," Pentel said.

Each candidate spent some time pushing the familiar themes of his party. Pawlenty called for a tax climate to reward entrepreneurs. And he said the most important thing is to provide jobs. Green Party candidate Ken Pentel said rural Minnesota would be healthier, both physically and economically, if the state shifted more quickly to renewable energy. He said the state imports almost all of its fuels.

	Roger Moe accused Pawlenty of cutting state taxes while imposing a greater burden on the property tax. (MPR Photo/Stephanie Hemphill)

"The best way out of poverty is a job, the best welfare program is a job, the best health care program is having an opportunity for a good paying job, the best way to avoid declining enrollment is to have moms and dads have jobs so they can stay in the community," Pawlenty said.

Pawlenty proposed creating tax-free zones to help bring jobs to outstate Minnesota.

Moe said tax-free zones are a good idea, but they won't solve rural Minnesota's problems. He said the state should encourage individuals and communities to become stronger and more competitive.

"Making sure that we invest in students early on in their lives, making sure they go to the best schools, higher education opportunities, making sure your workforce, your incumbent workforce, has access to flexible retraining and upgrading skills that are necessary for you as an employer to compete," Moe said.

Moe accused Pawlenty of cutting state taxes while imposing a greater burden on the property tax.

Pawlenty criticized Pentel's plans for small-scale, sustainable agriculture, calling them "ag utopia."

	Tim Pawlenty called for a tax climate to reward entrepreneurs. And he said the most important thing is to provide jobs. (MPR Photo/Stephanie Hemphill)

Pawlenty criticized Pentel's plans for small-scale, sustainable agriculture, calling them "ag utopia."

"We want a regulatory environment that is good for the environment but also is not punishing to farmers. We need to strike a balance," Pawlenty said.

"So you mean the last 100 years in this state, farmers have been doing well? You mean the conditions that Cargill has set, or Archer-Daniels-Midland or Unilever or Con Agra have actually been successful?" Pentel asked.

"I'm talking, Ken, about your statements about the environment and its impact on agriculture," Pawlenty replied.

"Exactly," said Pentel," and it's been a sad story for farmers of the state and I'm here to protect them and keep them on the land."

"Well you go talk to farmers and see what they think of your program, I'd be interested to hear their response," said Pawlenty.

"Yeah, well, you ask the farmers who have higher rates of testicular cancer or birth defects because of chemicalization of this region," countered Pentel.

The audience for the Duluth debate seemed to enjoy the give and take, and applauded politely at the end.