Campaign 2010: 1st gubernatorial debate

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) - Eyewitness News and WPRI.com present the first gubernatorial debate of Campaign 2010.

The highly anticipated debate began at 7:00 p.m. at the Robert E. Will Theatre at the Fine Arts Center on the University of Rhode Island Kingston campus.

All six candidates for Rhode Island governor took part in the debate; jobs, economy and education are expected to be the main highlights for the struggling Ocean State.

Eyewitness News Political Analyst Joe Fleming said it's the first real chance for voters to see where the candidates stand on certain issues.

"Up to this point there has been no wide televised debates, so now is the first opportunities for the candidates to really introduce themselves, especially Mr. Robitaille and Mr. Block who are really not household names in this state," said Fleming.

Fleming also says the debate is a chance for the candidates to cut out their ground with the primary only weeks away.

Eyewitness News Anchor Karen Adams were on-hand at the debate and Tim White will moderate.

Candidates for Rhode Island Governor:

Republicans: John Robitaille and Victor Moffitt

Democrats: Frank Caprio and Patrick Lynch

Independent: Lincoln Chafee

Moderate Party candidate: Ken Block