MATT GOURAS Associated Press Writer BUTTE
Gov. Brian Schweitzer and Republican opponent Roy Brown used a third debate Monday night to polish familiar campaign messages. Schweitzer said things in Montana have improved during his first term, pointing to increases in energy production, an economy he says is doing better than other parts of the country, and improved spending in key areas like education. Schweitzer remained thin on detailed promises for a second term, saying his administration would "continue" to invest in the same priorities established during the first four years. Brown accused the governor of exaggerating his accomplishments, saying people he meets are worried about the economy. The Republican said he wants to dig more coal and drill for more oil to spur the economy. "All we have now is a bunch of sound bites," Brown said. Monday night 's But t e debate charted little new ground in the ongoing contest between S c hwe i t z e r and Brown. Bo t h to u t energy development, but Brown says he wi l l do more. Bot h tout tax cuts, b u t Br own says his would b e b i g g e r. Both tout education funding but say they wo u l d f ind money from d i f f e r e n t sources. Libertarian Party candid a t e S t a n Jones added a little color by interrupting verbal sparring between Brown and Schweitzer. He said voters should pick him because little separates the Republican and the Democrat. "Wh i c h o n e i s t h e Republican and which one is the Democrat?" He said during one exchange. Schweitzer and Brown disagreed sharply over whether the governor's tuition freeze really helped college students. Brown said fees went up so much that they more than made up for the tuition freeze. Schweitzer rejected the notion, saying average tuition hikes had been about $500 a year while there was none this year. He said fees only went up $28. An d Br own r e j e c t e d Schweitzer's claim of more than $300 million in tax cuts. He said people are paying the same income, gas and property taxes they always have. "None of those taxes went down, your taxes stayed about the same," Brown said. (AP)
