Bullock, Hill meet in debate in Great Falls

GREAT FALLS (AP) — All three candidates for governor have met for the first time in a debate less than two weeks before the election.

Friday's debate in Great Falls was the sixth meeting between Republican Rick Hill and Democrat Steve Bullock. But it's the first for Libertarian candidate Ron Vandevender.

The debate held at the Montana Farmers Union annual convention focused mainly on agricultural issues.

The candidates discussed funding for agriculture research, how to keep Montana's Extension Service program going, renewable energy and eminent domain.

One topic that didn't come up was Hill's acceptance of a$500,000 contribution from the Montana Republican Party. The legality of that donation has become a focal point of the race.

Bullock and Hill meet in Bozeman Saturday for a final debate before the Nov. 6 election.