Gubernatorial candidates spar on vision for California

SAN FRANCISCO — Republican John Cox entered the only scheduled debate in the campaign for California governor on Monday as an underdog in need of a race-altering breakthrough.

The hourlong radio debate between Cox and Democrat Gavin Newsom remained civil, with the candidates sparring on policy and mostly avoiding personal attacks.

Cox, a businessman from the San Diego area, batted away questions about his past statements opposing gay marriage and declined to take a position on the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court.

He stuck closely to the central theme of his campaign, laying the high cost of living in California at the feet of Newsom and the Democratic policies he supports.

The debate — staged on the same day that early voting began in the state — appeared to do little to change the trajectory of the race that heavily favors Newsom.

With the debate broadcast only on the radio during working hours, Cox needed a moment that would get repeated play in the media, said Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont Mckenna College in Southern California.

“His chance for a breakout would’ve been some kind of rhetorical master stroke that put Newsom on the defensive and cast (Cox) as a champion of ordinary Californians,” Pitney said.

He did not listen to the debate but said media coverage suggested Cox’s performance was “underwhelming.”