DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – The first of two GOP gubernatorial debates took place Wednesday night, with former Attorney General Mike Cox, Congressman John James, and businessman Perry Johnson taking the stage.

The debate, hosted by Fox 2 Detroit, focused on familiar issues, including the candidates’ views on taxes, shrinking government, growing jobs, and their relationship with President Donald Trump.

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All three candidates tried to distinguish themselves from one another. Trump-endorsed James emphasized that he can pick up the phone and call the president. However, he said he doesn’t idolize Trump to the detriment of Michigan. “Michigan is open for business, but we are not for sale.”

Cox said that while serving as attorney general, he reduced the size of the office’s staff by 21%. Johnson, who is funding his campaign with his own money, said Michigan “is taxed to death right now” and needs his “mega audit.”

Perhaps the statement that best summed up the evening came from James.

“We didn’t come here to watch grown men bicker,” James said as the first 30 minutes of the hour-long debate devolved into back-and-forth arguments among the three candidates, each seeking additional rebuttals to personal attacks. Even Fox 2 Detroit moderator Roop Raj stepped in several times to steer the debate back to questions from Michigan residents.

“We have our hands on the pulse of what people care about,” Raj said. “They are sick of people screaming and yelling. People are wondering right now about data centers.”

While data center moratoriums were discussed, the focus never fully shifted to why any of the GOP candidates would be a better choice than eight years under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer or four more years of Democratic leadership. Perhaps they will reassess their strategies when they face off again Thursday night in a debate hosted by WOOD TV.

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However, don’t expect a Democratic gubernatorial debate before the Aug. 4 primary. Although Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson agreed to debate Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Benson declined to participate, citing scheduling conflicts.