Major Candidates Emerge Unscathed from Bizarre Gubernatorial Debate

The seven candidates for governor sat on stage at Long Island's Hofstra University as though they were on a daytime talk show.  The candidates talked serious issues, but delivered entertaining TV.

"Politicians in Albany are the biggest whores around.  And I'm the only one with the experience to deal with them," said Kristin Davis, the former head of an international prostitution ring.

There were a bevy of out-there ideas.

"We can close the Thruway Authority and end the tolls," said Warren Redlich, the nominee of the Libertarian Party.

"Legalization of marijuana would bring in a billion and a half in new tax revenue," said Davis.

"We plan to bulldoze some of those mountains in Upstate to make New York an independent state.  I want my own cable company, I want my own telephone company," said Jimmy McMillan.

Hmm.  No one could blame you for needing a scorecard.  If you were waiting for the zinger of the night, it was delivered by former prostitution ring leader, kristin davis.

"The key difference between the MTA and my former escore agency: is my agency kept one set of books, and my former agency provided on time and reliable service." said Davis.

But what about the two major party candidates?  Yes, Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino were there, but went the entire ninety minutes without attacking one another.  Neither was forced off their familiar talking points.

"The State of New York government just doesn't get it.  It spends money that it doesn't have, and it spends too much money," said Cuomo.

"Our Medicaid costs are rought with fraud, waste and abuse," said Paladino.

Sources with both major parties say this debate was not a game changer for either of their candidates.

Both say their candidate did what they had to do.

Cuomo avoided any traps and showed he was the only one who could lead the state.

Republicans say Paladino proved he could stay on message and get into the nitty gritty of issues.