Republican incumbent Susana Martinez and Democratic challenger Gary King disagreed over the economy and schools in their first appearance together at a candidate forum in New Mexico's race for governor.
King criticized Martinez for presiding over the "worst economy in the country," and said New Mexico has lagged behind other states in job growth.
Martinez jabbed at King for supporting tax increases to balance the budget two decades when he served in the Legislature.
To improve education, King said the state should tap into a permanent fund to expand early childhood education programs.
Martinez reiterated her support for legislation to hold back third graders, rather than promoting them to the next class, if they can't read proficiently.
Martinez and King faced off Monday during a forum sponsored by business groups.
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