Steelman-Hulshof Round 1

THE A.P. LEDE OUT OF G.O.P. RADIO DEBATE IN ST. LOUIS READS . .

Missouri's Republican gubernatorial candidates defend cuts to the state Medicaid system during a radio debate in St. Louis.

Congressman Kenny Hulshof and Treasurer Sarah Steelman both criticized a proposal Tuesday from Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon to reverse the 2005 Medicaid cuts enacted by Gov. Matt Blunt.

Hulshof and Steelman say it can't be done without raising taxes. But Nixon says his health care plan would spend $265 million of state funds and about $700 million of federal money without raising taxes.

During a debate on radio station KMOX, Steelman and Hulshof both cast themselves as best positioned to run against Nixon in the November gubernatorial election. The primary is Aug. 5.

ALSO: Read Messenger's Take HERE

“It’s easy to mislead voters and unfortunately that’s all Miss Steelman has to offer,” Hulshof said.

“I’m a little rough around the edges,” she said. “He’s a smooth talker.”