There are five Republicans hoping to be the party’s choice for governor–they all squared off in a forum Tuesday night in Jefferson City. Instead of going after each other, they tried to highlight their own strengths.

Lt. Governor Peter Kinder said he is a proven winner.

GOP candidates for Governor debate

GOP candidates for Governor debate

“Who has won elections when no one else has for our party? Who is the only person to win an election in a presidential cycle after 2004? You are looking at him,” said Kinder.

Former Missouri House speaker and U.S. attorney Catherine Hanaway had a specific solution to providing broadband to rural areas.

“It’s an answer that the state tried when some counties struggled to get lights on a long time ago. We started the rural electric cooperatives,” said Hanaway. “The rural electric cooperatives are how we can get broadband into these counties. We’ve seen it in Tipton. It’s been a complete success story. Let’s go ahead and emulate that model.”

Hanaway spoke often about federal government regulation and what she considers overreach.

Eric Greitens positioned himself as an outsider to politics.

“If you want different, do different. If you believe that career politicians and political insiders in Jefferson City have failed you, your family and your neighbors, then you have a choice. You can shut up and take it or you can decide to do something about it,” said Greitens.

Greitens, who touts his time as a Navy Seal said he would bring “an army of outsiders” to Jefferson City if elected.

John Brunner said his business experience is what Missouri needs.

“Missouri is a big business, but it’s not that complicated of a business. It takes a business CEO to come in and help turn this business around,” said Brunner. “I didn’t some fact checking. It was almost nine years when we had a business CEO running this state. It’s about time we have someone like that again.”

Brunner ran his family’s multi-million dollar hygiene products company.

Springfield State Senator Bob Dixon said he has been quote “dome tested” in the pressure cooker of the Capitol.

“That’s where character or corruption are revealed. That’s where you decide to become a politician or a statesman,” said Dixon. “I believe our people are crying out for leadership and statesmanship. In the summer of 1979, Ronald Reagan said America needed a spiritual renewal. A renewal of the American spirit. We need to renew Missouri’s spirit.”

To view the entire debate- click here.