By JULIE CARR SMYTH
Associated Press

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) - Ohio's major-party governor candidates have kicked off their first debate with pointed attacks involving the state's opioid crisis.

Democrat Richard Cordray, the former federal consumer watchdog, says rival Republican Mike DeWine has failed to adequately tackle the deadly painkiller epidemic during two terms as the state's attorney general. He told an audience at Wednesday's debate at the University of Dayton that allowing DeWine to oversee the crisis would be like "asking for navigation advice from the captain of the Titanic."

DeWine says Cordray has a "track record of failure." He said Cordray embraces a statewide ballot issue reducing drug-related criminal penalties that's "dangerous." He called the position "totally outrageous."

The candidates seek to succeed Republican Gov. John Kasich, who's term-limited. It's one of the year's closely watched governor's races.

Local responses to tonight's debate:

Lauren Blauvelt-Copelin, Campaign Director, Planned Parenthood Votes Ohio:
"Tonight, Richard Cordray and Mike DeWine made it clear for Ohio women the difference between a governor who will stand with them and one who will stand against them. It's very simple, DeWine, in his own words, would ban abortion and strip women of their rights and freedoms to control their own bodies. We now have a responsibility to go to the ballot box and elect Cordray, a man who unapologetically vows to support a woman's right to choose what is best for her. With the balance of the Supreme Court on the line, who we put in the Governor's seat will be our last line of defense, our backstop to the attacks from the Trump-Pence administration."

RNC Spokesperson Mandi Merritt:
"Mike DeWine won tonight's debate with his experience, record and passion for Ohioans. While Richard Cordray would rather see us turn back the clock on Ohio's economic progress, Mike DeWine will lead Ohio forward to more jobs, lower taxes and better opportunity for all.  Richard Cordray's record of job loss, discrimination and mismanagement are disqualifying, and Ohioans can't afford more of his failed leadership in the Governor's office."

 Ohio Republican Party Chairman Jane Timken: 
"Tonight, Mike DeWine proved that he is the fighter we need in the Governor's office. As Richard Cordray laughed at the plight of the rape victims he failed as Attorney General and voiced his support for giving Ohio some of the most lenient drug laws in the nation, Mike DeWine laid out plans to build a stronger Ohio. DeWine talked about creating more technical and vocational opportunities for Ohio students. He stressed establishing opportunity zones to bring investment to economically distressed communities. And he promised to continue his fight to end the opioid epidemic. Mike DeWine clearly won tonight and I look forward to the next debate."

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