Gubernatorial candidates Bob Taft and Tim Hagan have agreed to debate three times in the coming weeks in Dayton, Columbus and Cleveland. We asked Herb Asher, a professor of political science at The Ohio State University, to weigh in.

        Q: What does Mr. Hagan have to do to win?

        A: “He needs to use the debates to make the case that the governor should not be re-elected, and he should be. He'll likely criticize and attack the governor. He'll have to say to voters, this is who I am and I'll tell you what I believe. If he indicates his stand on certain positions, like he's a strong opponent of capital punishment, I assume he'll also say things like, "I believe we should lock some people up for life and throw away the key.”

        Q: What does Mr. Taft need to do to win?

        A: “The governor needs to convince Ohioans that under his leadership Ohio is doing well. He'll want to point to a record that he hopes will convince Ohioans he merits a second term. He'll talk about school construction, Ohio Reads and literacy, things like that. I'm sure the governor will talk about the economy, jobs and the future.”

        Q: Are debates important?

        A: “They are important because they give voters the rare opportunity to see and hear both candidates at once. Debates allow (voters) to make a judgment on the strengths and weaknesses of both candidates. It's an economical way for voters to learn about the candidates in a format where you don't know what will happen.”

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