For the first time last week candidates, in Northern Kentucky's statehouse races squared off publicly in a forum at Northern Kentucky University.

So here are some awards for the candidates: Democrat Dennis Keene and Republican Mark Hayden in Campbell County's 67th House District; and Republican Sen. Jack Westwood and Democrat Kathy Groob in Kenton County's 23rd Senate District.

Boldest move: Groob's aggressive endorsement of legalized casino gambling. Pardon the pun, but she is taking a huge gamble, particularly since she is running against a staunch conservative who opposes gambling. For a lot of voters, this will become the issue in the race. For Groob, it's either collect a senate seat or fold 'em and go back to Fort Mitchell City Council.

Best idea: Groob again, with her proposal for a constitutional amendment that would force lawmakers to stay in Frankfort until they pass a budget. For the second time in two years, the legislature failed to act on a budget before leaving Frankfort in April. Education and other services are getting hammered. It's a good idea, and that's why it has no chance in Frankfort.

Best idea II: Keene, for suggesting tax modernization be passed separate from the state budget.

Best use of the bully pulpit: Westwood's continued advocacy of more civics instruction in schools. If you want people to vote, teach them when they are kids about what is at stake.

Best candidate for one of Westwood's civic classes: Keene, who didn't know the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Inexcusable in Northern Kentucky, where gun control is always a campaign issue.

Best line that could have been heard on Jerry Springer: Hayden, for telling Keene after the debate, "You took the gloves off first, buddy, so don't get in my face like that."

Best line that could have been heard in my house when I was a teenager: Keene, for telling Hayden to "get a job."

Best opposition research move: Hayden, for having his camp dig up that Keene raised taxes five times in Wilder. That issue is like in-laws who show up for Christmas and are still there on New Year's: It's not going away.

Cheapest shot: Groob for suggesting Westwood's opposition to gambling is motivated by the lobbying work his campaign adviser - sorry, volunteer - Marc Wilson does for Argosy Casino. Not a chance. Westwood could be against gambling if his wife, Kelly, was lobbying for Argosy.

Biggest screw-up: Yours truly, for incorrectly reporting that Westwood would vote to put the issue of legalized casino gaming on the ballot.

Crowley interviews Newport business and community activists this week on ICN6's "On The Record", which is broadcast daily on Insight Communications Channel 6.

E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com