DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- Gov. Chet Culver says his standing in the polls will dramatically improve when he begins to draw contrasts with Republican challenger and former Gov. Terry Branstad.
Culver will get his chance when he and Branstad meet Tuesday in their first debate in the gubernatorial race in Sioux City.
Culver says the debate gives him a chance to show voters what's at stake in the race and that voters have a choice between the future and the past.
Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht says the former governor he will focus on a sour state economy and a budget that's troubled.
Tuesday's debate will be televised throughout the state. It will be followed by two more debates in October, one in Cedar Rapids and one in suburban Des Moines.
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