Gubernatorial debate preview: Goddard expected to talk about the economy, Brewer to focus on SB1070

PHOENIX - Democrat Terry Goddard and Republican Jan Brewer will square-off for the first time in a gubernatorial debate Wednesday night.

ASU Assistant Political Science Professor Rodolfo Espino said, “They're probably going to want to focus a lot on the economy. Brewer is going to want to talk about the short record she's been able to build on, bringing jobs to Arizona. Goddard will try to point out, 'Hey you haven't done enough, my plan is better than your plan.'”

It wasn’t too long ago when Governor Brewer was under fire by fellow Republicans for supporting a sales tax increase.

But then she signed SB1070 into law, sending her popularity soaring and forcing two of her Republican challengers, Treasurer Dean Martin and businessman Buz Mills to back out of the race.

Since then she's made sure to talk tough on border issues.

"That was a proven strategy for her, we'll see her try that again against Goddard,” said Espino.

That is why political analysts like Mike O’Neil expect Goddard to steer the debate away from SB1070.

“He wouldn't mind to have a debate on prison security which is an issue where he might score some points,” O'Neil explained.

Goddard has challenged Brewer to six debates but Espino expects Wednesday’s debate will be the first and last.

“I think it’s unlikely that Brewer will engage in any other debates than the one we are going to see tomorrow night in large part because she is so far ahead in the polls and so she has more to lose than to gain.”

ABC15 will be covering the gubernatorial debate on Wednesday.

Do you have a question for the candidates? Send them to me via Twitter .

Looking to watch the debate for yourself? Check out one of the watch parties scheduled around the Valley Wednesday.