6 takeaways from the Oklahoma governor's debate between Kevin Stitt, Joy Hofmeister

Gov. Kevin Stitt and state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister sparred on everything from abortion and tribal issues to enforcement of the state's medical marijuana laws in a 90-minute gubernatorial debate Wednesday.

The lone governor's debate resulted in figurative fireworks as Hofmeister, a Democrat, criticized the past four years of the Stitt administration while the incumbent GOP governor tried to tie his opponent to President Joe Biden, a largely unpopular figure in the state where all 77 counties went for Donald Trump in two different elections.

Here are the key takeaways from the debate hosted by NonDoc and News9:

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Gov. Kevin Stitt said he would sign off on additional exceptions to Oklahoma's abortion ban

Stitt has faced criticism for signing legislation to implement a near-total abortion ban.

While maintaining he still believes life begins at conception, Stitt softened his stance on the state's anti-abortion laws.

The governor said he would sign legislation allowing women who become pregnant through rape or incest to seek an abortion. The state's abortion ban only includes an exception to save the life of the mother in the event of a medical emergency. Currently, there are no exceptions for rape or incest.

“If the (Oklahoma) Legislature put that on my desk I would sign that,” Stitt said.

Related:Stitt says he's the 'most pro-life governor.' Where do his opponents stand on abortion?

The governor accused Hofmeister of supporting abortions "all the way up until the time of birth," which has become a common phrase Republican politicians use to attack their Democratic opponents.

Late-term abortions are extremely rare. Fewer than 2% occur after 21 weeks of pregnancy, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Medical experts say late-term abortions are not elective and the procedure is not done when a mother is at full term, according to PolitiFact.

Formerly a lifelong Republican, Hofmeister has not come out as a full-throated supporter of abortion rights since switching parties. Her views on the issue are more nuanced. Reiterating that she considers herself "personally pro-life," Hofmeister said she doesn't support extremes on either side of the abortion issue.

In the debate, she criticized that the state's current laws lack exceptions for rape or incest. She also advocated for repealing the state's near-total abortion ban.

But Hofmeister has been vague on where she would draw the line on when a woman could or could not seek an abortion. Her campaign did not respond to questions from The Oklahoman about what, if any, abortion protections she would like to see in state law and up to what point she thinks a woman should be able to undergo the procedure. "This is a health care decision between a woman and her doctor and her faith," she said Wednesday.

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Joy Hofmeister doesn't take position on State Question 820

Asked about a state question that would legalize recreational marijuana, Hofmeister didn't take a position on the measure that will go before voters on March 7, 2023.

Hofmeister said Oklahoma's medical marijuana program is already similar to a recreational program, which is a common refrain among the state's GOP politicians.

She said provisions in SQ 820 that would tax recreational marijuana at a higher rate than medical marijuana are "very attractive" because that tax revenue would go to schools and other areas.

Noting marijuana use is still illegal at the federal level, Stitt said he doesn't support recreational marijuana.

Unlike his opponent, though, he said he had previously consumed marijuana. He joked that his answer might upset his parents, who were in the audience for the debate at the Will Rogers Theatre in Oklahoma City.

SQ 820 would legalize recreational marijuana for those 21 and older and implement criminal justice reforms.

Hofmeister accused Stitt of not doing more to enforce the state's medical marijuana laws. He called the state question to legalize medical cannabis "poorly worded," and listed off several bills he'd signed to beef up enforcement of the industry and prevent illegal marijuana operations.

Among those, he mentioned a moratorium on issuing new grower, dispensary and processor licenses had recently taken effect so the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority can get a handle on the industry.

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Stitt addresses Swadley's controversy

The governor quibbled with a debate moderator over a question about Swadley's Foggy Bottom Kitchen's now-defunct contract with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

Stitt defended the director he appointed to oversee the agency. Former Director Jerry Winchester resigned after the agency's contracts with a local barbecue chain spurred a forensic audit and criminal probe.

Taking issue with the wording of the question, Stitt said it was "simply not true" that the state had lost $17 million in the questionable deal. He noted Swadley's had renovated six state park restaurants that will continue to be used once the tourism department selects a new operator.

The state paid Swadley's roughly $17 million for its work to renovate and operate the eateries. The head of a legislative watchdog office estimates that the tourism department overpaid the barbecue business $12.4 million in taxpayer funds.

After the deal came to light through media reports, the state sued Swadley's for breach of contract.

"There's 4,600 vendors that participate with the state of Oklahoma," Stitt said. "If we find out any vendor is doing things wrong, we're going to hold them accountable."

The governor also suggested the Swadley's controversy was manufactured as a political ploy in an election year.

Hofmeister used the question as an opportunity to criticize the governor and his administration.

"This is a governor who has squandered, mismanaged and lost millions of taxpayer dollars on his watch with his appointees," she said.

Stitt criticizes Biden while Hofmeister distances herself from Democratic ideals

Hofmeister distanced herself from the Democratic Party as Stitt repeatedly tried to link her to Biden.

"My opponent, she couldn't see a path forward for herself as a Republican, so she joined Biden's party," Stitt said. That was just one of his many digs at the Democratic president throughout the event.

When asked what she thinks of the Democratic Party platform, Hofmeister did not directly answer the question. On several occasions, she characterized herself as a political moderate.

"I'm an independent thinker," she said. "I'm running as an Oklahoman. I'm on one team, and that's team Oklahoma."

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Candidates find some agreement on the death penalty

Although Stitt and Hofmeister traded barbs over criminal justice reform, both candidates agreed they would not halt the state's use of the death penalty.

Although the Oklahoma Democratic Party has called for an end to capital punishment, Hofmeister said she would not stop executions if she were elected governor.

Voters were clear about where they stand on the issue, she said, referencing a state question that updated the Oklahoma constitution to say the death penalty is not cruel and unusual punishment.

Stitt gave a similar answer, and said Oklahoma's governor is tasked with following, defending and enforcing state laws.

Asked about his reasoning behind commuting the sentence of death row inmate Julius Jones, Stitt offered few details about how he came to his decision. Stitt did not directly answer questions about whether he thinks Jones is innocent.

Commuting Jones' sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole was the right decision for the state, he said.

"The death penalty is probably the most surreal thing you can do as a governor," Stitt said.

Hofmeister punts on the extent of McGirt decision

Hofmeister punted when asked whether the U.S. Supreme Court's McGirt v. Oklahoma decision, which led to roughly half the state being affirmed as tribal reservations, applies to civil matters.

Since the court issued its decision that the state's major tribes have hailed as a win for their sovereignty, Stitt has pushed for the court to limit its decision so it doesn't bleed over into civil matters, such as taxation and environmental regulations. The Oklahoma Tax Commission recently agreed with the high court and concluded the McGirt decision only applies to jurisdiction over major crimes, not tax issues.

Saying Oklahoma's tribes are not a monolith, Hofmeister, who has been endorsed by leaders of the Five Tribes, refused to directly answer the question.

"That's not a yes or no answer because those are different tribes that all have a different view on this,"

While gesturing at Stitt, she said: "you collectively lump people together. That is not the kind of leader that understands we have 39 unique sovereign nations in this state, and they don't speak with one voice."

Stitt has had a rocky relationship with the state's tribes since he pushed to renegotiate the tribal gaming compacts.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma governor debate: Key takeaways on Kevin Stitt, Joy Hofmeister