CINCINNATI - Republican Ken Blackwell and Democrat Ted Strickland wrangled Wednesday night about whether deep tax cuts would boost the state's economy or help the wealthy during the third debate in Ohio's closely watched governor's race.

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The race is drawing national attention because the winner's party will carry an edge into the 2008 presidential election. A narrow win in Ohio gave President Bush the electoral votes he needed for re-election in 2004.

In a debate at the University of Cinncinnati, Blackwell said Strickland's programs are vague and remind him of former Democratic Gov. John Gilligan, who served from 1971-75 and helped establish the state's first income tax.

"The last time a governor asked us for a blank check, we got Gilligan's Island," Blackwell said.

Strickland said he was running out of paper to itemize all the names he was being called.

"He can engage in characterizing and name calling if he wants to, but I'll try to talk to you, the people of Ohio, about the problems of this state," Strickland said.

Blackwell was down by double digits in polls released late last month. Campaign finance figures released Wednesday show Strickland raised more than twice as much money in September as Blackwell.

Strickland, a congressman who represents a rural southeastern district, reported raising $2.3 million last month for a total of $13.5 million to date. Strickland said he has about $9.8 million cash in hand.

Blackwell, Ohio's secretary of state, said he raised $1.1 million in September and nearly $11.3 million since the campaign began. He has about $6 million in hand.

The campaign became the most expensive governor's race in Ohio history last month, when it topped the $18 million Republican Bob Taft and Democrat Lee Fisher raised in 1998.

After the debate, Blackwell sounded confident in his performance. "I didn't think I needed to swing for the fences. I think I needed to continue to draw the contrasts," he said.

Strickland, mindful of his front-runner status, said the debates present voters with a good opportunity to see the candidates minus the negativity typical of campaign ads. "We need to stay positive," he said.

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On the Net:

http://www.tedstrickland.com/

http://www.kenblackwell.com/

Secretary of State: http://www.sos.state.oh.us/Index.aspx%emph_of f(%)