Candidates for governor square off in Coeur d’Alene - and on Twitter…

The Coeur d’Alene debate in the governor’s race is under way now at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library; word is the room is packed, standing room only. The campaigns of the two major-party candidates, incumbent GOP Gov. Butch Otter and Democratic challenger A.J. Balukoff, are live-tweeting the debate; you can follow them on Twitter at @OtterforIdaho and @AJforIdaho.

Among their tweets so far:

From Otter: ” Idahoans not the federal government should be in charge of one of the most important aspects of our lives which is healthcare. # OFIdebates ”

From Balukoff: ” One thing @ ButchOtter and I agree on—the health exchange in # Idaho is good for small businesses. # IDpol # IDGov ”

From Otter: ” One of greatest assets in Idaho is our citizens, that are helping us lead the way out of the recession. # OFIdebates # idgop # idpol ”

From Balukoff: ” . @ OtterforIdaho , you have squandered millions of dollars on misguided priorities and insider deals for your supporters. # IDpol # IDGov ”

From Otter: ” It is how you spend the money in education and I have a consensus based plan to move us forward. # OFIdebates # idgop ”

From Balukoff: ” . @ OtterforIdaho pulls obscure stats out of his hat to defend # Idaho ‘s paltry investment in public schools. # idpol ”

By the way, S-R reporter Becky Kramer is covering the debate, and we’ll have a full report.