Gubernatorial debate: Inslee, Bryant spar over education and taxes

SEATTLE (AP) -- Gov. Jay Inslee and his Republican opponent Bill Bryant sparred over education, taxes and government oversight in their second debate.

At Seattle University Monday night Bryant repeatedly rapped the incumbent Democrat, saying he had mismanaged state departments, especially the state's mental health system.

He also said Inslee had failed to come up with a plan to fund K-12 education, as mandated by the state Supreme Court, which "means he is a failed governor."

Inslee countered that the state has invested $5.5 billion in public education, that "significant strides" have been made to increase pay for teachers and increase access to kindergarten.

He said Washington is a "confident and optimistic state" and that he's helped create 250,000 jobs.