Andy Beshear defended his sweeping COVID-19 pandemic restrictions as he faced an onslaught of criticism from Republican challenger Daniel Cameron in a high-stakes debate Monday night, coming about two weeks before Kentucky's closely watched gubernatorial election. The bitter rivals sparred over the economy, education policies, abortion and transgender issues during the hourlong debate shown statewide on Kentucky Educational Television. Democrats say that was a strategic omission meant to mask his support for school choice measures they say would weaken public education. Each candidate touted his plan for public education during the debate. Beshear has proposed an 11% pay raise for teachers and other public school personnel, including bus drivers, janitors and cafeteria staff.

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