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WEST ALLIS - Republican gubernatorial candidates Scott Walker and Mark Neumann met for the first of three public debates Friday at the Newsradio 620 WTMJ State Fair studio.

Walker, the Milwaukee County Executive and Neumann, a businessman and former Wisconsin Congressman, agreed on most issues in the hourlong debate, which was moderated by Newsradio 620 WTMJ talk show host Jeff Wagner.

Both cast themselves as small-government conservatives who will, if elected, significantly cut the size and scope of the state government.

"The county government's spending, even with the additions the County Board has thrown in over our objections and vetoes, is lower than the rate of inflation," Walker noted.  "There is no greater advocate for taxpayers in this region than I am, and there will be no greater advocate if I'm elected governor."

But Neumann disagreed.

"Spending has in fact gone up in Milwaukee County, as have property taxes," he countered.  "In the business world--where I come from--we've had to tighten our belts in this recession and we think that government should do the same."

The candidates will meet for two more debates before the Republican primary September 14th, and the winner will face Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D) in the general election in November.

Click on the VIDEO link above to watch the debate in its entirety.