SPOKANE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com, AP) – Washington’s longtime attorney general and a former King County sheriff went head-to-head in another debate on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Democrat Bob Ferguson and Republican Dave Reichert traded accusations of lying to voters during their gubernatorial debate.

When Reichert was asked how he would transition the state away from fossil fuels, he said that while he supports the idea, there needs to be a plan that will not hurt residents. Ferguson shot back, claiming Reichert was caught on audio denying that humans contribute to climate change.

When both candidates were given the chance to ask one another a question, Ferguson asked Reichert if he could explain to the women of Washington state why he wants to unravel reproductive freedom.

Reichert pushed back, saying he would enforce the law just as he had during his 33 years at the King County Sheriff’s Office.

Public safety has been a key issue for both candidates.

Ferguson’s plan includes directing $100 million to help local jurisdictions bring more officers on board, including through hiring bonuses. Reichert has said elected officials need to show they support law enforcement, including by protecting qualified immunity laws, in order to recruit more officers.

With no Republican having held the governor’s post in nearly 40 years, Reichert faces an uphill battle in November.

Ferguson received about 45% of the votes in the August primary to qualify for the general election, compared to about 27% for Reichert.