CLEVELAND -- Ohio voters watched the gubernatorial debate closely Wednesday.

The two main candidates for governor were in the NewsChannel5 studios to answer questions on education.

The debate provided an opportunity for Ohioans to see the two candidates, Republican Kenneth Blackwell and Democrat Ted Strickland, go head-to-head in a second televised debate.

What began with a handshake evolved into a verbal boxing ring, although observers said neither participant delivered a knock-out punch, reported NewsChannel5.

Ohio's candidates for governor split on how much to support alternative types of schooling over traditional public schooling.

Blackwell and Strickland each called for big changes, but differed on how to bring about change.

"And saying that we use alternative delivery systems for transportation, for food service; what that does is allow tax dollars to be spent not only on overhead, but on our children," said Blackwell.

Strickland said, "I am a little surprised that my opponent, who says he is a conservative, chooses to use the heavy hand of state government to tell local folks -- local parents, local school board members -- how they should spend their money, especially when the state of Ohio isn't even meeting its own obligation to the schools under the Constitution."

Blackwell emphasized spending education dollars so they follow children to the schools they choose. Strickland strongly criticized charter schools, saying they have not been held accountable, but made some individuals rich.

Strickland called Blackwell's plans "fuzzy," and Blackwell labeled Strickland's plans as "smoke and mirrors."

Later, in separate interviews, Strickland and Blackwell each reiterated their positions.

In his comments, Blackwell, trying to distance himself from Republican Gov. Bob Taft, said Strickland would continue Taft's practice of raising taxes.

Strickland countered by saying Blackwell would study education with another "Taft-like, blue-ribbon panel."

The debate, one of four planned in the race before the Nov. 7 election, was at the WEWS television station and aired live statewide on cable television and the Internet.

Both candidates said they wanted to get more money to schools and teachers.

Blackwell said his plan would move $1.2 billion in spending to classrooms without a property tax increase. He promoted subsidies for students to use toward public colleges.

Strickland pushed by a voucher system to help students with college.

Dozens of people holding signs in support of Blackwell and Strickland stood outside the station's studio before the debate began. About 20 to 25 people also gathered to protest Libertarian candidate Bill Peirce's exclusion from the debate.