Six Democrats running for lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania clashed during a debate over whether the state should stop, at least temporarily, drilling in the Marcellus Shale natural gas formation.
Saturday's debate in front of liberal activists in Harrisburg was more of a forum, with agreement the rule and disagreement, the exception.
Candidates weren't asked for their positions on hot-button issues such as abortion rights and gun rights.
On the question of drilling, former Harrisburg mayoral aide Brenda Alton and Harrisburg City Councilman Brad Koplinski said they would support a stop, at least until the state imposes stronger environmental and safety protections.
Opposing an end to drilling were Philadelphia state Sen. Michael Stack, Bradford County Commissioner Mark Smith, former U.S. Rep. Mark Critz of Johnstown and Jay Paterno, son of the late Penn State football coach.
