(Image source from: trbimg.com)

As the time running out to campaign, the seven major Democrats in the wide-open contest for Maryland governor used their third televised debate to stress their differences more than ever before.

Early voting begins in less than 10 days, and the candidates made their most direct pitches yet about why they are the best Democrat to take on incumbent Republican Gov. Larry Hogan.

Although the candidates emphasized the unique perspective and talents they would bring to the job, they also continued to agree on most of the issues. They all said Maryland needs to invest more in education, bolster treatment for opioid addicts, provide universal pre-K, legalize marijuana, help Baltimore stem its murder rate and avoid higher taxes.

They even joked about building on one another as each answered a question in turn. “It becomes painfully obvious that that they agree on a lot,” said Mileah Kromer, a political science professor at Goucher College who watched the debate. “For voters, it’s going to be about nuance.”

The debate, hosted by the Baltimore Sun, the University of Baltimore, and WJZ-Channel 13, was broadcast at 6 p.m. after being taped earlier. It marked the first time one of the candidates attacked another’s record on stage, a potential turning point in a race that so far has not captured much voter interest.

By Lokesh