Enthusiasts from both political camps gathered on opposite ends of Medford to watch the gubernatorial candidates go toe-to-toe Tuesday night.

Around 50 Republicans watched the televised debate between Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Ron Saxton in focused silence at the Maentz Agency on O'Hare Parkway.

The crowd chewed Little Ceasar's pizza, nodding almost in unison when Saxton criticized the governor's tax platform.

"It's so easy to spend other people's money," Nancy Van Dyke snapped.

Audrey Merz praised Saxton's views on logging, saying that Kulongoski doesn't represent native Oregonians.

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"I can's say what (Saxton's) going to do once he gets in office, but if he does it'll be better," Merz said. "It can't get worse."

The silence was broken when one smiling man stepped into the room after a Kulongoski statement.

"Sounds like he's got a lot of plans, doesn't he," the man said to a room full of cackles.

Ashland residents Steven and Doreen Wood, who describe themselves as independent voters, were impressed with Saxton's poise.

"Governor Kulongoski seems frustrated," Steven Wood said. "He's raising his voice and seems worried. Saxton seems more together. It suggests to me that Kulongoski knows he's on the ropes."

White City small business owner Dave Curlee said Saxton's answers reminded him of those of a young Ronald Reagan.

"I'm a property owner and my kids graduated from Medford schools," Curlee said. "I think Saxton can do a better job of fixing our schools and be fiscally responsible."

Meanwhile, at the Democratic Headquarters on Central Avenue, Kulongoski's supporters rallied behind their governor.

Earlier that evening they had gathered at KOBI to cheer Kulongoski on as he entered the studio. They held signs reading "Ted=Jobs" and "Ted K. Win Today."

"Governor Kulongoski looked happy and excited," Ashland resident John Flynn said. "I'm saying this because of where we are, which is not in a huge support area like Portland or Eugene."

The biggest hits of the night came during Kulongoski's statements on renewable energy and education, Trey Jenkins said.

Jenkins, an elementary school teacher in Sams Valley, said the governor answered questions clearly and with conviction.

"The real meat and potatoes of the questions weren't answered by Saxton," he added.

Southern Oregon University nursing student Nancy Dunston praised the governor's stance on both health care and education.

"He seemed to know the answer to each question before he was even asked," she said. "He made a lot of good points."

The 60 Democrats filed into the street shortly after the governor's appearance, expressing hope for four more years.

Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail cconrad@mailtribune.com.