I’m on a little vacation and that means I turned down an opportunity to take part in the State Fair debate between Lieutenant Governor candidates Dennie Oxley and Becky Skillman.  It is an unfortunate circumstance.

Four years ago I was able to pose what may be my best debate question ever at that event.  It was prompted by onetime candidate for governor Joe Andrew who, at a press conference, made reference to some “Heffords.”  I asked if he meant to say heifers or Herefords and he insisted that he meant what he said.

That led me to quiz then-Lieutenant Governor (and agriculture commissioner) Kathy Davis about the matter at the 2004 debate:  “What is the difference between a heifer and a Hereford?”

She answered that “heifer” refers to gender and that “Hereford” refers to breed.  Close enough.

I wonder if Dennie Oxley knows that.