The Latest: Inslee slams Bryant over Donald Trump

SPOKANE, Wash. – The Latest on the debate between Gov. Jay Inslee and Bill Bryant (all times local):

5:00 p.m.

Gov. Jay Inslee sharply criticized his gubernatorial opponent for not speaking out against Donald Trump, his party’s presidential nominee.

At the first gubernatorial debate in Spokane Wednesday Inslee asked Bryant why he stayed silent for months when other Republicans upbraided Trump over a series of controversial statements, including recent remarks directed at the Muslim family of a fallen U.S. soldier.

Bryant noted that this week he said he would not vote for Trump. Pressed further by Inslee, Bryant said it was a difficult situation. He said Trump has appealed to voters who feel neglected by the mainstream political system. Bryant said: “I was afraid that if I came out against Donald Trump” those voters “would think that I abandoned them too.”

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4:44 p.m.

Bill Bryant and Gov. Jay Inslee sparred over raising Washington’s minimum wage in the first gubernatorial debate, with Inslee saying increases should be spread across the state and Bryant countering that such hikes should vary by region.

At the debate Wednesday afternoon in Spokane the Democrat Inslee said he was “fully supportive” of Initiative 1433, the November ballot measure that would raise Washington’s minimum wage to $13.50 an hour by 2020. Inslee said the wage hike was necessary to help working families make ends meet and boost the economy.

Bryant, a Republican former Seattle port commissioner, said he could not support a “one size fits all” initiative. He says he wage hikes are necessary but should be tailored by region because businesses in rural areas can’t afford the level of increases in Seattle and other urban areas.

Bryant slammed Inslee for what he said was mismanagement of the state’s prison and mental health systems and for failing to address public education funding. Inslee said the state had made “solid progress” during his first term and added jobs.

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10:31 a.m.

Gov. Jay Inslee and Bill Bryant are facing off in their first debate.

The Democrat Inslee and Republican Bryant will meet Wednesday afternoon in Spokane. The event is sponsored by the Association of Washington Business.

Inslee, a former longtime congressman, is seeking a second term. Bryant is a former Seattle port commissioner. This week Bryant said he won’t be voting for his party’s presidential nominee, Donald Trump. Bryant said Trump’s criticism of the Muslim family of a fallen U.S. soldier caused him to withhold his support.

An Elway Poll released this week showed Inslee leading Bryant 48 per cent to 36 per cent.

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Corrects name of sponsoring organization to Association of Washington Business.