Candidates debated a number of issues including the state of the economy, property tax levels, fiscal responsibility, and other issues.

Former Lt. Governor Joe Kernan was sworn in as governor following the September 13, 2003 death of Governor Frank O’Bannon. He faced Mitch Daniels, who served as Office of Management and Budget Director from 2001 to 2003, and Libertarian Kenn Gividen in a debate at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany.