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The Republican and Democratic candidates vying to replace Minnesota' s outgoing governor Tim Walz sparred in their final debate Wednesday over the massive fraud scandal that has unfolded in the state, health care and rising gas prices.

MASSIVE FRAUD SCANDAL

"A vote for Amy Klobuchar is a vote for a Tim Walz third term," Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth said in her opening statement after painting Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar as the "status quo" candidate in a "state in crisis" over the $ 9 billion fraud scandal.

Klobuchar pushed back in her opening statement, saying, "I don't like the status quo. I hate the status quo."

WALZ'S 'EXIT INTERVIEW' REFLECTING ON HIS TENURE SPARKS LAWMAKER DEBATE ABOUT HIS LEGACY: 'NEVER SERIOUS'

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announces that he would not be seeking reelection Monday, January 5, 2026, at a press conference at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn.…