Washington's candidates for governor meet in their highest-profile debate Thursday night in Seattle, following the televised vice presidential debate.

Five Seattle TV stations and others in the state are airing the one-hour debate between Democrat Jay Inslee and Republican Rob McKenna. They'll be questioned by a panel of TV reports and anchors.

Polls indicate a close race to replace outgoing Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Inslee and McKenna will meet in their final debate on Oct. 16.