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Masks, school COVID-19 response at center of Cooper, Forest gubernatorial debate

Cooper criticized Forest for refusing to wear masks at political rallies. Forest attacked Cooper for a slow reopening of schools and businesses during the pandemic.

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Forest participated in the lone gubernatorial debate of the 2020 election cycle. 

Cooper criticized Forest for refusing to wear masks at political rallies. Forest attacked Cooper for a slow reopening of schools and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. Coronavirus trends have worsened in North Carolina as the state has transitioned to a Phase 3 reopening. 

RELATED: Who do you think won the North Carolina Gubernatorial Debate?

The two also traded jabs about how to support small businesses that are looking to reopen. Cooper did not directly say whether he believes systemic racism is a problem, while Forest said it isn't a systemic issue.

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