Precious time was wasted last night in the gubernatorial debate on issues Michigan voters don't care about, eight State News panelists found.

In preparation for the three debates scheduled for Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Republican challenger Dick DeVos, The State News formed a panel of four professors and four students. Despite their party affiliations — Democrat, Republican, moderate and Green Party — everyone voiced the same sentiment: There was no clear winner in this debate.

As Granholm affronted DeVos about his former company, Amway Corp., with accusations about sending jobs to China, he countered with her poor performance as governor for the past three years.

A few attacks and responses between the candidates prompted chortles from panel members. Other times they cringed as a candidate delivered a definitive blow against the other.

But the bulk of the debate was a lot of "he said, she said," according to the panel.

"To use the boxing metaphor: None of the candidates delivered the knockout punch, and both candidates were left standing at the end," said economics professor Charles Ballard.

Although panelists said each candidate brought up good points, they thought the two contenders strayed too much from the critical issues facing the state, such as what jobs will be created and what each would do for education.

"I really don't feel any of the candidates improved their positions from yesterday," said Brandon Knight, economics senior and MSU Green Party member.

But at least there are two more debates.