We thought Gov. Chet Culver’s campaign might make some hay with the national story about state debt loads. Iowa came off looking quite well-managed. Even after the Republicans pointed out other ways to analyze the situation, our true public debt numbers still aren’t bad.

But the campaign failed to deliver that message with much impact. Or maybe the voters heard it and remained unmoved. For whatever reason, the latest gubernatorial poll still shows former governor Terry Branstad winning easily in November.

It’s difficult for Culver to make much headway with talk about I-JOBS spending and jobs created or saved, when the national economy continues to be a matter of concern and unemployment remains high.

Branstad, during his long tenure as governor, tried many of the same tactics that he now criticizes, but the past never truly outweighs the present.

All of this hobbles Culver and leaves Branstad free to devote a lot of campaign time to issues that resonate with his Republican base. It certainly doesn’t help Culver’s cause when he gets tangled up in issues like seeking campaign donations from groups that were applying for casino licenses.

We would prefer to hear more meaningful discussion about Iowa’s business growth prospects, rather than more palaver about government’s role in same-sex marriage. We don’t believe a governor “creates” jobs, but in 2011 we certainly will be looking to our state’s top official to generate ideas and policies that will help pick up the pace of economic growth.

In times like these, we can’t afford distractions.

Let’s hear some talk about ways to encourage angel investors, help entrepreneurs, open the pathways between university research and start-up businesses, establish awards and incentives for new ideas and processes and cut the paperwork for new businesses.

Such discussion would benefit the state, no matter who wins – and that’s what we all want, isn’t it?