EL PASO, Texas -- In a political boxing match, Farouk Shami and Bill White went word for word in a debate between Democratic candidates running for governor of Texas. In Austin Monday night, all eyes were on the candidates as they sold their message to the voters.

In one corner, was Shami, a Texas businessman best known for introducing the world to the Chi flat iron and other hair care products.

In the other corner, is former Houston Mayor Bill White who also has a business background.

"I am guaranteeing 100,000 jobs in the first two years or I will give this state 10 million dollars," said Farouk Shami.

White is popular for his time as mayor of Houston, the largest city in Texas.

"I cut the property tax rate five straight years," said White.

Then it was time to get down to the issues, like the budget and that's when the jabs started.

"I will balance the budget in the first year, I will cut the fat, “ said Shami. "Unlike my opponent, who… lost 43,000 jobs in Houston since he took over."

But White stuck to the issues.

"I will scrub the budget and identify places where there is waste," White said.

Then there was the issue of border security.

"We should not have a war between...Mexico. We should build bridges between us and Mexico," Shami said.

White threw blame to the federal government.

"The federal government has a principal responsibility to protect our borders and they are failing us,” White said. “As governor I would be in each of the border communities."

They even had the chance to ask each other a question. White asks Shami about solar panel jobs. Shami answers with a another jab at white and a mention of the Borderland.

"You talk about it, I do something about it. You've been talking about it a long time and you didn't do nothing about this,” Shami said. “I will be manufacturing very soon in El Paso."

The candidates also took questions from the audience members about education, jobs, and the death penalty.

One audience member asked if, the candidates were governor would they put a moratorium on the death penalty. Shami said he would support it, White said he would not certain cases because he felt it would disrespect jurors and victims.

Moderators also asked the candidates if they would support raising the gas tax to build more roads in Texas. Shami said he agrees with raising the gas tax, White said he would not support it.

One moderator also noted that Shami recently did not know the name of the state comptroller. She then gave him somewhat of a test, by asking him to explain as governors what power would he have as governor when it comes to the budget. Shami answered that he wants everyone to be treated fairly and justly and that he could use the power of veto when necessary.

Other Democrats who are running for governor, but did not participate in the debate are the following:

Alma Ludivina Aguado - doctor
Felix Rodriguez Alvarado - teacher
Bill Dear - private investigator
Clement E. Glenn - associate professor
Star Locke - builder rancher