KFOX's digital sister channel, RTV, televised the hour-long event involving Gov. Rick Perry, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Debra Medina. With 18 days until early voting, it was their last chance to win over Texans in a televised debate.

But some El Pasoans did not know about the debate.

"I'm embarrassed," said Delores Riley, of central El Paso. "I didn't realize it." Others did not want to watch the entire debate.

"I thought I would catch up on the news," said Ruben Delolmo, of west El Paso.

Still others were tired of the entire race.

"I don't like any of them," said Andres Muro, of west El Paso.

But the candidates debated issues that could affect many El Pasoans, such as how to pay for roads and highways in the next 20 years.

"There would never be a tax increase without an election of the people," said Hutchinson.

"I'm against the gas tax," said Perry. "Let me go on the record of saying that clearly."

Another heavily debated topic included immigration.

"We need a healthy immigration process," said Medina. "But we must respect private property along that border. I hope people understand there's a gate called the legal port of entry."

Democrats Bill White and Farouk Shami will debate on Feb. 8.

Early voting begins on Feb. 16.