Balukoff started off the debate with criticism of Otter's handling of a 2013 private-prison scandal involving Corrections Corporation of America wrongly telling the state that guards were working shifts that were actually left vacant. [...] in February, the Associated Press reported that the settlement released CCA from all civil liability connected to the understaffing, as well as any liability stemming from undiscovered staffing issues. Balukoff's main campaign focus has been on improving Idaho's public schools, saying that Otter has failed to provide enough funding and support to properly prepare students for the workforce and retain good teachers. Bujak has labeled himself as the state's only conservative candidate but he struggled to raise enough money and generate name recognition running as a third party candidate. Other Idaho gubernatorial candidates but did not meet Idaho Public Television's debate requirements include Constitutional candidate Steve Pankey and Independent candidates Jill Humble and a man who legally changed his name to "Prolife."