Folks who chose a political debate at Bethany Lutheran College over Larry the Cable Guy at the Midwest Wireless Civic Center Thursday night still got a few laughs out of their event.

Republican Congressman Gil Gutknecht and Democratic challenger Tim Walz got off several lines that amused the standing-room-only crowd.

The first half of the debate — which will be rebroadcast at 7 p.m. today on Minnesota Public Radio with highlights on public TV’s Almanac at the same time — was weighty and somber as war, transportation and agriculture were discussed. The issues were similarly serious in the second half, but were interrupted by some lighter moments.

After Gutknecht threw out statistics about economic growth and an increase in the number of jobs, Walz made the point that not everyone is feeling the impact.

“When’s the last time the GDP filled your gas tank?” asked Walz, who added that one young person wasn’t impressed by Republican claims about a strong economy.

Walz said he asked the man why, noting that there were supposedly a lot of new jobs.

“He said, ‘I know, I’ve got two of them,’” Walz said.

When the candidates were asked what they admired about each other (which got a laugh in itself), Walz said he admired Gutknecht’s passion for his family. But when the award-winning Mankato West High School teacher added that someone could be a great person “and not be a great congressman,” Gutknecht was ready with a response.

“I agree, just because someone was teacher of the year doesn’t mean he’ll be a great congressman,” Gutknecht said.

The debate was sponsored by Debate Minnesota, a bipartisan organization that — in conjunction with the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota — attempts to boost the civility in politics by hosting debates in tight races. It was moderated by St. Paul Pioneer Press political reporter Bill Salisbury and Free Press Editor Joe Spear.

Salisbury, after listening to the candidates spend 90 minutes trying to win votes and a few laughs, left impressed.

“No matter who you elect,” he told the audience, “you’re going to have an articulate representative in Washington.”