It was the state GOP’s first-ever state sponsored gubernatorial pre-convention debate. Discussion of the state’s $1.074 billion budget shortfall came early and dominated a large portion of the debate. “Diversity, diversity and diversity,” Stenehjem said. Burgum said balancing the state’s budget in light of declining revenues will be an extreme challenge. He later said everything should be on the table including review of the state’s oil taxes in order to remain competitive with other states and a global commodities market.