ZIONSVILLE — Indiana's three candidates for governor are readying for their first of three debates.

Libertarian Rupert Boneham, Democrat John Gregg and Republican Mike Pence plan to square off tonight for an hour-long debate.

All three candidates have promised to cut taxes and support job creation and education if elected governor next month. But Pence has established himself as the frontrunner as the Republican candidate in a deep-red state with a large cash advantage that helped him dominate Indiana's airwaves.

The next governor will have to deal with a mixed bag from term-limited Gov. Mitch Daniels, including roughly $2 billion in cash reserves and a $500 million drop-off in annual transportation funds.

Today's debate is one of three being put on by the Indiana Debate Commission across the state this month.