(WILMINGTON) -- Gubernatorial candidates Pat McCrory and Walter Dalton faced off Saturday in Wilmington during their first public forum. Each candidate gave their stance on issues that included job creation, and sweepstakes legislation.

The controversial issue of fracking was also addressed. GOP candidate Pat McCrory thinks hydraulic fracturing would boost jobs and raise North Carolina's stock in the energy game.

"We ought to participate in our energy independence as opposed to dependent upon Venezuela or Nigeria or Russia or Saudi Arabia.  North Carolina ought to be a part of that and I think it's also a great way to create much needed jobs in North Carolina," said McCrory.

Dalton said while he does not agree with McCrory's views that fracking will be North Carolina's jobs solution, he is willing to entertain the fracking discussion.

"I'm all for an oil/energy policy.  I'm open discussion on fracking.  The two questions I have on fracking right now would be water supply. The second question is going to be the economy.

The candidates also answered a variety of questions from a panel of journalists and addressed why voters should vote for them on November 6. The North Carolina Bar Association hosted the forum on Saturday in Wilmington at its annual meeting.