As the underdog, [Paul H. Rappaport], the GOP candidate for lieutenant governor in 1994, had far more to gain during last night's debate than [Paul S. Sarbanes] did. Unable to match the incumbent in fund raising or television advertisements, Rappaport is relying on publicity he doesn't need to pay for - broadcast reports, newspaper articles and, above all, the debate.

Rappaport has been pushing for three debates, the same number as in the presidential race. "Mr. Sarbanes, what are you afraid of?" Rappaport asked last night.

Rappaport supported a voucher program, but Sarbanes countered that such a program - which Rappaport termed "opportunity scholarships" - could dangerously pull funds and students away from public school systems.