A debate hosted by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce evolved from an economics discussion into a clash over public safety issues between John Hickenlooper (D) and Bob Beauprez (R). Beauprez blamed Hickenlooper for what he considered lax oversight of state prisons, citing recent instances where inmates convicted of violent crimes were released without public notice. Hickenlooper argued that once someone who committed a crime has served a sentence, there is no legal rationale for keeping the person incarcerated. He also argued that the state legislature failed to pass a new law in 2013 that would have created an intermediary step between prison and freedom for inmates with psychological issues or histories of violent behavior.

Hickenlooper and Beauprez also shared their views on controversial topics including marijuana legalization and immigration policy during the debate. Hickenlooper argued that other states should take notice of the difficulties Colorado faces in the early days of marijuana legalization and said that Colorado residents who supported legalization lacked the information to make an informed vote.

Beauprez also addressed immigration policy, having previously argued that people in the country illegally should be sent back to their home countries before returning through official channels. Beauprez suggested during the debate that this process would not be necessary as part of immigration reform.