The five candidates on the Nov. 2 ballot for governor talked about the state’s business climate and other topics this morning at the Portland Regional Chamber’s Eggs & Issues breakfast.

The candidates touched on important issues such as energy costs, health care mandates and education before a crowd of nearly 500 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland.

During a moderated debate, the candidates also exchanged a few criticisms, with independent Eliot Cutler challenging Waterville Mayor Paul LePage, a Republican, on his city’s high school dropout rate. Cutler also accused LePage of “made up stories.” LePage said Democrat Libby Mitchell was using “taxpayer dollars” — a reference to her participation in the Clean Election program — to “crucify my career” in her television ads.

Independent Kevin Scott emphasized his plan to make the state’s agricultural community an important part of economic growth and independent Shawn Moody said the state needs to let businesses get better tax advantages to help them succeed.