In the first debate of this political season, Rick Perry didn't fall on his face, and Kay Bailey Hutchison didn't either. For a politician with a reputation to protect, that's the description of a win. The third candidate in the race, Debra Medina, held her own.

Just before the first GOP primary debate, Gov. Rick Perry's campaign released a new ad.

Those of you who want to play political reporter as you watch tonight's debate will want to keep your eyes peeled to the following locations.

Rick Perry, Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina will meet on stage tonight at the University of North Texas campus in Denton for the first gubernatorial debate. While their interplay will only last an hour, putting the show together took weeks, with dozens of people working on details from set design to question preparation. Ben Philpott, who’s covering the governor’s race for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this audio postcard featuring people who make a career out of getting ready for the big night.