JOIN THE LIVE BLOG

Republican Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Democratic Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley have opposing views on the economy and are doing battle over which state has the better strategy when it comes to jobs and taxes.

The two potential 2016 presidential candidates join hosts Stephanie Cutter and Newt Gingrich to debate this tonight in the Crossfire.

Perry, who is on a nationwide campaign to attract more business to Texas by touting its business-friendly tax climate, is directly targeting Maryland with radio and TV ads running in the state.

"When you grow tired of Maryland taxes squeezing every time out of your business, think Texas, where we created more jobs than all other states combined," says Perry in the ads, "Maybe it's time to move your business to Texas."

Perry is also touring Maryland's largest gun manufacturer today as part of the ongoing effort to lure businesses to his home state.

O'Malley hit back with Washington Post op-ed arguing Maryland  is a better place for business and jobs than Texas. He accuses Perry of slashing funding for education, health care and infrastructure. O'Malley says as a result, "Texas ranks 49th in high school graduation, 10th in the rate of poverty, and 50th in the percent of residents with even basic health insurance."

Watch the debate at 6:30pm ET on CNN.