Watch CBS News

Connecticut Senate Candidates Face Off In First Debate

ROCKY HILL, Conn. (CBSNewYork) - The candidates for U.S. Senate in Connecticut have faced off in their first debate.

The race between Republican Linda McMahon and Democratic Congressman Chris Murphy has been contentious and a recent poll show the candidates are in a dead heat.

The hour-long debate, which aired on the public affairs program "Face The State," featured some sparring over the top issue in the race, the economy.

"Linda McMahon should stop spreading this fiction that I have no plan to create jobs. I know that she made her living making up stories in the wrestling ring, but it's not OK to make them up when you're running for the United States Senate," Murphy said.

McMahon held her position that Murphy has no plan to create jobs, while touting her own economic plan.

"My plan starts with a tax cut for the middle class. It reduces taxes on businesses, it rolls back overburdensome regulations, it cuts spending one penny of every dollar," McMahon said.

The candidates are fighting for the seat being vacated by independent Joe Lieberman, who is retiring at the end of his term.

The next debate is scheduled for Thursday at the University of Connecticut, followed by two more debates later this month, in New London and in Hartford.

Who do you think will win the Senate race? Sound off in the comments section below.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.