Incumbent Democrat Tom Carper fended off sharp attacks from his two challengers at the WDDE-University of Delaware U.S. Senate debate Tuesday night.
U.S. Senate debate highlights
U.S. Senate debate highlights
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Independent Alex Pires painted Carper as the most corrupt politician in the state’s history in his opening statement, and rarely let up throughout the hour-long debate.
Pires again questioned the Democrat’s mental and physical health.
"Why don't we focus on the economy?" Carper asked during one exchange.
"Are you going to release your records?" Pires replied.
Carper said "no," and added he had placed a letter from his physician on his campaign website confirming he is in good heath, just as Pires did.
"My physical and records are [also] there," Pires countered.
U.S.Senate post-debate reaction
U.S.Senate post-debate reaction
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Pires also went after Carper on policy issues, including the future of Social Security. Pires claimed Carper stated multiple times he was in favor of privatizing the program.
But Carper fired back, dismissing the notion.
“When George Bush proposed doing this, a group of us wrote to him in 2004 and 2005, saying, ‘Bad idea, don’t try to do it.’," said Carper. "[In] 2006 I voted against it. [In] 2007 I voted against it again. We prevailed on both of those. It’s just hogwash.”
Republican Kevin Wade challenged Carper’s ability to deliver timely solutions to Social Security’s troubles, reminding the audience he has been in the Senate for 12 years.
Wade also took policy jabs at Carper relating to gasoline taxes.
Watch the complete US Senate debate
Watch the complete US Senate debate
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“We have people who don’t have jobs, who can’t find jobs, who can’t keep a roof over their heads and you proposed a 25 cent a gallon tax increase?" said Wade. "I believe this is the result of too many years in Washington and too many years away from Delaware.”
Carper remained composed, frequently citing the Simpson-Bowles deficit reduction plan as one of his main priorities, as well as saying Washington needs fewer bomb-throwers and more bridge-builders.
