Next Time, Land That Knock-Out Punch, Rick!

Santorum, Casey hurl stinging criticisms at each other
By Carrie Budoff
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

PITTSBURGH - Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum and Democrat Bob Casey Jr. sparred over policy and character today in a debate that better resembled a barroom brawl - minus the fists.

From the first question to the last, the candidates talked over each other, posed their own questions, and leveled stinging criticisms. They clashed over where Santorum lives, how often Casey does his job as state treasurer, and which one of them is being more up-front with voters.

"Look into the camera and tell people how much time you spend doing your job," Santorum said, pointing his finger at Casey, then the camera. "Look into the camera, Mr. Casey."

The moderator tried to move onto the next question, but Santorum persisted. "This is a legitimate question. He questions my work ethic. I have a 95 percent voting record this year and I am in the toughest Senate race in the country. Look into the camera and tell people how many full days you spent at the treasurer's office."

Casey did not oblige. "Don't be a desperate campaigner," Casey said in response, maintaining his focus on Santorum.

Casey has been dogged by accusations that he is putting his campaign for Senate above his state treasurer's job - an assertion that Casey has strongly disputed.

The 60-minute debate in a KDKA-TV studio in Pittsburgh gave Santorum a chance to shake up a rather stagnant race. The two-term senator has languished at 40 percent in the polls for more than a year, as Casey holds on to a comfortable lead.

The debate was their second meeting in a series of four debates, and will air locally on the Pennsylvania Cable Network at 9 and 10:30 p.m. today, 1 p.m. tomorrow, and 4 p.m. Sunday. They will meet again Monday in Philadelphia.