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Posted: Friday, September 7th, 2012 9:02 AM HST

Lingle, Hirono trade barbs in US Senate debate

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — Congresswoman Mazie Hirono says former Governor Linda Lingle is key to Republican plans to take over control of the U.S. Senate, while Lingle says Hirono hasn't mastered issues she'd need to vote on as a U.S. Senator. The candidates traded barbs directly for the first time Thursday in the first of five debates in their race to replace retiring U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka. Lingle pitched herself as an effective two-term governor who's known to Hawai`i residents. Hirono says the bottom line of the race is its national importance to Republicans who want to undo President Barack Obama's accomplishments. The opponents agreed several times on broad concepts. Both said corporate money shouldn't dominate politics and reducing national debt will take complex solutions. But each took turns attacking one another.