The Maryland senate candidates seeking to replace Democrat Barbara Mikulski who is retiring this year clashed over a number of issues during their only televised debate on WJZ-TV last night.
The presence of Republican nominee Donald Trump has hovered over senate elections across the country.
The GOP’s Senate candidate Delegate Kathy Szeliga described herself as an independent voice supporting her party’s candidate but condemning his controversial statements.
The Maryland Republican also touted her candidacy as the woman in the senate race.
“And what a shame it would be if Maryland did not have a woman representing them in Washington. And, if the Democrats and Chris Van Hollen are successful then we will not. And, that will be a sad day for Maryland.”
Democratic rival Representative Chris Van Hollen who supports his party’s presidential nominee Hillary Clinton offered up the endorsements he has received from a number of women’s organizations.
And then he took aim at Szeliga’s endorsement of Trump.
“I do think it’s really important when you have a candidate who is most qualified in our history, who happens to be a woman, that you would put party over country in making that decision Governor Hogan put country over party. You haven’t.”
The taping of the debate was interrupted by the Green Party candidate Margaret Flowers for around 10 minutes delaying the event.
She was not allowed to participate because she did not meet the 15 percent requirement in the public opinion polls.
