Brad Carson and Tom Coburn face-off in Tulsa

The battle for the US Senate comes to Tulsa. The war of words between Brad Carson and Tom Coburn has drawn national attention - some say setting new lows for campaign mudslinging. But Wednesday's

Wednesday, October 20th 2004, 4:04 pm

By: News On 6

The battle for the US Senate comes to Tulsa. The war of words between Brad Carson and Tom Coburn has drawn national attention - some say setting new lows for campaign mudslinging. But Wednesday's debate saw the two candidates "not" up to their usual tricks.

News on 6 anchor Terry Hood says the two candidates let the sparks fly Tuesday night in a debate in Oklahoma City.

The two were presented with boxing gloves by their hosts at the Rotary Club. But then by special request, both candidates promised to keep the gloves "on."

The candidates "politely" disagreed on the federal deficit, energy policy, and abortion.

They even "agreed" that Congress should expand stem cell research and Coburn praised Carson for his handling of the situation in Tar Creek. But that wasnâ€™t the only compliment of the debate.

Tom Coburn: "Brad Carson is a very bright, intellectually smart and advanced young man. He carries himself well and he represents Oklahoma, well."

Brad Carson: "I know people in Muskogee - who whether or not they agree with Tom's politics - will be the first to say that Tom is a strong Christian man, a good family man and that's the highest praise anyone can give."

This was the first face-to-face debate between the two candidates in Tulsa.