California Senate Debate Takes Aim At Kamala Harris
STOCKTON (CBS SF) -- In November, California voters will elect a new senator for the first time in nearly 25 years.
Three Republicans and two Democrats squared off in the first candidate's debate on Monday night.
They didn't start out swinging, but when the candidates finally did, the attacks were mostly aimed at State Attorney General Kamala Harris.
Candidate Tom Del Beccaro said, "I believe her Back on Track program is off the tracks."
Attorney General Harris is considered the front-runner, so those who shared the stage were fighting for second place, name recognition and a chance to emerge from the pack.
Democrat Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez touted her experience on the Armed Services and Homeland Security committees….
Sanchez said, "It's very easy for people to talk about what is going on with national security without actually having the experience of 20 years of dealing with this."
Candidate Duf Sundheim said, "I think it's great that she's on the committee - but it would be even better if she actually went to the committee hearing meetings."
Student debt was also a hot topic with the debate being held at a college campus in Stockton. Harris said she wanted to see free community college, while Del Beccaro said opposed the plan.
Also on the podium was Republican Ron Unz, the man behind California's "English-only" ballot measure.
It's ultimately the voters who will decide in June's primary.
