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Claire McCaskill And Todd Akin Square Off In Debate

Congressman Todd Akin and Senator Claire McCaskill debate at Clayton High School on October 18, 2012.
Screencapture
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KSDK5

Incumbent Senator Claire McCaskill and Republican challenger Todd Akin squared off in their final debate of the campaign last night. Those hoping for a slugfest were probably disappointed. 

The two candidates stuck to their typical talking points and Akin's legitimate rape comments largely went ignored.

In front of hundreds of potential voters at Clayton High School, the two candidates didn't cover much new ground.

In fact, they mostly stuck to the talking points they've used on the campaign trail. McCaskill portrayed herself as a moderate.

“I'm not worried about upsetting my party,” McCaskill said. “I've had time-out in my caucus, especially when I'm going after earmarks.”

And Akin dismissed McCaskill's claim that she's a moderate.

"She talks about how she's a moderate,” Akin said. “How much do you have to spend in deficit spending to become a liberal?"

The two candidates had disagreements on almost all the issues - and education was no exception. McCaskill criticizes Akin's opposition to federally backed student loans.

"I don't know many private banks that loan money to a 17 year old that has no money," McCaskill said.

But Akin defended his views.

"Claire seems to think we have to have the fed government do everything. A year or two ago we had student loans from private institutions," Akin said.

New financial reports show McCaskill has outraised Akin by nearly $4 million since mid-July.

The hour-long debate was broadcast by KSDK and St. Louis Public Radio.

As per debate rules, McCaskill spoke to reporters after the event. But Akin did not show up, choosing instead to send an advisor in his place.