Candidates go after each other in final Republican U.S. Senate primary debate

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — another bitter debate in the hard-fought Republican race for U.S. Senate in Indiana.

Mike Braun, Todd Rokita and Luke Messer went after each other once again in what's being called the nastiest primary in the nation.

“I think if somebody was just starting to pay attention to the race they got a good summary of these campaigns and what they’ve been like over the past several months,” said Elizabeth Bennion, IUSB political science professor.

While the majority of the topics in Monday’s debate focused on issues like foreign affairs, the national deficit and tariffs on China, the three candidates shifted the conversation to each other.

Much like his many TV ads, Rokita called out Messer for not being a conservative enough and Braun for downplaying his political career.

Messer went after Rokita for being dishonest and called Braun a lifelong Democrat.

Braun called both his opponents “swamp brothers” and said their voting record in Congress is similar.

All three also reiterated their support for President Donald Trump.

They were asked twice if there was a policy they disagreed with the president on.

Nine of the three candidates answered the question.

“This shows the extent to which all three candidates are betting that Republican primary voters really are looking for somebody who will support the President if elected,” said Bennion.