Baldwin, Hovde on the attack in tense Wisconsin Senate debate

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- One of our state's seats in Washington hangs in the balance, as Senator Tammy Baldwin and Republican Eric Hovde met on the debate stage. 

The debate is the only one in this race, which many experts say is a tossup. 

Baldwin and Hovde had not seen much of each other until tonight, and it is unlikely they will want to see each other after this bitter debate. 

Both candidates lashed out at their opponent throughout the one-hour debate focusing as much on the other as they did on the issues. 

Baldwin largely defended her record in Senate and said her work has helped Wisconsinites. Hovde repeatedly accused her of lying, and said her work is inadequate. 

The panel of questioners asked about a host of issues, foreign and domestic. 

But repeatedly, the moderator had to redirect both candidates back to the original questions. 

One of the tensest moments came with Hovde's hit at Baldwin for taking money from pharmaceutical companies, claiming a conflict of interest if Baldwin's partner worked with some of those companies. 

"Eric Hovde should stay out of my personal life. And I think I speak for all Wisconsin women, he should stay out of all of our personal lives," said Baldwin during the debate. 

"Senator Baldwin, I could care less about your personal life. But when your partner is invested in companies that you're overseeing and you're not disclosing that, that is an absolute conflict of interest," said Hovde. 

But there was also plenty of discussion of the issues. Hovde said his business background is right to help the country move forward. 

"Our country's gone in the wrong direction. You can stay with Senator Baldwin, who's been in Washington for 26 years. Do you think you're better off than you were four years ago? Or even 26 years ago? I think it's time for a change," said Hovde. 

Baldwin says she is the candidate to defend freedoms and the middle class.

"This election is about regaining our rights and freedoms. This election is about helping working people get ahead. Not supporting a $4 trillion tax cut for the rich, and big corporations," said Baldwin. 

Candidates did not speak with reporters after the debate.