Senate debates heat up in Georgia, Michigan and Maine ahead of midterm elections

Senate candidates in Georgia, Michigan and Maine faced off in heated debates Thursday night.

(NBC)- Senate candidates in Georgia, Michigan and Maine faced off in heated debates Thursday night as Republicans and Democrats compete for control of Congress ahead of the November midterm elections.

The debates featured sharp exchanges over candidates’ qualifications, allegations of racism and accusations of political corruption.

In Michigan, Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers questioned his opponent’s credentials.

“He is actually selling the best con I think I’ve ever seen,” Rogers said.

In Georgia, Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff criticized Republican opponent Mike Collins, invoking civil rights leader John Lewis.

“If John Lewis were marching today from Selma to Montgomery, Mike Collins would be grabbing a billy club,” Ossoff said.

In Maine, Democratic candidate Troy Jackson accused Republican Sen. Susan Collins of political corruption.

“The type of power and corruption that we’re seeing right now with Senator Collins, almost every day there’s a new story about what went on,” Jackson said.

The economy emerged as a central issue across all three debates, with candidates discussing rising prices and the financial pressures facing American families.

“If you want to understand whether the Trump/Collins budget has helped you, just go fill up a tank of gas. Go to the grocery store. Try to buy food for your kids,” Ossoff said.

According to polling cited in the NBC News report, the economy is the most important issue for both Democratic and Republican voters. The report also cited data showing 68% of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy.

Democratic candidates sought to connect their Republican opponents to Trump’s policies.

“I really don’t know why anyone, Republican or Democrat, would want to be in Congress and give all their authority to a president that you know is a narcissist,” Jackson said.

Susan Collins pushed back by highlighting instances in which she opposed the president.

“This year alone, fiscal Congress alone, I voted against President Trump 137 times,” Collins said.

Beyond the economy, candidates also debated the war in Iran, immigration and healthcare.

Another closely watched Senate contest is unfolding in Texas between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton. According to the report, no debate has been scheduled between the candidates ahead of Election Day.