Illinois' US Senate Candidates Spar in Final Debate

The tone of the final televised debate between Illinois' U.S. Senate candidates was feisty, with quips about policies and spouses.

Chicago's WTTW hosted Wednesday's forum for Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Republican challenger state Sen. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove.

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Oberweis defended questions about residency. He says he's lived in the same suburban house for decades, but his wife lives much of the year in Florida and votes there.

Durbin rejected questions about his wife's work as a lobbyist in Illinois, saying he doesn't benefit. He added his wife lives in Springfield where she'll be voting.

Oberweis called Durbin a "walking job killer." Durbin said Oberweis is too extreme for Illinois.

Durbin is the second-ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate and is seeking a fourth term. Oberweis is a dairy magnate who was elected to the state Senate in 2012.

Their first televised debate was last week at Chicago's WLS-TV and covered jobs, same sex marriage and assault weapons.

Durbin has said his experience in Washington has helped deliver billions in federal funding for Illinois. But Oberweis claims Durbin is a career politician who's lost touch.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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