NEWARK, Del. (AP)- Delaware Sen. Tom Carper worked to fend off attacks from both Republican and Independent opponents during a debate at the University of Delaware, where one opponent called him "horribly corrupt."
Carper previously served two terms as Delaware's governor and also represented the state in the U.S. House of Representatives. He's seeking his third term in the Senate and facing challenges from Republican Kevin Wade, a northern Delaware businessman, and Independent Alex Pires Jr., a lawyer and Dewey Beach businessman.
Pires took the lead in attacking Carper on Tuesday, calling him "a follower" and saying he has become "horribly corrupt."
Carper responded by calling it "unbelievable" that Pires could "say this stuff with a straight face."
Candidates for U.S. House also debated at the university. Both debates lasted about an hour.
