DEBATE: Florida’s U.S. Senate Candidates, Mack and Nelson

Senator Bill Nelson and challenger Rep. Connie Mack had their first and only debate last night. The Tampa Bay Times provides a great summary:

Florida’s sleepy U.S. Senate race saw a jolt of energy Wednesday night as Connie Mack IV came charging at Democrat Bill Nelson in their first and only televised U.S. Senate debate.

Mack accused Nelson of chronic tax-raising, of taking President Barack Obama’s side over Florida Medicare beneficiaries, and even using cows to exploit a tax loophole. The 45-year-old Fort Myers congressman looked confident, stayed firmly on message and rarely let facts get in the way of his attacks on the 70-year-old incumbent senator.

“Bill Nelson cast the deciding vote to cut $700 billion out of your Medicare to pay for Obamacare. I voted against Obamacare,” Mack said in his opening remark, a charge that PolitiFact Florida rates Mostly False.

“Bill Nelson voted for higher taxes 150 times — 150 times!” he continued, repeating a claim PolitiFact Florida rates False. “I’ve got a simple litmus test: If you voted for higher taxes 150 times, it’s time for you to go.”

Emphasis added by me. Basically, Connie Mack said whatever he felt like saying and successfully avoided a discussion of actual substance. Excellent!