McFadden, Franken Clash On Mining, Health Care

DULUTH (AP) - Democratic Sen. Al Franken and his Republican challenger Mike McFadden spent their first debate clashing over how to address problems in President Barack Obama's health care law and mining on Minnesota's Iron Range.

In their Wednesday morning debate in Duluth, Franken said McFadden's constant critique that he voted with the president too often is based on shoddy data. Franken sarcastically asked McFadden for a reminder after McFadden mentioned the 97 percent figure for the fifth time in the hour-long debate, and jabbed the Republican businessman for his record as an investment banker.

McFadden says the contrast between himself and his opponent is black and white.

The pair is set to meet next Oct. 26.