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Amid Nasty Ads Congressional Candidates Have A Lot In Common

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- In the race for U.S. Congress for District 26, the nasty ads are plastered all over social media and TV.

"It's disappointing...Carlos Curbelo rubber stamps Rick Scott's Tea Party agenda," says the announcer in one ad.

"Joe Garcia, fraud, jail time, a federal investigation, had enough," we hear in another.

Democrat incumbent Joe Garcia and Republican challenger Carlos Curbelo are wallowing around in mud.

"It's been a history of scandal, corruption," said Curbelo.  "You end up getting put in this pig sty of political dirt," said Garcia.

After weeding through the name calling and one liners, we found the candidates have more in common than we expected when it comes to issues.

For example, same sex marriage.  Both candidates are for it.

"I believe it should be allowed," said Garcia. "I believe in freedom to marry," said Curbelo.  He continued,  "I don't think any government should impose any definition of marriage on any individual on any family or on any church."

But he believes voters, not courts, should have the final say.

There are more instances of common ground like on climate change.

"It's a reality and we have to prepare for it," Curbelo told CBS 4's Ted Scouten. "Do we stick our head in the sand and pretend it's not happening or do we address it," asked Garcia.

"Obamacare" is batted around in campaign ads.

"I'm for it because in my district, one out of three people don't have healthcare," said Garcia who's a strong supporter.  "So when your son is sitting in a classroom next to my daughter and you don't have healthcare for her, my daughter is being effected," said Curbelo. "I disagree with the whole repeal mentality. It can't just be repealed, it has to be substituted."

Both are also tough talkers on the fight against ISIS.

"When we're facing an enemy as dangerous as ISIS, we have to show up and we have to lead the world," said Curbelo.

"If you are an enemy to our country and you want to do harm to Americans we will find you and we will hurt you," warned Garcia.

CBS4's Ted Scouten also spoke to both candidates about Medicare, Social Security, Immigration and flood insurance.

If you want to see where the candidates stand on the issues, click here to watch the full interviews with Ted Scouten from both candidates.

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