Final Senate Debate Between Rubio, Murphy Focuses On Slew Of Issues, Personal Attacks
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BROWARD (CBSMiami) – After a smile and a handshake, the war of words began between Republican Sen. Marco Rubio and Democratic challenger Patrick Murphy.
Rubio slammed the inexperience of his opponent, painting him as an ineffectual congressman unfit for a spot in the Senate.
Murphy repeatedly tried to tie Rubio to Donald Trump and accused Rubio of being an absentee senator more interested in running for president.
They criticized each other's record.
Murphy hit Rubio for his voting record and Rubio accused Murphy of being ineffective as a congressman.
"If you voted as much as you lied, you might have been a decent senator," Murphy said.
"He's been (in Congress) for 4 years and no one's even noticed," Rubio shot back.
They sparred over Obamacare, which Murphy supports.
The White House admits the program will experience an average of double digit premium increases next year.
Murphy said something needs to be done to make Obamacare more affordable, and then pivoted to attack Rubio.
"He wants to take us back to the days where you can be dropped from your health insurance if you get sick," Murphy said.
Rubio hit back that Murphy is for bailing out insurance companies with taxpayer money.
"Why is it right for you, the American taxpayers, to bail out insurance companies?" Rubio asked.
They discussed policy on Cuba.
On Wednesday, the U.S. abstained from a United Nations vote on ending the Cuban embargo something the U.S. has never done before.
The move comes as the Obama Administration continues to open relations with Cuba.
"We have now made over two years, concession after concession to the Castro regime," Rubio said, calling the U.N. abstention "lawlessness." He added, "They have taken not even a quarter step to democracy."
Murphy said he supports an easing of tensions with Cuba.
"We've had a policy in place for 50 years that hasn't worked," Murphy said. "It's only empowered the Castro regime. I want to help the Cuban people out."
Both men said they want stronger educational programs to enhance the economic recovery and bring in more high paying jobs, but they differed over issues like the minimum wage.
"Anybody that's willing to work a full time job in this country shouldn't be living in poverty," Murphy said.
Rubio countered, "It could eliminate between 500 and 600,000 jobs if we raise it to the level that you're talking about," Rubio said. "You make people more expensive than machines, they will be replaced by machines."
Murphy tried to link Rubio to Trump time and again – over Trump's ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump's troubles with inner city voters.
But Rubio called Murphy on it.
"The answer to every question tonight by Congressman Murphy is Donald Trump," Rubio said.
Murphy shot back, "You're the one that's endorsed him, Senator."
The two men also sparred over Zika funding.
Murphy said that even though Rubio asked for increased funding to fight Zika, Rubio had no sway with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and failed to force a vote on a bill.
Rubio shot back that Florida Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson praised him for his work in getting that extra Zika funding.
For more on Campaign 2016, click here.
