SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Six term incumbent Orrin Hatch only gave one debate to his Republican challenger Dan Liljenquist.
But, as far as debates go, it was a pretty good one.
Friday, the two squared off on KSL Radio - the scrappy newcomer vs. the cagey veteran.
Challenger Liljenquist had just one debate, one debate to convince Utahns not to reelect Orrin Hatch to a seventh term.
And while Liljenquist was on the offensive early, Hatch didn't back down.
Liljenquist: “That is fiscal child abuse and that is what’s happened in this congress under your watch as you’ve voted over and over to raise the debt ceiling. That is a tax increase you’ve deferred on a whole generation of Americans.”
Hatch: “Now, let me get this straight. Apparently, I am responsible for everything that’s wrong about the federal government. That’s total BS and everybody knows it.”
Now, just because Hatch appeared to hold his own, doesn't mean Liljenquist didn't get under his skin.
ABC 4: "In your mind, does this prove today why he didn't want to debate you?”
Liljenquist: "Absolutely, it proves today why he didn't want to debate. He struggles to justify his own votes."
ABC 4: "Senator, Mr. Liljenquist told us that today proves why you don't want to debate him? “
Hatch: “Oh, give me a break."
But when we asked Liljenquist who won the debate, the Republican challenger said he clearly did.
So, we thought, we’d ask Senator Hatch a follow-up question about his challenger.
ABC 4: "Was he disrespectful to you a little bit?”
Hatch: “I don't take it that was but some people would think so."
FOLLOW CHRIS VANOCUR ON TWITTER: @cvan4.
