As the U.S. Senate election approaches, Sen. Mike DeWine and Rep. Sherrod Brown debated for an hour over crucial issues Friday night at WPTD-ThinkTV in downtown Dayton in hopes of furthering their political aspirations.

From 8 to 9 p.m., moderator Rick Jackson of Cleveland Public TV WVIZ led the debate, which had questions coming from four reporters. The debate was sponsored by the Dayton Daily News, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Columbus Dispatch, WVIZ and Ohio public TV and radio stations.

DeWine, the two-time Republican incumbent from Cedarville, Ohio, and Brown, the Democratic challenger from Avon, Ohio, answered questions on topics such as terrorism, taxes, minimum wage and Social Security.

DeWine criticized Brown as a do-nothing candidate because he only passed four bills while in Congress.

'He talks, I act,' DeWine said.

On the other hand, Brown stated that DeWine will not fall away from the status quo. He said if you're happy with how things are now, vote for DeWine because it will not change.

The candidates emotionally discussed terrorism and the situation in Iraq. DeWine stressed the urgency to get out of Iraq, but not before its military is trained. Until that time, America needs to arm the troops and get out the 'right way.' Brown criticized DeWine of not having an exit strategy in mind.

DeWine, a member of the Intelligence Committee, repeatedly stated how Brown wants to cut the committee's budget. Brown stated how DeWine has failed on the Intelligence Committee. He claimed America would be safer today if DeWine did his job.

'The issue with the intelligence community has never been about money, it's been about oversight; it's been about effectiveness, it's been about direction,' Brown said.

Fighting for the middle class, Brown pushed for tax cuts, claiming the middle class is shrinking. He also said DeWine is against tuition tax credits.

On the issue of minimum wage, DeWine stated he did vote for an increase.

'It has not kept up with inflation,' DeWine said. 'I don't always agree with my party.'

On the opposing side, Brown criticized DeWine of changing his mind and agreeing with President Bush 96 percent of the time. The decision to increase minimum wage fits in the 4 percent of issues he doesn't support.

'I can't defend what I disagree with,' DeWine said.

Brown labeled the government in Washington 'dysfunctional' because the people with jobs there are earning more money but the minimum wage is not increasing to help the middle class.

The topic of Social Security allowed DeWine to talk about the need to work toward the 'bipartisan way.' Both candidates are not in favor of privatization, and DeWine had to defend his vote against his party on this issue again.

Throughout the debate Brown questioned why DeWine is spending his time defending what he is against over spending time on what he supports.

'On every issue I have said what I would do,' Brown said.

DeWine spent some time pointing out Brown's poor attendance record, and Brown came back and said DeWine missed half of the hearings on the Intelligence Committee. Brown claimed he missed votes and hearings due to illness in the family and health problems. In response, he said 'you know better than that' to DeWine for criticizing him of the absences. Brown repeated this statement multiple times throughout the night.

The final question in the debate asked how the candidates could assure voters they would have no ethical problems while in office. Both men responded by saying they have good records in the past and will do what is right in the future.

In the closing remarks both men stressed that changes need to be made.

'Ohio is a great state,' DeWine said. 'This is a great country. We have unfinished business.'

'It's time for a change,' Brown said. 'If you want to stay the course and support the status quo, vote for Mike DeWine.'

One UD class, political campaign communication taught by Dr. Kathleen Watters, had the opportunity to view the debate in the station and meet with the candidates afterward to ask questions.

This debate aired on ThinkTV and WHIO-TV as well as C-SPAN. The candidates are scheduled to debate in Toledo, Ohio, Oct. 19 and in Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 27.