Both Steve Southerland and Al Lawson came out swinging in the 20 minute debate in Panama City.

"There's people inside Washington D.C. especially those like Nancy Pelosi who don't like me very much," said Southerland

"In a radio interview he just talked about, two weeks ago, how he was close with Nancy Pelosi Harry Reid," countered Lawson.

The debate was held at Florida State University's Panama City campus. It featured a third candidate Floyd Patrick Miller trying to make his way toward the top of the polls.

"I am a working class man and I'm here to work for the working class," said Miller. "There are no other qualifications other than our age."

Lawson and Southerland both claimed the other party was spending their way to an election victory.

"There's a reason that Washington D.C and the Democratic party is spending over a million dollars to come after me because I've done exactly what i promised i would do," Southerland claimed.

"His people have come in and spent over a million dollars against me to upset me," added Lawson.

Panama City, FL - The presidential candidates may be done with their debates, but a couple of local politicians will go head-to-head tonight.

Democrat Al Lawson and Republican Steve Southerland will debate the issues in Panama City tonight at 9:30. We'll have a listen in on the debate and reaction to it, tonight on eyewitness news at 11.