There was a testy, hour-long debate between Democratic Congressman Leonard Boswell of Des Moines and Republican challenger Brad Zaun of Urbandale tonight.

Boswell repeatedly accused Zaun of being a “fear-mongerer” and Zaun accused Boswell of running a “slanderous, hit campaign” against him.  The two had this exchange about halfway through the debate.

“Well, congressman, you know, I think it’s unfortunate that you’ve done that and I’m going to continue to talk about solutions. This is a great country,” Zaun said.

Boswell said: “I’m kind of waitin’ to see what your solutions are ’cause I haven’t heard any solutions yet. You just talk about big parameters. We’re waiting for some of those solutions, so maybe you’ll give us one or two before the evening’s over.”

Zaun replied: “Congressman, I’m not going to be disrespectful to you, but I will just tell you that our country’s headed down the wrong path.” 

Boswell kept pressing: “But tell us some solutions.”

The debate was held at KCCI TV studios in Des Moines and co-sponsored by IowaPolitics.com.  It was broadcast live on the station from seven to eight o’clock, during prime time. 

The third congressional district covers 12 counties and includes the cities of Des Moines, Grinnell, Marshalltown, Newton, Oskaloosa, Pella and Tama.