Dean Barkley in 2008 MN Senate Debates

On Budget & Economy: Greatest malfeasance in economic history on GOP’s watch

Barkley, in particular, went bare-knuckled at his better-financed, big-party rivals, saying their campaigns have been corrupted by special interest money and negativity. He reserved some of his sharpest criticism for incumbent Coleman for, among other things, not doing more to stop the economic meltdown affecting the nation and world. “Norm, on your watch we had the greatest malfeasance in economic history. If you were in Enron, right now you’d probably be under indictment, not running for reelection.“

Coleman responded that ”It’s easy from the cheap seats to throw shots,“ and said that Barkley and Franken lack his experience and his understanding of what it takes to forge deals in the hard-ball partisan atmosphere of Washington.

On Education: Tax credits for college is just pandering; we’re broke

“Why not a $10,000 tax credit? Why not $20,000?” asked Barkley. “Who’s going to pay for this? We’re broke. I’m not going to pander to people.”

Franken responded that the money spent would be equal to just a few weeks of the Iraq war and could be financed by reducing tax breaks for millionaires.

On Environment: Worked as a tobacco lobbyist

Responding to Barkley’s charge that he was beholden to big oil companies and other special interests, Coleman said Barkley is one to talk; he worked as a tobacco lobbyist. “We have real problems out there, real challenges,” Coleman said. “In the end it’s about who can work out there and who can solve it.”

On War & Peace: Fight conditions in Afghanistan that breed terrorism