Charles Melancon in 2010 Louisiana Senate Debates

On Civil Rights: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act fights women's discrimination

Vitter called the charge "a complete misrepresentation of my record," and said he voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009 because he thought it was a sop to plaintiff's lawyers. "Quite frankly it's a trial lawyer bonanza," Vitter said.

On Energy & Oil: Congressional trip to Antarctica to study global warming

On Health Care: Supports kids on parents' insurance policies until age 26

Melancon made a point to say he opposed the bill initially, but opposed repealing it because of the good things it did, like provide coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.

On Immigration: I have been a staunch hawk on immigration

But Melancon maintained he has a strong stance against illegal immigration. "I have been a staunch hawk on immigration," said Melancon.

On Principles & Values: OpEd: Vitter broke the law, and lied about it, with DC Madam

"You've lied, broken the law, and embarrassed the state," responded Melancon.

On Tax Reform: Tax increase on wealthiest taxpayers but not middle-class

Melancon said he supports extending the tax cuts for middle-income earners but allowing rates to increase on the wealthiest taxpayers. "Every one of us wants to extend the present tax rates... except one candidate, Charlie Melancon," Vitter said.

The candidates were less sure of themselves when asked for specifics on what federal spending they would seek to offset the tax cuts with corresponding cuts to spending. Vitter did not offer any suggestions for what he would cut, while Melancon suggested that Congress should take its cue from a government report that details which federal programs and agencies are "not giving bang for the buck."

On Health Care: Opposed healthcare bill because it didn't work for America

Senator Vitter responded, calling their differing views on health care "a big, honest disagreement between us, I fought 'ObamaCare,' I'm still fighting it," he said.

On Principles & Values: Ran based on Vitter's integrity issue from call-girl scandal

When the scandal broke, Vitter said in a news release that he had committed a "serious sin," but he has steadfastly refused to say more about the matter and has avoided questions. With polls showing him leading in the current race, he has limited campaign appearances and used television ads to boost his conservative profile and attack his Democratic opponent, Rep. Charlie Melancon.

Melancon said that issues of honesty and integrity were what prompted 11 people to seek Vitter's seat. "It's the reason everyone got into this race, to challenge Mr. Vitter," Melancon said.

On Budget & Economy: Stimulus package will avoid God-awful recession like 1980s

Vitter criticized the measure as wasteful spending. Today, unemployment stands at 10 percent with about 80 percent of the stimulus money dedicated. "It immediately increased spending and debt," Vitter said. "At the same time, I didn't think it would lead to significant job creation."

On Budget & Economy: TARP package will avoid depression from doing nothing

At every turn, Vitter tried to thwart the program. He introduced legislation aimed at blocking the use of $250 billion of the TARP money, which was approved in two installments. He called for any money returned to the federal government by the institutions taking part in the program to be dedicated to reducing the federal deficit instead of supporting further spending. Vitter also wanted an ending date for the program. "It played out to do what I feared, to expand the power and the role of the federal government," Vitter said.

Vitter's proposed measures did not pass. The government has received most of its money back.

On Corporations: Supported $30 billion small-business lending fund

Melancon is a former small businessman, having operated an insurance agency and several ice cream stores. "I had to worry about making payroll and staying in business and creating jobs," Melancon said.

Vitter didn't vote on the measure, saying his absence was equal to a "no" vote. The bill passed.

Vitter, who sits on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, joined fellow Republicans in calling the measure another government bailout that would do little to stimulate small business and didn't provide enough tax breaks.

On Energy & Oil: Funnel BP oil-leak penalties into coastal restoration

Melancon said he is most proud of his non-legislative actions on the ground after BP's oil leak. During the recent oil leak, Melancon ensured that the federal government created a mobile health clinic and provided services for victims under stress, he said.

On Health Care: ObamaCare costs too much & does too little for middle-class

Melancon said the plan costs too much and does little for middle-class Louisiana families.

Vitter likewise opposed the measure, saying it would inject the government into decisions that should be left to doctors and their patients.

On Immigration: Supports SCHIP, despite insuring illegal immigrant kids

Melancon voted for the measure, trying to debunk claims by opponents that it would amount to government-run insurance, health care for illegal immigrants or coverage for high-income families. "Making sure children have health insurance is not only the right thing to do, it's also much more cost-effective for taxpayers than leaving them uninsured and using the emergency room as a primary-care provider," Melancon said.

Vitter opposed the bill, saying it was disproportionately skewed toward states such as New York, which has higher incomes for eligibility than Louisiana, he said. In New York, the program's cutoff for a family of four is $88,200. Louisiana taxpayers shouldn't subsidize those states, Vitter said. "It just makes no sense to me," he said.