Jon Bruning in 2012 Nebraska Senate Debates

On Principles & Values: OpEd: Became multimillionaire while serving in public office

Stenberg reiterated criticisms he's aimed at Bruning throughout the campaign: That Bruning has become a multimillionaire while serving in public office and that in 2007, Bruning attempted to waive a $1 million settlement with Lincoln-based student loan company Nelnet after the company was accused of improper business practices. A year later, Bruning entered a time-share agreement on a nearly $700,000 vacation home with two Nelnet executives.

In response, Bruning declared he would not "throw mud" at his opponents, then said "South Carolina has two senators... they don't need a third," implying that Stenberg would be beholden to South Carolina's Sen. Jim DeMint, a tea party leader who has endorsed Stenberg.

On Government Reform: Don't renew legislative earmarks, but past ones ok

On Crime: Supports "stand-your-ground" self-defense laws

On Energy & Oil: Coal is good, cheap energy

Bruning declined to directly answer, although he stood firm in his support of coal, calling it "good, cheap energy." He also stood by his decision to join a lawsuit against the EPA, saying coal companies were being unfairly regulated by the Obama administration. "Rick Perry didn't say a lot of things during his presidential run, but he did say one thing, 'We're the Saudi Arabia of coal,'" said Bruning.

On Government Reform: Political contributions ok from out-of-state coal companies

Bruning has significantly outraised his rivals. He ended the last fundraising quarter with about $1.5 million in his campaign coffers, while Stenberg had about $200,000.

Later in the debate, Fischer took her shot at Bruning, questioning whether Bruning should have accepted $100,000 in campaign contributions from out-of-state coal companies. She questioned whether the donations were appropriate, especially since Bruning had joined a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency on the behalf of coal companies. "Yes or no? Will you stop taking contributions from industries that could benefit from your position as chief law enforcement officer of Nebraska?" asked Fischer.

Bruning declined to directly answer.

On Foreign Policy: Strong support for traditional ally Israel

There was far more agreement than disagreement, and no sudden confrontations, during the debate before about 150 in the Johnny Carson Theatre at Norfolk High School.

On Drugs: Requested an earmark to fund a drug-war program

Flynn argued that he is the only candidate in the race who is not a "career politician." Jon Bruning is the Nebraska attorney general and Don Stenberg is a former attorney general,

On Health Care: Signed lawsuit opposing ObamaCare

"The fact is that a couple of years ago, he invited nanny government into the Attorney General's Office," Stenberg told the crowd.