Rep. Mazie Hirono and former governor Linda Lingle squared off in the KITV studio in a live debate for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Daniel Akaka.

With just three weeks until the election, each candidate came out swinging.

Less than one minute into the debate, Hirono launched into a familiar refrain.

"My Republican opponent's economic priorities, my Republican opponent's plan is exactly the same as Mitt Romney's," said Hirono.  "My Republican opponent has joined with the national Republican party."

Lingle stood her ground.

"My opponent has spent this entire campaign attacking national Republicans.  These will be the very people we would have to work with to get something done for Hawaii," said Lingle.

When the candidates had a chance to question each other, Hirono, again, pushed Lingle to defend her party.

"Tell me why specifically you believe Mitt Romney would be a better president for Hawaii than President Obama?" asked Hirono.

"Gov. Romney is a person who has, I believe, the proper experience at this time to get the economy back on track and I think that is the number one issue facing the country," responded Lingle.

PHOTOS: U.S. Senate Debate

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