Posted at: 09/27/2012 4:13 PM

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Walz, Quist Clash in 1st Debate in Southern Minn.

BYRON, Minn. (AP) - Democratic Rep. Tim Walz and Republican challenger Allen Quist clashed sharply in their first one-on-one debate Thursday.
    
The 90-minute debate at Somerby Golf Community near Rochester showcased stark differences between the candidates, the Rochester Post-Bulletin reported (http://bit.ly/OsgzCs). Walz wants to create jobs by spending on transportation, education and research. Quist wants to cut government regulation and repeal the federal health care law.
    
The three-term incumbent called Quist a "hypocrite" for taking $600,000 in farm subsidies while opposing government subsidies.
    
Quist went after Walz as a big spender, accusing him of "financial irresponsibility on steroids."
    
Walz, a retired National Guard officer, reacted angrily to a statement Quist made in 2010 saying that Democrats were a bigger threat to democracy than terrorism.
   
Information from: Post-Bulletin, http://www.postbulletin.com

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