Republican U.S. Senate candidates for New York were supposed to discuss the issues at Pace University Wednesday, but the debate quickly turned personal.

Former Yonkers Mayor John Spencer started by defending his record, saying the city was in decline before he took office. Former Regan administration staffer K.T. McFarland countered that Spencer left the city with a $60 million deficit, which she says was partially due to the employment of Spencer's family members. McFarland then took aim at her opponent's infidelity, likening him to Former President Bill Clinton. Spencer said McFarland should stick to the issues, not his personal life. Spencer also described McFarland as a Washington bureaucrat who is out of touch with the people.

New York Republicans will head to the polls September 11 to decide which candidate will take on Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY).