Senator Gillibrand and Challenger Long Debate in Saratoga Springs

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and challenger Wendy Long traded barbs over taxes, abortion and the economy in a sometimes contentious debate.

The two Senate candidates faced off at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs on Wednesday evening.

Democrat Gillibrand is a heavy favorite in her bid to be re-elected to the seat she was appointed to in 2009 after Hillary Rodham Clinton became secretary of state. Gillibrand won the election to finish the last two years of Clinton's term in 2010.

Republican Long is a New York City attorney making her first run for elected office.

Long accused Gillibrand of not doing anything to create jobs in upstate New York. Gillibrand accused Long of wanting to slash federal spending.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press