In one of the most adversarial senate races that Californians have seen, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, the incumbent Democrat, and businesswoman Carly Fiorina, the Republican challenger, clashed at a debate sponsored by KPCC 89.3 FM and La Opinion, with their supporters joining in the fracas outside the radio station and calling each other “fascists” and “communists.”

Inside, Boxer slammed Fiorina's economic plans, describing them as a “disaster for California.” Fiorina hit back, saying Boxer is a politician with “extreme” views who takes money from “extreme” environmental groups and does too much of their bidding. “Who's she representing?” Fiorina asked rhetorically. “The special interests or the people of California?”

Fiorina and Boxer, however, did not face each other in person — the Democrat sat in front of a microphone in Washington D.C. while the Republican joined KPCC talk show host Patt Morrison and La Opinion columnist Gabriel Lerner in Pasadena.

During the hour-long debate, both women lived up to their reputations as tough, plain-speaking campaigners.

“She's become a multi-millionaire when she's been in Washington D.C.,” said Fiorina about Boxer. “She's written three books.”

Fiorina also called the Democratic senator “ineffective,” telling radio listeners, “Ask yourself what has she accomplished?”

Boxer said Fiorina “didn't want comprehensive immigration reform,” adding that the Republican is “hostile” to the environment and a supporter of “Big Oil.”

The mud-slinging was thrown fast and furious, with both women unafraid to go for the jugular in this highly contentious race.

Contact Patrick Range McDonald at pmcdonald@laweekly.com.

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