A question about how the candidates would address illegal immigration elicited some heated remarks from Hackett.

Carney said he'd like to go after employers who hire illegal immigrants and get control of the border.

Both men said they do not favor amnesty for illegal immigrants, but Hackett accused the "do-nothing Congress" for failing to reform the system and said Carney voted to keep money away from defending the border by erecting a fence.

Carney denied he'd voted to withhold money for the border fence and took a swipe at Hackett for employing illegal immigrants at his businesses and his home.

The comment raised the ire of Hackett, who said, "You've lied twice," first, on the issue of his employing illegals at his business and second about his vote against funding the border fence.

Carney didn't back down, adding, "It does call into question your character."

At this point, the moderator continued with another question and the issue was dropped, even though later in the debate Hackett asked for proof that he's employed illegal immigrants at his businesses.

On the issue of Social Security, Carney said the $2.2 trillion fund is secure for at least 35 years or so, but Hackett said it continues to be raided by federal officials to pay day-to-day operations.

"For some reason, that's acceptable in Washington," he said. "We need to make sure it's solvent, not just for 35 more years, but for generations."

Hackett said because of a lack of political courage, federal representatives have failed to come up with alternatives, such as encouraging younger Americans to create personal retirement accounts.

Asked to define spreading the wealth, Hackett said he'd like to see a flat tax system that would help keep businesses from going overseas and said the Carney-backed death tax is one example of how it's harmful.

Carney said the term means tax breaks for the middle class, who are being squeezed in the tight economy.

In closing remarks, Hackett said a vote for Carney "who has voted with (Democratic Majority Leader) Nancy Pelosi 90 percent of the time" would mean higher taxes and support of the liberal agenda.

Carney said he's shown a willingness to work with both parties, voting with Pelosi about 80 percent of the time and with Republican leaders on about 60 percent of the issues. "Together, we can address these issues," he said.

The debate will be shown again tonight on C-Span.