Patch's Poll: Who Won the First McMahon-Murphy Debate?

In the first of their four scheduled debates, Linda McMahon and Chris Murphy got in some personal attacks — in keeping with their campaigns thus far — but also managed to discuss some substantive issues.

The hourlong WFSB-Channel 3 debate was broadcast live on Sunday morning. The second debate for the two candidates running for U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman's empty seat will be Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. at the University of Connecticut. That debate will also be broadcast live on FOX CT.

A number of media outlets characterized Sunday's debate as "feisty," with McMahon continuing to accuse Murphy of getting a "sweetheart" deal on his mortgage and Murphy charging that McMahon was determined to cut taxes for the wealthy, including herself.

But the candidates also highlighted their policy differences. McMahon said she would cut government spending to help reduce the deficit and said she was pro-choice but would not use that position as a "litmus test" for a Supreme Court nominee.

Murphy challenged McMahon on her support of the Blunt Amendment, a failed measure that would have allowed employers with moral objections to deny birth control coverage to female employees.

Did you watch the debate? Who, in your opinion, won? Take our poll and tell us in the comments.