Mass. Dems joust in 1st Senate debate since attack

BOSTON (AP) - Democratic U.S. Senate hopefuls Edward Markey and Stephen Lynch clashed in their first debate since the Boston Marathon attacks, focusing on security issues.

Lynch faulted Markey with not doing enough to support security, including not voting for the creation of the Joint Terrorism Task Force that helps smooth communications between the FBI and local and state investigators.

Markey pointed to a series of measures he authored that he said would enhance security including the screening of air cargo for bombs and the screening of tankers coming into U.S. ports for nuclear materials.

He said he supported some of those measures over the objections of Republicans.

Both candidates agreed the surviving suspect in the Marathon bombings should be tried in federal courts and not be labeled an enemy combatant.

The Monday night debate took place at the WBZ-TV studios.

Cox Media Group