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Mufi, Tulsi trade jabs in Hawaii debate

HONOLULU, Hawaii Four of the candidates in the Democratic party primary for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District squared off in a 90-minute debate on Hawaii News Now.

Tulsi Gabbard, Mufi Hannemann, Esther Kia'aina and Bob Marx went through a wide range of issues, including Obamacare, student loan interest rates and many other topics. But much of the debate seemed to focus on the records of front-runners Hannemann and Gabbard.

Hannemann stressed his experience, saying that it would be a plus for a new member of Congress. "This is an opportunity to send someone who, yes, will be a freshman. But it's important that this freshman not be treated like a freshman," he said.

"Mufi Hannemann talks about his experience, but his experience is that of a CEO. And people have always talked about his 'my way or the highway' approach to getting things done, and that's not going to be effective in Congress when you're one of 435 members, where you have to work as a member of the team," countered Gabbard.

But Gabbard came under fire for what the other candidates claimed was her shifting position on same-sex marriage.

"I support President Obama's recent announcement in support of marriage equality, and as a member of Congress, I will work to repeal DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act) and will co-sponsor the Respect for Marriage Act," Gabbard said.