Newark, Delaware (CNN) -- A feisty Christine O'Donnell attacked her Democratic opponent but also stumbled in Wednesday's debate with Chris Coons in their election battle for Delaware's U.S. Senate seat held for nearly four decades by Vice President Joe Biden. The highly anticipated showdown between two candidates considered surprise contenders featured O'Donnell displaying her conservative credentials that gained Tea Party backing while Coons, put on the defensive at times, generally backed Democratic policies favored by President Barack Obama. O'Donnell's primary victory over a veteran mainstream Republican candidate last month shook up the GOP establishment, with party strategist Karl Rove even questioning her qualifications. Now trailing badly according to the latest polls, she appeared nervous at the start but quickly went on the attack, accusing Coons of raising taxes and offering a "rubber stamp" to Obama administration policies if elected.
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NEW: O'Donnell backs more state powers on social issues
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NEW: Coons criticizes O'Donnell for comment on food stamp recipients
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Candidates spar on issues on CNN debate
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O'Donnell expresses conservative views; Coons takes mostly liberal stances
Chris Coons
Coons
Coons
Coons
Coons
"Most of them are untrue," @placeholder said of claims about him on her campaign website.
Republican
GOP
O'Donnell backed @placeholder positions such as calling for tax cuts and spending cuts to balance the budget, and she repeatedly said tough social issues such as abortion rights and teaching creation theory in public schools should be state or local issues instead of federal decisions.
Christine O'Donnell
O'Donnell
O'Donnell
O'Donnell
O'Donnell
O'Donnell
"Oh gosh, give me a specific one," she said, and when told the question required her come up with cases, @placeholder responded, "I'm sorry," and promised to put the information up later on her website.
Christine O'Donnell
O'Donnell
O'Donnell
O'Donnell
O'Donnell
O'Donnell
However, @placeholder enjoys a lead in campaign cash, which is one reason both President Barack Obama and Biden are coming to Delaware on Friday to help Coons raise money.
Christine O'Donnell
O'Donnell
O'Donnell
O'Donnell
O'Donnell
O'Donnell
@placeholder, 41, ran unsuccessfully for Senate twice before, in 2006 and 2008.
U.S. Senate
O'Donnell, 41, ran unsuccessfully for @placeholder twice before, in 2006 and 2008.