Democratic Senate candidates debate

TAMPA - Contenders for the Democratic nomination for Florida's U.S. Senate seat spent the morning throwing proverbial grenades at one another, engaged in a testy debate in South Florida.

Kendrick Meek and Jeff Greene squared off in West Palm Beach. The 90-minute debate was broadcast via the Internet, not television.

"We are failing and failing and failing," Greene said in his opening statement.

Greene quickly attacked Meek, saying Meek contributed to the subprime mortgage meltdown with his votes in the U.S. House, "causing the worst housing crisis in the nation's history."

Meek later responded with an accusation that Greene bet against the housing market using complex investments and made a lot of money doing so.

"You made millions of dollars on the backs and the misery of Floridians and people in California," Meek said. "You wanted to profit."

Meek also accused Greene of running a Republican-style campaign, noting that Greene has previously run for Congress as a Republican.

"Unlike my opponent, I have been a Democrat all of my life," Meek said. "I think it is very important for Democrat voters to pick a true leader."

Meek is a Miami congressman and a former state legislator. Greene is a wealthy developer who has quickly gained traction with voters by way of a self-funded advertising blitz.

A Quinnipiac University poll released on June 10 revealed a dead heat: Greene and Meek were essentially tied, with 29 percent of voters choosing Meek and 27 percent picking Greene.

FOX 13's Chris Chmura will have a full wrap-up of the debate tonight on the FOX 13 5 o'clock News.