Flake, Carmona squabble in Ariz. Senate debate

PHOENIX Republican Jeff Flake tried to tie Democratic Richard Carmona to President Barack Obama's policies during the first general-election debate for a U.S. Senate in Arizona.

In turn, Carmona charged in Wednesday's debate that Flake's opposition to special funding requests known as earmarks has hurt economic development.

Flake says Carmona is an "echo" of the Obama administration who believes that job creation is the job of the government, rather than private enterprise.

Carmona says business leaders have complained that Flake's opposition to earmarks for roads, public-works and water projects has hurt efforts to attract new businesses to Arizona.

Flake, Carmona and Libertarian Marc Victor are running for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Jon Kyl.