The 23rd Congressional race has been marked by negative attack ads. That acrimony, however, was not on display Wednesday night when the candidates, Republican Congressman Tom Reed and Democratic challenger Martha Robertson, debated at Olean High School.
Olean Times Herald reporter Chris Michel was on hand for the debate. He says the first question focused on the many attack ads that have littered the airwaves in recent months.
"Nobody wanted to direct responsibility necessarily" for the tone of the attack ads, Michel said.
Watch some of the debate here, courtesy of the Olean Times Hearld:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KKX1o0PBHo&feature=youtu.be
Instead, 90-minute debate contained a civil tone with both candidates trying to focus on their central messages.
"I would say there was no clear cut winner," Michel said.
"Either way, I don't think anybody lost or gained any voters last night."