Toomey & McGinty In Rematch Debate Following Clinton Endorsement

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It was an argumentative first debate on KDKA-TV last Monday with attacks between Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey and Democratic challenger Katie McGinty.

"While sitting on that Banking Committee, he pushed a totally anti-consumer agenda, and the senator's own bank was engaged in such predatory behavior that it is illegal in 30-plus states," McGinty said of Toomey's bank ownership.

"When she funneled money to a firm that had her husband on the payroll, the state ethics commission ruled unanimously that that conduct was a violation of Pennsylvania ethics law," retorted Toomey.

They go at it again in Philadelphia at Temple University Monday evening, just after Hillary Clinton urged supporters to back McGinty.

"I hope you will do everything you can to elect Katie McGinty your next senator," Clinton told a packed gym at Taylor Alderdice High School in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Clinton said she needed McGinty in the Senate.

"Katie will help us break through the gridlock, actually make a difference in people's lives."

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And she attacked Toomey by name, the only Republican senator left running for reelection who has not said whether he's voting for or against Donald Trump.

"He heard him say terrible things about women. He heard him spread the lie that our first black president wasn't really born in America," said Clinton.

"Now how much more does Pat Toomey need to hear?"

While the McGinty campaign is ecstatic with Hillary Clinton's public support for McGinty, some Republican strategists say this could backfire in western Pennsylvania and really help Pat Toomey.

"I think Hillary Clinton's strong endorsement of Katie McGinty shows us that Katie McGinty is going to be a rubber stamp for Hillary Clinton, said Republican strategist Mike DeVanney.

DeVanney says Toomey is the true independent in this race.

"Southwestern Pennsylvanians want someone who is going to be independent and who is going to fight for them. In the last six years in the U.S. Senate, Pat Toomey has demonstrated he's that kind of person.."

That's something more for the candidates to debate on Monday night!