Massachusetts Senate candidates trade sharp attacks in fiery debate as incumbent Markey skips event

By Fox News · Fox News

The two candidates seeking to unseat Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey sparred during a fiery debate Tuesday night, exchanging sharp attacks on a range of issues. Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton and Republican attorney John Deaton clashed over President Donald Trump , sanctuary policies, Israel and Markey himself, who did not attend the event. During the debate, Moulton heavily sought to tie Deaton to President Donald Trump — who remains deeply unpopular in the blue state of Massachusetts — despite the Republican candidate's insistence that he has never voted for the president. "You may say you're independent, you may say you haven't voted for him, but you're just going to enable his agenda," Moulton said, arguing that sending a Republican to Washington would be a mistake for Massachusetts voters. SETH MOULTON CLOSING GAP ON PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRAT ED MARKEY IN MASSACHUSETTS SENATE PRIMARY In response, Deaton said Massachusetts needs someone like him to "stand up for America and working people." "'F' the Republican Party . 'F' the Democrat Party — they all suck." Deaton said. The Republican candidate also slammed Markey for skipping Tuesday’s debate, calling him "too much of a coward to be here tonight." Moulton defended Markey, while still urging a "new generation of leadership." "He's not a coward — he's a lifelong public servant," Moulton said. "We should honor that service." DEM SENATOR, 79, DRAWS PRIMARY CHALLENGE FROM REP. SETH MOULTON Markey, who was first elected to the U.S. House in 1976, remains popular with the state’s most progressive voters. Moulton trails Markey in Democratic primary polling, while Deaton is widely viewed as the clear underdog in the race. The Republican previously lost to Sen. Elizabeth Warren two years ago in a Senate bid. On immigration, the candidates offered starkly different positions during the debate. Moulton advocated for the prosecution of ICE officials who carried out Trump's mass deportation agenda, while Deaton said the U.S. should…