Some military veterans in Ohio demanded an apology from one of the candidates in the Republican primary for the US Senate, who they said insulted them by saying he respects and honors the military. There was a heated argument during the debate among the five candidates for the GOP nomination to replace Rob Portman. The open seat is one of the best chances for Democrats to flip a seat. The debate became more intense as soon as Josh Mandel attacked Mike Gibbons. The two were yelling at each other on the debate stage, as the moderator tried to keep their argument from getting out of hand. Mandel accused Gibbons of making millions off stock in a Chinese company and Gibbons accused Mandel of not knowing how investments work. Gibbons charged that you have never been in the private sector. Mandel shouted after rising from his seat. Gibbons told him not to finish the sentence. Mandel countered that he was dealing with the wrong guy. J.D. Vance is a venture capitalist and author. Sit down. He sat in a row with the remaining candidates. Mandel drew loud applause from the crowd when he used the Marine Corps as a political football. Mike Gibbons and Josh Mandel get in each other’s faces at tonight’s GOP #OHSen forum hosted by FreedomWorks. “You watch what happens,” Mandel says. pic.twitter.com/fQuqfHxXHT
The veterans wrote an open letter saying they were disgusted beyond belief.
Gibbons owes Josh and all veterans an apology for implying that they never earned their way in the private sector.
Gibbons said that Mandel had started the physical aggression and made a number of false, untrue, and malicious comments in an attempt to tarnish the new front-runner.
Josh Mandel is flailing because he is losing and he is a professional.
Gibbons mentioned on the radio show that his son and daughter-in-law are both active-duty Navy pilots.
Gibbons told Frantz that whenever he questions Mandel's credentials on the economy, he always replies "I'm a Marine."
Josh risked his life for our country. He said that it was not the answer to every issue.
The Democrats predicted before the event that it would be the first of a brutal debate season.
The candidates met again for a debate on Monday and the tone was more civil. At one point, Mandel praised Gibbons for not saying whether he would support McConnell as Republican Senate leader.
Friday's confrontation was front and center. Mandel insisted that "Now is the time for fighters" and pledged to never back down from a fight.
Gibbons said the two had a disagreement.
I have nothing but respect for those who serve in the military. Josh has never worked in the private sector. He said that the military is not a private sector.
The other candidates tried to take advantage of the spat.
In a statement, he criticized Mandel for using his service and making a mockery of themselves.
I don't like when people use the Marine Corps as a political football.
Jane Timken, a candidate in the race, called the performance an embarrassment.
She said that if she had been their mother, she would have grounded them.
The first Democratic debate will take place on March 23.
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The Associated Press reporter contributed to the report.
We can be reached at letters@time.com.
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