Republican U.S. Rep. Mia Love and Democrat Doug Owens used their first and likely only debate this year to spar over the congresswoman's use of taxpayer-funded congressional mailing services.
The Monday night debate between Love and Owens also touched on climate change, education and the presidential race, but both candidates kept circling back to mailers that Love sent to her district.
Owens said Love wasted taxpayer money for spending about $300,000 from her congressional office budget on mailers, more than any other member of Utah's delegations spent on mail to their constituents.
Love defended the mail as a legal, practical way to communicate with her district. She also says her office saved money elsewhere by having fewer staff members.
Love is facing her first re-election battle this year after defeating Owens, a Salt Lake City attorney, two years ago.
