N.C. candidates for U.S. Senate meet in debate

Republican Sen. Richard Burr, Democratic hopeful Elaine Marshall and Libertarian candidate Mike Beitler faced off on issues including health care reform. 

"We're going to have to do something, otherwise the increase in the demand for the services and a decrease in the supply means skyrocketing costs," Beitler said.

Burr stressed that he voted against health care reform.

"I was against it then. I'm against it today. I'd like to repeal it. I'd like to replace it with something that goes to addressing the cost of health care," he said.

Marshall said the reform is a start.

"It wasn't a pretty process, but it's a start. We now have the opportunity for more people to have health care," she said.

Wednesday's night debate was hosted by WNCN-TV and the League of Women Voters of North Carolina.

Burr and Marshall debated on Monday, laying out competing visions for how to rebuild the nation’s economy. Beitler was not invited to that event because surveys failed to show him with at least 10 percent support.

The candidates will square off again on Oct. 21 in a debate hosted by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters. The debate will be televised at 7 p.m. on WRAL.