Fiery words exchanged in senate debate

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The race for the 59th state senate seat is getting ugly, three candidates exchanged fiery comments in a final debate before the midterm elections on Tuesday.

Former East Aurora Mayor David DiPietro is once again taking aim at his opponent, former Erie County sheriff Patrick Gallivan.

In a debate hosted by WBEN's Dave Debo, DiPietro asked Gallivan to apologize.

"For calling me out saying that I made Bucky Phillips out as a folk hero by calling him Bucky and I took personal offense to that. The State report about Bucky Phillips refers to Pat Gallivan in negligence for the escape of Bucky Phillips and I want Gallivan to answer that report and he hasn't been because he has been ducking that report the whole campaign ," said Gallivan.

Gallivan, who says he could not attend the debate because of a family emergency responded over the phone.

Gallivan said, "People see through this, character is what counts. I have served the citizens I've honored the public trust my entire adult life."

Meantime, issues like medicaid also sparked a fiery debate between DiPietro and Wyoming County nurse Cynthia Appleton.

"We have to let medical professionals decide this we have to take it out of the hands of the politicians. We are talking about real people here and I disagree with my opponent ," said Appleton.

All three candidates say they support cutting taxes and bringing state spending under control.

"I look forward to honoring that if people honor me with their vote," added Gallivan.

"It's a fake a phony and a fraud and I'm tired of listening to Pat Gallivan" said DiPietro.

Appleton said, "I am the only candidate, despite me asking my other opponents,  representing the 59th district as my only job."

The winner of this race will be replacing Dale Volker, who has served in the same Senate district for 38 years