Feisty debate draws tight Senate contest toward judgment day

ATLANTA - With tensions high in a razor-thin race that could determine Senate control, incumbent Democrat Max Cleland and Republican challenger Saxby Chambliss expanded on their biting television ads Sunday night with a spirited final debate. <br> <br> Polls show the candidates neck-and-neck heading into Tuesday&#39;s election and they used the debate to trade barbs about their congressional voting records and deflect allegations that have flooded the airwaves in recent weeks. <br> <br> There was little new ground unveiled in the debate, also including Libertarian Sandy Claude Thomas, which was broadcast live on Georgia public television stations. However, the tone reflected the closeness of the battle, with Cleland often intervening to ``correct the record,&#39;&#39; and the Chambliss suggesting at times Cleland had forgotten about key votes. <br> <br> Terrorism was discussed briefly, and a potential war with Iraq was mentioned, but the bulk of the clash focused on divisive domestic issues such as Social Security, prescription drugs, tax cuts and education. <br> <br> Chambliss denied claims in Cleland&#39;s television ads that he supports privatization of Social Security and voted to eliminate the Department of Education. <br> <br> Cleland says he is pushing for major prescription drug relief for seniors, but Chambliss pointed out he doesn&#39;t have a way to pay for it. <br> <br>