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Democrats Running For U.S. Senate Seat Spar Over Leadership During Tribune Editorial Board Debate

(CBS) -- The three Democrats running for incumbent Republican Mark Kirk's U.S. Senate seat had a mostly cordial debate today, but there were a few sparks, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.

The Democrats clashed before the Tribune's editorial board on leadership.

Andrea Zopp, former leader of the Chicago Urban League, said her opponents have been silent on the issue of police brutality until now. State Senator Napoleon Harris scoffed at that.

"It's easy to go on Twitter and Facebook and write a quote," Harris said. "That's not real getting out in front of the issues. Anybody can pen an open-ended document and say 'Hey I'm against this and I'm for this.'"

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Zopp fired back.

"Leadership is great but if it's uninformed or inexperienced, it can't get things done and the fact is, you have limited experience," she said.

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth says she's been working on criminal justice issues.

"I worked with John Marshall Law School and many justices who set up the jail diversion programs, to set up mental health programs," Duckworth.

They all agree more opportunities are needed.

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