TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Republican Senator Jim Inhofe and Democratic challenger Andrew Rice are to meet later today for their first -and possibly only - debate.

The 45-minute debate is to begin at 5:15 this afternoon in Tulsa and will be aired by KJRH Channel 2.

Before today the two have largely traded barbs in television ads.

Rice says Inhofe has been in Washington too long and has a record of blocking legislation that would promote alternative energy sources to ease dependence on foreign oil.

Inhofe says Rice is too liberal for Oklahoma voters and bills himself as a stubborn advocate for the state's interests.

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