MISHAWAKA — The Republican and Democratic hopefuls for Indiana’s 2nd District U.S. House seat clashed in a debate here this evening, only days before voters weigh-in at the polls.

They repeated familiar messages from the campaign trail, with Republican Jackie Walorski touting her record as a member of the Indiana House and efforts by state lawmakers during her stint to control spending and battle a budget deficit. Democrat Brendan Mullen, a former member of the U.S. Army now running a consulting firm, touted his military and business experience and the need to end partisan bickering in Washington D.C.

The attacks from the two sides were also similar to what they have said on the campaign trail. Mullen denounced Walorski as a “professional” politician while Walorski linked Mullen to President Barack Obama and U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic lawmaker from California.

They were both vague at times, avoiding direct responses to the queries. On at least one occasion, Walorski broke the debate format, directly engaging Mullen.

It was the fourth debate in the race, sponsored by WSBT Radio and held in WSBT TV studios in Mishawaka. Mullen has taken part in all four debates, while this evening’s, which was televised, was Walorski’s second. She declined invites to two other debates.

Joe Ruiz, a Libertarian, is also running and he has taken part in three of the debates. He was not invited to the WSBT encounter.