ATLANTA --- The five Democrats vying for the U.S. Senate sparred over campaign cash, their resumes and gay marriage in the first televised debate of the race Sunday night. Each sought to make the case that he's best equipped to take on Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss.

The candidates generally agreed on issues such as energy, education and health care. It was political contributions -- who's giving and who's getting -- that touched off some of the sharpest exchanges.

Two of the political newcomers -- former TV reporter Dale Cardwell and retired businessman Josh Lanier -- have refused to accept contributions from political action committees. As they have in two previous forums, both used the debate at Fox 5 TV in Atlanta to decry the influence of money in politics.

Their main target was former state lawmaker Jim Martin, who's being helped by large Democratic PACs.

Mr. Martin argued the best way to change politics was to sweep Mr. Chambliss and other Republicans out of Washington. To do that, you have to win, he said.

"I play by the rules that all candidates play by, certainly the rules that Saxby Chambliss plays by," Mr. Martin said.

He was interrupted by Mr. Lanier who said that argument is a poor excuse.

"Be the opposite of what we are complaining about and you will see change," Mr. Lanier said.

Mr. Cardwell found his investigative reporting credentials under fire from two candidates who have been the focus of his stories while at WSB-TV.

"Obviously his factual reports have not been factual," DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones said.

Mr. Martin blasted Mr. Cardwell for a story questioning computer troubles at the state Department Human Resources when he was commissioner.

Mr. Cardwell defended his reporting as fair and accurate and said Georgians will vote for him because they trust him.

Mr. Jones faced questions over his votes in 2000 and 2004 for President Bush.

"In 2004, what was it you liked most about him?" Mr. Lanier asked, mentioning his tax cuts for the wealthy and Iraq war spending.

Mr. Jones didn't answer the question directly but instead invoked Mr. Bush's strength after Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Mr. Jones spent much of the debate talking up his experience as an executive leading Georgia's second-largest county,

Businessman Rand Knight said Mr. Jones has spent the county into debt.

"I don't think you've ever met a bond issue you didn't like," Mr. Knight said.

Mr. Jones used the salvo to rebuke Mr. Knight -- a first-time candidate -- for his lack of experience.

He labeled Mr. Knight "someone who will talk the talk but has never had to walk the walk."

The last question of the night asked candidates whether they favored same-sex marriage. Mr. Knight and Mr. Lanier said yes; Mr. Martin, Mr. Jones and Mr. Cardwell said no.