McMahon, Murphy Tangle Over Abortion Rights

Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy is accusing his Republican opponent in the Connecticut Senate race of not supporting abortion rights, despite her repeated claims that she's a "pro-choice woman."

Murphy pointed on Thursday to support Linda McMahon has received from anti-abortion advocates and her stance on abortion-related issues, including her support of a failed amendment that would have allowed businesses to forgo health insurance coverage for contraception.

McMahon has said the proposed amendment to the federal health care bill was an overreach by government. On Thursday, she reiterated her support for abortion rights and said she wouldn't do anything to hurt women and their health care.

Both candidates said they believe life begins at birth.

The two faced off in their fourth and final debate, sponsored by the Connecticut Broadcasters Association.

Polls have shown a tight race for the seat currently held by U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, an independent who is retiring. A UConn/Hartford Courant poll released Thursday shows Murphy holding a slight 44 percent to 38 percent lead over McMahon among likely voters.