ABERDEEN, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The two candidates challenging Senator Mike Rounds for the U.S. Senate seat held a forum/debate on Wednesday.  Turn SD Purple organized the forum.  The two candidates are the Democrat, Julian Beaudion, and Independent, Brian Bengs.

Both candidates went after Senator Mike Rounds but Bengs also took the opportunity to challenge Beaudion on why he’s remaining in the race.  Bengs talks about the amount of fundraising done by the two candidates.

Beaudion defended it by proclaiming since his candidacy that this was a grass root campaign.

Bengs also discussed his internal polling showing that he’s more competitive against Senator Rounds than Beuadion.

Beuadion acknowledged that he’s not shown polling data but has spoken to South Dakotans in person.

Beaudion talked about how he will build coalition if elected to the Senate.

Bengs talked about how he’s working in conjunction with other independents across the country to prevent either Republicans or Democrats from gaining a majority.

Beaudion is committed to let democracy play itself out despite pressure being put on him to withdraw.

Bengs admit that if both candidates remain in the race in November, Senator Rounds will win.

General election is on Tuesday, November 3rd.