Bill Owens and Matt Doheny argued about extending Bush era tax cuts for the wealthy during a televised debate in Plattsburgh Tuesday night.

WPTZ, the NBC affiliate in Plattsburgh, hosted the candidates for New York's 21st Congressional District. It was the third debate of the campaign.

Unlike the first two debates, Doheny and Owens were allowed to question each other, which led to the night's liveliest exchange.

Owens cited Doheny's support for extending tax cuts for the wealthy and asked, "How are you going to pay for that?"

Doheny shot back, pointing out Owens voted twice for the same tax cuts.

Owens acknowledged he did, but said he did it only to "avoid a catastrophe."

"It makes no sense to raise taxes on our job creators," Doheny responded.

Doheny said he's reduce "corporate welfare" and cited government support for the failed solar energy company Solyndra as an example of what should be cut.

Asked about spending and the deficit, Owens said efforts to cut spending should "be bipartisan and it has to be based on the facts, not ideology."

Doheny told Owens "Your answer continues to say government is the answer. You know what Mr. Congressman? A lot of times you and your friends are not the solution."

Owens also appeared to change one of his positions slightly. Tuesday night, He said 'means testing' could be considered for Social Security. At a debate in early September, he rejected the idea of means testing as premature in dealing with Social Security's long term financial problems.

In general, 'means testing' suggests higher income earners would get less in Social Security.

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An awful lot of money is being spent to unseat Owens, according to the Sunlight Foundation, a good government group.

The Foundation reports $1.2 million is being spent by third party groups against Owens, compared to $288,000 being spent by third party groups against Doheny.

Brian Amaral of the Watertown Times first noted the Foundation's report, and contributes anoher valuable insight as well; Owens out-fundraised Doheny in the July-August-September period,