SANDPOINT - When a right-leaning independent and an established Democrat get together to debate the issues facing Idahoans, verbal fireworks should ensue, but the exchanges between U.S. Senate candidates Rex Rammell and Larry LaRocco were downright congenial when they met in Sandpoint Wednesday.

Without question, the duo saved their harshest barbs for the conspicuously absent Republican candidate, Lt. Gov. Jim Risch, who leads in the polls to replace outgoing Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho.

Risch might not have had a physical presence at the debate, but with a space at table saved for him, a placard bearing his name and a glass of water and microphone waiting for him, it could be said that the former Idaho governor was there in spirit.

Despite his absence, both Rammell and LaRocco took shots at Risch on issues ranging from his tax policy to what they perceive and his lack of transparency and forthrightness.

Ryan White, finance director for the Risch campaign, said his candidate chose not to attend the debate because it was set up by the LaRocco camp to favor the Democratic challenger. White said Risch has agreed to attend multiple debates before the election.

The second of a scheduled 10 statewide debates, Wednesday's event was moderated by North Idaho College political science professor Tony Stewart, who gave both candidates ample opportunity to share their viewpoints on a host of hot-button issues like immigration, taxes and campaign financing.

As the duo settled into the debate, it was clear that each had a set of pet issues they wanted to expand on. On several occasions Rammell came back to ideas of personal freedom and how he feels the federal government has overstepped its bounds, saying he reacts like a caged mountain lion when his rights are taken from him.

He also had sharp criticism for what he sees as the federal government's disregard for the Constitution.

"Please, someone, find where it says in the Constitution that the federal government has jurisdiction over education," Rammell said. "I promise all of Idaho that, if elected, I will be a strict constitutionalist, as I understand it."

Rammell's passion for individual freedom was matched by LaRocco's passion for creating a more bipartisan government and a better health care system. LaRocco called the rising cost of health care unsustainable and argued that the country needed to make radical changes.

"I want an affordable, quality health care plan, and I think we can get there if we work across the aisle," LaRocco said.

LaRocco also took aim at Risch and Republican presidential nominee John McCain, saying both men have a similar deficiencies in their health care plans.

"I can summarize McCain's plan in three words: Don't get sick," LaRocco said.

Though they hold vastly different political and ideological viewpoints, LaRocco and Rammell refrained from challenging each other on most issues, which led Steward to joke about how  cordial the pair were.

Acknowledging how well the two get along, Rammell even joked that he and LaRocco should both be elected to the Senate.

"It's too bad Larry and I can't go (to the Senate) together," Rammell said. "Maybe we could actually get something done."