The three Republican candidates looking to face off against Kirsten Gillibrand in November debated each other Tuesday night. Our Bobby Cuza has more the similarities and differences on the candidates' answers during the YNN debate.

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NEW YORK STATE -- The three Republican contenders for Kirsten Gillibrand's Senate seat showed Tuesday they have much in common, attacking Gillibrand and fellow Democrats for their so-called free-spending ways and playing up their fiscally conservative credentials.

"Anything that I've seen today in the Senate is increasing the national debt, increasing our spending and stifling job creation," said Joseph DioGuardi.

"One of the things I bring to this race is a 25 year record of working for Ronald Reagan and of writing conservative principles in the Wall Street Journal, in Forbes," said David Malpass.

Speaking of Ronald Reagan, all three said during the so-called lightning round they believe he's the best president of the last hundred years. All three also said Hillary Clinton has not done a good job as Secretary of State, all three support the death penalty and all three were critical of Gillibrand's push to repeal the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Surprisingly, they also all said Ed Cox has not done a good job as head of the state GOP.

But there were also clear divisions. While all three support the Zadroga bill to fund health care for 9/11 responders, there was disagreement on whether illegal immigrants should qualify.

"People who volunteered in the cleanup or volunteered in the rescue, I don't care if they're Martians. I'd give them the money," said Bruce Blakeman.

"My view is that illegal immigrants are probably not qualified for that particular kind of benefit," Malpass said.

Blakeman, who once served on the Nassau County legislature, did stand out from the crowd on several counts: He was the only candidate who said he's ever used illegal drugs, the only one who owns a gun and the only one who said he believes creationism should be taught in schools. He also had the eyebrow-raising moment of the night when asked to say something nice about Gillibrand.

"I think Kirsten Gillibrand is a attractive woman," Blakeman said.

"She's an attractive woman?" the panelist asked.

"She's attractive, bright woman, who I believe is a good mom," Blakeman replied.

DioGuardi, a former Westchester Congressman, has the backing of the state Conservative Party and leads the field in recent polls. But some of the sharpest barbs of the night came between Blakeman and Malpass, an economist who worked under both Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

"David, you advocated funding-giving more funding to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Do those tea party people know that?" Blakeman said.

"That's not true, Bruce," Malpass replied.

"Do they know you that advocated for gasoline tax?" Blakeman asked.

"You oversaw the biggest tax increase in Nassau County history," Malpass said.

Blakeman replied, "That's a lie. That is a lie."

Now it will be up to Republican voters to decide in the September 14th primary.