The event itself was short and sweet — about 20 to 25 minutes — but Democrat Mark Critz and Republican Keith Rothfus squared off Wednesday night to debate the issues in the D-12 U.S. Rep. race at Penn State Beaver. And thanks to the magic of the Internet, you can view the video yourself right here.

The race is very hotly contested as Republicans see the opportunity to unseat a Democrat incumbent and have spared no expense in trying to do so.

The two will meet Tuesday in an hour-long, more in-depth debate on the Pitt-Johnstown campus in the heart of Critz country.

Wednesday's debate was sponsored by the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce and also featured a pivotal state Senate race between Republican incumbent Elder Vogel and Democrat challenger Kim Villella, who we highlighted in a story last month.