The first and only debate for Florida's U.S. Senate race took place Wednesday night. Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson faced off against Republican challenger Connie Mack at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. The debate covered the candidates' congressional records, foreign policy and the economy.

Florida now leads the nation in foreclosures. Nelson says some programs are working to reverse the housing crisis.

"These mortgages that were held by Fannie and Freddie are now being refinanced so that the homeowner, the typical homeowner on a $200,000 mortgage will be able to save a total of $5000 a year in interest", said Nelson.

Mack pointed to the Dodd-Frank bill passed to reform Wallstreet and protect consumers as one item slowing the housing recovery.

"You know, we talk about small businesses, the housing market-- it's really quite simple", Mack said. "Small banks want to lend money. But if you put Dodd-Frank on top of them, they're afraid you're going to put them out of business."

A recent poll from the Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald and the Tampa Bay Times shows Nelson leading Mack by 5 percentage points.