ALTOONA -- Tensions erupted last night after the Republican U.S. Senate debate when the news media ring became a boxing ring.

Incumbent Arlen Specter and state Rep. Stephen Freind met live at 7:30 p.m. in the WTAJ-TV 10 studios in Altoona.

After the 30-minute televised statewide debate, emotions were raw and campaign tactics were questioned.

At a post-debate briefing, the candidates were allotted 10 minutes to address the news media. Separately.

But party rivals' paths overlapped and they soon found themselves in the midst of more than harsh words.

While Specter was finishing his post-debate remarks, a loud banging was heard on the studio door.

Dan McKenna, Specter's press secretary, opened the door to find Freind and his supporters. He then closed the door and locked it.

Freind's driver, Liam Smyth, was in the room when McKenna locked the door.

When Smyth approached the door to unlock it, he and McKenna threw punches at each other. Security guards had to restrain Smyth.

"He started punching me," McKenna said. "I was trying to restrain Freind from coming in when I got the first six punches."

But Smyth said that McKenna threw the first punch.

"I was physically attacked," Smyth said, adding that he saw McKenna push Freind supporters when they tried to enter the room.

Both candidates used the scuffle to illustrate and highlight their concerns.

Specter questioned Freind's management of the issues and his ethics, saying the debate was the most unpleasant political exchange he ever had.

"My opponent pursues the politics of attack," Specter said. "I spent 90 percent of my time on issues; Freind spent 70 percent of his time on attack."

Specter said he regretted that Freind's behavior prevented the state electorate from understanding the issues.

Freind, R-Delaware, said he achieved his primary strategy.

"I exposed Arlen Specter -- tonight I won the election," Freind said.

Freind said never encouraged an assault and was not to blame for the fight. He had every right to enter the room, he said.

"His 10 minutes were up," Freind said. "All I wanted to do was get in the door. I simply knocked, I did not pound on the door."

But WTAJ General Manager Rick Reeves, who was standing by the door, called Freind a liar.

"Freind and his people pushed their way through three different employees," Reeves said, adding that it was Freind who pounded on the door.