The candidates in the race for Nassau County district attorney participated in a live debate Wednesday night on News 12 Long Island.

Acting District Attorney Madeline Singas is being challenged in the race by Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray.

It did not take long for the opponents to take off the gloves.

"My opponent has never won an office before," Murray said. "She has never had any executive experience. And the bottom line is, that's exactly what the district attorney is all about."

Singas fired back by saying, "My opponent has exaggerated her skill set... She has never prosecuted a case. She wouldn't know a good prosecutor if one smacked her in the face."

The two then sparred over the issue of domestic violence. Murray criticized Singas' handling of a 2006 case, claiming the prosecutor coddled a political staffer in her inner circle who had abuse allegations against him. Singas said the only person who accused that man of domestic violence was Murray herself.

The candidates also went toe to toe on issues including public corruption, gun violence and the war on heroin.

Singas assumed DA duties following Rep. Kathleen Rice's election to Congress. Previously, she had worked as a prosecutor for more than two decades.

Murray has served as Hempstead's town supervisor since 2003.