ST. LOUIS • Sparks flew Friday night at the first of two weekend debates between U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan and Republican challenger Ed Martin.

Martin hammered Carnahan on the discovery last week that his brother's wind energy firm was awarded $107 million in stimulus funds. Carnahan struck back with "Memogate," a Jefferson City scandal over e-mail records that transpired when Martin was chief of staff to then-Gov. Matt Blunt.

Carnahan wasted no time in going after Martin, citing a report by a Washington watchdog group that named Martin one of the most "crooked candidates" in 2010.

Martin landed on the list for firing an attorney for Blunt who raised issues over the governor's office policy on e-mail retention. The state later settled with the lawyer — now running for Congress in southwest Missouri — for $500,000.

"He wants to do for Washington what he did for Jefferson City," Carnahan said.

Martin did not address the controversy from the stage but was hardly shy about sending barbs his opponent's way.

In addition to raising questions about Tom Carnahan's aid from the stimulus bill — a bill that Russ Carnahan backed in Congress — Martin also criticized Carnahan's support of the bank bailout bill.

Martin referenced another Carnahan sibling, Democratic Senate nominee Robin Carnahan, who has criticized the $700 billion rescue legislation.

"As your sister said, we didn't put accountability into our bailout," Martin said.

Carnahan criticized Martin for ownership of oil stocks revealed on personal financial disclosure forms. The stock, in Chevron and Exxon Mobil, was a gift to his wife from her deceased grandmother, Martin replied.

"Shame on you, Congressman Carnahan," Martin said.

While the district, which stretches from the Mississippi River to Jefferson County, has been considered a safe Democratic seat, Martin has kept pace with Carnahan's fundraising.

Martin is hoping to seize on a political atmosphere in which many incumbent Democrats are sweating tough races.

Friday's debate was organized by the League of Women Voters and held at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park. The crowd was mostly tranquil, except for a smattering of boos during Carnahan's closing statement.

Carnahan opponents have been far rowdier at other events.

The forum also featured Nicholas Ivanovich, the Constitution Party nominee. A fourth candidate, from the Libertarian Party, was not at the debate — he had to work, according to the moderator.

A second and final debate is scheduled for Sunday night in Arnold.