A panel of journalists questioning the candidates includes moderator Randy Shandobil, political editor for KTVU; Carla Marinucci, senior political writer for the San Francisco Chronicle; Scott Shafer, host of KQED's "The California Report Magazine"; and Pilar Marrero, senior political reporter and blogger for La Opinion.

Live blog of the debate, in reverse chronological order:

7:59 - Both candidates were highly critical of each other and stayed close to their campaign messages. Tune in to The California Report tomorrow as we examine each candidate's answers.

7:56 - Boxer says that she wants to bring jobs back to America and emphasizes the differences between her and Fiorina.

7:54 - Fiorina pledges that she will fight to return American to its roots as a place where all people can start their own business and succeed.

7:52 - The debate moves to closing statements.

7:50 - Fiorina says that she supports individuals on the no-fly list being able to carry guns onto aircraft. Boxer responds that only pilots should have guns on aircraft. The question was in response to a statement Fiorina made during the primary debate.

7:47 - The debate moves back to farms. Fiorina argues that Boxer has voted against family farms, hurt Central Valley farmers by not helping to send water and by voting for death taxes.

7:41 - When asked about Prop. 23, Fiorina responds that the government needs to fund research and development, and that "we cannot put bills in place that would punish energy intensive groups like farming." Boxer says that Fiorina has to take a stand one way or another on AB 32, and that by not supporting renewables in California she is sending jobs to China and India. Track both candidates records on Climate Watch.

7:34 - When asked about whether she would overturn Roe v. Wade Fiorina avoids the question by saying that she believes the most important question right now is about jobs. She speaks about how she supports adult stem-cell research. When pressed by the moderator she responds that she does not have the power to overturn the law, but if she could she would because she believes it limits states' rights.

Boxer uses the question to say that she supports a woman's right to choose, and then moves on to say that she has pushed more than four bills through the Senate. Both candidates are frequently going off-topic to repeat campaign themes.

7:30 - Fiorina affirms her support of Proposition 8, because it represents the will of California voters. Boxer says that the system of checks and balances is alive and well, and that the courts should have the power to review cases involving American civil liberties.

7:29 - From the press room: Fiorina's campaign is handing out "Debate Fact Checks" to reporters.

7:26 - Boxer apologizes to Brigadier General Michael Walsh for the incident in which she asked him to call her "senator" instead of "ma'am" during a Senate hearing. Watch the moment.

7:23 - Another viewer asks about Fiorina's severance check. Fiorina argues that she put her pay up to the stakeholders. Boxer reminds the audience that Fiorina was fired, and assets that Fiorina fired workers and that Fiorina has spoken out against all proposed bills that would support workers.

7:19 - A former H-P worker calls in and asks about the jobs lost and sent offshore during Fiorina's term there. Fiorina argues that other states and nations give companies tax incentives to bring U.S. companies abroad. She proposes that the U.S. should create more economic zones and tax breaks to companies that hire American workers.

7:15 - On immigration Fiorina argues that Boxer has voted against guest worker programs that are needed to keep California on the forefront of technology. Boxer shoots back that Fiorina called immigration a "distraction" and the she does not want to deal with the problem. Track Boxer's voting record.

7:05 - Fiorina begins by emphasizing her corporate experience, and how she worked her way up from being a secretary. Boxer responds with her support of unions and the common worker.

6:55 - Supporters of both Boxer and Fiorina are outside St. Mary's College in Moraga. Some people are also protesting that the debate is not open to the public, and another group is upset that a Green Party candidate was not allowed to take part in the debate. From KTVU and Lamorinda Patch.

6:44 - Some background numbers:
Republican Carly Fiorina will have to win over independent voters to win the election. In California there are 7.5 million registered Democrats, 5.2 million Republicans, and 3.4 million independents.

Senator Barbara Boxer won the 2006 election by nearly 2.4 million votes. Current polling is about even for each candidate though.

5:58 - KQED's Cy Musiker talks to Barbara O'Connor, director emeritus of the Institute for the Study of Politics and the Media at Sacramento State, about what each candidate needs to say to reach voters. Read more