The two candidates vying for a U.S. Senate seat in November plan to meet tonight in their first televised debate.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and Republican former Gov. Linda Lingle are scheduled to face off at 7 p.m. tonight on KHON in a debate co-sponsored by the Hawaii chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons.

If the debate follows the themes that have emerged during the race, Hirono will try to link Lingle with national Republicans and Mitt Romney, the presidential nominee trying to stop President Barack Obama from winning re-election.

Lingle will try to paint Hirono as a candidate who doesn’t understand the local or national issues she’d face decisions about as a U.S. Senator. She’ll also link Hirono with a Congress with an abysmal record and low approval ratings.