For voters in this year's District 17 Senate race, decisions in the Democratic primary could come down to style, not substance.

Cheryl Kagan, a former state delegate, and state Sen. Jennie Forehand (D-Dist. 17) nearly mirror each other on the issues. Both also believe their unique approach is the right way to get the job done.

For Kagan that means establishing herself as an advocate who will fight for Montgomery County's needs in Annapolis at a time when, she said, the Senate looks at the county as its "piggy bank."

"It's about effectiveness," Kagan said. "I have the best of both worlds because I have the experience of an insider and the perspective of an outsider."

Forehand is banking on 32 years of legislative experience as a delegate and senator. She said the trust she's built with state legislators and local stakeholders can't be matched.

"I think nice can be effective," Forehand said. "My leadership is really established."

The two debated face-to-face for the first time early Tuesday morning, in a taping of Montgomery Municipal Cable's "Political Pulse." Montgomery Municipal Cable's "Political Pulse" will air at 9 p.m. Thursday, at 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on channel 16 for Comcast, Verizon Fios and RCN subscribers.

During the taping, host Charles Duffy focused questions on trying to differentiate between the candidates, who conceded they have similar policy standpoints. They both support the Intercounty Connector, oppose county funding of teacher pensions and support closing the "LLC loophole." That loophole allows companies to elude campaign finance laws and donate significant sums to candidates.

A Senate bill passed last session would force counties to contribute 50 percent to their own public school teachers' pensions. The legislation stalled in the House of Delegates but figures to be a significant issue during the election and next year's legislative session.

"I used to be a teacher. I can relate to what teachers are dealing with," Forehand said.

Kagan agreed.

"This is a bright line that no Montgomery County legislator should cross," Kagan said. "It's a shame that our delegation is split on this."

Forehand pointed to her work on the first human trafficking bill and said she has a list of firsts. She also openly accepted being characterized as "grandmotherly."

"I've been standing up and speaking up on a lot of issues," Forehand said. "Grandmothers are wise and life experiences are very important in Annapolis."

Kagan, however, said Forehand is out of touch with voters because she has mostly run uncontested.

"A lot of voters have never met the senator, she hasn't had a challenger," Kagan said.

Forehand disagreed.

"I haven't had to knock on doors," Forehand said. "But I'm at every event in Rockville. I'm at the schools. I meet with everyone."

One thing for certain is that the two have fallen out of touch with each other. At one time, Kagan referred to Forehand as her mentor. Just before taping began, the women apologized to one another.

"I didn't get to wish you happy anniversary," Kagan said.

Forehand responded immediately. "Thank you. I know I missed your birthday."

Kagan said she'll be ready on day one.

"I can hit the ground running, I know the players and I have the perspective," Kagan said.

Montgomery Municipal Cable's "Political Pulse" will air at 9 p.m. Thursday, at 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on channel 16 for Comcast, Verizon Fios and RCN subscribers.