CONCORD, N.H. -- The New Hampshire candidates for U.S. Senate stayed on the attack Tuesday, in a campaign that has grown increasingly negative.

Four weeks away from Election Day, polls have shown a close race between Republican Sen. John Sununu and Democratic challenger Jeanne Shaheen.

On Tuesday, Sununu held an invitation-only discussion with reporters to talk about his six years in the Senate and how he knew an economic crisis was coming before it hit. He also criticized former Gov. Shaheen.

"She's shown no consistency and very poor judgment on important issues like taxes and energy, and I think that's the distinction and choice we're going to continue to see over the final four weeks of this campaign," Sununu said.

Shaheen said that voters should be looking more carefully at Sununu's record.

"His goal is to divert attention from that record and keep people from thinking about the failed policies he's supported," she said.

Sununu focused on his support of the recently passed $700 billion bailout bill.

"At the end of the day, although this is not a perfect bill, I think it's necessary," Sununu said. "The alternative is to stand by and do nothing, and that's basically what Jeanne Shaheen has proposed."

Shaheen said she had specific objections to the bill and thought it wasn't in taxpayers' best interests.

"I think John Sununu is desperate," Shaheen said. "He is having trouble defending a bill that doesn't provide taxpayer protections and doesn't provide accountability in the market going forward."

The attacks have been showing up on the airwaves, as well. Sununu's campaign showed a new ad to reports on Tuesday that, once again, attacks Shaheen.

Last week, political analysts said the race is so tight that the negative ads are needed to create a distinction between the two candidates.