A near fist fight in the nasty Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Ohio led to a demand Monday from some military veterans…that one candidate apologize for his insult, while the target of their request says…he respects and honors the military but stands by his statement. The heated argument came during a debate among five candidates running for the GOP nomination to replace the retiring Republican Sen., Rob Portman. Democrats view the open seat as among their best chances to flip a seat nationally. The debate became intense almost as soon as it began as former state Treasurer Josh Mandel attacked investment banker Mike Gibbons’ business dealings in his opening remarks. Soon, the two were standing face to face on the debate stage, shouting at each other as the moderator tried to keep their argument from further escalating.