TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Badly trailing in the polls, former Sen. George LeMieux tried to distinguish himself from Republican Senate frontrunner Rep. Connie Mack IV on federal spending, immigration and the United Nations.

The Florida Federation of Republican Women hosted a candidates forum Sunday with Mack, LeMieux and retired Army Col. Mike McCalister. Each hope to challenge Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson.

Mack and McCalister, speaking separately, didn't mention their opponents. LeMieux said Mack's proposal to cut 1 percent of the federal budget each year for six years doesn't go far enough. LeMieux also said he supports Arizona's immigration law while Mack opposed it.

LeMieux also called Mack's call to defund the United Nations a good "applause line," but one that doesn't make sense in reality. Mack didn't have an opportunity to respond.