Ben Cayetano went after Sen. Dan Inouye in last night’s mayoral debate, and this morning the senator’s office has a response of sorts.

Here’s what Cayetano said:

Senator Inouye has been listening to the government. He’s never listened to the people …  Senator Inouye is up at the 30,000-foot level, dealing with national and international affairs. The senator should take time to go down to McDonald’s and talk to the retirees. … He’s out of touch, as far as I’m concerned. I respect Senator Inouye. He’s done a lot for our country and for our state, but you shouldn’t defer to him. Respect him, but not defer. What are you guys, potted plants? You’re elected to make decisions.

Peter Boylan, Inouye’s deputy chief of staff, sent this statement over via email a few minutes ago:

Comments that mean-spirited and negative really don’t deserve a response. No comment.