{news} Norwich Bulletin on Deshefy's exclusion

[David Bedell]

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/homepage/x1272963745/Courtney-Sullivan-debating-in-New-London

Courtney, Sullivan spar on economy, defense

By MICHAEL GANNON
Norwich Bulletin
Posted Oct 07, 2008 @ 07:33 PM

New London, Conn. - The second-most watched debate in the region Tuesday
night featured the first formal exchange between U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney
D-2nd District, and his Republican challenger, Sean Sullivan.

More than 460 people came to the Garde Arts Center for the match-up of
Courtney, the freshman congressman, and Sullivan, the retired naval officer
and former commander of the Naval Submarine Base in Groton.

Both men focused primarily on the economy and their ability to deal with
military and defense issues.

Addressing U.S. debt, Courtney said  he would like to return to
pay-as-you-go budgeting rules that were used in the 1990s.

"Those brought chronic deficits to zero, and then resulted in a surplus," he
said. "We were in a very strong position. But the Bush administration has
thrown fiscal discipline out the window for the last six years, (including)
two wars with no way to pay for them."

He called several Bush tax cuts irresponsible.

Sullivan said the country must control spending.

"You stand here and blame all of this on President Bush," Sullivan said.
"But this year's budget is up $400 billion, and that's before the bailout.
And not one dime is spent by the president of the United States.

Courtney said he would bridge the gap between the wealthy and middle class
by investing in education. He touted his support for grant and loan programs
that make college more affordable, and the new G.I. Bill, which provides
more education benefits for veterans.

Sullivan, answering the same question, said he would do so by investing in
energy production in all forms, including more oil drilling, nuclear and
renewable sources.

On health care, Courtney criticized the White House for vetoing a bill that
would have provided health care to millions of children. Sullivan said
health care programs should be run by the states, even when funded by
federal programs.

On the Middle East, Sullivan favors using a naval strategy as the fight
shifts to Afghanistan, using sea-launched cruise missiles to hit terrorist
targets. Courtney favors inserting up to three more divisions of troops.

Green Party candidate G. Scott Deshefy was outside the theater, but will be
included in some of the remaining debates. He and other Green Party
candidates were rejected by the League of Women Voters, sponsors of Tuesday'
s debate, for a lack of fundraising and broad voter support.

"And they tell us freedom of speech is free," Deshefy supporter Andy Derr of
New London said.


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