{news} Norwich Bulletin covers Scott Deshefy in Lebanon debate

[David Bedell]

http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/x502302194/2nd-Congressional-District-rivals-focuson-energy-economy
Race for Congress: 2nd District rivals focus on energy, economy
Courtney, Sullivan, Deshefy square off in debate

By MICHAEL GANNON
Norwich Bulletin
Posted Oct 15, 2008 @ 03:00 AM

Lebanon, Conn. - The economy and energy took center stage Tuesday night at a
debate featuring the three candidates for Congress in Connecticut's 2nd
District.

The debate at Lyman Memorial High School was sponsored by the Lebanon
Business Association. It was the first time incumbent Democrat Joe Courtney
and Republican Sean Sullivan faced Green Party candidate G. Scott Deshefy.

Both main topics came up in the first question about market speculation,
which has been blamed for driving the cost of oil higher than $140 per
barrel this summer, and how they would control it if elected.

Courtney said he supports measures to eliminate speculation, pointing to
2001 legislation that permitted speculation in the energy markets.

"Commodities markets were never meant to be investment markets," he said.
"They were intended to let farmers get a fair price for their crops."

Sullivan said he wants to see a special prosecutor go after any fraud or
illegal activity. He said markets absent of fraud police themselves,
pointing to oil having fallen to $80 per barrel in recent weeks, leaving
many speculators overextended.

"Those with $145 oil futures can't sell them," he said. "They've been
punished."

Deshefy would eliminate speculation on many commodities and tighten
regulations from 2004 that allowed investment banks to expand significantly
their permitted activities.

All of the candidates favor investment in alternative energy sources, though
Deshefy is steadfastly opposed to expanding nuclear power.

On Social Security and Medicare, Deshefy said resources have to be
reallocated.
"We need to eliminate earmarks and corporate welfare," he said. "We need to
reduce bloated military spending by 20 to 25 percent."

All of them favored a variety of measures to help small businesses,
including tax breaks.
Courtney and Sullivan favor allowing small businesses and the self-employed
to join pools to purchase health insurance, though Deshefy supports a
universal single-payer insurance system.

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Other issues

Alternative energy: Sullivan said oil drilling and nuclear are necessary to
bridge the time and technology gaps to make alternatives cost-effective.
Courtney and Deshefy said the changeover will not be as long or as costly as
he claims.

Iraq/Afghanistan: All support withdrawing troops from Iraq as quickly as
possible, though they differ on timelines. Courtney wants more troops in
Afghanistan. Sullivan wants to fight a sea-based campaign. Deshefy would
vote against any further funding of Iraq operations.

Education: Courtney touts new laws to make more money for college available
through grants and low-cost loans. Sullivan wants to force colleges to check
cost increases. Deshefy favors a Green Corps in which students would work on
green energy projects for one to two years in return for the government
paying their college tuition.

Illegal immigration: Deshefy would increase protection for immigrants who
are mistreated by employers. Courtney wants to reform the existing system.
Sullivan calls for enforcement of existing laws.