Politics & Government

On the Attack: Blumenthal, McMahon Face Off in First Debate

U.S. Senate hopefuls square off in Hartford.

Editor's Note: To view where candidates stand on topics relevant to Westport, and to add your comments, click here for the 2010 Patch Voter Guide.

The first debate between U.S. Senate hopefuls Richard Blumenthal and Linda McMahon took place Monday night at the Bushnell Theatre in Hartford, and it was anything but pleasant.

Both candidates did what they could expose the other's flaws — whether it was the Democrat Blumenthal's exaggeration of his military service or WWE's history of steroid use among its wrestlers under Republican McMahon's direction — in tones that were at times biting and sarcastic.

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When the candidates were asked to address what they would do to stimulate the struggling economy, Blumenthal pointed out that when asked by reporters whether the minimum wage should be reduced, McMahon responded that she "would have to look into it."

"I would never say such a thing," Blumenthal said. "My answer would have been 'No, absolutely not. We will not cut the minimum wage. People are struggling economically in our state, in our nation.' "

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In her rebuttal, McMahon vehemently denied that her response to reporters meant that she was advocating for a reduction in the minimum wage, but that she, in fact, would be looking for ways to increase it. "That's a mischaracterization," she said. "And I just won't stand for that."

The two also disagreed on whether political experience trumped entrepreneurial experience — or vice versa — when it came to increasing the amount of jobs in both the state and the country.

Blumenthal, the longtime Connecticut Attorney General, ran down a list of companies that he stood up to on behalf of its employees when they wanted to downsize and described how, over the years, he has advocated for government programs and policies that would ensure that jobs would remain in the country.

McMahon responded by pointing out that entrepreneurs create jobs, not the government. "I'm not going to be an entrepreneur as a senator," Blumenthal replied.

Blumenthal and McMahon did see eye-to-eye, however, on a few issues, including the war in Afghanistan — both agreed that the proposed timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops next year should be adhered to—and the death penalty. Both agreed that in regards to cases such as the murder of the Petit family in Cheshire, as well as crimes against police officers and firefighters, the death penalty is warranted.

In their closing statements, the two also agreed that voters wouldn't suffer from any confusion on Election Night. "This election, you'll have a clear choice," McMahon said. "You can have a choice between someone who's been a lifelong government person or someone's who's been in the private sector creating jobs."

While several polls have recently shown McMahon closing in on Blumenthal's lead in the race, a Public Policy Polling survey conducted between Sept. 30 and Oct. 2 shows that Blumenthal is ahead by 12 points.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here