Lamont And Malloy Square Off In Final Debate

It was the most-watched debate of this political cycle. [Full video is here.]

 

Early in the day, Ned Lamont put out a statement calling for civility in the debate, something that's been lacking in TV ads during this race. Accusations from Dan Malloy about a racial discrimination law suit at Lamont's company. Lamont suggesting corruption in Malloy's administration while he was Stamford's mayor. 

 

On Tuesday, both wanted to clear the air. Here's Ned Lamont.

 

The heck with the TV advertising. I don't think we need to vilify anybody. I mean this is a state that's going through a world of hurt right now.

 

That world of hurt is illustrated most clearly in the state's projected $3.5 billion budget deficit. Dan Malloy said his experience managing the economy of Stamford would equip him to the tools to face the fiscal crisis.

 

The difference between Ned and I is I've actually worked in government. For 14 years I ran a half-billion dollar corporation called the city of Stamford.

 

The two responded to a question about raising the income tax rate on the state's wealthiest residents.

 

Lamont said he'd streamline government before he'd talk tax increases. 

 

People are mad as heck about taxes, they don't want us to be sitting around talking about raising taxes on anybody right now. So I've got to do a better job of convincing them that their money going to Hartford is well spent.

 

He also called for a reduction in property taxes, which he said was the state's most regressive.

 

Malloy said Connecticut needed to look at taxes and regulations and benchmark those against competing states. 

 

One of the most disturbing statistics that I've heard this campaign season is that North Carolina, a state that's been taking our  jobs for a generation, now spends $81 per capita on community colleges and vocational training programs. And here in the state of Connecticut, the state with the most rapidly aging workforce, we're spending a mere $34 dollars per capital.

 

On Wednesday, Republican candidates Oz Griebel, Tom Foley and Michael Fedele will debate. For WNPR, I'm Patrick Skahill. 

 

HOST TAG: The debate will air tonight on CPTV and WNPR at 8 o'clock.