2ND District Congressional candidates participated in a spirited debate at Eastern Conn State University on October 21. Incumbent Democrat Joe Courtney , Republican Janet Peckinpaugh and Green Party candidate G. Scott Deshefy debated budget, defense, entitlements, education and energy conservation topics as well as the importance of small business. The debate was sponsored by the Norwich Bulletin and moderated by Bulletin opinion editor Ray Hackett. In addition to Hackett, panel members asking questions included Eastern junior political science student Judith Frankel and Chamber marketing director Diane Nadeau.