Democratic Candidates First Debate

HARTFORD COURANT - Merrick Alpert is a political newcomer with a meager campaign chest and scant name recognition.

But the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate tried to make the most of his big moment Monday night--a televised debate against the party establishment's anointed candidate, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.

Alpert came out swinging, repeatedly tagging Blumenthal, a 20-year incumbent, as a "career politician" and accusing him of favoring "incrementalism" instead of bold and decisive action. »more