Norwalk Voters To Choose Between Himes And Debicella

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Voters across southern Fairfield County will head to the polls Tuesday to choose between Jim Himes and Dan Debicella to represent the Fourth District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Fairfield County voters will decide Tuesday whether Jim Himes (D) or Dan Debicella (R) will represent them in Congress.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Casey Donahue

11/01/2014 4:30 a.m.

Democratic incumbent Himes has served three terms in Congress after being elected in 2008. Republican challenger Debicella is a Shelton businessman and former state senator. The two previously ran against each other in 2010, when Himes won with 53 percent of the vote.

Major issues throughout the campaign have been the economy, transportation, healthcare and campaign finance. Debicella has said that the most successful way to grow the economy and create jobs is to close tax loopholes and give tax credits to the middle class and small businesses. Himes has said that the most effective way would be to invest in the country's transportation infrastructure. Both have said that they are in favor of raising the minimum wage.

Debicella has said that the government needs to create new on and off ramps on the Merritt Parkway and I-95 at crucial choke points in order to alleviate traffic problems. In addition to investment in infrastructure, Himes has supported the creation of a Cross Harbor Rail Bridge to New York that would alleviate some of the freight moved over Connecticut's roads.

Both have acknowledged that there have been problems with the rollout of the Affordable Care Act. Himes has said that the act has had many benefits and provided healthcare to many who were uninsured before. Debicella said that the act has hurt the middle class, but instead of being repealed outright, it should be worked on.

Though both Himes and Debicella have said that politicians in Washington need to stop partisan attacks and mud-slinging, they have taken several shots at each other over the course of the campaign.

Debicella has attacked Himes for taking money from political action committees, blamed him for the closing of Derecktor Shipyards in Bridgeport and accused him of not being effective on the economy and jobs. Himes has also attacked Debicella, saying that his voting record does not agree with his campaign promises on issues such as the minimum wage and immigration, and saying that Debicella also voted to give money to Derecktor. Both have attacked the other at times for their work in the financial sector.

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