Fifth District candidates debate virtually on Oct. 5

Fifth District Congressional candidates will debate at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, in a virtual event produced by students at Western Connecticut State University.

WCSU, The League of Women Voters chapters of Northern Fairfield County and Litchfield County and The Danbury News-Times are sponsoring the debate, which will feature incumbent Democrat Jahana Hayes and two challengers: Republican David X. Sullivan and Bruce Walczak of the Independent Party.

The live stream will be available on the WCSU website at www.wcsu.edu/live and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/channel/UC4VHdMke9a1wfp2aYuToudw. Viewers may also type “WCSU Studio Election Connection” into the search box at YouTube.com.

Residents may submit questions to the candidates in advance by emailing them to jsmith@hearstmediaCT.com. Jacky Smith is The News-Times editorial page editor and will participate with professional and student journalists who also will question the candidates.

The debate is part of the annual coverage provided by WCSU Media Arts students as part of “Election Connection,” an award-winning news program that culminates with an Election Day show on www.wcsu.edu/live and on WXCI-91.7 FM.

Hayes, of Waterbury, is completing her first term representing the Fifth District. She was the national Teacher of the Year before entering politics.

Sullivan is a former assistant U.S. Attorney for Connecticut. He lives in New Fairfield.

Walczak, a longtime resident of Newtown, owns an employee relocation consulting firm and is a member of the Newtown Police Commission.

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at pr@wcsu.edu.