CONGRESS: Courtney, Sullivan battle it out in the 2nd

The race for Congress: Incumbent Democrat Joe Courtney vs. Republican challenger Sean Sullivan

By: Emily Volz

Posted: 11/3/08

Although they're the most recognized, John McCain and Barack Obama won't be the only names on Tuesday's ballot. Those registered to vote will be asked to choose their Congressmen as well.

In the 2nd district, where UConn sits, incumbent Democratic Rep. Joe Courtney will be challenged by Republican Sean Sullivan tomorrow.

In 2006, Courtney won his seat in the House of Representatives by 83 votes. UConn students, who voted in record numbers, are credited with electing Courtney to office.

Students have the opportunity to exercise power in the voting booths again. But before making a trip to the polls, it's important to have a concrete understanding of both candidates' platforms.

Both candidates would like to see a withdrawal of troops in Iraq, create tax incentives for renewable energy use and reform No Child Left Behind. The two have different ideas, however, of how to operate in Afghanistan and alleviate America of foreign energy dependence.

Both candidates would like to bring education reform to Connecticut, and both candidates see room for improvement in the No Child Left Behind program.

"One of the first things [Sullivan] would like to do is take a closer look at [No Child Left Behind]," said Andrew Powaleny, spokesman for Sullivan's campaign.

Calling NCLB an "unfunded mandate," Powaleny explained Sullivan's belief that the program is "simply unfair and burdensome."

Sullivan is also a proponent of a small federal government. He believes that more government power should be invested in the states.

"Mr. Sullivan believes it should be up to local towns and cities and parents to determine how to educate our students," Powaleny said. "Not federal government."

Courtney, a member of the House of Representatives' Education and Labor Committee, would be involved in the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind if reelected, said Brian Farber, the communications director for Courtney's campaign, in an e-mail.

Courtney wants to make education funding a priority, Farber said.

"President Bush underfunded [No Child Left Behind] to the cumulative amount of $85 billion," Farber said. "You can't make great strides in revamping our educational system if you don't back it up with funding."

Courtney also wants build on the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, Farber said. The candidate would continue to boost Pell Grant funding and work to ensure credit is available for loans.

Courtney supports Obama's college tax credit plan, which pays for the first $4,000 of college expenses. In exchange, students would be required to complete community service.

Courtney's energy policy provides for limited offshore drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, Farber said. Nuclear energy could be another important part of national energy production.

"However, the real backbone of our future energy policy must be one based on renewable resources and innovative new energy technologies," Farber said. "Courtney advocated for renewable energy tax credits and investment tax credits to help small businesses and families develop and embrace new alternative energy technologies."

Republican candidate Sullivan also supports an increase in tax incentives to help homeowners and businesses convert to more efficient and environmentally friendly systems. The first step toward achieving this would be by creating a comprehensive energy plan for the country, Powaleny said.

Sullivan endorses the use of nuclear power and offshore drilling to create energy independence within the United States. He believes wind power is an alternative resource for some parts of the nation, but is not feasible in Connecticut.

Instead, Sullivan would like to use biomass and biofuels to increase oil production, Powaleny said.

Sullivan is a strong advocate for the use of nuclear power, Powaleny said. Sullivan wants to standardize the design of nuclear power plants to speed regulatory approval of new nuclear power plants.

Sullivan's support of energy initiatives would increase job production throughout the country, as well as in Connecticut, Powaleny said, citing that a nuclear power plant in Waterford, the Waterford Steam Electric Station, would increase jobs.

Both candidates agree on troop reduction in Iraq.

"Right now that surge is working, as things continue to progress, we'll see greater withdrawal," Powaleny said, referring to Sullivan's position on the war.

Sullivan would also advocate decreasing the number of troops in Afghanistan and instead using naval forces to respond to foreign threats.

Sullivan can propose this with a sense of security because he spent 26 years serving the U.S. Navy, Powaleny said.

Courtney supports withdrawing troops from Iraq so that military efforts can be focused on Afghanistan.

"We need to bring our troops home from Iraq, rebuild out military and provide our commander in Afghanistan the sustained resources he needs," Farber said.