Candidates to debate in Meriden

I'm thankful that it's Friday. I'm worn out.

As a news staff this week, we had to get everything together for the annual voter's guide. It is expected to be published later this month and will be a resource for local voters. So, read it, enjoy it, frame it...whatever works for you.

In addition, I had to write a profile about state Sen. David Cappiello, which will be in Sunday's paper. As you hopefully know by now, he is running for Congress against U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy.

I also spent a decent amount of time this week working on a story about ethics and Cappiello and Murphy. That should appear in tomorrow's paper. Oh, and I can't forget about the 5th District debate I covered in Waterbury.

That's a lot of politics in 40 hours.

Even so, as I sit here waiting for my editor to finish reading my stories, I am already thinking ahead to next week. For me, that means more politics.

An important event to note is Monday's 5th District congressional debate at Four Points by Sheraton in Meriden. It is sponsored by the AARP, scheduled to start at 10 a.m., and Murphy and Cappiello are the only candidates asked to participate.

I, personally, would like to see Harold Burbank, of the Green Party, and Independent Thomas Winn be asked to participate in these debates, but I guess the hosts have certain qualifications and rules for candidates and Burbank and Winn don't meet them.

The United States does allow and encourage freedom of speech, however, and I would like to see Burbank and Winn try to share their views with voters in other ways. You don't necessarily need a debate to be heard.

Regardless of what candidates are participating, I hope to see Political Potpourri readers at the Four Points Monday!