Who Avon Politicians Thought Won Wednesday's Presidential Debate

Even though Avon resident David Peña is an active Democrat in the community, he did not proclaim President Barack Obama the winner of Wednesday's Denver debate between the him and Mitt Romney.

"In my opinion, I think Romney had a slight edge over the president," Peña, who is the only Democrat on the Avon Town Council and is running for 17th District in the State House of Representatives, said.

That was the general consensus on a survey sent out to many Connecticut Republicans and Democrats.

Avon Republican Brian Ladouceur Jr., who is chairman of his party's town committee, said that Romney was clearly the stronger debater, comparing Obama's "body language and demeanor" to "watching a boxer trapped in the corner praying for the round to end."

"Mitt Romney appeared Presidential, approachable, compassionate, well informed and distinguished how his core values mirror American values," he wrote in an email to Avon Patch. "Hands down a stellar debate performance by Romney, a true leader.

Avon Democratic Town Committee Chairman Daryl Worobow, however, said Obama was the better debater, but he also complimented Romney's performance.

"I thought the President handled himself well, acting Presidential. Mr. Romney did a good job without any muffs," he said. "I believe Mr. Obama needed to challenge Mr. Romney's tax plan, which does not add up! I was glad to see both men say education was so important!"

The highlight for Ladouceur Jr. was Romney's "early statement to middle income families that their drop in incomes (coupled with rising gas, food, health premiums and other costs) amounts to an 'Economy Tax' under Obama’s failed leadership." 

"Every voter can relate to working harder for less so that was a powerful statement that will resonate with voters thirsting for change and those who may have wrongly believed Romney doesn’t care about the middle class and poor," he said.

He saw the economy and "tax issues" as the primary topics of concern in the debate, as well as national healthcare and medicare issues.

Peña, however, questions the facts the candidates brought up.

"What resonated the most from both the President and  Romney, is whose facts are you to believe?" Peña said. "The way the questions were answered left the viewer confused and searching for more information. I think the debates should have a fact checker."

Vice presidential candidates Paul Ryan (R) and Joe Biden (D) are scheduled to debate in Danville, KY on Oct. 11.

This will add new perspective to the presidential campaign trail, according to Worobow.

"I do believe that Mr. Ryan and VP Biden will show more differentiation in substance and style," he said.

Ryan recently visited West Hartford for a fundraiser. Avon Town Councilwoman Pamela Samul, Planning and Zoning Commission member Marianne Clark, Avon attorney and Inland Wetlands Commission member Martha Dean and Vi Smalley were there. Dean previously ran for Connecticut attorney general.

When asked if he thought more Connecticut people would watch the vice presidential debate next Thursday because of Ryan's recent Connecticut tour, Ladouceur Jr. said he didn't think it would have an impact.

"Not likely.  Those interested will watch out of curiosity about what Ryan is about, not because he was in CT or not," he said. "After months of ads and media reports wrongfully demonizing Paul Ryan he will be unfiltered on the debate stage and distinguish himself as a key component of the Romney / Ryan Comeback Team."

Who do you think won?