Editor's note: To view where candidates stand on topics relevant to Wilton, and to add your comments, click here for the 2010 Patch Voter Guide.

It wasn't exactly CNN's Cross Fire, but Thursday's debate between Congressman Jim Himes, D-4, and State Sen. Dan Debicella did touch on policy differences.

The congressional candidates touched on tort reform and transportation. They also traded the by now familiar barbs about voting records and press releases.

Sitting in plush, navy blue arm chairs, the congressional candidates fielded questions from three panelists. The Fairfield County Community Business Council/Bar Association hosted the event at the University of Connecticut, Stamford.

On the question of tort reform, which most Republicans say health care reform lacked, Himes acknowledged that many physicians practice defensive medicine.

"Tort reform is constitutionally complicated…people have the right to litigate and seek redress," Himes said, adding that, "the CBO says it's only 1 or 2 percent of health care costs. So let's look at it, but not offer it up as a solution."

Debicella repeated his support of complete tort reform. He conceded malpractice litigation by itself may not represent a large part of health care costs, but that it must be addressed.

"A dozen things taken together can reduce costs 10 to 20 percent," Debicella said.

Part of what drives up health care costs is doctors performing multiple tests to protect against lawsuits.  Debicella said more must be done to curb frivolous lawsuits. One idea he proposed is that the loser of a lawsuit must pay legal costs of the winner.

Then the debate turned to transportation.

Both candidates agreed Fairfield County needs infrastructure improvements. Debicella pushed for widening of Interstate 95 at certain choke points, namely exists 44, 41 and 35.

Himes said more and better train service is needed, not wider roads. He touted the recently refurbished and reopened Wilton train station as a positive example of stimulus dollars at work.

"Let's think in a visionary way," Himes said. "Let's really make Metro North work. Let's get people on trains."

This was the fifth debate in a series of six. Again the candidates trotted out the percentage of times their rival voted with their party. With unaffiliated voters likely to decide the election, both Himes and Debicella want to show their independence.

Debicella repeatedly linked Himes to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

For his part, Himes told the room that Debicella voted with his party in Hartford 98 percent of the time. The two percent of the time Debicella didn't vote with his party was to be more extreme, Himes said.

The Congressman cited Debicella's vote against requiring Catholic Hospitals to permit a third party to administer emergency contraceptives to rape victims.

Debicella took issue with that, saying he voted no because he wouldn't force a Catholic hospital to perform an abortion.

But Himes pressed the point, prompting Debicella to say:  "Jim you just said in my heart I like rape. You are out of line. He just said I hate rape victims."

Lisa Wexler of WSTC/WNLK Radio interrupted: "I didn't hear Jim say that by the way."