With Connecticut's primary just a week away, Republican candidates faced off Wednesday night.

Four of the five contenders for the GOP spot were at Fairfield University for the debate, but Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton was absent due to a scheduling issue. Boughton won the party's endorsement back in May.

David Stemerman and Bob Stefanowski started off the evening by trading barbs over party loyalty. Both are businessmen who are new to politics. Stemerman mentioned a number of times that Stefanowski used to be a Democrat.

Tim Herbst said his plan is to put people and taxpayers first.

Candidate Steve Obsitnik expressed optimism after only just learning that he was approved for public financing.