DEBATERS TRADE JABS

SYRACUSE — The Republican showed her experience, the Conservative compared himself to Ronald Reagan, and the Democrat said he won't be influenced by special interests in the first debate among all three candidates in New York's 23rd Congressional race.

Douglas L. Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate, and William L. Owens, the Democrats' nominee, had each missed several debates and forums before Thursday's debate at WSYR Newschannel 9, Syracuse. Republican Dierdre K. Scozzafava attended all of them.

With three recent polls suggesting Mr. Owens and Mr. Hoffman are in dead heat for the lead, the two candidates aimed their jabs at each other, largely ignoring Ms. Scozzafava.

"My opponents, but in particular Mr. Hoffman, want to go back to the failed Bush economic policies," Owens said at one point.

Hoffman then suggested his Democratic opponent wanted to raise taxes and risk hurting family farms. Owens countered with claims that he opposes increasing taxes on the middle class and small businesses.

Scozzafava, a state assemblywoman and the only elected official in the contest, took the opportunity to show off her knowledge from more than a decade in office.

"This race is about the heart and soul of the 23rd Congressional District," she said. "And I'm the candidate who most knows the local issues."

She was the only one to have an opinion on every question.

Some Republicans have criticized Scozzafava for being too liberal, while Hoffman has developed a following by staking out more socially and fiscally conservative positions.

"(Voters are) very concerned about the America we know and whether the America we know will be there for their children and their grandchildren," Hoffman said. During the debate, Hoffman repeated at least five times that he's a Ronald Reagan Republican.

Scozzafava said if she wins, she will work to unite the party.

"I'm not going to be divisive," she said. "To me, leadership is about doing things to bring people together."

Owens declined to comment on whether the schism between Republicans would give him a boost.

"I'm not focused on what they're doing, I'm focused on what I'm doing," he said. "I have consistently indicated that I've been out talking to folks, listening to them, traveling the district."

The candidates were asked about the war in Afghanistan, health care, border issues and water levels, among other things.

Owens was noncommittal on the best strategy for the wars, saying he needed more information about what's happening on the ground to know whether the U.S. should send more troops. Scozzafava said she supports sending more troops as long as that's what the leaders on the ground are calling for, but the president needs to make a decision either way soon.

Hoffman said more troops must be sent to finish the job as long as military leaders call for it.

On health care, Owens said he was "generally in support" of the House reform package introduced Thursday, and the public option contained within "is reasonable."

The Democrats' candidate has previously avoided discussing specific versions of the health care bill, talking instead about a set of self-defined criteria that would guide his support or opposition to any bill.

Hoffman remained opposed to the public option. Scozzafava said she is concerned the bill would include unfunded mandates and doesn't address controlling health costs.

Border issues are significant in the 23rd district because it shares a border with Canada. Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, security measures — including a required passport — have affected the people who live there.

Owens said he was confident the process was going smoothly. Scozzafava disagreed, saying security is important, but "our neighbors to the north are our friends," and security measures must be reasonable.

Hoffman said the passport system has harmed the district's economy and discouraged tourism.

Scozzafava advocated for the U.S.-Canadian International Joint Commission to adopt Plan B+, a regulation plan that promised a greater range of water levels along Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River throughout the year.

Owens said he heard people talking about B+, but reserved support on the plan until after he talked to local officials.

Hoffman said of the water levels: "That issue I'm not familiar with," but said voters were more concerned with other issues, such as taxes.

The debate will re-air at 7 p.m. Sunday on both Newschannel 9 and WWTI.

Times staff writer Jude Seymour contributed to this report.