National attention focused on Brown-Warren debate

LOWELL, Mass. (WWLP) - It's a debate that's important to both Republicans and Democrats nationwide. Monday night, Senator Scott Brown and Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren will debate the issues for one hour.

The economy has been and will continue to be a big topic in this race, but tonight, given the unrest overseas, both candidates will be asked to give us a sense of how they'll vote on national defense and trade policy issues.

Thousands of people gathering at UMass Lowell are expecting to hear from the two candidates on these topics. Many in the crowd have still yet to decide who to support, and if the polls are accurate, in this race, every vote could mean the difference.

Several students in the area from local schools and universities will be in the audience, hoping to hear something that impacts their future for the better.

Framingham State University student Justin Varteresian told 22News that economic issues are the most important to him.

“I'm a senior and a big concern for a lot of us is ‘are we going to have a job when we graduate?’” he said.

Jobs were also extremely important to Nancy Pitkin of Lowell and Edward Purtz of Salem.

“I think they need to be talking about how we need more jobs in the United States, and I think they need to be talking about the credit debacle here in the United States,” Pitkin said.

“Jobs and job regulations: that's what it's all about,” Purtz said. “The regulatory system is so burdensome that people can rarely function.”

Linda Cowan of Lowell says she wants to hear more about foreign policy.

“Because of what went on in Libya and the Middle East, it's frightening to me, and I need to know there are strong people representing us,” she said.

The Massachusetts race is one of the most high-profile Senate contests this year. Brown attracted worldwide attention after upsetting Attorney General Martha Coakley to win the seat in a 2010 special election. But Democrats are hoping that a presidential election year in a heavily Democratic state will allow Warren to retake the seat long held by liberal icon Ted Kennedy.

David Gregory of NBC's 'Meet the Press' will be moderating tonight's debate. 22News will bring you the debate live on air (on Channel 22.2 over-the-air, Charter channel 260 and Comcast channel 288), online at wwlp.com, and on the go. We'll also have the highlights tonight on 22News at 11:00.