Political Analyst: What Each Connecticut Gubernatorial Candidates Need To Do To Win Debate

NORWICH, CONN. (CBSNewYork) -- In Connecticut, Gov. Malloy and his Republican challenger Tom Foley square-off Wednesday in their first debate.

As WCBS 880's Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reported, political analyst Gary Rose took a look at what each candidate must do to pull ahead.

So far, Foley has been speaking largely in generalities and during this first debate, it's critical he spell out a plan, Rose said.

"He must now show what is it that he is going to do as governor," Rose said.

According to Rose, Foley is bound to come after Malloy on his tax hike right after taken office.

"If I was Malloy, I would make the strong case that this state is on the rebound and that a second term is needed to really keep that trend going," Rose said.

The question, Rose says, is how many people will watch the debate.

Rose believes it's critical that voters tune in since even if a relatively small number base their decisions on this, it could swing the very close race one way or the other.

The hour-long event is being hosted by The Bulletin newspaper of Norwich. The format is expected to be conversational rather than a formal debate.

This election marks a rematch between the candidates. Malloy defeated Foley by 6,404 votes of 1.1 million cast in 2010.

Foley has said he would like to participate in five to seven debates. A spokesman for Malloy has said the governor is "ready and willing" to participate in as many debates as the schedule allows.

The election will be Nov. 4.

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