A debate amongst the Fifth Congressional Democratic candidates occurred last night in Chelmsford. It was sponsored by The Citizens for Civic Courage, the Chelmsford Democratic Town Committee, Greater Lowell Area Democrats, and the Third Middlesex Democrats. The focus was on foreign policy, with a heavy accent on the Iraq War, Afghanistan, and the war on terror. I was not able to attend, but the debate apparently drew a good crowd. Some excellent posts from attendees are already up at Richard Howe’s blog as well as from Lynne at Left in Lowell. For a more detailed look at the Democratic candidates positions on the war the Lowell Sun has posted an excellent article detailing the candidates positions. Essentially Eldridge and Donoghue favor immediate withdrawal, Tsongas favors a longer timetable for withdrawal (with an American contingent left for counter-terrorism), Finegold is against immediate withdrawal and for a de facto partition (Biden Plan), and Micelli supports the Bush administration. Much more was discussed, including the way we treat our returning vets, the wider war on terror, Iran and Afghanistan. The next debate is scheduled to be on health care, and we will keep you posted. Congrats to Sam Poulten and everyone involved in organizing the debate.