100 Days Events: Westport Block Party

Westport Patch, Sunday, July 25, 2010

Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) stopped by Westport Saturday on his seven-town tour to mark 100 days to Election Day.

Himes is running against Republican candidates who have yet to primary, Dan Debicella, Rick Torres and Rob Merkle.

Reached at Jesup Green on Saturday, Himes said his constituents have been asking about the economy, jobs and education.

He touted the recently passed Wall Street Reform bill as a balanced one, which he said he was proud to be a part of.

He also spoke of the working group he joined with Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Adler (D-N.J.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) to "propose major cuts to spending in areas like defense, energy, housing and agriculture that they say would save about $70 billion over ten years."

Himes has been criticized by some for stepping out against deficit spending solely as a political ploy in an election year.

But Himes insists he's been urging Congress to "dial back" for a year.

He also spoke of education as one of his top priorities should he be re-elected.

"I'd like to see No Child Left Behind reauthorized and more effective," he said.

Himes mingled with a small crowd for about 20 minutes before heading to his next location.