Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, Jonathan Harris, Ned Lamont, Guy Smith, Susan Bysiewicz, and Sean Connolly participated Monday night in a Democratic gubernatorial primary debate at Brookfield High School.

Candidates sought to gather support speaking to a politically active audience, touching on their biographies, specific policy areas and the general direction of the Democratic Party.

“I care about Connecticut deeply as I am sure you do,” Ganim said. “Seeing what's happening and what's not happening and how this fiscal morass has disappointed us all and left us wondering if we can put this thing back on track.”

"I have always believed, and I believe today, that our party is the party to insure and expand that fair shot for everyone right here in Connecticut," Connolly said.

Bysiewicz talked about efforts to get people to stay in the state.

"We are losing young people," she said. "We are losing seniors. We have not recovered the jobs Connecticut has lost since the recession of 2008."

To get on the primary ballot in August candidates either need to do well at the state convention or qualify by petition. 

Candidate Lee Whitnum who was not invited to participate in the debate can be seen being dragged away by police as she refuses to leave the stage here.