Republican Connecticut gubernatorial candidates took part in their final debate Wednesday at Saxe Middle School in New Canaan.

The evening started with great energy from supporters and comments that New Canaan is the most Republican town in the state.

The top priority was figuring out a way to stand out and gain supporters ahead of the state convention. Some in the group are running as political outsiders, while others talked up their experiences as officials.

One Republican who was not present was Wilton state Sen. Toni Boucher, who announced Wednesday that she is dissolving her exploratory committee and will instead run for re-election for the 26th District seat.