NEW YORK, NY September 04, 2008 —In a hotly contested race for the 25th State Senate District, Democratic incumbent Martin Connor squared off last night against his challenger Daniel Squadron.

During the two hour debate, the 28-year-old Squadron argued he would bring new blood and change to Albany, while Connor, a 30-year-old political veteran, says his experience there is invaluable. Connor painted his opponent as a trust fund newcomer who has only lived in the district for two years while Squadron contended that Connor is part of the stagnant Albany culture that needs to be reformed. They clashed on numerous issues including the commuter tax, the smoking ban and the Atlantic Yards development. The most contentious issue of the night was over the creation of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Developers want to build housing on the site. Connor says if that's what it takes to get the 1.3 mile waterfront park off the ground, he'll accept it. Squadron opposes housing there contending that the park should not be a backyard for people who could afford the apartments. Voters cast their ballots in the primary Tuesday.