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Photo by Dan Janisse / Windsor Star

“The Big 3 (GM, Ford, FCA) are in the process of abandoning us,” Hunt said.

“We can’t rely on the same companies that are cutting jobs and moving to Mexico. We can’t give them tax breaks and credits in order to save them. “

Hunt was even cheeky enough to deliver the most caustic moment of the debate when he examined Masse’s and Pupatello’s track records.

After glossing over Masse’s 17 years in opposition, Hunt accused Pupatello of election opportunism.

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Pupatello was amply able to fend off the moment, however, and showed her admiration for Hunt’s spunk by warmly engaging him in conversation after the debate.

Despite Hunt’s strong outing, all eyes in the debate were firmly on Pupatello and Masse.

Policies took a back seat to the overriding theme of having a voice at the table in government.

Conservative candidate Henry Lau connected every answer to that theme regardless of the question posed by debate moderator Craig Pearson, who is also managing editor of the Windsor Star.

Photo by Dan Janisse / Windsor Star

“When you have an MP who was also your MPP, you know everything about them,” said Pupatello, who also turned in a strong performance in an event that plays to her love for the blood lust of politics.

“In all the years in office, I kept my promises and I delivered. I’ve been transparent and always available.

“I’m anxious to get back to the days when Windsor had a voice.”

Masse showed he was up for the fight in fending off the accusations of being a backbencher with no influence. He forcefully laid out his record, his achievements on border issues and ability to work across the aisle in both Canada and the U.S.