Boston Globe - Kennedy and Bielat clash on jobs, campaign laws in debate

Republican Sean Bielat and Democrat Joseph P. ­Kennedy III faced off in their second debate Wednesday in the race for the congressional seat being ­vacated by US Representative ­Barney Frank, and though the liberal stalwart was not in attendance, his presence was still felt.

The debate was cosponsored by UMass Dartmouth and MassINC, a nonpartisan think tank. During a “lightning round” segment, Kennedy said he would support a constitutional amendment to mitigate effects of the Citizens United decision, the Supreme Court ruling that lifted restrictions on campaign contributions from corporations and unions. Bielat said such an amendment would have to include a more comprehensive reform plan.