MALONE, N.Y. – It was a tense debate in the North Country with two of the candidates for the 115th Assembly district. Democratic candidate Tim Carpenter and Conservative candidate Karen Bisso took the podium in Malone Tuesday night.

Republican-incumbent Janet Duprey was unable to attend due to a previous commitment.

There was some hostility in the air toward the incumbent during the debate, from both the candidates and the audience. At one point a round of applause broke out after an audience member said he has been working hard to make sure she is not re-elected.

The debate topics ranged from local issues such as the Adirondack Park to larger social issues such as gay marriage. One of the starkest differences was on bipartisanship.

"I don't believe bipartisanship really works for the North County," said Bisso.

"I'm here to work for the good of this district, and I'm here to work for the good of the state, and when I go to Albany I don't care what party people are," said Carpenter.

Assemblywoman Duprey said that she is a supporter of bipartisanship. She said that her voting record shows that she does not vote on party lines.