John Deaton, an attorney, has positioned himself as a moderate Republican and easily won the three-way primary in September. 

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.— Berkshire County was mentioned several times during Thursday's Senate debate, hosted by New England Public Media News and GBH News Massachusetts.

It was the second of two debates this week between Democrat Elizabeth Warren, the incumbent, and challenger John Deaton, a Republican. The debate was broadcast and livestreamed and can be watched here.

"Massachusetts, especially at the Berkshires, is truly magical," said Warren said when speaking about noteworthy fall treescapes.  

Warren and Deaton debated local and national topics for one hour at NEPM's studios in Springfield. Conversation ranged from infrastructure to immigration and reproductive health. 

While the two differed on many topics, they agreed that housing prices are out of control in Massachusetts and on the importance of the West-East passenger rail.

When asked if he would be a "no" vote on any future considerations for American aid to Ukraine, Deaton said his vote has to be earned and citizens should be informed about the money sent overseas when there is a housing crisis here.  

Warren is strong about the U.S. being an ally to Ukraine to protect its democracy.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. has provided more than $64.1 billion in military assistance since Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and about $66.9 billion in military assistance since Russia's initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014.

"All I'm saying is the American people deserve to know what the plan is and just coming back every six months and giving billions and billions and billions of dollars when people can't pay their rent, I just want to know the plan and no one is articulating the plan," Deaton said.

"The American people deserve transparency. For 50-plus years, it wasn't in America's vital interest for Ukraine to be in (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.) Why is it so important today? I want that answer."