CHESHIRE - U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd (D-Conn) fielded questions from more than 120 high school juniors and seniors Tuesday and defended his support of the $700 billion bailout - or what he called a "workout."

"The idea isn't so much to have a bailout as a workout," Dodd said.

The Young Democrats and Young Republicans clubs at the school have invited other candidates to similar forums, such as Representative Christopher Murphy (D-5) and his opponent, state Senator David Capiello. The candidates answer questions from club members and students.

The clubs only prepared a few questions for Dodd, and senior Joseph Gagliardi, president of the Young Republicans, was impressed with the number of questions asked by students.

"Everyone's really feeling this election," Gagliardi said. He said Dodd's answers were thorough, and the forum will generate student discussion about the issues.

Young Democrats president Zachary Kapchan, also a senior, agreed.

"I'm really happy with the response from the students. I have people asking about the forums in the halls," he said. "People remember what the politicians have been saying."

Dodd received several questions about the details and necessity of the bailout, saying the blood of the market's circulations system, credit, had stopped flowing.

"We clogged up our circulatory system," he said. "Our hope is to get resources back into the economy."

Students also asked about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, health care, mortgage aid, global warming and Iran's nuclear intentions.