NORWICH – Most people choose to avoid discussions about religion and politics. But not Michael Squires. The 1995 Norwich grad loves nothing more than to debate these controversial topics.

By day, Squires is an underwriter for NBT Bancorp in Norwich. But, by night, the father of two surfs Internet chat rooms and discussion boards eager to weigh in on the day’s hot-button issues.

“I like to debate politics,” he said, which is something of an understatement coming from a man currently in the running to be America’s Next Great Pundit.

Squires said his wife Jaime encouraged him to enter The Washington Post contest, which is in its second year.

“She doesn’t agree with me always, but she supports me,” he said.

The Norwich resident’s submission, “Burning Korans and free speech,” was one of roughly 1,400 entries received as part of this year’s contest, according to the newspaper’s website.