Surprise, Surprise
Jodi Rell is only going to be governor for another 14 months. That is a fact. She announced Monday evening she’s not going to seek another term. Some found the decision surprising, and a bit upsetting. Others weren’t surprised by the decision but by its timing. Here’s some of what Rell had to say:
I love being Governor and I love the people of Connecticut. The challenges of the job have been – and continue to be – many; the rewards incalculable.
But at some point you know inside that it is time to begin a new chapter in life.
It was 25 years ago this month that I was first elected to office. Ten years as a state Representative from Brookfield. Ten years as Lieutenant Governor. Five years thus far as Governor. It’s time.
I want to thank my family and my staff – for everything. I am blessed.
I want to thank the people of Connecticut for allowing me the honor of serving as their Governor. I want to thank them for their support and their understanding, for their prayers and their returned love.
I need their continued support and understanding and their prayers for the next 14 months. I still have a lot of governing to do – a lot of difficult issues to face in these tough economic times.
I will not be a candidate – but I am the Governor and the work continues.
So who are the candidates? There are plenty to keep track of. The Republican names that have been mentioned in the 24 hours since Rell pulled her name out of the hat are: Lt. Governor Mike Fedele of Stamford, Senate Minority Leader John McKinney of Fairfield, House Minority Leader Larry Cafero of Norwalk and former U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Kevin O’Connor. Cafero is the only one who has formed an exploratory committee, which he did earlier this year to weigh options for several statewide offices.
It’s even more crowded on the Democratic side. There are three potential candidates from southwestern Connecticut: outgoing Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, former House Speaker Jim Amann of Milford and Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont. Also: Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, East Hartford State Senator Gary LeBeau and Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi.
Amann is the only officially declared candidate. All the other democrats have formed exploratory committees, but you can expect that change early next year.
