BREAKING NEWS–April 18, 2018, 10:15 a.m.–Wilton’s State Sen. Toni Boucher issued the following statement on the steps of the Capitol Building in Hartford. She announced that she is ending her exploratory campaign for governor and will now run for re-election to the State Senate.
“Eight months ago, I initiated an exploratory campaign for the office of governor. As I’ve travelled around the state and met with so many wonderful people, I have been humbled by the outpouring of support I have been shown. It has been a truly extraordinary and awe-inspiring experience. To those who volunteered their time, to those who generously provided financial support, and to my thousands of new friends across the state: please accept my sincerest, heartfelt gratitude.
“I love this state, and I have made a decision on how I can best serve my constituents and the people of Connecticut at this time.
“I am proud to announce today that I will run for re-election to the State Senate and, accordingly, will transition my exploratory committee and its donated funds to a campaign committee for the 26th State Senate District.
“The decision on how I can continue to best serve the people of our state has not been an easy one. It has been based on where I can do the most for my constituents, my party and the wonderful people of Connecticut. I believe that a lasting impact can be made in the General Assembly by attracting businesses; empowering the children of our state; bringing relief to the Connecticut commuter; and bringing a voice to the voiceless.
“The last eight months touring our state has deepened my belief that we have a tremendous amount of work to do in the legislature. The people and businesses of Connecticut are struggling. Their top concern is high costs. They feel the current leadership is failing by making Connecticut more unaffordable for them and their businesses.
“They are working hard to try to remain here, but they now find it may no longer be possible. My message of bringing fiscal stability and social inclusion to Connecticut has resonated throughout the state, and this will continue to be my priority.
“It has been an honor to serve in the state legislature. It is a rare privilege that I will never take for granted. As Chief Deputy Majority leader, Chair of both the Senate Transportation and Education Committees and Vice-Chair of the Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee, I know that victories lie ahead for the people of Connecticut.
“The November election will be one of the most important in memory and can change the direction of our state for the better for generations to come. After winning equal representation in the state senate two years ago, Republicans are only one seat away from a majority. I’m committed, along with my Republican colleagues, to make this happen so we can pursue policies that put our state back on solid economic footing and ensure a prosperous future for everyone who calls our state home. I will fight to make Connecticut a place where families and businesses can once again thrive in a climate of lower taxes, efficient government spending, improved highway and rail transportation and the opportunity for a quality education for all of our children.
“To my colleagues and friends in the legislature, I look forward to our work ahead bringing relief to taxpayers and crafting legislation comprised of responsible solutions that will reinvigorate our incredible state.
“Connecticut gave my family the opportunity to have a future when we emigrated from Italy when I was only five years old. I look forward to continuing to repay our state for the extraordinary opportunities given to me by serving in the Senate.”
UPDATE: Boucher’s challenger, Will Haskell, released a comment in response to the incumbent’s announcement:
“Senator Boucher seems to express interest in statewide office every few years, so it’s no surprise that she did so again this year. I’m in this because Hartford is badly broken and clearly needs new voices and some common sense. Clearly, business as usual isn’t working.”
Ms. Boucher, I have a feeling that if your “exploratory” venture uncovered such an outstanding opportunity you would pursue the nomination of the party. As for your comments related to solving our issues you mentioned the following, “… attracting businesses; empowering the children of our state; bringing relief to the Connecticut commuter; and bringing a voice to the voiceless.” These are incredibly vague statements. What are you trying to say and specifically, what will you do to make things better? After all, you’ve been in Hartford for almost 25 years – why should we expect you to provide better representation this time around?