Every Tuesday leading up to Election Day, GOOD Morning Wilton has published endorsements received by the candidates. This information has been compiled from press releases sent by the campaigns or endorsement letters sent to GMW by public officials/organizations. These are not endorsements from GOODMorningWilton.com. To learn more about our election coverage guidelines and policies, click here.
Independent Party Endorsements Locked in for Local GOP Candidates
In early August GMW took a look at what candidates had to do to earn minor third-party endorsements, something that Toni Boucher, Gail Lavielle and Larry Cafero, three local Republican candidates running this November, sought from the Independent Party to bolster their chances of getting elected.
In late August, all three Republicans received that much-sought Independent Party endorsement. Their names will now appear on both the Republican and Independent party lines of the general election ballot in November.
“I’m very pleased to have won the endorsement of the state Independent party,” Boucher said. “It’s an acknowledgement of my philosophy that good government transcends party lines and that in order to correct the [sic] Connecticut’s current downward course, we need to work together in a bi-partisan way.”
“I am very pleased to have received the endorsement of the Independent Party, which I believe reflects my approach of considering every issue on its merits, working with people of all political affiliations to get things done, and representing my constituents, who hold a broad spectrum of viewpoints, first and foremost,” Lavielle said. “I am honored that independent-minded people see the value of my work in representing our district. Connecticut’s persistent fiscal crisis and serious economic issues transcend politics and demand clear and objective thinking, honest working relationships, and transparency for the state’s residents.”
“I was honored to receive the unanimous endorsement of the Independent Party of Connecticut,” Cafero wrote on his campaign’s Facebook page. “I am privileged to be one of only three Probate Judge Candidates in the State to have received the Independent Party endorsement. I will appear on both the Republican as well as the Independent Party lines on the November ballot giving the voters of Norwalk and Wilton more voting options, regardless of their party affiliation.”
Women’s Groups Announce Support for Will Haskell
In late August, Will Haskell’s campaign for the State Senate received the support of the National Organization for Women (NOW) Connecticut Chapter and #VoteProChoice, a national campaign for reproductive rights.
“We need legislators in Hartford who will be uncompromising in their support for full equal status for women,” Haskell said. “I am honored to have the support of the National Organization for Women and #VoteProChoice, two groups that are on the front lines of securing women’s equality in Connecticut and in Washington.”
NOW CT is a 100% volunteer-run state chapter of the National Organization for Women, a grassroots activism group that pursues intersectional feminist ideals. #VoteProChoice, which indicated Haskell as a recommended candidate, is a nationwide abortion rights group that supports pro-choice candidates for local, state, and national office.
CT Realtors Endorses Boucher
State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26), was endorsed on Aug. 29 by Connecticut Realtors, which represents 17,000 members involved in all aspects of real estate in Connecticut.
A statement from Michael Barbaro, president of Connecticut Realtors, reads, “On behalf of Connecticut Realtors… we are pleased to relay our Association has voted to endorse your candidacy for Connecticut’s 26th State Senate District.
“The Association carefully evaluates candidates in determining who may best ensure there is a positive environment for living in or transferring property in Connecticut. Real estate is essential to economic recovery and stability in the state and the nation, and helps to build communities.
“Thank you for your commitment to serve, and we wish you all the best in the election.”
In receiving the endorsement, Senator Boucher commented, “I’m very pleased to have once again received the endorsement of Connecticut Realtors. The real estate market is one of the most vital parts of our economy and one of the most important aspects of our families and businesses economic well-being.”
Boucher is Senate Chief Deputy Majority Leader, co-chair of the Education and Transportation Committees and vice chair of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. She represents the 26th Senate district which comprises Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport and Wilton.
O’Dea Receives Endorsement from CT Realtors
State Rep. Tom O’Dea, who serves New Canaan and Wilton, received the endorsement of Connecticut Realtors.
“I am honored and humbled by this endorsement,” O’Dea said. “As the spouse of a realtor, I understand the long hours and personal sacrifice our local real estate professionals tolerate in their line of work. Their jobs are never easy… I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the Connecticut Realtors for their endorsement and support.”
Connecticut Realtors represents 17,000 members throughout the real estate industry. The association provides legal resources and legislative advocacy to licensed realtors and real estate professional across the state.
Tom O’Dea represents the 125thConnecticut House District and currently serves as Deputy Republican Leader-at-Large. He is a member of the Legislative Management, Judiciary and Transportation Committees. Outside of public service, O’Dea is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer with Diserio, Martin, O’Connor & Castiglioni, LLP, specializing in complex real estate transactions for buyers, sellers, developers and financial institutions.