Republican Jonathan Gilman freely admits that with no campaigning or fundraising leading up to the election next week, his chances at an upset against longtime Democratic legislator State Rep. Kevin Ryan, D-Montville, in the 139th House District are a long shot.

But it hasn't stopped the 61-year-old Bozrah man from speaking freely to whoever will listen about what he says are the woes caused by one-party domination and the "mess" the Democrats have made with overbearing regulations for businesses and inability to limit spending.

Gilman, chairman of the Bozrah Republican Town Committee, agreed to be a placeholder on the Republican ticket this year to allow time for someone else to step forward and run. No one did.

On one hand he said he will accept and appreciates the votes that could potentially put him in a seat at the state House of Representatives. On the other hand, he said "I'm still really not a candidate."

"I didn't want (Ryan) to think it was going to be another easy ride and he could coast into office like he has year after year," Gilman said. "If I got elected, it would be kind of scary up (in Hartford). I'm a big mouth, and I'm going to rock the boat. That's what we'll need. It's time for a change."

Gilman faces Ryan in a district that covers Bozrah and parts of Montville and Norwich.

Ryan was first elected to represent the district in 1992. He is currently the deputy speaker and member of the appropriations, public health and environment committees.

At a recent debate in Montville, Ryan talked about his experience, leadership roles and ability to work with the southeastern delegation for the good for the region.

He said the primary issues facing residents are the economy, jobs, education, municipal aid, taxes and the environment.

"In the last session our mission was clear: Encourage economic growth, help working families, invest in our children and adopt a balanced budget with no new taxes," Ryan said during the debate. "And we met those goals."

Ryan said he continues to work to secure more money for local municipalities and provide much-needed tax relief. He said education is a key to maintaining a well-educated workforce, which in turn will attract new businesses to the state.

Ryan this week was appointed to a bipartisan round table on hospitals and health care, an effort to address the changes in the health care system and develop policy recommendations, including implementation of a new law that increases transparency in financial filings of hospitals.

Ryan voted against new, stricter gun legislation, saying he followed the will of constituents.

"There was no public hearing on the bill. People were asking me questions about the bill I couldn't answer," Ryan said.

Ryan says portions of the gun law will lead to better accessibility and support ongoing efforts to address mental health services.

Ryan said he looks forward to working for the region and helping to solve problems brought up by constituents.

Gilman, who says he may decide to run a full-fledged campaign sometime in the future, said in the meantime he wants to see more people engaged in the political process.

g.smith@theday.com

Twitter: SmittyDay