Groton — Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst, a Republican candidate for governor in 2018, campaigned on Wednesday in Groton with Republican candidates for town council to support the candidates and other Republicans running in the upcoming municipal elections.

"The ongoing budget crisis manufactured by insiders in Hartford continues to threaten education funding for towns like Groton," Herbst said in a news release.

Groton is a key component of the regional and state economies, and local leaders will be key partners in protecting the Naval Submarine Base, welcoming expansion at Electric Boat and boosting the tourism industry, he added.

Herbst knocked on doors in Mystic and Noank with Town Councilors Dean Antipas and Bonnie Nault, both seeking re-election.

"Thanks to First Selectman Herbst for coming out and supporting us as we spread our message of fiscal responsibility and efficient local government," Antipas said. Nault echoed Antipas’ sentiments and said they look forward to continuing the work they've started.