In the Connecticut District 18 Senate race, incumbent Republican Heather Somers is hiding her party affiliation. Why?

If I were a new Groton resident receiving her mailings, I would have no idea that she is a Republican. Her brochures claim she is an independent.

But make no mistake, Somers is not an independent, she is a Trump Republican, voting the Republican Party line.

Her opponent, Col. Bob Statchen, the Democratic candidate, also has the endorsement of the Independent Party and the Working Families Party, a tribute to his stellar qualifications.

As a veteran, Bob knows how to work with a team in a nonpartisan way to solve problems. He enlisted at age 18 to serve and protect us. Married and a father of three, he is a colonel in the National Guard.

A JAG officer and attorney who taught at the Coast Guard Academy, he now works with law students to provide free legal services to low income people starting small businesses. He serves on the Stonington Board of Finance.

Visit bobstatchen.com to read incredible recommendations from people who have served with him.

Rosemary Duval-Arnould

Groton