A guide to your Election Day ballot
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES
The governor’s race is a rematch between Democrat Ned Lamont and Republican Bob Stefanowski. This time, though, Lamont is an incumbent who has outspent and out polled his opponent. Lamont has been credited with his handling of COVID-19 but criticized for his lack of transparency and his oversight of the State Pier wind project, which has been saddled with cost overruns and controversy. Stefanowski’s pro-police and tax cut stances are popular in areas such at Litchfield County, where there’s nary a Lamont lawn sign, but he has been dogged by Donald Trump’s unpopularity in much of blue Connecticut and his involvement in a payday loan business.
Also on the ballot is Independent Rob Hotaling, who has sought to differentiate himself as the moderate candidate in the race.
Down ticket races are:
Secretary of the State: Stephanie Thomas, D and WF; Dominic Rapini, R; Cynthia R. Jennings, I.
Treasurer: Erick Russell, D and WF; Harry Arora, R; Jennifer Baldwin, I; JoAnna Laiscell, L.
Comptroller: Sean Scanlon, D, I and WF; Mary Fay, R.
Attorney General: William Tong, D and WF; Jessica Kordas, Republican; A.P. Pascarella, I; Ken Krayeske, G.
The Day’s coverage:
Video: Ned Lamont editorial board interview
Video: Bob Stefanowski editorial board interview
Independent candidate for governor looks to break through partisan divide
Lamont’s lead could bring same result as 2018 race for governor
The Day’s endorsement for governor
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Incumbency has its advantages, and Democrat Rep. Joe Courtney seems to be benefiting from them as he seeks his 9th term. Courtney is widely credited with keeping defense money coming to submarine-builder Electric Boat, a major employer and economic engine in the Second District. His ad in The Day has a big headline that reads: “2 Sub Joe = CT Jobs.”
Mike France, a state representative and the Republican candidate, has stayed on his less-government message. France has raised more money than recent Republican candidates in this district, and Courtney has acknowledged that he has run a serious campaign. A career naval officer, France has sought to torpedo Courtney’s image as a strong advocate for the Navy contracts awarded in recent years to EB, saying China has achieved “maritime superiority” over the U.S. on Courtney’s watch.
Green Party candidate Kevin Blacker is also on the ballot. He became politically active as a critic of the Connecticut Port Authority’s management of State Pier.
The Day’s coverage:
‘Two Sub Joe’ looks to secure ninth term
France, a ‘principled conservative,’ vies for Congress
Unconventional politics: Kevin Blacker’s run for Congress
A spirited, 3-way debate in 2nd District
Days out from Election, Courtney still in control
U.S. SENATE
Democrat Richard Blumenthal and Republican Leora Levy have led a partisan race with a focus on national politics. Levy, 65, of Greenwich, most recently a philanthropist and a Republican National Committeewoman, may have benefited in the primary from the support of former President Trump. But Blumenthal has seized on his opponent’s association with the former president for the general election. Levy has linked Blumenthal to President Joe Biden as much as Blumenthal has linked her to Trump.
Blumenthal, 76, of Greenwich, is seeking his third Senate term. He supported the Inflation Reduction Act, which allows Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices and reforms federal income tax enforcement; Levy said she would have been opposed. She has drawn a hard anti-immigration line; he has supported measures to aid immigrants in some cases. Levy believes abortion is a state’s issue and would like it limited to cases of rape, incest or risk to the pregnant woman’s life; Blumenthal has campaigned on protecting the right to choose to have an abortion. Each have painted each other as radical to the left or the right on policing and social programs.
Levy is a political upstart. Blumenthal has been in elected office for almost 30 years.
The Day’s coverage:
The Day’s endorsement for U.S. Senate
Montville Republican Town Committee caught in middle of U.S. Senate Primary
CONNECTICUT GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Of the legislative races in eastern Connecticut, two have seemed to create the most buzz because they are open seats.
When Republican Sen. Paul Formica decided against running again, it opened up a district that runs from Democratic New London through Republican suburbs to Old Saybrook. Democrat Martha Marx, who is running for the 20th Senate seat a third time, is a former New London city councilor and past chairman of the city Democratic Committee. Hoping to keep the seat in GOP hands is Jerry Labriola Jr. of Old Saybrook, a former state party chairman.
The open 41st District seat in the House drew three candidates when Rep. Joe de la Cruz declined to run again. The candidates are Republican Robert Boris, who was also endorsed by the Independent Party; Democrat Aundré Bumgardner, a former state representative and current Groton Town Councilor, and unaffiliated candidate James “Jake” Dunigan.
The Day’s coverage:
The Day’s State Senate endorsements.
EARLY VOTING
On Tuesday, voters will decide whether they can go to the polls early in future years. While the details, such as how early voting would start, would have to be determined by the state legislature. A number of state Republicans, especially in local races, also support early voting.
Experts say early voting allows more people to vote, and does not increase voter fraud. Studies have found voters of color in particular “consistently face longer wait times on Election Day,” according to the Brennan Center, which is in part addressed by early voting. Connecticut is one of only four states — the other states being Mississippi, Alabama and New Hampshire — to not offer early voting.
In 2024, voters will have an opportunity to vote on universal, no-excuse absentee balloting.
The Day’s coverage:
Connecticut state House passes early voting resolution
The Day’s recommendation on early voting.
LOCAL QUESTIONS
Voters in Norwich ($385 million), Lyme/Old Lyme ($57 million) and Montville ($8 million) will be asked to approve funding for school projects.
The Day’s coverage:
Norwich voters will be asked whether they support $385 million schools project
Lyme and Old Lyme residents will vote on $57 million schools’ project on Election Day
Montville voters will decide on $8 million of school upgrades on Election Day
WHERE TO VOTE
LIVE ELECTION COVERAGE
Results of the races will be posted on www.theday.com Tuesday night as soon as they become available.
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