Connecticut
Outlook: Solid Republican
August 10, 2006 Update:
In a primary race largely overshadowed by the state’s Senate primary, New Haven Mayor John DeStefano topped Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy in an all-mayor battle for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. The race was decided by less than 2 percentage points, and DeStefano likely benefited by the strong turnout of primary voters supporting Ned Lamont for the Senate nomination. Like Senator Joe Lieberman, Malloy had won the party’s convention in May but failed to garner enough delegates to avoid an August primary. Having said all that, this could be the most inconsequential gubernatorial primary contest in 2006, as Rell remains the heavy favorite for the general election in November.
August 2, 2006 Update:
All of the focus in Connecticut is on Senator Joe Lieberman and Ned Lamont; Governor Jodi Rell has nothing to worry about as she seeks her first elected term.
Update:
Democrat John DeStefano‘s tiny primary victory has done nothing to generate momentum for him, and Gov. Jodi Rell seems even more secure than before.
Background
The GOP is just plain lucky. In 2004, three-term Republican Governor John Rowland was found to be corrupt and forced to resign. Normally, such an event would lead to a party change in the statehouse at the next election, especially in a liberal Democratic state such as Connecticut. But, waiting in the wings was Lt. Gov. Jodi Rell.
As Governor, Rell has proved to be enormously popular, sweeping out many remaining Rowland cronies and winning hearts with her gritty survival of breast cancer. She should be the clear favorite.