Democratic Incumbent Will Run Again—

Two Republicans Seek RTC Support For Assembly Run

By John Voket

Freshman Legislative Council member Chris LaRocque and Selectman Will Rodgers have both indicated they will seek local Republican Town Committee support to challenge freshman Democratic legislator Christopher Lyddy for the 106th District seat come November. Rep Lyddy has also affirmed his commitment to run for reelection in a brief call to The Bee Wednesday, followed by a brief follow-up statement in writing.

“After speaking with my family and giving the issue the important thought and attention it deserves, I have decided to seek reelection to the Connecticut General Assembly,” Rep Lyddy stated. “I am eager to continue my service as Newtown’s State Representative and am energized by the work I have been able to accomplish this past year.”

Mr LaRocque, a first-term council member representing Newtown’s Second Voting District, said he has already filed the necessary paperwork with the Secretary of the State’s Office to launch a candidate’s committee. He said he and a group of supporters were currently dealing with the “logistics of launching a campaign,” and that more detailed information about his candidacy would be forthcoming in the near future.

Mr Rodgers, who mounted an unsuccessful campaign against Rep Lyddy in 2008, and who subsequently won a seat on the local Board of Selectman in 2009, said he was asked whether he would consider running for the 106th District post again during RTC interviews before last November’s local race.

“I told the RTC I wouldn’t run just for the sake of running,” Mr Rodgers told The Bee. “I said I would consider it only if there was a change in circumstances that would justify a second attempt.”

Mr Rodgers said the most evident of those changes is an apparent shift in favor back toward the GOP at the national level.

“There is certainly a change in circumstances in that the political climate nationally has changed,” he said. “But I believe I am best qualified and have the most experience. I think I am the candidate who can do the best in a general election.”

 Mr Rodgers said that his approach differs somewhat from Mr LaRocque in that he has not filed paperwork with the state as of yet. He said his first step will to formally present his pitch for support at the local RTC level.

“I’m cautious about putting the cart before the horse, as was done with some candidates in the local elections [in 2009],” he said. “I await my opportunity to present my [plans] to the RTC.”

 In announcing his intent to seek reelection, Rep Lyddy harkened back to President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech when he “proclaimed that the torch had been passed to a new generation of Americans.”

“I have decided to seek reelection because I am determined to keep that torch lit and fight for Newtown and the people of this great state,” Rep Lyddy said. “This past year I have received thousands of emails and hundreds of phone calls and letters about issues important to people in our community. I have loved working on behalf of the people of Newtown during my first term and hope that I am given the great opportunity to continue my service in this capacity.”