August 10 Primary Will Shape November Ballot

By John Voket

Local Democrats and Republicans who are enjoying a leisurely summer break are called to take care of a little political business Tuesday, August 10, as several high profile primaries take place to finalize contenders in local, state, and federal contests that will play out in the general election November 2.

Republican Registrar of Voters Karin Aurelia reminds Newtown residents interested in participating in the August 10 primaries that as in general elections, polling places will be open in all of Newtown’s four voting districts.

Voters registered in District 1 vote at the middle school gym; District 2 voters should report to the Reed cafetorium; District 3-1 voters to the Head O’ Meadow School cafetorium; and District 3-2 voters can cast ballots at the Edmond Town Hall lower gymnasium.

One of the most closely watched races is among three current probate judges all competing for a single regional probate post following the consolidation of the Newtown, Bethel, Ridgefield, and Redding courts. Newtown’s Republican Probate Judge Moira Rodgers is facing her Bethel counterpart Daniel O’Grady and Probate Judge Joseph Egan of Ridgefield.

The winner of that race will face Newtown Democrat Timothy Holian, who is that party’s sole nominee for the regional post.

Simmons Gaining Ground

Local registered Republicans are also called to select a Republican candidate for the US Senate. Candidates in that race include Linda McMahon, Peter Schiff, and Rob Simmons.

According to an August 4 Quinnipiac University poll of Republican likely primary voters, Rob Simmons trails Ms McMahon 47-30 percent, with 14 percent for Peter Schiff. This compares to a 52-25 percent McMahon lead in a July 16 Quinnipiac survey. 

Only eight percent of these Republican likely voters are undecided, but 38 percent of those who name a candidate say they might change their mind by the August 10 primary.

McMahon gets a 62-27 percent favorability rating from Republican likely voters, while Simmons gets a 49-24 percent score, with 25 percent who do not know enough about him to form an opinion.  For Schiff, 61 percent do no know enough to form an opinion.

While the state-based poll found 39-33 percent agreed that Simmons is most qualified to be a senator; 54- 25 percent that McMahon is best able to win the general election.

On August 10, Republicans will also choose one of three Gubernatorial candidates: Tom Foley, current Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele, or Nelson “Oz” Griebel. The two GOP lieutenant governor candidates are Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton and Lisa Wilson-Foley — no relation to Tom Foley.

Democrats can support either former Stamford mayor Dan Malloy or Ned Lamont for governor and current State Comptroller Nancy Wyman or Mary Messina Glassman as lieutenant governor.

Dems Lead Governor’s Race

A Quinnipiac University survey released August 5 shows Mr Foley leads Lt Gov Fedele 41 percent to 26 percent among likely GOP primary voters. Mr Griebel got 13 percent in the Republican poll. Mr Foley led Lt Gov Fedele 48 percent to 13 percent in last month’s poll.

On the Democratic side, Mr Lamont leads Mr Malloy 45 percent to 40 percent among likely Democratic primary voters. Mr Lamont led Mr Malloy 46 percent to 37 percent in the July 15 survey.

Either Democrat would beat any of the Republicans in the November general election, the poll shows. The tightest race would be between Mr Lamont and Mr Foley. The poll shows Mr Lamont leading Mr Foley 46 percent to 33 percent.

The GOP US Congressional candidates include Sam Caligiuri, Justin Bernier, and Mark Greenberg.

Candidates vying for the GOP’s attorney general slot include Martha Dean and Ross Garber. Denise Merrill and Gerry Garcia are the two Democratic secretary of the state contenders, while State Healthcare Advocate Kevin Lembo is seeking the Democratic comptroller post along with Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura.

In other primary-related news, the Newtown registrar’s office said any unregistered individual, or unaffiliated voter who would like to register with a major party to participate in the primaries must appear in person to do so by noon on August 9. For more information contact the registrars office or leave a message at 203-270-4250.