There are at least seven candidates considering to be retired Chief State’s Attorney John Bailey’s replacement.

Acting Chief State’s Attorney Christopher Morano is among the contenders. Morano, 47, was serving as deputy chief state’s attorney for operations when he was chosen by the commission in October to serve

as acting chief state’s attorney.

Also competing for the job are Tolland State’s Attorney Paul Murray, who has more than 25 years’ experience as a state prosecutor, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard Boyle, who has been involved in numerous political corruption cases at the federal level.

Other candidates include Middletown lawyer Gary Collins, a former prosecutor who most recently waged an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination in the 2nd Congressional District race.

Also applying for the job are Sidney W. Elkin, a West Hartford probate judge; Steven Collier, a former Philadelphia prosecutor now practicing labor law and Karen Rolfini-Beckenstein, who recently moved to Connecticut from Texas.

However, Waterbury State’s Attorney John A. Connelly, said he is not interested.

–Associated Press