Prominent Connecticut businessman and politician Ned Lamont SOM ’80 announced Wednesday he is forming a committee to explore a possible run for governor next year.
In 2006, Lamont drew headlines for his primary victory against Sen. Joseph Lieberman ’64 LAW ’67. And though he lost in the general election, Lamont has remained a potent force in state politics. He joins a crowded field of Democrats considering a run to unseat Gov. M. Jodi Rell, a Republican.
In an e-mail to supporters Wednesday afternoon, Lamont criticized Rell, saying the state is not living up to its potential.
“Whether it has been health care and the economy, losing jobs, young people leaving the state, or the never-ending budget crisis, we have all seen our state head in the wrong direction,” he said.
Rell has not announced whether she will seek another term, but nearly 60 percent of state residents approve of her job performance, according to a September Quinnipiac University Poll.
Full text of Lamont’s e-mail to supporters:
Subject: A big announcement
Dear Friend,
I wanted you to be one of the first to know that, this afternoon, I will be filing papers to establish a committee to explore a potential candidacy for Governor of Connecticut.
Since our 2006 campaign for Senate, I have continued to meet with citizens across our state — as co-chairman of the Obama campaign in Connecticut, founder of a state policy institute at Central Connecticut State University, and as an outspoken advocate for health care reform. I have been constantly reminded during these conversations that Connecticut is not living up to its potential and that too many of our families are still being left behind.
Whether it has been health care and the economy, losing jobs, young people leaving the state, or the never-ending budget crisis, we have all seen our state head in the wrong direction.
Simply put, Connecticut’s current Chief Executive is not getting the job done.
Over the next few weeks, I look forward to continuing these conversations with voters across the state. And I also look forward to hearing from all of you.
You can sign up here to stay connected on Twitter and Facebook:
http://www.nedlamont.com
I hope to have your support as we start this new chapter together.
Ned