The following comes by way of Dentons50 Connecticut partner James Woulfe.
Comptroller Kevin Lembo shocked the Connecticut political world last week when he abruptly announced he would be suspending his exploratory campaign for governor and would instead run for reelection.
Lembo, seen as the front-runner in the race before dropping out, made the decision to run for reelection following a ten day “gut check.” “Sometimes the grass isn’t greener,” Lembo said referring to the Governship. Speculation began immediately after the announcement that Lembo’s decision was tied to a decision by Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman to throw her hat in the ring – Lembo had promised to step aside if she decided to enter the race. The Lt. Governor, who is away for the long weekend with family, is reportedly still considering her options, and has not made a final decision. Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, former federal prosecutor Chris Mattei, and former Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan Harris still remain in the race on the Democratic side of the aisle. The Governor’s Week
Despite assurances from House and Senate Democrats that a vote on a budget is imminent, Governor Malloy is still pessimistic about the chances of a budget bill getting to his desk any time soon. In an hour-long meeting with the Hartford Courant’s editorial board, the Governor said:
““Whatever the House passes, in line with what they’re talking about, wouldn’t get through the Senate. So, we really have made almost no progress. … It’s clear to me that they’re not dealing with the budgetary reality. I think, quite frankly, they’re grasping for straws in an attempt to cobble together a budget.” Without a budget deal by October 1st, a series of significant cuts in state aid to cities and towns will go into effect.
General Assembly
The House and Senate will convene next for a special session to take a vote on the budget. The dates and times of the sessions will be announced when a final budget has been negotiated and agreed upon.
D.C. Happenings
Speculation is heating up about a 2020 presidential run by Connecticut’s junior U.S. Senator, Chris Murphy. Axios AM reported this morning that Sen. Murphy is one of three potential candidates who have begun the search for campaign staff. Sen. Murphy, a frequent and vocal critic of President Trump, was quoted as recently as June saying he had no interest in running for the oval office.
The Week Ahead
Monday, September 4th
State Holiday – Building Closed (CAPGRDS)
Tuesday, September 5th
9:00 am – DPH: Mobile Integrated Health Work Group Meeting (1D)
Wednesday, September 6th
9:00 am – The CT Juvenile Justice Alliance Conference (310) 5:30 pm – CEO: Monthly Commission Meeting (1C)
Thursday, September 7th
10:00 am – Rep. Albis: CT Racial Profiling Prohibition Board Meeting (1C) 11:30 am – Commission on Equity & Opportunity: Brazilian Flag Raising Ceremony (CAPGRDS) 12:00 pm – Commission on Equity & Opportunity: Brazilian Flag Raising Ceremony Reception (JUDRM)
Friday, September 8th
9:30 am -Medical Assistance Program Oversight Council (1E) 1:00 pm – Task Force to Study Rare Diseases Meeting (1C)
