McKinney Opts Out Of Governor’s Race

By John Voket

Bucking a crowd of contenders, State Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, who represents Newtown, announced Tuesday afternoon that he has decided to not seek a nomination for governor, choosing instead to focus on being reelected to the seat he has held for six consecutive terms.

“After careful consideration, I am announcing today that I will not be a candidate for governor in 2010,” Senator McKinney said in a statement January 12. “While I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received over the past several months, I believe this decision, at this time, is best for me and my three young children, Matthew, Graysen, and Kate.”

Sen McKinney said Connecticut is facing extraordinary challenges, and that he will seek to maintain his “commitment to the people of the 28th State Senate District, as well as my position as Senate Minority Leader; and I will seek reelection to the State Senate this year.”

Pointing out that Connecticut families and businesses continue to suffer as the Democratic-controlled state budget deficit continues to grow, Sen McKinney said he is committed to building on his record, “and I will continue to advocate for the fundamental restructuring of state government I believe is necessary to lead us out of this fiscal crisis and protect Connecticut’s long-term economic security.”

The announcement came just a few days after several new contenders expressed interest in possibly seeking the state’s top elected seat.

More than a dozen candidates — ranging from a first selectman to a former US ambassador to Ireland — are considering or have announced plans to run for governor. Health care activist Juan Figueroa became the latest January 7, when the Democrat filed paperwork to form an exploratory committee.

Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura, and Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti are all among local leaders who expressed interest in running.