Healy Won’t Seek Re-Election

By Susan Haigh

Associated Press

HARTFORD — Christopher Healy, chairman of the Connecticut Republicans, confirmed Tuesday he plans to inform the GOP that he will not seek another term as the state political party’s leader.

“I think we have built a strong foundation for victory this year, next year and beyond. But it’s time for someone else to step up and provide some new leadership. This is not a lifetime gig,” said Healy.

“I have tried to do my duty as well as I can and I’m still going to be out there,” he added. “I’m just taking a different position in the trench, so to speak.”

The 53-year-old has been chairman of the state Republicans since January 2007 and was up for re-election on June 28. He was facing several potential challengers.

“I’m not interested in fighting Republicans,” he said. “It’s just a time to move on. It’s just a time.”

Healy is known for his active role as state party chairman and for his quick wit and gregarious demeanor. As news of Healy’s departure spread across the state Capitol on Tuesday, politicians and lobbyists congratulated him. Democratic Governor Dannel P. Malloy shook Healy’s hand, telling his occasional political foe that he respected his commitment to the state Republicans.

Healy’s Democratic counterpart, party chairwoman Nancy DiNardo, said she and Healy didn’t often agree on the issues but he was always respectful of her and worked hard for the GOP.

“We both shared a respect for the importance of political parties and an understanding of the need for a public political dialogue,” she said. “The Republican Party’s track record at the polls — especially in this past election cycle, which should have been a great Republican year — was poor and I can imagine his frustration.”

The Republicans did not win any state constitutional offices, including governor, which Gov. Malloy won by 6,404 votes. The GOP also did not win any of the open US Senate or House seats. Healy has been criticized for the losses.

But Healy said he’s proud of the greater number of Republicans in the General Assembly after the 2010 election. He said he’s also pleased the GOP now holds 100 of the top positions in 169 Connecticut cities and towns, where Healy said leadership means the most to the average taxpayer and voter.