Curry And Jepsen Join Forces To Oppose Rowland

By Susan Haigh

Associated Press

HARTFORD –– Senate Majority Leader George Jepsen, D-Stamford, withdrew his candidacy for governor June 29 and said he would run for lieutenant governor with former comptroller Bill Curry.

Speaking at a news conference at the Hall of Flags in the State Capitol, Jepsen and Curry told about 100 supporters that together, they could defeat Republican Governor John G. Rowland in November.

“This is the strongest ticket that either party has been able to field in a long time,” Mr Curry said. “We’re about to replace an administration that long ago lost its way.”

Gov Rowland announced his candidacy for a third term on Monday.

Mr Jepsen, a six-term state senator, had insisted that he planned to remain in the race through September 5 when the party primary was set.

But pressure intensified in the past few days for Mr Jepsen to drop his bid. Some prominent Democrats, including state party chairman John Olsen and US Senator Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., called for unification of the party and warned that a primary would hurt the Democrats’ chances of defeating Gov Rowland in November.

Mr Jepsen admitted Saturday to having a “growing sense” in the last few weeks that he should pull out of the race and join forces with Mr Curry. Mr Jepsen said he met last week with Mr Curry, Mr Olsen and other campaign staff to discuss joining forces.

“You make decisions and choices based on the information you have,” Mr Jepsen said. “John Rowland can better be beaten by a unified ticket that would articulate a strong consistent message, day in, day out for four months.”

Earlier this month, Mr Curry, who lost to Mr Rowland in 1994, boasted the support of 800 state delegates, more than half the 1,553 who can cast a vote at the statewide convention.

Mr Jepsen countered that he had the support of at least 500 delegates, and promised to bring his case to the voters. A candidate needs the support of 15 percent of delegates to force a primary.

 “We have the time to build the organization,” Mr Curry said. “This party has never been more united in principle.”

Mr Jepsen condemned what he called Gov Rowland’s “utter lack of performance.”

He and Mr Curry said Gov Rowland has not done anything about high property taxes they say make the state too expensive for the middle class. Mr Curry accused Gov Rowland of fostering a state government of insiders that benefits only the insiders, where state employees feel demoralized and whistleblowers are considered scapegoats, not heroes.

Nuala Forde, Gov Rowland’s campaign spokeswoman, said she was not surprised the Democratic team would disparage the governor on the first day of their partnership. She said Gov Rowland finds himself running against two opponents “armed with slingshots and spitballs.”