Rell Says She May Form An

Exploratory Reelection Committee

By Susan Haigh Associated Press

HARTFORD — Governor M. Jodi Rell is considering running for reelection in 2010.

One year into her first full term as governor, Rell said Monday that she’ll decide next month whether to form an exploratory committee. Under state law, such a committee can be used to raise a limited amount of money for polling and research.

“There are lots of good things happening,” she said in an interview. “You know what? I’m proud of the job that I’ve done.”

Rell, 61, took office in July 2004 after her running mate, former governor John G. Rowland, resigned in a corruption scandal. She was elected to her first full term in November 2006, easily defeating New Haven Mayor John DeStefano.

Many Democrats have questioned whether Rell, a Republican, will seek a second term. Democrats control the General Assembly.

“I know that there were rumors out there that she was not going to even complete her four years in office, but would step down early so [Lt Gov Michael] Fedele can run in 2010 as an incumbent,” said state Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo. “So, perhaps she’s saying this now to stop those rumors.”

Rell underwent breast cancer surgery in late 2004, but says she has fully recuperated. Her husband last month had a small cancerous growth removed from his esophagus.

DiNardo, who acknowledged she was surprised that Rell would consider only a year into her term a possible run for reelection, said the governor might not want to appear as a lame duck GOP governor facing a strong Democratic majority in the legislature.

“Speculation is a fool’s errand at this point in the game,” said state Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy. “She has the record and the good will among the voters to be successful and I hope she follows that.”

A Quinnipiac University Poll released November 7 showed 77 percent of registered voters like the job Rell is doing as governor, while 14 percent did not and 9 percent did not know.

Healy said Rell spoke with him and Republican legislative leaders over the past few weeks about her possible plans.

“I think the way she’s handled the office, there’s no doubt that she’s firmly in command of the government and I think she’s gotten a lot of things to her liking,” he said.

Already, several potential Democratic candidates have been mentioned as possible opponents in the next gubernatorial election. They include Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, House Speaker James Amann, Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr., and DeStefano.

Rell said she’s been heartened by the letters and e-mails she’s received from constituents who she say have thanked her for her work since taking over during the Rowland scandal.

“For the most part,” she said, “people honestly believe that we have turned the ethics corner in Connecticut.”