Lt Governor May Skip

Newtown’s Next Candidates Forum

By John Voket

Perhaps the most well-known of all the state contenders for the governor’s seat will be represented by an empty chair at next week’s Republican Town Committee candidates forum. The next Newtown RTC 2010 Political Forum is set for Wednesday, March 24, featuring state Republican candidates for governor.

According to RTC spokesperson and organizer Mitch Bolinsky, invited guests include the mainstream, announced GOP candidates for Connecticut’s top elected office.

“We are pleased to have received enthusiastic, positive RSVPs from nearly every GOP contender for governor, including Mark Boughton, Larry DeNardis, Tom Foley, Oz Griebel, and Tom Marsh,” Mr Bolinsky said in a release. “We’re still working on Mike Fedele who, at this time, has a scheduling issue. The event will go on, with or without the lieutenant governor.”

The event will follow an abbreviated town committee meeting that will begin at 7 pm, with the forum to follow at 8 pm at Newtown’s Multi-Purpose Building / Senior Center at 14 Riverside Road in Sandy Hook.

Mr Bolinsky said the speaking order will be determined by an informal drawing of numbered ping pong balls at the start of the event. 

“The forum is not set up as a traditional debate,” Mr Bolinsky continued. “Rather, it will be an opportunity for each candidate to speak for up to ten minutes about the issues most important to them and what they believe makes them the most ‘electable’ individual to maintain our party’s hold on the governor’s mansion.”

After each guest speaks, there will be moderator-led questions from RTC membership, an opportunity for concluding comments and then coffee, casual conversation, and networking. 

All candidates are being encouraged to bring staff members, campaign literature, and solicit membership for local volunteer coordinators and/or hosts to help their campaigns build momentum through candidate open house events, coffees or meet & greets.

There is no admission charge to attend the event. For more information, call 203-470-2728.