GOP Senate Hopeful Visits Newtown

Jack Orchulli, the Darien Republican who is challenging Democratic Sen Christopher Dodd in this year’s election, came to Newtown on June 17 to do some handshaking at the Blue Colony diner, My Place Restaurant, and the Sandy Hook Diner.

Retired from the women’s designer fashion industry, Mr Orchulli, 58, said he decided to follow a 30-year dream of getting involved in politics and offering service.

“The time is right and I have the financial resources,” he said. “I’m running against someone I don’t think is doing anything for Connecticut.”

Characterizing Sen Dodd as “a career politician,” Mr Orchulli said the state is suffering from a failing transportation system, high local taxes, and too few federal dollars.

“We aren’t getting our fair share back from Washington,” he said. “We don’t have anyone working for the people of Connecticut.”

On May 8, Jack Orchulli won the GOP nomination at the state convention. In a field of four candidates, he had 89 percent of the vote.

He has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Rutgers University in Brunswick, N.J., and a master’s in finance from B.M. Baruch College in New York City. He became partner with fashion designer Michael Kors in 1981. At its height, the company had 85 employees and grossed $100 million. In January 2003, Mr Orchulli sold his business interest in the company.

He is divorced and has a 20-year-old son, Andrew, who attends Princeton University.