Former Connecticut television news anchor Janet Peckinpaugh earned enough votes at the state’s Republican Party convention Friday to run in a primary for Congress in the 2nd District, The Associated Press reports.
It took delegates three ballots to endorse a candidate, Daria Novak of Madison, a former State Department official.
But Peckinpaugh, who just entered the race earlier this month and Doug Dubitsky, an attorney and farmer from Chaplin, both received enough votes to qualify for the primary.
“Getting in so late, I was very happy,” said Peckinpaugh. “This was my goal.”
The winner of the Republican primary will face Democratic Rep. Joe Courtney, who is seeking his third term.
Peckinpaugh worked for Connecticut broadcasters WTNH-TV, WFSB-TV and WVIT-TV during her 30-year television career before starting her own marketing and communications business.
There were no real surprises at the convention.
Former General Electric executive Ann Brickley won the nomination in the 1st District, but could face a primary contest from political newcomer Mark Zydanowicz for the right to face U.S. Rep. John Larson in November.
State Sen. Sam Caligiuri was endorsed in the 5th District to take on Democratic incumbent Christopher Murphy. Caligiuri also could face a primary race from Justin Bernier, a veteran who served in Afghanistan.
Attorney Jerry Labriola won the right to challenge longtime Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro in the 3rd District; and state Sen. Dan Debicella will take on Democratic incumbent Rep. Jim Himes in the 4th District.
