HBJ puts spotlight on gubernatorial candidates

As we head into mid-September, we’re now less than two months away from an important election. Voters in Connecticut will head to the ballot box on Nov. 8, to choose candidates in local, state and federal races. Nationally, all eyes are on the midterm elections as Democrats try to safeguard control of the House and Senate. In Connecticut, the spotlight is on the gubernatorial race. In this week’s issue, Hartford Business Journal kicks off its coverage of the race, which will include sit-down interviews with three candidates — Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, GOP challenger Bob Stefanowski and Independent candidate Robert Hotaling — to discuss their plans to improve the state’s economy and business climate. In a very polarized political environment, I thought it would be wise to explain our approach to the coverage. All three candidates were invited to HBJ’s office for an hour-long, sit-down to discuss their plans and vision for the state, particularly when it comes to supporting economic growth and the business community. As of press time (Sept. 7), interviews were completed with Lamont and Stefanowski, and scheduled with Hotaling. Lamont’s story is the first to publish in this issue simply because his interview was conducted first. We are allocating two-and-a-half pages in print, and a little more space online, for stories on each candidate that touch on business and economic issues. We chose a Q&A story format to allow for a wide range of topics to be explored. The Q&As are being edited for length, clarity and accuracy. Candidates were asked both similar and dissimilar questions because they are in different positions. Lamont, having served in office for four years, has a track record to defend, while the other two candidates have policy visions and philosophies they need to share. Of course, all topics were focused on our core audience: the business community. Unlike some other media outlets in Connecticut, HBJ will continue its policy of not endorsing candidates. We believe that responsibility ought to be left to our readers and that a nonpartisan approach is best to maintain journalistic independence. In many ways, this year’s race is similar to the one that took place in 2018, when Lamont defeated Stefanowski by a 49.4% to 46.2% margin, or about 44,000 votes. The most recent Quinnipiac University poll on this year’s race, conducted in May, gave Lamont an eight-point lead. Owning the advantage of incumbency in a blue state, Lamont will be difficult to defeat. Connecticut last had a Republican governor in 2011, when M. Jodi Rell held office. The business community has never been shy about voicing its opinion on state government policy. Of course, the best way to get involved is to show up at the ballot box. Until it’s time to cast a vote, we hope our coverage better informs you on where candidates stand on economic and business-related issues.