Connecticut state Sen. Gary LeBeau says he’s ending his bid for the Democratic nomination for governor.
Meanwhile, Norwalk Town Clerk Andrew Garfunkel says he’s running for the Democratic nomination for secretary of the state.
LeBeau said in an e-mail Monday that when he started his campaign last year, he was virtually the only candidate saying jobs and the state’s economic future were the most important challenges facing Connecticut. Now, he says, all the gubernatorial candidates are saying it.
The senator didn’t say exactly why he was leaving the race. A message was left for him Monday.
LeBeau says he will likely seek re-election as a state senator representing East Hartford, South Windsor, East Windsor and parts of Ellington.
At least six other Democrats and at least seven Republicans have announced plans to run for governor or are exploring the possibility of running.
In the race for secretary of the state, Garfunkle, a 47-year-old Norwalk native, says he’s filed paperwork with the state declaring his campaign, and he believes his experience as town clerk makes him a better candidate than others in the crowded field. He was first elected town clerk in 2001.
State records show several other candidates are running or considering running for secretary of the state, including Republicans Jerry Farrell Jr., Richard Abbate and Corey Brinson and Democrats Denise Merrill, Jonathan Harris and Gerry Garcia.
Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz is not seeking re-election because she’s running for state attorney general. (AP)
