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Politics & Government

Seeking the Democratic Senate Nomination

Susan Bysiewicz wants the ticket.

Former Assistant Secretary Susan Bysiewicz made it clear she expects to be on a ticket with President Barack Obama come Nov. 6, 2012.

“Chris Murphy is not the de facto Democratic candidate,” Bysiewicz told Patch. “He has no support beyond Washington insiders.”

Bysiewicz is seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5) declared his candidacy earlier this year. Murphy has so far raised $1.1 million according to the Federal Election Commission. 

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However, Bysiewicz said she believes she’s well positioned.

“We have more than 700 public supporters and we’ve raised more than half a million dollars so far,” she said. “My support is Main Street. His support is K Street.”

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Murphy couldn’t be reached for comment.

Interest in Bysiewicz's campaign seems strong, as she spoke to more than 100 people during a Democratic fund-raiser in Wilton last Saturday. She said she’s motivated to run because she wants to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure, how it cares for veterans.  She also spoke of the need to withdraw from Afghanistan.

“We are spending $2 billion a year on Iraq and Afghanistan,” she said. “I would just make a small suggestion that we redirect a small portion of that money. We need to bring our troops home as safely as possible.”

While Murphy recently traveled to Afghanistan and Iraq, Bysiewicz said she so far has no plans to travel overseas.  However, she said having attended nearly 60 military funerals to date for Connecticut’s fallen soldiers.

Recently questions regarding redistricting of both the Fourth and Fifth Congressional Districts were raised. Because Connecticut’s population increased from about 3.4 million in 2000 to 3.5 million in 2010 according to the US Census Bureau some lawmakers mused over the idea of having Bridgeport, which is in the fourth district, join the fifth district – which is Murphy’s constituency.

While that wouldn’t directly impact a Senate race, it could mean a slight change in the electoral map.

Though it wouldn’t be logical for Bridgeport to join the fifth, it might make sense for Shelton to join another district, said Connecticut Democratic Chairwomen Nancy DiNardo.

Prof. Gary Rose, Chair of Politics and Government at Sacred Heart University agreed.

“Shelton has always been on the outer rim of the fourth,” he said.

Regardless, Bysiewicz said she’s looking at the big picture.

“I’m looking forward to fighting for you in the US Senate,” she said.

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