Connecticut gubernatorial election, 2010
Encyclopedia
The 2010 Connecticut gubernatorial election took place on November 2, 2010 to elect the 73rd Governor of Connecticut. Incumbent Governor M. Jodi Rell
had announced in a press conference in Hartford on November 9, 2009, that she would not seek re-election in 2010. The non-partisan Cook Political Report
and CQ Politics both rated the election as a toss up.
Gubernatorial primaries for the Republican and Democratic parties took place on August 10, 2010.
Tom Foley conceded the race November 8, 2010.
* Denotes candidate met the minimum threshold of 15 percent to appear on the primary ballot
, former mayor of Stamford
, defeated businessman Ned Lamont
.
* Denotes candidate met the minimum threshold of 15 percent to appear on the primary ballot
, former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, defeated incumbent Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele
.
Prior to the state conventions and primaries, three gubernatorial candidates announced who they would wish to run with if so nominated to run for governor:
Additionally, one Republican, Lisa Wilson-Foley, ran for lieutenant governor without having been selected as a running mate by a gubernatorial candidate.
Prior to the Republican convention, Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley
decided not to name a running mate, stating that he believes that the state's tradition of a gubernatorial candidate naming a preferred running mate before party conventions and primaries is "out of date." While never named a preferred running for mate himself, Foley gave praise to both Michael Fedele's choice, Mark Boughton, and Lisa Wilson-Foley (of no relation).
At their respective party conventions, Boughton and Wyman won their party's endorsements on May 22, though both went on to face primary challenges. In the party primaries held on August 10, both party-endorsed candidates won, with Boughton defeating Wilson-Foley for the GOP nomination and Wyman winning the Democratic nod over Glassman.
Foley and Malloy met again two days later, on October 1, for a debate in Greenwich
sponsored by the Greenwich, Stamford
, and Norwalk
chambers of commerce.
The first televised gubernatorial debate of the 2010 campaign took place on October 5, moderated by Fox News Channel
chief political correspondent Carl Cameron
and aired live on Fox Connecticut. Among other things in the debate in which the two opponents "clashed sharply," Foley voiced his support for retaining Connecticut's death penalty as is, pledging to veto abolishment bills placed on his desk as governor, while Malloy reiterated his opposition to capital punishment, though he stated he would not retroactively undo death sentences of individuals currently in the process. The candidates also took issue with each other's records, with Malloy accusing Foley of mismanagement while CEO of a Georgia textile mill and Foley labeling Malloy as a career politician who presided as mayor of Stamford
during years in which the city had net job losses. State labor department figures have shown Stamford to have lost more than 5,000 net jobs during the 14-year period of Malloy's tenure as mayor. The Republican and the Democrat also took issue with statements and actions taken during the election season, with Foley stating that Malloy's pledge to cut gubernatorial staff by 15 percent would amount to only approximately five positions being cut and Malloy criticizing Foley for not naming a preferred running mate for the position of lieutenant governor. Malloy clarified that he had meant cutting from all positions the governor has a role in filling, stating that "about 600" positions was the real figure. Foley responded to Malloy's questioning over his running mate by stating that Republican primary voters placed Danbury
mayor Mark Boughton in the position as Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, not him, but praised Boughton's experience.
A second televised debate was held between the Republican and the Democrat on October 13 in New London
. A third, an afternoon debate broadcast live from Fairfield University
on Connecticut Public Television
, WFSB, and WNPR
radio, occurred on October 19. The candidates met for a final time on October 26 for a televised debate aired on NBC 30
.
for a home invasion/murder in 2007 in Cheshire
.
ran out of ballots on Election Day, leading to a ruling by Superior Court
Judge Marshall K. Berger, Jr., for the polls to remain open at the affected polling sites until 10 p.m., two hours later than the normal statewide 8 p.m. closing time, in order for disenfranchised voters to return to vote on newly printed ballots. Bridgeport officials had initially ordered only 21,000 ballots, despite there being over 69,000 registered voters in the city.
With all votes counted, with the exception of Bridgeport, Republican Tom Foley held a slight lead in the popular vote (556,787 to 548,378). Once the ballots from Bridgeport were counted, Democrat Dan Malloy was declared the winner by Secretary of the State
Susan Bysiewicz
, who, according to the Stamford Advocate, based her announcement on preliminary, "informal totals. ... That does not include uncounted absentee ballots." Byseiwicz's announcement conflicted with the latest statewide tallies compiled by Foley's team and the non-partisan Associated Press
, both of which indicated Foley to be in the lead by a thin margin.
Judge Berger did state in his ruling that all votes submitted after 8 p.m. would be counted as provisional ballots and kept separate from the others. The state Republican Party threatened a legal challenge.
On November 8, Foley, though still concerned over the election's handling and precise vote totals, conceded the election, stating, "The election on Tuesday was a conclusive victory for Dan Malloy, and this result should not be questioned."
Debate
Official campaign websites
M. Jodi Rell
Mary Jodi Rell is a Republican politician and was the 87th Governor of the U.S. state of Connecticut from 2004 until 2011. She was the Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut under Governor John G. Rowland, who resigned during a corruption investigation. Rell is Connecticut's second female Governor,...
had announced in a press conference in Hartford on November 9, 2009, that she would not seek re-election in 2010. The non-partisan Cook Political Report
Cook Political Report
The Cook Political Report is an independent, non-partisan online newsletter that analyzes elections and campaigns for the United States House of Representatives, the United States Senate, Governor's offices and the American Presidency. The Cook Political Report is led by a staff of five...
and CQ Politics both rated the election as a toss up.
Gubernatorial primaries for the Republican and Democratic parties took place on August 10, 2010.
Tom Foley conceded the race November 8, 2010.
Candidates
- Ned LamontNed LamontEdward Miner "Ned" Lamont, Jr. is a businessman and heir and most recently an unsuccessful candidate for the 2010 Democratic nomination for Governor of Connecticut. On May 22, 2010, Lamont received more than fifteen percent of the vote at the state Democratic convention, and appeared on the...
, businessman and former Democratic nominee for U.S. SenateUnited States SenateThe United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each... - Dan MalloyDan MalloyDannel Patrick "Dan" Malloy is the 88th and current Governor of Connecticut. He was the Mayor of Stamford, Connecticut from December 1995 until December 2009. Malloy had been endorsed by the Connecticut Democratic Party on May 22, 2010 over 2006 Democratic U.S...
, former Mayor of StamfordStamford, ConnecticutStamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 122,643, making it the fourth largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in New England...
Declined
- Connecticut Attorney GeneralAttorney GeneralIn most common law jurisdictions, the attorney general, or attorney-general, is the main legal advisor to the government, and in some jurisdictions he or she may also have executive responsibility for law enforcement or responsibility for public prosecutions.The term is used to refer to any person...
Richard BlumenthalRichard BlumenthalRichard Blumenthal is the junior United States Senator from Connecticut and a member of the Democratic Party. Previously, he served as Attorney General of Connecticut.... - Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr.Donald E. Williams, Jr.Donald E. Williams, Jr. was first elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in a special election in 1993. Prior to his service in the State Senate, he served two terms as the First Selectman for the town of Thompson. In July 2004, Senator Williams was elected to serve as the President Pro...
- Secretary of State Susan BysiewiczSusan BysiewiczSusan Bysiewicz served as Secretary of the State of Connecticut from 1999 to 2011. She was briefly a candidate for Governor of Connecticut in 2010, before dropping out to run for Connecticut Attorney General. She was disqualified from running for the office by the Connecticut Supreme Court and...
- State Senator Gary LeBeauGary LeBeauGary LeBeau is the State Senator in Connecticut from the third senatorial district serving the towns of East Hartford, South Windsor, East Windsor, and Ellington. Gary was first elected to the State Senate in 1996...
- Former Speaker of the Connecticut House of RepresentativesConnecticut House of RepresentativesThe Connecticut House of Representatives is the lower house in the Connecticut General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The house is composed of 151 members representing an equal number of districts, with each constituency containing nearly 22,600 residents...
James A. Amann - SimsburySimsbury, ConnecticutSimsbury is a suburban town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 23,234 at the 2000 census. The town was incorporated as Connecticut's twenty-first town in May 1670.-Early history:...
First Selectman and former Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor Mary GlassmanMary GlassmanMary Messina Glassman is the First Selectman of Simsbury, Connecticut and was a 2010 Democratic primary candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut. She had been the official Democratic nominee for the position in 2006.-Biography:...
(ran for Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut instead) - Universal Health Care Foundation of ConnecticutUniversal Health Care Foundation of ConnecticutUniversal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut is an independent, nonprofit organization with offices in Meriden, Connecticut. The foundation supports the mission of its parent organization, CHART...
president and former state legislator Juan FigueroaJuan FigueroaJuan Figueroa is president of Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut and former president and general counsel of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund... - WaterburyWaterbury, ConnecticutWaterbury is a city in New Haven County, Connecticut, on the Naugatuck River, 33 miles southwest of Hartford and 77 miles northeast of New York City...
Mayor Michael JarjuraMichael JarjuraMichael Jarjura is the Mayor of Waterbury, Connecticut.He was first elected in 2001 and reelected in 2003. In 2005, he was elected to a third term as a write-in candidate after losing the Democratic primary... - RidgefieldRidgefield, ConnecticutRidgefield is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. Situated in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, the 300-year-old community had a population of 24,638 at the 2010 census. The town center, which was formerly a borough, is defined by the U.S...
First Selectman Rudy MarconiRudy MarconiRudy Marconi is the first selectman of Ridgefield, Connecticut, and exploratory candidate for governor of Connecticut. First elected as first selectman in 1999, he is currently serving his fifth term.-Early life and education:...
State convention results
The state Democratic convention endorsed Dan Malloy for governor on May 22, 2010.* Denotes candidate met the minimum threshold of 15 percent to appear on the primary ballot
Polling
| Poll source | Dates administered | Susan Bysiewicz | Ned Lamont | Dan Malloy | Jim Amann | Mary Glassman | Rudy Marconi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac | August 3–8, 2010 | — | 45% | 42% | — | — | — |
| Quinnipiac | July 28-August 2, 2010 | — | 45% | 40% | — | — | — |
| Quinnipiac | July 7–13, 2010 | — | 46% | 37% | — | — | — |
| Quinnipiac | June 2–8, 2010 | — | 39% | 22% | — | — | — |
| Quinnipiac | May 24–25, 2010 | — | 41% | 24% | — | — | — |
| Quinnipiac | March 9–15, 2010 | — | 28% | 18% | — | 4% | 2% |
| Quinnipiac | January 14–19, 2010 | — | 27% | 11% | 5% | 4% | 1% |
| Quinnipiac | November 3–8, 2009 | 26% | 23% | 9% | 3% | — | 1% |
| Quinnipiac | February 5–8, 2009 | 44% | — | 12% | 4% | — | — |
Results
In the Democratic primary, state party-endorsed candidate Dan MalloyDan Malloy
Dannel Patrick "Dan" Malloy is the 88th and current Governor of Connecticut. He was the Mayor of Stamford, Connecticut from December 1995 until December 2009. Malloy had been endorsed by the Connecticut Democratic Party on May 22, 2010 over 2006 Democratic U.S...
, former mayor of Stamford
Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 122,643, making it the fourth largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in New England...
, defeated businessman Ned Lamont
Ned Lamont
Edward Miner "Ned" Lamont, Jr. is a businessman and heir and most recently an unsuccessful candidate for the 2010 Democratic nomination for Governor of Connecticut. On May 22, 2010, Lamont received more than fifteen percent of the vote at the state Democratic convention, and appeared on the...
.
Candidates
- Michael FedeleMichael FedeleMichael Fedele is an Italian-American politician. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 107thThe State of Connecticut recognizes Michael Fedele as the 107th Lieutenant Governor, using a standard that had counted Colonial period lieutenants as well as counting lieutenants who had...
, incumbent Lieutenant Governor - Tom FoleyThomas C. FoleyThomas Coleman "Tom" Foley is a former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Connecticut businessman, and was the Republican candidate in the 2010 gubernatorial election in Connecticut.-Early life and education:...
, former United States Ambassador to IrelandUnited States Ambassador to IrelandThere have been a total of 30 Ambassadors of the United States to Ireland meaning the Republic of Ireland. All except one, Frederick A. Sterling, have been non-career appointees, while there were three under President George W. Bush.-List of Ambassadors:... - Oz GriebelOz GriebelRichard Nelson "Oz" Griebel is a banker, lawyer, and was a Republican primary candidate in the 2010 Connecticut gubernatorial election. He is currently on leave from his position as CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance. He resides in Simsbury, Connecticut.-Professional:Griebel is a former teacher and...
, president and CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance
Declined
- Incumbent Governor M. Jodi RellM. Jodi RellMary Jodi Rell is a Republican politician and was the 87th Governor of the U.S. state of Connecticut from 2004 until 2011. She was the Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut under Governor John G. Rowland, who resigned during a corruption investigation. Rell is Connecticut's second female Governor,...
- Former U.S. Attorney Kevin J. O'ConnorKevin J. O'Connor (attorney)Kevin J. O'Connor is an attorney appointed by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate as Connecticut’s 48th United States Attorney in 2002. From January to April 2006, O'Connor served as Associate Deputy Attorney General of the United States. In 2007, O'Connor...
- State House Republican Leader Larry CaferoLawrence F. CaferoLawrence F. Cafero Jr. is a state representative representing Norwalk, Connecticut and is the Republican House Leader in the Connecticut General Assembly. Elected by the 142nd District in 1992, Cafero is serving in his eighth term in the Connecticut House of Representatives...
- Former U.S. Representative Chris Shays
- State Senate Republican Leader John McKinneyJohn P. McKinneyJohn P. McKinney is a Republican member of the Connecticut Senate, representing the 28th district since 1999 and has served as its Minority Leader since June 2007....
- Newington Mayor Jeff Wright -- will run for state treasurerConnecticut State TreasurerThe Connecticut State Treasurer serves the office of treasurer for the state of Connecticut.-List of State Treasurers:-External links:***...
- DanburyDanbury, ConnecticutDanbury is a city in northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. It had population at the 2010 census of 80,893. Danbury is the fourth largest city in Fairfield County and is the seventh largest city in Connecticut....
Mayor Mark Boughton -- will run for lieutenant governor - Lawrence J. DeNardis, former Congressman
State convention results
The state Republican convention endorsed Tom Foley for governor on May 22, 2010.* Denotes candidate met the minimum threshold of 15 percent to appear on the primary ballot
Polling
| Poll source | Dates administered | Tom Foley | Michael Fedele | Oz Griebel | Mark Boughton | Larry DeNardis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac | August 3–8, 2010 | 38% | 30% | 17% | — | — |
| Quinnipiac | July 28-August 2, 2010 | 41% | 26% | 13% | — | — |
| Quinnipiac | July 7–13, 2010 | 48% | 13% | 7% | — | — |
| Quinnipiac | June 2–8, 2010 | 39% | 12% | 2% | — | — |
| Quinnipiac | May 24–25, 2010 | 37% | 11% | 5% | — | — |
| Quinnipiac | March 9–15, 2010 | 30% | 4% | 2% | 4% | 2% |
| Quinnipiac | January 14–19, 2010 | 17% | 8% | 2% | 6% | 4% |
Results
In the Republican primary, state party-endorsed candidate Tom FoleyThomas C. Foley
Thomas Coleman "Tom" Foley is a former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Connecticut businessman, and was the Republican candidate in the 2010 gubernatorial election in Connecticut.-Early life and education:...
, former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, defeated incumbent Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele
Michael Fedele
Michael Fedele is an Italian-American politician. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 107thThe State of Connecticut recognizes Michael Fedele as the 107th Lieutenant Governor, using a standard that had counted Colonial period lieutenants as well as counting lieutenants who had...
.
Running mate announcements
In Connecticut, candidates for governor and lieutenant governor are elected jointly on the same ballot line in the general election. In party primaries, however, they are nominated separately. Gubernatorial candidates often select an individual to be their preferred running mate prior to any such primaries, but their running mate in the general election is ultimately at the will of their party’s primary electorate.Prior to the state conventions and primaries, three gubernatorial candidates announced who they would wish to run with if so nominated to run for governor:
- Democrat Ned LamontNed LamontEdward Miner "Ned" Lamont, Jr. is a businessman and heir and most recently an unsuccessful candidate for the 2010 Democratic nomination for Governor of Connecticut. On May 22, 2010, Lamont received more than fifteen percent of the vote at the state Democratic convention, and appeared on the...
selected SimsburySimsbury, ConnecticutSimsbury is a suburban town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 23,234 at the 2000 census. The town was incorporated as Connecticut's twenty-first town in May 1670.-Early history:...
First Selectwoman Mary GlassmanMary GlassmanMary Messina Glassman is the First Selectman of Simsbury, Connecticut and was a 2010 Democratic primary candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut. She had been the official Democratic nominee for the position in 2006.-Biography:...
to be his running mate on May 3. - Democrat Dan MalloyDan MalloyDannel Patrick "Dan" Malloy is the 88th and current Governor of Connecticut. He was the Mayor of Stamford, Connecticut from December 1995 until December 2009. Malloy had been endorsed by the Connecticut Democratic Party on May 22, 2010 over 2006 Democratic U.S...
selected state comptroller Nancy WymanNancy WymanNancy S. Wyman is the 108thThe State of Connecticut recognizes Nancy Wyman as the 108th Lieutenant Governor, using a standard that had counted Colonial period lieutenants as well as counting lieutenants who had served multiple times as only one individual figure. Wyman is considered the 88th...
to be his running mate on May 11. - Republican Michael FedeleMichael FedeleMichael Fedele is an Italian-American politician. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 107thThe State of Connecticut recognizes Michael Fedele as the 107th Lieutenant Governor, using a standard that had counted Colonial period lieutenants as well as counting lieutenants who had...
selected DanburyDanbury, ConnecticutDanbury is a city in northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. It had population at the 2010 census of 80,893. Danbury is the fourth largest city in Fairfield County and is the seventh largest city in Connecticut....
Mayor Mark Boughton, previously a fellow GOP candidate for governor, to be his running mate on May 17.
Additionally, one Republican, Lisa Wilson-Foley, ran for lieutenant governor without having been selected as a running mate by a gubernatorial candidate.
Prior to the Republican convention, Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley
Thomas C. Foley
Thomas Coleman "Tom" Foley is a former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Connecticut businessman, and was the Republican candidate in the 2010 gubernatorial election in Connecticut.-Early life and education:...
decided not to name a running mate, stating that he believes that the state's tradition of a gubernatorial candidate naming a preferred running mate before party conventions and primaries is "out of date." While never named a preferred running for mate himself, Foley gave praise to both Michael Fedele's choice, Mark Boughton, and Lisa Wilson-Foley (of no relation).
At their respective party conventions, Boughton and Wyman won their party's endorsements on May 22, though both went on to face primary challenges. In the party primaries held on August 10, both party-endorsed candidates won, with Boughton defeating Wilson-Foley for the GOP nomination and Wyman winning the Democratic nod over Glassman.
Candidates and running mates
- Democratic Party (also on line of the Working Families PartyWorking Families PartyThe Working Families Party is a minor political party in the United States founded in New York in 1998. There are "sister" parties to the New York WFP in Connecticut, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Oregon, but there is as yet no national WFP...
): Dan MalloyDan MalloyDannel Patrick "Dan" Malloy is the 88th and current Governor of Connecticut. He was the Mayor of Stamford, Connecticut from December 1995 until December 2009. Malloy had been endorsed by the Connecticut Democratic Party on May 22, 2010 over 2006 Democratic U.S...
- Nancy WymanNancy WymanNancy S. Wyman is the 108thThe State of Connecticut recognizes Nancy Wyman as the 108th Lieutenant Governor, using a standard that had counted Colonial period lieutenants as well as counting lieutenants who had served multiple times as only one individual figure. Wyman is considered the 88th... - Republican Party: Tom FoleyThomas C. FoleyThomas Coleman "Tom" Foley is a former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Connecticut businessman, and was the Republican candidate in the 2010 gubernatorial election in Connecticut.-Early life and education:...
- Mark Boughton - Independent: Tom Marsh - Cicero Booker
Debates
On September 28, 2010, candidates Tom Foley, Dan Malloy, and Tom Marsh participated in the first gubernatorial debate of the 2010 race, a 50-minute, non-televised forum on education concerns in Hartford. In the debate, Foley stated that jobs and education would be his top priorities if elected governor, that more spending is not the solution to solve education-related problems, and that Malloy has "support[ed] the status quo" of teachers' unions. Malloy used the forum to advocate that schools report the amount of money spent in the classroom verses on school administration, stated that one "can be for reform and for teachers at the same time," and voiced support for a statewide universal pre-K program. Marsh stated that teachers' performance standards must improve and criticized the ratio that poorly performing doctors are removed from their jobs verses the rate at which underperforming teachers are.Foley and Malloy met again two days later, on October 1, for a debate in Greenwich
Greenwich, Connecticut
Greenwich is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 61,171. It is home to many hedge funds and other financial service companies. Greenwich is the southernmost and westernmost municipality in Connecticut and is 38+ minutes ...
sponsored by the Greenwich, Stamford
Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 122,643, making it the fourth largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in New England...
, and Norwalk
Norwalk, Connecticut
Norwalk is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of the city is 85,603, making Norwalk sixth in population in Connecticut, and third in Fairfield County...
chambers of commerce.
The first televised gubernatorial debate of the 2010 campaign took place on October 5, moderated by Fox News Channel
Fox News Channel
Fox News Channel , often called Fox News, is a cable and satellite television news channel owned by the Fox Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of News Corporation...
chief political correspondent Carl Cameron
Carl Cameron
Carl Cameron is an American television journalist and commentator for Fox News Channel.-Early life and education:As a child Cameron spent several years in Iran, where his father worked as an archaeologist....
and aired live on Fox Connecticut. Among other things in the debate in which the two opponents "clashed sharply," Foley voiced his support for retaining Connecticut's death penalty as is, pledging to veto abolishment bills placed on his desk as governor, while Malloy reiterated his opposition to capital punishment, though he stated he would not retroactively undo death sentences of individuals currently in the process. The candidates also took issue with each other's records, with Malloy accusing Foley of mismanagement while CEO of a Georgia textile mill and Foley labeling Malloy as a career politician who presided as mayor of Stamford
Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 122,643, making it the fourth largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in New England...
during years in which the city had net job losses. State labor department figures have shown Stamford to have lost more than 5,000 net jobs during the 14-year period of Malloy's tenure as mayor. The Republican and the Democrat also took issue with statements and actions taken during the election season, with Foley stating that Malloy's pledge to cut gubernatorial staff by 15 percent would amount to only approximately five positions being cut and Malloy criticizing Foley for not naming a preferred running mate for the position of lieutenant governor. Malloy clarified that he had meant cutting from all positions the governor has a role in filling, stating that "about 600" positions was the real figure. Foley responded to Malloy's questioning over his running mate by stating that Republican primary voters placed Danbury
Danbury, Connecticut
Danbury is a city in northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. It had population at the 2010 census of 80,893. Danbury is the fourth largest city in Fairfield County and is the seventh largest city in Connecticut....
mayor Mark Boughton in the position as Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, not him, but praised Boughton's experience.
A second televised debate was held between the Republican and the Democrat on October 13 in New London
New London, Connecticut
New London is a seaport city and a port of entry on the northeast coast of the United States.It is located at the mouth of the Thames River in New London County, southeastern Connecticut....
. A third, an afternoon debate broadcast live from Fairfield University
Fairfield University
Fairfield University is a private, co-educational undergraduate and master's level teaching-oriented university located in Fairfield, Connecticut, in the New England region of the United States. It was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1942, and today is one of 28 member institutions of the...
on Connecticut Public Television
Connecticut Public Television
Connecticut Public Television is the PBS member network for the U.S. state of Connecticut. It is owned by Connecticut Public Broadcasting, who also owns Connecticut Public Radio. Together, the television and radio stations make up the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network...
, WFSB, and WNPR
WPKT
WPKT is a radio station licensed to Norwich, Connecticut. The station is owned by Connecticut Public Broadcasting, and is an affiliate of Connecticut Public Radio.-External links:*...
radio, occurred on October 19. The candidates met for a final time on October 26 for a televised debate aired on NBC 30
WVIT
WVIT, virtual channel 30, is the NBC owned and operated television station for the state of Connecticut, licensed to New Britain. WVIT has its offices and studios located in West Hartford, and transmitter based in Farmington, Connecticut....
.
Other factors
The death penalty disagreement between Foley and Malloy gained additional attention due to the contemporaneous trial, conviction, and sentencing phase (which was under deliberation in the lead-up to Election Day) of Steven J. HayesSteven Hayes (criminal)
The Cheshire, Connecticut, home invasion murders occurred on July 23, 2007, when a mother and her two daughters were murdered during a home invasion in Cheshire, Connecticut. The Hartford Courant referred to the case as "possibly the most widely publicized crime in the state's history". In 2010,...
for a home invasion/murder in 2007 in Cheshire
Cheshire, Connecticut
Cheshire is a town in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 28,543 at the 2000 census. The center of population of Connecticut is located in Cheshire. In 2009 Cheshire was ranked 72 in Money Magazine's 100 Best Places to Live.Likewise, in 2011 Cheshire was ranked 73 in...
.
Polling
| Poll source | Dates administered | Dan Malloy (D) | Tom Foley (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen Reports | October 31, 2010 | 46% | 48% |
| Quinnipiac | October 25–31, 2010 | 45% | 48% |
| Public Policy Polling | October 27–29, 2010 | 47% | 49% |
| CT Capitol Report/Merriman River Group | October 24–26, 2010 | 45.1% | 45.1% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 24, 2010 | 49% | 46% |
| Quinnipiac | October 18–24, 2010 | 48% | 43% |
| Suffolk University | October 19–20, 2010 | 49% | 38% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 14, 2010 | 49% | 45% |
| Quinnipiac | October 7–11, 2010 | 49% | 42% |
| Fox News/Pulse Opinion Research | October 9, 2010 | 45% | 41% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 5, 2010 | 49% | 44% |
| CNN/Time/Opinion Research Corporation | October 1–5, 2010 | 50% | 42% |
| CT Capitol Report/Merriman River Group | October 3, 2010 | 47.5% | 44.9% |
| Fox News/Pulse Opinion Research | October 2, 2010 | 47% | 41% |
| Quinnipiac | September 21–26, 2010 | 45% | 42% |
| Rasmussen Reports | September 26, 2010 | 50% | 40% |
| Quinnipiac | September 8–12, 2010 | 50% | 41% |
| Rasmussen Reports | September 9, 2010 | 46% | 39% |
| Rasmussen Reports | August 11, 2010 | 48% | 33% |
| Quinnipiac | July 28-August 2, 2010 | 46% | 31% |
| Quinnipiac | July 7–13, 2010 | 44% | 33% |
| Rasmussen Reports | June 1, 2010 | 44% | 35% |
| Rasmussen Reports | April 1, 2010 | 35% | 44% |
| Rasmussen Reports | February 1, 2010 | 37% | 36% |
| Quinnipiac | January 14–19, 2010 | 37% | 33% |
| Public Policy Polling | January 4–5, 2010 | 37% | 27% |
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Cook Political Report Cook Political Report The Cook Political Report is an independent, non-partisan online newsletter that analyzes elections and campaigns for the United States House of Representatives, the United States Senate, Governor's offices and the American Presidency. The Cook Political Report is led by a staff of five... |
Toss up | October 31, 2010 |
| Rothenberg Stuart Rothenberg Stuart Rothenberg is an American editor, publisher, and political analyst best known for his Washington-based, biweekly, self-proclaimed non-partisan political newsletter The Rothenberg Political Report... |
Toss up | October 28, 2010 |
| RealClearPolitics RealClearPolitics RealClearPolitics is a political news and polling data aggregator based in Chicago, Illinois. The site's founders say their goal is to give readers "ideological diversity." They have described themselves as frustrated with what they perceive as anti-conservative, anti-Christian media bias, and... |
Toss up | October 27, 2010 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball Sabato's Crystal Ball Sabato’s Crystal Ball is a free, nonpartisan weekly online newsletter and comprehensive website in the United States that analyzes the current American political scene and predicts electoral outcomes for U.S House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, governors, and U.S. president races... |
Leans R | November 1, 2010 |
| CQ Politics Congressional Quarterly Congressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress... |
Toss up | October 27, 2010 |
| Rasmussen Reports Rasmussen Reports Rasmussen Reports is an American media company that publishes and distributes information based on public opinion polling. Founded by pollster Scott Rasmussen in 2003, the company updates daily indexes including the President's job approval rating, and provides public opinion data, analysis, and... |
Toss up | October 31, 2010 |
Bridgeport ballot shortage
A dozen polling locations in the city of BridgeportBridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Connecticut. Located in Fairfield County, the city had an estimated population of 144,229 at the 2010 United States Census and is the core of the Greater Bridgeport area...
ran out of ballots on Election Day, leading to a ruling by Superior Court
Connecticut Superior Court
The Connecticut Superior Court is the Connecticut state trial court of general jurisdiction. It hears all matters other than those heard by the Connecticut Probate Courts...
Judge Marshall K. Berger, Jr., for the polls to remain open at the affected polling sites until 10 p.m., two hours later than the normal statewide 8 p.m. closing time, in order for disenfranchised voters to return to vote on newly printed ballots. Bridgeport officials had initially ordered only 21,000 ballots, despite there being over 69,000 registered voters in the city.
With all votes counted, with the exception of Bridgeport, Republican Tom Foley held a slight lead in the popular vote (556,787 to 548,378). Once the ballots from Bridgeport were counted, Democrat Dan Malloy was declared the winner by Secretary of the State
Secretary of the State of Connecticut
The Secretary of the State of Connecticut is one of the constitutional officers of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It is an elected position in the state government and has a term length of four years....
Susan Bysiewicz
Susan Bysiewicz
Susan Bysiewicz served as Secretary of the State of Connecticut from 1999 to 2011. She was briefly a candidate for Governor of Connecticut in 2010, before dropping out to run for Connecticut Attorney General. She was disqualified from running for the office by the Connecticut Supreme Court and...
, who, according to the Stamford Advocate, based her announcement on preliminary, "informal totals. ... That does not include uncounted absentee ballots." Byseiwicz's announcement conflicted with the latest statewide tallies compiled by Foley's team and the non-partisan Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
, both of which indicated Foley to be in the lead by a thin margin.
Judge Berger did state in his ruling that all votes submitted after 8 p.m. would be counted as provisional ballots and kept separate from the others. The state Republican Party threatened a legal challenge.
On November 8, Foley, though still concerned over the election's handling and precise vote totals, conceded the election, stating, "The election on Tuesday was a conclusive victory for Dan Malloy, and this result should not be questioned."
Results
Note: Malloy also appeared on the line of the Connecticut Working Families Party and received 26,308 votes on it. His Working Families and Democratic votes have been aggregated together on this table.External links
- Connecticut Secretary of State - Elections and Voting
- Connecticut Governor Candidates at Project Vote SmartProject Vote SmartProject Vote Smart is a non-profit, non-partisan research organization that collects and distributes information on candidates for public office in the United States...
- Campaign contributions for 2010 CT Governor from Follow the Money
- Connecticut Governor 2010 from OurCampaigns.com
- 2010 Connecticut Gubernatorial General Election graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com
- Election 2010: Connecticut Governor from Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports is an American media company that publishes and distributes information based on public opinion polling. Founded by pollster Scott Rasmussen in 2003, the company updates daily indexes including the President's job approval rating, and provides public opinion data, analysis, and...
- 2010 Connecticut Governor Race from Real Clear Politics
- 2010 Connecticut Governor's Race from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Race Profile in The New York TimesThe New York TimesThe New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
Debate
- Connecticut Republican Gubernatorial Primary Debate on C-SPANC-SPANC-SPAN , an acronym for Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network, is an American cable television network that offers coverage of federal government proceedings and other public affairs programming via its three television channels , one radio station and a group of websites that provide streaming...
, July 28, 2010
Official campaign websites