A third try for Governor is in the works for Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton. The Republican announced today on social media that he has filed the creation of an exploratory committee for statewide office in the 2018 election.
Boughton was the Lt. Governor running mate of Tom Foley in 2010, but the pair lost in the closest governor's race in Connecticut in more than 55 years. He attempted another run in 2014 amid a crowded GOP field. Foley was again the gubernatorial nominee that year.
A former high school teacher and state representative, Boughton has been mayor of Danbury since 2001.
Boughton said he can no longer sit idly by while Connecticut loses thousands of jobs month after month. He says state residents are paying more in taxes, electric rates, utilities, and fees while getting less and less service. He also questioned where the money cut from hospitals and schools is going.
The Connecticut Democratic party were quick to criticize the longtime Republican mayor. The party issued a statement in response to the announcement by saying that Boughton has been the embodiment of hypocrisy. Citing Boughton standing with Governor Malloy when he extended an aid package to keep Praxair in Danbury, but criticizing other similar deals. The Democrats said that Boughton's track record is one of flippant changes to positions.
