Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton has narrowly won the Republican endorsement for governor. The endorsement came after three rounds of voting, numerous vote switches and a feisty debate over whether to close the ballot at Saturday's GOP state convention.
The former high school teacher finally was pronounced the party's candidate after securing just over 50 percent of the vote. He was followed by former First Selectman Tim Herbst and Westport businessman Steve Obsitnik. All three qualified to participate in the Aug. 14 primary.
Boughton has run for governor twice before, but this marks the first time he has received the party's endorsement.
Connecticut Republicans have endorsed a local resident as candidate for Secretary of the State, hoping to break the longtime Democratic stronghold on the seat. Delegates at Friday's state convention backed former New Fairfield First Selectman Susan Chapman. She's challenging incumbent Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, who is seeking a third term.
Attorney Susan Hatfield was nominated for attorney general, but she may face a primary. Former Redding state Representative John Shaban received enough delegate support to challenge Hatfield in the primary.
Connecticut Republicans have endorsed Southington state Senator Joe Markley as the party's lieutenant governor candidate, but he faces a likely August primary. Both New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart and Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson received enough support to qualify for the primary.
Republicans are backing a retired investment officer as the party's candidate for treasurer, following a close battle for the endorsement. Thaddeus Gray of Salisbury narrowly defeated state Senator Art Linares of Westbrook by roughly 20 delegate votes. Linares has enough support, however, to qualify for the primary.
The GOP on Saturday backed Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller for state comptroller, but Litchfield businessman Mark Greenberg received enough delegate support to participate in the primary. Miller says he hopes Greenberg, the 2014 5th congressional district candidate, will decide not to wage a primary challenge.
Candidates also can petition their way onto the primary ballot.
