HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Bob Stefanowski, the Republican candidate for governor, has secured a second spot on the November general election ballot.

Stefanowski was cross-endorsed Sunday night by the Independent Party of Connecticut.

The Madison businessman was among four other candidates seeking the third party's backing. The list included petitioning independent candidate Oz Griebel; Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti; Libertarian candidate Rod Hanscomb; and West Hartford resident Mark Stewart-Greenstein.

The battle was mostly between Stefanowski and Griebel. The Republican received 43 votes, while Griebel secured 14. The others contenders each received a handful of votes.

The third party has been embroiled in a yearslong legal battle over party leadership. A Superior Court judge last week sided with a faction from Waterbury.

Another faction from Danbury is expected to appeal.