Johanna Petit Chapman, a Republican active in Plainville politics, may challenge state Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat who has represented the 31st District for 16 years.
Chapman, a former town councilwoman, could not be reached for comment. She is the sister of Dr. William Petit, the sole survivor of a home invasion in Cheshire last summer that left the doctor's wife and two daughters dead.
The chairman of the Bristol GOP, Tom Barnes, Jr, said that he has heard Chapman is considering whether to campaign for the seat but can't confirm that she'll do it.
“I wouldn’t say there is any definite yes or no. I think she’d be a great candidate and we’d love to have her run,” Barnes said.
Colapietro said he's heard that she will do it. He said he's ready for anyone the Republicans put up against him.
Chapman is a well-known figure in Plainville and is the incoming president of the town's Rotary Club.
She has been among those pushing for enactment a so-called ‘three strikes and you’re out law’ after two paroled burglars allegedly broke into Dr. William Petit’s home in Cheshire last summer, badly injuring him and murdering his wife Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and their two daughters, Hayley and Michaela.
Here is a PDF of Chapman's testimony before the legislature's Judiciary Committee.
The 31st District Republican convention is slated for Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30 at the Board of Education. (And, for those keeping tabs, the 77th and 79th state House conventions are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, also at Board of Education.)
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
14 comments:
That explains Colapietro's vote on the 3-strikes bill the other day.
Colapietro must be running scared. He should be, too.
Colapietro won't be able to beat that name no matter how hard he campaigns.
Obviously Ms. Chapman is a credible and qualified candidate. She has served many years in the town of Plainville.
I can not think too long about the situation regarding Dr. Petit's girls without becoming upset.
Out of respect for the process and the people involved including the Petit family and Sen. Colapietro, I would hope people keep negative comments to themselves and refrain from nasty politics in this forum and in public.
Looks like our Chair man is right on top of things "I heard she might be running".
It's time someone stops him and the big money unions that back him.
Colapietro ,Colapietro, Colapietro, Colapietro, Colapietro. Go for it hate mongers!
You've been to quiet anyway !
The Senator has 16 years of seniority and whether you like him or don't, that opens doors for Bristol that will never get opened with the likes of Boukus and Nicastro in the House, with no credibility, and Burns and Hamzy in the remote minority.
I personally don't know of any incidences that he even cares who runs against him. It looks to me like the same sad republicans trying again to find something to lie about. Ho Hum !!! Why don't you unhappy moaners hang it up and leave. All two or three of you. Nobody will even miss you.
Looks like the r's are giving Tom a free ride.
It would be nice if Colapietro would even respond to constitutents who write to him. I know I'll be seriously considering any opponent after learning how he treats constituents.
He's made it abundantly clear that the voters in his district are of no importance to him.
Looks like the republicans are up to their typical unfounded lies again. Try telling the truth once in a while , if you capable.8:10 And when did he say or do that?
Is it true that Burns has decided not to run????
Thats the word floating around.
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