Visconti eyeing another challenge to Larson

The West Hartford town councilor who took on U.S. Rep. John Larson last fall is looking at a possible rematch.
Republican Joe Visconti said he "probably will" run against the Democratic incumbent in 2010, but would like to have more cash in his campaign treasury the next time around.
Larson, an East Hartford Democrat whose 1st District includes Bristol, raised $1.6 million during the last campaign compared to $14,000 for Visconti.
Visconti said the national GOP never took his campaign or ideas seriously.
"I might as well have leprosy nationally," Visconti said, particularly for pushing immigration reform.
But, he said, the atmosphere is changing.
A lot of people "are fed up"with the special interests that control so much in Washington, D.C. and the incumbents there who are so entrenched.
Visconti said he would like the Republicans to target the Top 10 Democrats the next time around, pouring cash into efforts to oust men like U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd and Larson are leaders of the party in power.
"Attack the head," Visconti said.
With an effort like that, Visconti said, it might be possible to attract money from Red State Republicans who are eager to see the country take a different direction.
Visconti said he is "excited about" trying again to beat Larson, who easily won in 2008, but needs a bigger campaign warchest next time.
"It's about the money. It's always about the money," Visconti said.
State Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy said the party wants to take on Larson seriously.
"We are looking to recruit a candidate that can be credible and raise money to actually run a race." Healy said.

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