Rell not running again

Gov. Jodi Rell is not seeking reelection.

Art Mocabee, a state GOP official and former Bristol city Republican chairman, said the news "comes as a shock," but not as a surprise.

"Governor Rell has served us all well since taking charge six years ago. Rest assured that Connecticut Republicans have many qualified conservative voices that will be herd in the months to come. I wish to thank the Governor and wish her the best."

Colapietro said he's not surprised.

"Right now, it's tought for any politician to be in office," Colapietro said.

With all the problems facing her, he said, "it's probably too much" to take, particularly when every politician is getting blamed for a sinking economy that's global in nature.

"I got along good with Jodi," Colapietro said, though they often disagreed on issues.

He said he wishes her well.

State Rep. Bill Hamzy, a Plymouth Republican and former state GOP chairman, said, "I can honestly say that would not have been surprised whichever way she chose to go."

He said that Rell served a decade in the legislature, nearly another decade as lieutenant governor and six years at the helm of the state.

"That's a long time," he said, and she's probably ready to spend time with her grandchildren instead.

Aside from that, the job hasn't been easy.

"This year was probably one of the worst years to serve in public office. Next year, I believe, is going to be even worse," Hamzy said.

"It takes some of the joy out of the task," Hamzy said.

The state GOP chairman, Chris Healy, issued this statement:

"Governor M. Jodi Rell has served this state with honesty, openness and class. While many citizens are disappointed that the Governor will not seek another term, we all are grateful for the work she has done to improve the lives of the people of Connecticut."

"Almost 25 years ago, in the election of 1984, Governor Rell was elected to the State Legislature to represent the people of Brookfield. After serving with distinction as the Lt. Governor, she came to the Governorship under historic circumstances."

"Through her leadership, Gov. Rell won the trust of the people and governed with compassion and decency. Through it all, she never let the office inflate her ego or govern without seeking consensus."

"Gov. Rell will lead our party and our state through the next year and we will continue our support so that she may finish her work and help prepare our state for a Republican successor."

Dan Malloy, one of the Democrats eyeing the job, said in a statement:

“I thank the Governor for her years of public service to the State of Connecticut, and I wish her and her family all the best.

“We now know that Connecticut will have a new Governor in January of 2011. From my travels around the state, it’s clear that people want a leader with a track record of creating jobs, lowering crime, building affordable housing and improving quality of life for Connecticut families. I’ve spent 14 years as Mayor of Stamford doing precisely that, and should I become the next Governor I’d be proud to lead the fight to restore Connecticut’s economy and help put our state back on track.”

*******

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com