Bysiewicz Announces For Attorney General in Her Hometown

The state's press corps was out in number at Middletown's Council Chamber as Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, surrounded by her family, announced that she was running for the position of Attorney General for the state of Connecticut, a position expected to be vacant if the current AG, Richard Blumenthal is elected Senator.

"My husband was fond of saying, there's been political constipation in the state for such a long time," Bysiewicz said about the recent shift in political standings in the state since Chris Dodd announced his resignation. Almost before Dodd resigned, Blumenthal announced his Senate candidacy, and the open Attorney General position fueled speculation that Bysiewicz would drop her run for governor for the AG seat.

Bysiewicz says that running for Attorney General is a perfect opportunity to serve the state of Connecticut, and that the decision to drop her run for governor was "the most difficult decision I've made in my life." It's a decision she says that she made in discussion with her family. She said she finalized the decision early this week.

"I think it's great for Susan," state Senator Paul Doyle said after the announcement. "But it puts our gubernatorial race in turmoil. Susan was our strongest candidate, and I supported her, and now it's up in the air."

Bysiewicz was questionned about her motivation. The press asked whether the absence of financial support in the form of public financing had influenced her bid. The current public financing law is being questionned in a court case. Bysiewicz held firm that her decision was made to serve the people of Connecticut.

She was also asked if she would serve a full four-year term as Attorney General, and refused three times to give a direct answer to the question, indicating that she vowed to work diligently to uphold her duties as Attorney General if elected. The prospect of a 2012 run against Joe Lieberman stood like an almost-elephant in the room.

Local supporters also turned out to cheer Bysiewicz.

"I've known Susan for years," said Democratic registrar Sandy Faraci. "I think it's wonderful, and wonderful for the town."

"As a daughter of Middletown she'll have the town committee's full support" said Democratic Town Chairman Dan Russo. "But with her not running for governor, I fully expect Democrats in town will be supporting Daniel Malloy."

Bysiewicz's daugther Ava, a Wesleyan government studies major, was just recovering from having impacted wisdom teeth removed, but as a newly-elected member of the Democratic Town committee, she was excited about her mother's decision.

"I'll be out there on the campaign trail," Ava said.

Even some local Republicans came out to hear the announcement, understanding that even if it was the opposing party in the spotlight, it was a chance to see a local politician announce a major decision.