JR Romano Monday on “Dateline New Haven.”
Connecticut’s Republican Party chairman called on the governor to cancel the Aug. 11 presidential primaries and vowed to work hard to unseat incumbent Democrats despite the limitations on campaigning amid a pandemic.
The chairman, J.R. Romano, made that call and that vow Monday during an appearance on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven” program.
Romano noted that the governor has already once rescheduled the primaries because of concerns over safety during the spread of Covid-19. And he noted that both major parties have effectively settled their nominations of presidential candidates in Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.
The focus needs to be on figuring out how to run the general election amid the pandemic, Romano argued. “November’s coming, no matter what,” he said.
Gubernatorial spokesperson David Bednarz had this response when asked if the administration is considering canceling the primary: “I do not have comment beyond what the governor has announced.”
In the “Dateline” interview, Romano also noted that the limitations on in-person contact through door-knocking and public events will make it harder for challengers to compete against incumbents this year. The Democrats hold all five U.S. Congressional seats in the state; the five incumbents are up for reelection this year.
“It’s hard to get your message heard. It’s hard to connect to voters,” Romano said.
But, he added, it can be done. Look for his candidates — including Margaret Streicker, a Milford real estate executive who’s taking on 15-term incumbent Rosa DeLauro in New Haven’s Third U.S. Congressional District — to make extensive use of texting, digital platforms like Zoom, and that bygone ritual known as the telephone call.
Romano said the party has developed sophsiticated digital tools for this campaign season. “I don’t want to divulge what we’re doing. It’s pretty clever. We’re keeping it to ourselves.”
On the program, Romano was asked about widespread speculation that retiring State House Minority Leader Themis Klarides will run for governor in 2022. “Don’t rule out U.S. Senate,” he responded, noting that Democratic incumbent Sen. Dick BLumenthal is up for reelection that year. “I think he’s weak,” Romano said, while touting Klarides’ fundraising capabilities.
The chairman criticized Gov. Ned Lamont for limiting the voices advising him on plans to reopen to the state amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s just him and his wealthy friends telling everybody else when they can make money,” Romano argued, noting a shortage of small business owners on the reopening task force. “He’s just talking to his really wealthy friends.”
Click on the video to watch the full episode of WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven” with state Republican Chairman J.R. Romano. Note: The first half of the program is marred with technical difficulties, which were cleared up in the second half (in case you want to skip ahead).