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State Senate Democrats Thursday reelected Martin Looney as their chamber’s president pro tempore for the upcoming legislative session.
The caucus vote in Hartford was unanimous. So was a vote to reelect Norwalk’s Bob Duff as majority leader.
They have their work cut out for them: Not only will they tackle yet another expected painful budget deficit, already projected at $1.5 billion. But in Tuesday’s election, their party’s majority in the State Senate sank to … zero. Until you count Democratic Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, who can vote as a tie-breaker.
“I am once again honored and humbled by the faith and support of the Senate Democratic Caucus,” Looney was quoted as saying in a release from his office. “The Senate Democrats will continue to pursue an aggressive agenda to ensure that all children have access to a high-quality education, to grow jobs, strengthen our economy and help hard working families get ahead. I look forward to working with my Democratic colleagues and Republicans of good will to address our challenges and move Connecticut forward.”
Click on or download the above audio file to hear the full interview with Martin Looney on WNHH radio’s “Dateline New Haven.“Click on the above audio file to hear a recent interview with Looney on WNHH radio about his tenure so far as Senate president.