Branford’s Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr. will not run for Connecticut governor

(New Haven Register) State Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr., D-Branford, co-chairman of the General Assembly’s Environment Committee, speaks to the New Haven Register Editorial Board. (New Haven Register) State Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr., D-Branford, co-chairman of the General Assembly’s Environment Committee, speaks to the New Haven Register Editorial Board. Photo: Journal Register Co. Photo: Journal Register Co. Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Branford’s Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr. will not run for Connecticut governor 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

NEW HAVEN >> State Sen. Ted Kennedy, Jr. has withdrawn his name, and all its dynastic history, from contention in the 2018 gubernatorial race.

In a statement Monday, the 55-year-old Democratic state senator, who represents Branford, North Branford, Durham, Guilford, Killingworth and Madison, said he will “not be a candidate for statewide office in 2018.”

“I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contacted me and encouraged me to run. I value the contribution I am able to make as the state Senator for the 12th District,” Kennedy said in the statement.

In April, Democratic Gov, Dannel P. Malloy announced he would not seek a third term. Before Malloy made his announcement, the Connecticut Post reported a source close to Kennedy rated the state senator’s chances of running as “90 percent.”

Connecticut Democratic Party chairman Nick Balletto praised Kennedy in a statement.

“Ted Kennedy has been a steadfast advocate for people with disabilities, the environment, and Connecticut’s economy. I am glad that he will continue his public service as a state senator,” he said.

Kelly Donnelly, a spokesperson for Malloy, said in a statement that “These are personal decisions and it would seem as though Sen. Kennedy arrived at what he believes to be best decision for him and his family. Senator Kennedy is a good public servant who represents his constituents well. We look forward to future collaborations that will build upon the progress we’ve been able to make on behalf of our constituents.”

J.R. Romano, the state GOP chairman, said he was “not surprised” by Kennedy’s announcement, contending Democrats are shying away from elections after two terms of Malloy.

“There’s a long list of Democrats who understand that taking on this challenge of fixing this mess they’ve created, they just want no part of it,” Romano said.

Romano said big Democratic names in Connecticut state politics, such as Kennedy, U.S. Reps. Joe Courtney, D-2, Elizabeth Esty, D-5, and Jim Himes, D-4. and Attorney General George Jepsen are taking a pass on 2018 “because they know.” The candidates that have emerged, such as state Comptroller Kevin Lembo, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim and former federal prosecutor Chris Mattei, are the “JV team,” Romano said.

But in his emailed statement, Balletto praised the Democratic field.

“Democrats are fortunate to have a strong field with new faces and new ideas ready for the 2018 gubernatorial race. That stands in stark contrast to the weak, spineless GOP field, every candidate of which has flatly refused to take a position on the disastrous Trumpcare bill that will affect hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents,” he said.

The Republican Governors Association similarly said in a statement that Kennedy’s announcement is a “serious blow” to Connecticut Democrats. It mentioned the Cook Political Report, an independent, non-partisan organization, deemed Connecticut’s 2018 gubernatorial election as competitive because of its deficit, hovering around $5 billion, and the decampment of General Electric and Aetna under Malloy’s tenure.

In his statement, Kennedy spoke of hopes for a bipartisan future.

“I believe that if we put aside our partisan politics and find common ground, we can overcome our challenges and move Connecticut forward. I remain committed to making our state a better place to live, do business and raise a family,” he said.

Romano said he was not sold on the bipartisan vision.

“I think the problem is whenever a Democrat says they’re looking for common ground, it means Republicans doing whatever they say,” he said. “Democrats talk about bipartisanship, but bipartisanship is doing what they want.”

In April, the Hartford Courant reported that campaign records showed Kennedy outspent his Republican opponent by almost four times in 2014 through outside donations, raising alarms for campaign finance reform advocates. Kennedy told the Courant he was a lightning rod for well-financed attacks because of his name.