Here’s today’s release from the National Republican Congressional Committee, which has listed all four candidates in the August 14 primary for the 5th Congressional District:
“Washington — The National Republican Congressional Committee today announced Justin Bernier, Mark Greenberg, Andrew Roraback and Lisa Wilson-Foley as ‘Contender’ candidates, the important third step in the ‘Young Guns’ program. Founded during the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the ‘Young Guns’ program is a Member-driven effort that is the primary method for recruiting strong candidates for both open-seat and challenger races. These candidates are running for Connecticut’s Fifth Congressional District.
“We are looking forward to working with these candidates, who have proven themselves by meeting rigorous benchmarks in the ‘Young Guns’ program that will position their campaigns for victory,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Their dedication and experience position them to advocate for pro-growth policies and fight the failed Democrat status quo in Washington. This will stand in stark contrast to the Democrats’ record of spending, borrowing and taxing that Connecticut families know has failed.”
The ‘Young Guns’ program encourages candidates who have proven their ability to meet crucial campaign benchmarks to develop their campaigns further in order to achieve victory on Election Day. In achieving ‘Contender’ status, these candidates have met the third set of these organizational and fundraising benchmarks and have already begun to establish themselves as a strong contenders.
Justin Bernier
Justin Bernier is an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, having served in Afghanistan in 2007 where he received the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his service. Bernier then served in Governor Jodi Rell’s Administration as the Executive Director of the Office of Military Affairs and the youngest member of the Governor’s cabinet. Bernier will use his wealth of experience to fight the failed big-government status quo in Washington championed by the Democrats in order to restore pro-growth policies that will restore fiscal responsibility and job-creation to America.
Mark Greenberg
As an independent businessman and entrepreneur, Mark Greenberg has dedicated his life to improving his community. Over the past 30 years, Greenberg built successful companies, founded a non-profit animal rescue and created jobs in Connecticut. Greenberg will fight to limit the growth in government and make spending cuts that reduce the deficit and will work to bring tax relief to families and small businesses. Greenberg is committed to ensuring our children and grandchildren will be able to pursue the American Dream without the burden of crushing debt and taxes that come from the failed big-government status quo in Washington championed by House Democrats.
Andrew Roraback
Andrew Roraback is known for his common sense leadership, problem solving skills and commitment to being responsive to the needs of the people and communities he represents. As the Senate Ranking Member of the Legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, Senator Roraback has been a vocal leader in opposing the imposition of the largest tax hike in Connecticut’s history when so many are struggling to make ends meet. In addition to his leadership role on the Finance Committee, Andrew Roraback has been widely recognized for his work on education, criminal justice, domestic violence and environmental issues.
Lisa Wilson-Foley
Lisa Wilson-Foley received her Master’s in Public Health from Yale University. At the age of 29, Wilson-Foley opened her first business and now employs over 300 people. For her innovative ideas and commitment to excellence, Wilson-Foley won Hartford Magazine’s Business Leader of the Year Award in 2011. She was also honored as INC Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year for Southern New England in 1995. A tireless advocate for women’s issues, Wilson-Foley is a former chair of Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame and Connecticut Women in Healthcare Management.”