Congressman Chris Murphy (D-5) announced today that Attorney General George Jepsen, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill and State Comptroller Kevin Lembo have endorsed his candidacy for U.S. Senate.
Murphy is opposed so far by former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz.
Fellow Congressman Joe Courtney announced last week that he will not be seeking the party’s nomination for the seat, which will be vacated by longtime Senator Joe Lieberman in 2012.
On the Republican side, former Senate candidate Linda McMahon (who lost to Sen. Richard Blumenthal in November), has said she is considering running. Former Congressman Rob Simmons and 2010 gubernatorial candidate Michael Fedele are also considering running.
Here is the full release from Murphy:
NEW BRITAIN – Today, Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) announced that Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, and State Comptroller Kevin Lembo are endorsing his candidacy for U.S. Senate. These early endorsements come on the heels of Murphy receiving the support of dozens of Democratic leaders from throughout the 5th District, and over 2,000 Democratic and progressive activists from across the state.
“I enthusiastically endorse Chris Murphy’s candidacy for the United States Senate. As a Congressman and, before that, as a State Senator, Chris is and has always been a tireless advocate for the citizens of Connecticut. He is a proven leader on numerous issues, including banning smoking in the workplace to protect the health of our citizens and strengthening Buy American laws to grow jobs domestically. I am confident that Chris will be a strong voice in the US Senate and will continue to fight for the citizens of Connecticut and for the principles that have made America great,” said Attorney General George Jepsen.
“I am so proud to stand with my colleagues in support of Chris Murphy’s bid to become Connecticut’s next U.S. Senator,” said Secretary of the State Denise Merrill. “From the moment I met Chris in his first days as a state representative, I was instantly impressed by his sharp intellect, his work ethic, and his courage. Chris has never shied away from the tough fights, like taking on the pharmaceutical industry to make sure working families and seniors had access to affordable prescription drugs. Chris is a visionary and he has done a stellar job representing the 5th Congressional District. I look forward to electing Chris Murphy to the Senate, because all of our state will surely benefit from his leadership.”
“I’m proud to stand in support of Chris’ candidacy for the U.S. Senate. Connecticut needs and deserves a Senator who is a problem solver – someone who knows how to make the wheels of Washington turn for the benefit of Connecticut residents. A dedicated public servant who has demonstrated a willingness to fight for the people of the 5th Congressional District, Chris brings new and innovative ideas to support the hopes and aspirations of working families. I’ve worked closely with Chris on issues of health care, workforce development, and consumer protection, and I look forward to continuing that work when he is elected as our next U.S. Senator,” said Lembo.
“George, Denise and Kevin are incredible public servants for our state, and I’m so honored to have their support this early in the campaign. They are part of a growing coalition that will seamlessly stretch from the top leadership of our party down to the indespensible grassroots. As all three just won statewide office, I couldn’t imagine a better team to lean on for guidance as I continue to introduce myself to people across Connecticut,” said Murphy.