Matthew Oakes may back Murphy, Whitnum’s a no show

Underdog U.S. Senate candidate Matthew Oakes of East Hartford got one vote at Saturday’s Democratic Convention.

Oakes going into the event knew U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy was “the chosen one” and that he was not going to come close to earning enough support to qualify for a primary.

So what now?

Oakes said he has begun collecting signatures to petition his way onto August’s primary ballot, but may also wind up endorsing Murphy over Susan Bysiewicz, who did qualify Saturday for the primary.

“Chris and I have hit it off very well. I think he’s more in line with the people I’ve been talking to,” Oakes said. He added he believes Bysiewicz just wants the prestige that comes with higher office.

Bysiewicz, the former Secretary of the State, initially ran for governor in 2010 before dropping out to seek the attorney general’s office. But she was disqualified and had to leave the race.

Oakes found an unlikely fan Saturday – Chris Murphy’s mom, Cathy.

The two met, along with Murphy’s dad, Scott, on the convention floor.

“I like him a lot.We’ve watched him on television (at the debates). He’s just  a breath of fresh air … He’s very real to us,” Cathy gushed. But they’re obviously backing their son.

In other convention news, Lee Whitnum of Greenwich, another contender for the nomination known for her strong anti-Israel views, was a no show at Saturday’s convention.

Brian Lockhart