Hello, Mr. Chips

Pokerchips

Sal Lilienthal is all-in.

The lesser known of two Republicans running for Congress in Connecticut’s 5th District, Lilienthal has been handing out casino chips to delegates from his area in the lead-up to next month’s state GOP convention at Mohegan Sun.

They won’t get a seat at the high-stakes table or get you comped at the Wolf Den.

But the $1 chips are raising a few eyebrows from some Republicans, for whom the gambling venue is a major departure from previous party conclaves.

“I just thought it would be a fun thing,” Lilienthal, a bicycle tour company owner from Kent, told Hearst Connecticut Media. “It’s just kind of like in the spirit in the convention. That was kind of out of my own pocket.”

The giveaway is an unorthodox twist on campaign swag, which is expected to be abundant at the May 16-17 convention, from tote bags and hats to T-shirts and buttons.

A number of other candidates are also hosting catered affairs for their delegates.

“I don’t intend to give the delegates anything,” said Carl Higbie, a retired Navy SEAL from Greenwich running for Congress in the 4th District. “If I have to bribe them, that’s business as usual and that’s fraudulent politics, and that’s why we’re in the situation we’re in.”

Said Lillienthal: “I agree with Carl in that sense.”

Lilienthal, 47, is also passing out copies of a Revolutionary War guide that he wrote to delegates.

“I think the book is really important because it gives people a feel for where I’m coming from,” said Lilienthal, who grew up in Greenwich.

The 5th District, which stretches from Danbury to the Farmington Valley and includes Litchfield County, Meriden and New Britain, is represented by fresh Democrat Elizabeth Esty.

Sal Lilienthal, GOP candidate for Congress from Kent. Contributed photo.

Sal Lilienthal, GOP candidate for Congress from Kent. Contributed photo.

Neil Vigdor