Former state Rep. Lenny T. Winkler of Groton jumped into the race for lieutenant governor this morning at the Republican State Convention, saying she was asked to do so by gubernatorial contender Tom Foley.
The front-runner among GOP gubernatorial candidates in the last Quinnipiac poll, Foley had surprised some political observers by coming into this weekend’s Republican State Convention without having endorsed a running mate.
“I was asked (by Foley) to throw my hat in the ring,” said Winkler, who served 19 years in the General Assembly from 1988 through 2006.
“I’ve encouraged her” to run, Foley said, adding he would love to have Winkler as a running mate. “She has an outstanding record. She’s served the state well.”
Former state Rep. Lenny Winker, seen conferring Friday with gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley, says she’s running for lieutenant governor at Foley’s request. (Keith M. Phaneuf)
“I do believe we need somebody from the 2nd Congressional District, Winkler added, noting there are no other Republican candidates for state constitutional offices from the eastern half of the state.