He hasn’t resigned, nor has he been named to an administration post. But Democrats in New Britain are so certain that Sen. Donald J. DeFronzo will be joining Gov.-elect Dan Malloy’s administration that they have lined up a successor, former Rep. Theresa B. Gerratana.
Gerratana, who jumped late into a race against U.S. Rep. Nancy Johnson, R-5th District, when the Democratic nominee withdrew in 2004, is ready to announce her candidacy for a special election, as soon as Malloy taps DeFronzo and creates a vacancy.
Malloy already has created two legislative vacancies, hiring Sen. Andrew McDonald of Stamford and Rep. Michael P. Lawlor of East Haven. In addition, Rep. James F. Spallone, D-Essex, will be resigning to accept the job of deputy to the incoming secretary of the state, Denise Merrill.
Democrats leaders have delayed making their committee assignments until Malloy signals that he is done dipping into their ranks.
Tomorrow, Malloy will be introducing Dr. Jewel Mullen, his choice for public health commissioner. Democrats are hoping he gives the word later in the week about DeFronzo, who has been mentioned at the Capitol as a possible choice to oversee three merged agencies.