Half the state’s constitutional officers endorsed Chris Murphy for U.S. Senate today, an early commitment intended to start a bandwagon rolling for the in the 2012 race.
Attorney General George Jepsen, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill and Comptroller Kevin Lembo issued statements of support for Murphy, the 5th District congressman, that are remarkable for their timing: In a contested race, endorsements from statewide officers typically come later, after the race has developed.
But the trio are sending a signal to supporters to line up behind Murphy, who is competing for the Democratic nomination with former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz.
“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,” Murphy said. “They are part of a growing coalition that will seamlessly stretch from the top leadership of our party down to the indispensable 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.”