There will be no rest for the weary on the Democratic and Republican caucus staffs in the state House of Representatives: A special election is likely on June 11, just six days after the annual session adjourns at midnight on June 5.
As expected, Rep. Bryan Hurlburt, D-Tolland, handed in a resignation letter to the secretary of the state’s office Tuesday, effective Friday at noon. He is taking a post with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Instead of the heading for the beach, look for caucus staff to be dispatched as volunteers to the 53rd House District of Tolland, Ashford and Willington. With no one else of the ballot, special elections often are won on the ground game: who can turn out the vote.
Hurlburt won the seat by just 235 votes in 2010, 5,301 to 5,066.
No candidates have announced.
By law, major parties to endorse candidate no later than 36 days before the election. Petitioning candidates have eight days after Malloy signs the writ to turn in signatures to get on the ballot.
To qualify, petitioning candidates must turn signatures equal to one percent of the total votes cast for that seat in the previous election.
Hurlburt, meanwhile, will get to say his goodbyes Wednesday, when the House meets in session for the last time before his resignation.