Herbst won’t face primary for GOP nomination for state treasurer

There won’t be a Republican primary for the nomination for state treasurer.

Ridgefield investment executive Bob Eick had decided not to force a primary, leaving the GOP nomination to Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst.

Herbst, who now faces five-term incumbent Democrat Denise L. Nappier of Hartford in the general election, won more than 70 percent of the delegates at last month’s Republican State Convention.

“Bob and I got into this race because we both understand that the state of Connecticut cannot afford four more years of Denise Nappier’s failed leadership in the state Treasurer’s Office,” Herbst wrote in a statement Monday night. “Bob worked hard and waged a spirited campaign and he deserves credit for advancing important issues during the course of this contest.”

Herbst added that “I am proud of my record of achieving real results for the people of Trumbull: turning deficits into surpluses, cutting taxes and spending, turning our pension fund around, improving the town’s credit rating and negotiating with public employees to secure a better future for them and our taxpayers.  I am looking forward to bringing this record of reform to Hartford.”

“I respect the right of all candidates who qualify to seek a primary but, especially for an under-ticket race, primaries just tend to reduce our chances to win in November,” Eick wrote in a statement. “…It’s unfortunate we have a career politician as our state treasurer when what our state really needs is someone with financial expertise.”

Eick had captured nearly 30 percent of the convention delegates, almost double the level needed to qualify for a primary.