Washington – The crowded field running for the 5th District congressional seat became larger Friday with the entry of Newtown resident and business executive Bill Stevens.

Stevens made waves when the state General Assembly held hearings on new gun laws after the Newtown shootings by opposing what he called “asinine legislation” to tighten gun laws in the state.

He announced his candidacy in an e-mailed press release.

“Our Nation is in grave danger,” the release said. “Connecticut needs a congressman who will fight to strengthen our national security, rebuild our military, secure our borders, and defend the Constitution and our 2nd Amendment rights.”

The 5th District has been represented by Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Esty since 2013.

Stevens would be the fourth declared candidate to challenge her. The other Republicans seeking to oust Esty are Matt Maxwell of Sandy Hook, Clay Cope of Sherman and John Pistone of Brookfield.

Stevens said he is running because he believes “this batch of candidates could use a more conservative voice.”

Ana has written about politics and policy in Washington, D.C.. for Gannett, Thompson Reuters and UPI. She was a special correspondent for the Miami Herald, and a regular contributor to The New York TImes, Advertising Age and several other publications. She has also worked in broadcast journalism, for CNN and several local NPR stations. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Journalism.

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