House Majority Leader Chris Donovan Endorses DeStefano

May 22, 2006

New Haven: With the Democratic Convention just hours away, House Majority Leader Chris Donovan of Meriden endorsed Mayor John DeStefano's candidacy for governor.

With Donovan's support, DeStefano has now been endorsed by three of the legislature's top four Democratic leaders: Senate President Pro Tem Donald E Williams, Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, and now Donovan. In addition, DeStefano also has the support of Lt. Gov. Kevin B. Sullivan, the highest ranking Democrat in state government, and U.S. Reps. John Larson and Rosa DeLauro of the 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts, respectively.

"I've watched both campaigns, listened to the candidates, and I'm supporting John DeStefano," Donovan said on Friday. "John offers a real choice to voters; he's going to work for the changes that Connecticut needs."

First elected to the General Assembly in 1992, Donovan was elected to be House Majority Leader in 2004. During his tenure, he has been recognized as a tireless leader on health care reform, leading the charge on Connecticut's Managed Care Patient's Bill of Rights and expanding children's health coverage through the HUSKY program.

"John is for everyday people, everyday," Donovan added. "As a mayor of a major city, he understands the pressure residents feel and the effect of property taxes. He's going to work hard to enact universal health care, protect pensions, and institute a real energy policy."

Donovan continued, "John already enjoys great support in Meriden, and I'm confident his support will grow when voters get a chance to see what a great leader he'll be for this state."

"Chris's support means a lot to me," remarked DeStefano on Friday. "Chris recognized a long time ago the crisis this state faces when it comes to health care and has worked diligently to make a difference for this state's residents."

"Chris Donovan, Senate President Donald Williams - these are Democrats I respect. These are leaders who realize that we're going to have to work as a team to overcome the challenges facing the state - universal health care, property tax reform, making smart decisions on energy policy. I'm proud to have won their confidence, and I look forward to working with them as the next governor of Connecticut."

In addition to his significant support among elected Democratic officials, DeStefano has won the endorsement of 40 Connecticut labor organizations - representing over 160,000 working men and women - and has raised more than $3.2 million, more than any Democrat candidate for governor in Connecticut history.