Senator Williams Gets Behind DeStefano for Governor

May 17, 2006
New Haven: Coming two days before the start of the Democratic State Convention, Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr., the second highest-ranking Democrat in state government, endorsed New Haven Mayor John DeStefano's candidacy for governor.

In backing DeStefano, Williams joined a growing coalition of top Democrats who have lined up squarely behind DeStefano, including Lt. Gov. Kevin B. Sullivan and U.S. Reps. John Larson and Rosa DeLauro of the 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts, respectively.

"I'm impressed with John DeStefano's vision for his city and for the state of Connecticut," Williams said at a Capitol news conference. "This is a critical time and we need a governor who will move this state forward."

Williams went on to say that DeStefano "was a tremendous help this past legislative session in regards to jobs, education and school nutrition. I'm impressed with his detailed plans on health care and energy, which will serve as a roadmap for the future. This state needs to move in a new direction."

"John DeStefano has proven himself and he's had to cope with urban problems that match some of the challenges that I see in rural districts across the state. It's apparent to me that he has the best shot of winning in November," said Williams, adding, "There are a number of uncommitted delegates remaining and I will do whatever I can to help John win the convention this Saturday - and more importantly - the election in November."

A seven-term senator representing eastern Connecticut's 29th District, Williams has earned a reputation as a conscientious lawmaker who has become a forceful leader on issues affecting children, the environment, working and middle-class families and fair taxation.

"I'm proud to have earned the support and the confidence of someone who is so respected at the Capitol and such an influential voice in eastern Connecticut," Destefano said. "Don understands the squeeze middle-class families are facing and hasn't been afraid to stand up for those families. I'm especially appreciative of the work that Don did in enacting a child nutrition law this year and I look forward to working with him over the next four years to advance our Democratic agenda."

Williams represents the towns of Brooklyn, Canterbury, Killingly, Mansfield, Putnam, Scotland, Thompson and Windham.

With two days to go before the start of the convention, 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.