Republican leaders began the week saying this is the start of their “comeback.” Within a few hours, though, today became their Black Monday – as Republicans lost a popular incumbent governor and one of their star gubernatorial recruits.
National Republicans couldn’t convince Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell to run for another term. Rell consistently maintained high approval ratings even though she was a Republican in a blue state in a difficult economic climate. Her retirement is a blow to the GOP, which has a weak bench in the blue state. Coverage of Rell’s decision to retire is available here and below.
Josh Penry, a darling of the national GOP, bowed out of the Colorado governor’s race. Penry’s departure is a blow to national Republicans, who recruited him and anointed him one of the party’s rising stars. In fact, despite the Colorado GOP primary, the Republican Governors Association named Penry one of their top up-and-coming Republicans in an interview in July: “You’ve got a guy named Josh Penry in Colorado who has created some enthusiasm there. He’s very young—only 32—and he’s running for governor.” Coverage here and below.
Conn. governor decides not to seek another term
By Pat Eaton-Robb
Associated Press Writer / November 9, 2009
HARTFORD, Conn.—Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell says she will not seek re-election next year.
Rell made the announcement in a news conference with reporters Monday at the statehouse in Hartford.
Her job approval numbers have dipped in recent Quinnipiac University polls, due mostly to the state’s budget problems. A Sept. 16 poll showed 59 percent approve of how she’s handling her job while 34 percent disapproved — the lowest approval number during her tenure as governor.
CO-Gov: Penry to exit race
By Chris Cillizza
Colorado state Sen. Josh Penry (R) plans to end his gubernatorial campaign and endorse former Rep. Scott McInnis (R), according to two sources familiar with his thinking.
Penry’s decision to opt out of the race is a stunner as many national Republicans had touted him as a potential rising star (and we had featured him in our “Rising” series that looks at up and coming politicians).
Tags: Colorado, Connecticut
