A Darien Primary Primer

Voters from both major parties will head to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots in a range of contested primary races. To help with the decision, Patch has put together a collection of stories that touch on many of major the issues being discussed on the campaign trail.

Westport Patch covered a debate between the Republican gubernatorial candidates where each were asked what they believed was Gov. M. Jodi Rell's biggest failure and what they would do differently, whether a tax haven should be created for certain business and what three cuts they would make to close the budget gap.

In the Democratic gubernatorial debate, the candidates were  asked about their stance on taxes and jobs; transportation and tolls; investing in cities; whether economic growth trumps environmental and social concerns; the gambling industry; and their thoughts on closing the achievement gap.

In the 4th Congressional District, three Republicans are vying for a spot to challenge Democratic incumbent Jim Himes. Wilton Patch put together a voting guide that include each Republican's stance on taxes, stimulus, job growth , housing, health care and transportation.

That race also has proven particularly combative with its share of controversy involving a Youtube video; an incident dating to a candidate's college years; and squabbling over voting records and allegations of personal attack.

In the U.S. Senate race, where two Republicans are competing for a chance to run against Democratic candidate Richard Blumenthal, New Canaan Patch reported on a poll that shows one remains ahead of the other.

In Darien and New Canaan, Republican voters will asked to decide between three contenders for a newly-combined probate judgeship: Darien's John Ryan and New Canaan's Bill Osterndorf—who deadlocked in the May convention—and Darien's Mike Murray, who petitioned onto the ballot. No candidate has stepped forward on the Democratic side.

Below is a full list of the candidates running in races with a contested primary, according to the Office of the Secretary of State:

Attorney General

• Republican: Martha Dean, Avon; Ross Garber, Glastonbury
• Democratic: George Jepsen, Ridgefield
• Green: Stephen Fournier, Hartford

Comptroller

• Republican: Jack Orchulli, Darien
• Democratic: Michael J. Jarjura, Waterbury; Kevin Lembo, Guilford
• Green: Colin D. Bennett, Westbrook

Governor

• Republican: Tom Foley, Greenwich; Michael Fedele, Stamford; Oz Griebel, Simsbury
• Democratic: Ned Lamont, Greenwich; Dan Malloy, Stamford

Lieutenant Governor

• Republican: Lisa Wilson-Foley, Simsbury; Mark Boughton, Danbury
• Democratic: Mary Messina Glassman, Simsbury; Nancy Wyman, Tolland

Secretary of the State

• Republican: Jerry Farrell Jr., Wallingford
• Democratic: Gerry Garcia, New Haven; Denise Merrill, Mansfield
• Green: S. Michael DeRosa, Wethersfield

U.S. Senate

• Republican: Rob Simmons, Stonington; Linda McMahon; Peter David Schiff
• Democratic: Richard Blumenthal
• Connecticut for Lieberman: John Mertens, West Hartford

4th Congressional District

• Republican: Dan Debicella, Shelton; Rick Torres, Bridgeport; Rob Merkle, Norwalk
• Democratic: Jim Himes, Cos Cob; Chris Murphy, Cheshire

Judge of Probate, Region 52 (Darien/New Canaan)

• Republican: William Osterndorf, New Canaan; John J. Ryan, Darien; Michael P. Murray, Darien
• Democratic: no candidate