Middletown Mayor Ends Campaign For Governor

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Amid reports that his campaign was out of cash, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew announced Friday that he was ending his campaign for governor. The Hartford Courant reported on Friday morning that Drew’s campaign had less than $8,000 in its bank account at the end of 2017 with bills totaling more than $16,000. The same report noted that Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin’s fundraising effort is soaring and he has raised more than $113,000 in 25 days.

Drew, a Democrat, is currently in his third term as mayor in Middletown. He was the first Democrat to throw his name into the ring for a gubernatorial run. Drew began forming an exploratory committee months before Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced that he wouldn’t seek a third term.

Drew and his running mate, State Representative Liz Linehan, announced in a joint statement to campaign supporters that they were ending their campaigns. Linehan represents the 103rd District, which includes Cheshire, Southington, and Wallingford. Read the full campaign email below:

“We have spent the past year getting to know the people of Connecticut and listening to them. In nearly every town and city in every county, we met people who believe in Connecticut. It has been a tremendous honor to do so.

“After discussions between us and with our families, we have decided to end our campaigns for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut. Ultimately it became very difficult to raise the required funds to qualify for public financing. Other campaigns are on their way, and we look forward to supporting the Democratic team.

“Most of all, we want to thank you so much for your support. Hundreds of volunteers came forward. The people made more than 4,000 contributions, and we raised $280,000 since the start of Dan’s exploratory committee in January of 2017. We have appreciated that grassroots support so much.

“On a personal note we want to thank our spouses and children. Campaigning is a major commitment, and they were incredibly supportive throughout.

“We are proud of running an issues-based campaign focused on middle class economic equality, working people’s rights, and creating more opportunity for the people of Connecticut.

“We believe in that future because we believe in the people of Connecticut. We believe that our best days are ahead of us and that we should all be proud to fight for a society that understands that healthcare is a right, that the middle class shouldn't be paying more in taxes than the wealthy, that our air & water should be clean, and that education should be wonderful for every child. While some people will denigrate anyone who fights for those things, we will stand with you and proudly proclaim those values.

“We’ll continue to work for a society that protects people who need it, provides opportunity, and that doesn’t exploit the vulnerable. It’s been an honor to pursue that goal. We will be by your side in pursuing it in the future.

“To you who supported us, thank you. It means more than we can ever express.

“Respectfully,

“Dan Drew & Liz Linehan"

Read the full Hartford Courant story here.