Herbst Gains More Endorsements for Gubernatorial Campaign

TRUMBULL, CT — GOP gubernatorial candidate and former Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst announced a new slate of endorsements Monday for the sixth consecutive week. The six new endorsements bring Herbst's total roster of public support from current and former GOP officials, party leaders and party committees to 94. HerHerbstbst also placed first in the second round of voting in a gubernatorial straw poll for the second week in a row, according to a news release from the candidate.

"I am overwhelmed by the incredible support our campaign to elect a proven reformer and Hartford outsider to shake things up under the Gold Dome continues to generate every day," Herbst said in a statement. "Across every corner of Connecticut momentum is building behind our campaign to send a new generation of leadership to Hartford to end business-as-usual, reverse the Malloy agenda and restore prosperity to our state."

In addition to the endorsements announced by Herbst Monday, he placed first in the second round of voting that closed Sunday in the CTNewsJunkie March Madness straw poll for governor — defeating the second-place finisher by nearly 900 votes. Herbst placed first in an initial round of voting a week earlier out of more than 13,000 votes cast.

Here is the rest of the news release from the Herbst campaign:

Guilford RTC Chair Cindy Cartier

“What I love and respect the most about Tim Herbst is that what you see is what you get,” said Guilford Republican Town Committee chairwoman Cindy Cartier. “Tim’s straight talk, sincerity and compelling vision of where he wants to lead Connecticut will inspire a generation who now believe that Connecticut’s best days are in the rear view mirror."

"On the campaign trail, Tim reminds us that the next Governor cannot be a politician worried about the next election, but a leader who is worried about the next generation," Cartier continued. "I believe that Tim is that leader and I am proud to endorse him for governor.”

Orange RTC Chair Nancy Nastri

“Tim Herbst is the breath of fresh air that Connecticut needs now more than ever,” said Nancy Nastri, chairwoman of the Orange Republican Town Committee. “I am supporting Tim because I know he has the backbone to do what needs to be done to fix Connecticut."

"Tim took on a mess eight years ago in Trumbull and led a transformation that resulted in Trumbull achieving superior fiscal health with two tax cuts, a commercial economy that grew by leaps and bounds and a quality of life that has been ranked as being in the top ten in the entire nation," Nastri continued. "Connecticut needs a results oriented leader and Tim Herbst is that leader.”

Orange Board of Education Chairman Bill Kraut

“I’m supporting Tim Herbst because I know he will be a champion for public education in Connecticut,” said Orange Board of Education chairman Bill Kraut. “Tim’s leadership in Trumbull resulted in a school system that earned national recognition for high achievement and student success."

"I know that Tim will apply that same standard for Connecticut, by believing in local control and accountability, stopping overbearing unfunded mandates and investing in our children to make sure they can compete in a global economy," Kraut continued. "As the son of public educators with a real record of success, I know Tim Herbst will be a governor committed to education and for those reasons I’m happy to endorse him.”

Former West Hartford RTC Chair Peter Martin

“Over the last eight years, I have come to know and respect Tim Herbst as a leader that will govern without fear or favor, to do what is right for all the people of Connecticut,” said former West Hartford Republican Town Committee chairman Peter Martin. “Whether it is pension reform, spending reform, creating a quality of life, a public school system that is nationally recognized or growing an economy that creates jobs, Tim doesn’t just talk about it because he’s actually done it."

"The Trumbull story is a remarkable one and the people of Connecticut are ready to elect a young leader with the energy and plan to turn Connecticut around," Martin continued.

West Hartford Town Council Minority Leader Chris Barnes

"I support Tim for Governor because I see him as direct, honest, and not afraid to level with Connecticut taxpayers about the scale of the challenges we face," said West Hartford Town Councilman Chris Barnes.

"In 2014, Tim proved his ability to wage the type of strong, statewide campaign that it will take to win in 2018," Barnes continued. "I like the fact that Tim is battle-tested, demonstrates a command of the issues, has a clear vision for fixing Connecticut and has a record of leadership in Trumbull where he tackled a pension crisis head-on, led by example, balanced eight budgets, delivered two tax decreases and made Trumbull one of the most prosperous and sought-after communities in the state."

New Endorsements (6):

• Guilford RTC Chair Cindy Cartier
• Orange RTC Chair Nancy Nastri
• Orange Board of Education Chairman Bill Kraut
• Former West Hartford RTC Chair Peter Martin
• West Hartford Town Council Minority Leader Chris Barnes
• Former Member of Trumbull Town Council Ken Martin Sr.