Roraback endorses Ross Garber for AG

HARTFORD — State Sen. Andrew Roraback (R-30) announced Monday that he is endorsing Ross Garber for state attorney general in the 2010 state election.

“I’m backing Ross in this campaign because we need an attorney general who can balance the many facets of the job,� Roraback said in a press release. “Someone who will protect consumers from fraud and someone who will work with businesses to ensure compliance. I have seen Ross handle the most difficult legal situations with professionalism and integrity and I believe he has the skill and background necessary to be our next attorney general.�

Roraback had considered running for attorney general himself earlier in the year, but decided to run for re-election to the state Senate instead.

Garber was chief counsel to the governor’s office in 2004 and represented former Gov. John Rowland during an impeachment inquiry that year. He previously ran unsuccessfully for state treasurer against Democrat Denise Nappier in 2002.

Garber had initially decided to stay out of the attorney general’s race this year because his sister-in-law, Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, a Democrat, was considered a likely candidate. Bysiewicz ended her bid for the position in May, however, after the state Supreme Court ruled she was not legally qualified to run for the post.

Current Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is running for a seat in the United States Senate, which is being vacated by Democrat Chris Dodd.

“I value Andrew’s support in this race,� Garber said of Roraback’s endorsement. “He and his family are longtime leaders in Litchfield County and his backing does not come without serious consideration on his part about what is best for the Republican Party and the people of Connecticut. His endorsement is just the latest to show my candidacy is gaining ground in advance of the Aug. 10 primary as party leaders and grassroots voters compare the candidates and side with my campaign.

“Republican voters are looking for a candidate who will restore a sense of fairness to the attorney general’s office and not someone who will use the position to push a personal agenda — regardless of what that agenda is.�

State primary voting takes place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10, and will include candidates for governor and state and legislative offices. Voting in Winsted will be at Pearson Middle School.