Put some color on a map of Connecticut to show which towns Democrat Dan Malloy won (blue) and which towns Republican Tom Foley won, and a few things stand out.

The vast majority of physical geography in Connecticut voted "Republican" in last week's gubernatorial election.

Foley won 126 of Connecticut's towns and cities, and Malloy won 43.

Exclude just three of those communities that Malloy won, and Tom Foley led by a 51 to 47 percent margin.

Those three communities, of course, were the much-talked-about Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven, where Dan Malloy beat Foley by a combined vote of 56,545 to 9,827.

The map exposes what has played out in the Legislature for years ... the agenda, priorities and needs of Connecticut's big cities are far different than its suburban and rural communities.

Malloy, the former mayor of Stamford, has some reassuring to do, perhaps, that he'll be a governor for the entire state, not just an advocate of the cities.

The Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut endorsed Democratic nominee for Governor Dan Malloy today.

At a press conference at the Hartford Fire Department's Engine Company 1, UPFFA President S. Carozza, Jr. stressed Malloy's "record of experience and accomplishment as Mayor of Stamford" in making the endorsement.

"It is an honor to tell you this morning that following the unanimous recommendation of the executive board and our membership, the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut heartily endorses Dan Malloy for election to Governor of the great State of Connecticut this November. We did not take this action lightly and gave careful consideration of Mayor Malloy's history of support for our brother and sister Fire Fighters here in Connecticut," Carozza said.

Carozza explained that the UPFFA supports Dan because "he understands the importance of partnering with public safety, and he realizes the role that first responders play in making Connecticut and its individual towns and cities safer and more livable."

In accepting the Fire Fighter's endorsement, Malloy said, "As a former Mayor, I have a firsthand understanding and appreciation for the work of our fire fighters. It's crucially important that the state support these men and women and gives them the resources they need to do their jobs. I'm looking forward to working with them as partners in the years ahead as we build a better and brighter future for Connecticut."

Hartford, CT (AP) - U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd is saying his goodbyes and thanks to the Connecticut AFL_CIO, the state labor umbrella group.

Dodd appeared Monday at the AFL-CIO's political convention in Hartford.

Heurged delegates and guests to support fellow Democrat Dan Malloy in the governor's race and reminded voters "of what the other crowd got us into," referring to national Republicans.

Malloy and his Republican opponent, Tom Foley, were also scheduled to speak at the convention on Monday. The AFL-CIO expects to endorse candidates on Tuesday.

Dodd is not seeking re-election to the Senate. During his 36 years in the Congress, he said he voted with organized labor 96 percent of the time.

WFSB-TV, Channel 3 and Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network, parent company of CPTV and WNPR have teamed up to host two gubernatorial debates at the WFSB studios in Rocky Hill.

The Democratic candidates, Ned Lamont and Dan Malloy, have been invited to debate the issues on Tuesday, August 3. Dan Malloy has accepted the invitation and will participate. At the time of this release, Ned Lamont has declined and will not be participating.

The Democratic Gubernatorial Debate will be broadcast on Channel 3 and WNPR at 3 p.m.

The Republican candidates, Michael Fedele, Thomas Foley, and Oz Griebel, have agreed to debate the issues on Wednesday, August 4.

The Republican Gubernatorial Debate will be broadcast on Channel 3 and WNPR at 3 p.m.

Dennis House, Eyewitness News anchor and John Dankosky, WNPR news director will serve as co-moderators. In this series of debates, viewers can submit questions for the candidates by going to WFSB.com or Face the State Facebook page.

The primary election is August 10, 2010 and the general election is November 2, 2010.

A Register Citizen editorial this morning wonders if Connecticut is about to make a big mistake via inattention to the most important race on the Aug. 10 primary and November general election ballots.

It's non-scientific, of course, but a RegisterCitizen.Com poll so far this morning finds, so far, that only 25 percent of readers can name all five major party candidates for governor.

Dan Malloy and Nancy Wyman, the Democratic Party's endorsed candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor, today released their formal plans for their environment.

Malloy and Wyman's plan focuses on protecting our water, specifically Long Island Sound; lowering air pollution by investing in energy efficient technology and public transportation; and a renewed approach to land use that preserves open space and redevelops brownfield sites throughout Connecticut.

"Clean air, safe water and healthy land -- these aren't just descriptors of a great place to live, they're the critical elements for building business and making Connecticut a desirable place to work and live," said Malloy. "As Governor, I will bring a new sensibility to preserving the environment - something I spent 14 years doing as Mayor of Stamford. Together, we can achieve cleaner water, cleaner air, a healthier community, and a higher quality of life."

Malloy stressed that the state must be strategic about how it invests in the economy. As one example, he said that he would not support putting windmills in Long Island Sound.

Wyman echoed Malloy's belief that environmental concerns and revitalizing the state's economy should go hand in hand.

"An updated environmental and energy plan is a vital piece of the infrastructure improvements Connecticut needs in order to start creating jobs and sustain those jobs for the long term," Wyman said. "It is time for an administration that is proactive about lowering costs for business and boosting our economy by making transportation and energy efficiency a priority on day one."

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy has chosen State Comptroller Nancy Wyman as his runningmate for lieutenant governor, according to THIS STORY in the Journal Inquirer of Manchester.

Democratic candidate for Governor Dan Malloy responded Wednesday April 28 to President Obama's decision not to supply individual aid to Connecticut homeowners, renters and employers who were affected my the March flooding:
"Simply put, I don't agree with this decision. In recent weeks, I've spent much time in Norwich, East Lyme, Ledyard and other towns in the region - the damage in these areas is substantial. For small businesses already struggling in a down economy, or for homeowners barely making mortgage payments, the repair costs could well be the final straw."
"We're all aware of the economic problems facing the country, but we also know that out government's most fundamental role should be to assist those most in need, especially in times of unforeseen emergency - times like these."

Current Democractic candidate for Governor, Dan Malloy announced Wednesday the formal support of an additional five Democratic Town Committees and eleven DTC Chairs. His campaign has now been endorsed by 32 town committees and more than 43 committee chairs from throughout the state.

Those announcing their support today for Malloy's candidacy include:
Democratic Town Committees: Branford, Lyme, Pomfret, Stamford, and Stonington.
Democratic Town Committee Chairs: TJ Butcher, Salem; Bill Conti, Litchfield; Kathy Grace; Beacon Falls;Kathy Johnson, Oxford; Keith Laporte, Lebanon; Frank Manfredi, Norwich; Larry Ouellette; Clinton; Sheila Parizo, Derby; Jim Smith, Union; Larry Sweeney, Morris; Ray Trebisacci, Stonington.

"Dan's campaign is continuing to build momentum and support from organizers and leaders who know how to win elections, said Campaign Manager Dan Kelly, "Not only that, but as we move closer to qualifying for Connecticut's public financing system, we're amazed by the out-pouring of grassroots, small-dollar support."

Leaders from the LGBT community gathered today to formally announce their endorsement of Dan Malloy for Governor. In attendance were Anne Stanback, founder and former Executive Director of Love Makes a Family; LGBT and AIDS activist Shawn Lang; State Senator Andrew McDonald; State Representative Mike Lawlor; and others.

"It's not merely Dan's extraordinary commitment to ending discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people that led me to support him for Governor," said Stanback, "From education to health care to job creation, I like the ideas that Dan has put forward. And at a time when our state faces a significant budget crisis, I'm particularly impressed by the the fact that he's led a major Connecticut city, and led it successfully for 14 years."

Lawlor stated that he's known Dan for 8 years and "he is a political leader in the traditional sense: he listens to your concerns, takes up your cause, and gets results."

Demorcratic candidate for Governor and former Mayor of Stamford, Dan Malloy had this reaction to the passage of the health care reform bill:

"I want to congratulate Congress for passing landmark health care reform, especially the five members of the Connecticut delegation who all voted in favor. There are still a number of critical points to be settled through the reconciliation process - and we know that the final law won't be perfect - but this legislation will improve the lives and health of millions of Americans. It's a historic achievement, on par with the creation of social security, Medicare, and Medicaid programs."

"When it comes to the law's impact here in Connecticut, it's important to remember that most major changes will take years to implement. As I've said many times, Connecticut can't afford to rely on the federal government when it comes to making progress on big issues. That's why I supported the SustiNet and pooling bills last year, and it's why as Mayor of Stamford I implemented the Every Child Matters program, extending health insurance to more than 2200 uninsured HUSKY eligible children."

"This progress should serve as a reminder of not only what government can accomplish, but also of the work still left to be done in Connecticut."

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ned Lamont will be a guest of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce at 5 p.m. Monday, March 1, as part of the Chamber's ongoing series of meetings with top candidates for statewide office in 2010.

It comes a few days after Torrington's Democratic City Committee voted to endorse Dan Malloy, one of Lamont's main rivals for the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

The meeting will take place at the Chamber's offices at 333 Kennedy Drive in Torrington.

Who, besides Susan Bysiewicz and Jodi Rell, isn't running for governor?

That might be the question to ask after the flurry of news over the past few days about more candidates jumping into the race.

On the Democratic side, potential candidates now include:

- Ned Lamont, the millionaire failed 2006 U.S. Senate candidate.

- Dan Malloy, former mayor of Stamford and failed 2006 Democratic primary candidate.

- Mary Glassman, first selectman of Simsbury and failed 2006 lieutenant governor candidate.

- Michael Jarjura, mayor of Waterbury.

- Jim Amann, former Connecticut speaker of the House.

- Gary LeBeau, state senator from East Hartford.

- Rudy Marconi, first selectman of Ridgefield.

- Juan Figuerora, health care activist.

And on the Republican side:

- Tom Foley, millionaire former ambassador to Ireland who was a candidate for U.S. Senate before switching to the governor's race after Rell dropped out.

- Michael Fedele, our sitting lieutenant governor.

- Lawrence DeNardis, former U.S. Congressman from Hamden.

- Nelson "Oz" Griebel, a Simsbury businessman.

- Mark Boughton, mayor of Danbury.

Also mentioned as potential candidates on the Republican side are state Senate Minority Leader John McKinney and former U.S. Congressman Chris Shays.

When Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, an all-but-announced candidate for governor in 2010, visited The Register Citizen two weeks ago, he was asked if he thought the name of one of his local supporters, Litchfield Democratic activist Audrey Blondin, would be on the statewide ballot with him.

Blondin briefly ran for secretary of the state four years ago until incumbent Democrat Susan Bysiewicz decided to abandon a gubernatorial run and seek re-election. With Bysiewicz a lot more likely to run for governor this time – against Malloy in the Democratic primary – Blondin is again weighing a run for secretary of the state.

Malloy’s response? He hopes not. He wants Blondin’s full attention given to drumming up support for his gubernatorial run in Litchfield County.

Malloy Forms Exploratory Committee

Pledges “Main Street” Tour of Every Connecticut Town

February 3, 2009: Hartford – Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy today filed papers to form an exploratory committee with the Connecticut State Election Enforcement Commission (SEEC) in Hartford, the first step in a possible run for Governor in 2010.

“It's no secret that we are witnessing monumental difficulties in Connecticut, but it might be a secret that a lot of it could have been avoided with the right leadership, vision and problem-solving skills coming from the governor's office,” Malloy said. “I hear over and over again in the communities I visit throughout Connecticut that people want a leader with a clear and confident vision for the future, a leader who can solve our problems and get our state back on track, and in doing so make sure the actions of our government reflect the principles that the people of Connecticut hold dear.”

Malloy said that he is launching a Main Street Tour of every city and town in Connecticut as part of his exploratory initiative. As an extension of his leadership involvement with the US Conference of Mayors’ National Main Street Initiative late last year, Malloy explained that he saw first hand the importance of reaching deep into the communities that can be the fuel for solving even our toughest problems.

“Every town in Connecticut has at least one primary street where community and commerce come together as the vital center of the town, and that’s where I want to go to learn more about the problems, hopes and ideas that are on the minds of the people,” Malloy said. “I'm going to explore with the people of Connecticut – out there in the real world -- the problems Connecticut has, what caused them, and most important, how we can fix them, everything from jobs and health care to crime and education.

“When I first became Mayor of Stamford in 1995 those were the questions I asked. I learned a lot by listening to the people of Stamford – and then working with them to refocus city government and turn our city around. That's the conversation I'm going to have over the coming months as I travel around the state, doing a little bit of talking, and a whole lot of listening.”
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Dan Malloy has been the Mayor of Stamford, CT since 1995 and is the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history. Under his watch, the city’s economy has been revitalized, it is rated one of the safest cities in the nation, government has been refocused to serve people better, and he brought innovative educational, transportation and environmental solutions to the community. Mayor Malloy is recognized nationally as an expert in good government, as part of his long-time involvement at the leadership level in the US Conference of Mayors. He was the Democratic Party’s endorsed candidate for the 2006 convention. Learn more at www.danmalloy.com

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Paid for by Dan Malloy for CT, Len Miller, Treasurer.

CLICK HERE for an item from ctlocalpolitics about the possible Democratic candidates for governor in 2010.
Like usual, it hinges on whether Attorney General Richard Blumenthal will run, stay on as AG, hope for a U.S. Senate seat opening if Dodd's and/or Lieberman's fortunes continue to decline, or ride off into the sunset.
Other possible candidates include familiar also-rans or also-mentioneds, i.e., John Destefano, Dan Malloy, Susan Bysiewicz, Jim Amann and Donald Williams.

The every-other-year speculation that Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal will run for governor started basically the day after this year's election.
Maybe - but doubtful - we'll find out if 2010 is finally the year when Blumenthal appears on "Face the State" on WFSB Channel 3 at 11 a.m. Sunday. Topics of discussion, according to the station, will be "Obama's Big Win, Blumenthal in 2010 and the state Republican party."
Conventional wisdom is that, once again, major potential Democratic candidates are somewhat paralyzed in actively seeking the governorship until Blumenthal makes up his mind.
Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, who thought about running last time, and Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, who lost in the primary last time to New Haven Mayor John Destefano, both might fall into that category.
Outgoing Speaker of the House Jim Amann is not in that category - he is openly running for the seat already.
God help the Republicans if Gov. M. Jodi Rell decides not to seek a second full term.
The other factor for major candidates could be U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd's seat, which is up in 2010 also.
Who knows how the mortgage controversy that is increasingly sliming his reputation will impact his decision on whether to run again. Or maybe President-elect Barack Obama, who had once considered Dodd for vice president, will tap him for some cabinet appointment or ambassadorship.
If Dodd quits, Blumenthal might run for the Senate. And would Ned Lamont take another shot, so he could be the junior Senate teammate of his buddy Joe Lieberman?
And you also need to factor in a bunch of bored congressmen possibly being interested in either Dodd's seat or running for governor, including Chris Murphy, Joe Courtney or John Larson.