Republican Attorney General candidate Martha Dean announced today that she will not pursue a post-election challenge to Democrat Attorney General-elect George Jepsen's credentials.

"Unfortunately, the Supreme Court informed the public and the Attorney General candidates of the eligibility criteria too late in the election cycle for this issue to be brought to voters' attention properly," Dean said. "Mr. Jepsen, the voters, and I all learned of the Court's interpretation of the statutory eligibility criteria full-meaning just days before the election."

Dean said the passage of time and the legislature will likely give greater clarity to the eligibility criteria.

"At this juncture, I believe the best path forward is to allow the Attorney General-elect to focus on trying to run the Attorney General's office in a way that helps pull Connecticut out of its severe crisis," Dean added. "It was a pleasure running against George. We went head to head on the issues, focusing on substance, and we shared humor along the way. That says a lot about both of us as candidates. I acknowledge his victory and I wish him well."

Democratic attorney general candidate George Jepsen issued a press release today touting a big edge in the number of total donors contributing to his campaign.

Republican candidate Martha Dean’s report to the State Elections Enforcement Commission listed 163 contributors to her campaign through September, with the average contribution of nearly $400.

In comparison, more than 1,200 Connecticut residents gave contributions of $100 or less to Jepsen’s campaign between January and July when he qualified for public financing. Also, Jepsen did not accept money came from political action committees, industry or public-interest groups.

“My grassroots support is much deeper and more widespread than my opponent’s. The numbers tell the story. My message appeals to a broader range of Connecticut voters,” Jepsen said. In contrast, Dean has failed to garner much financial support, even from members of her own party.

Jepsen said participating in the Clean Elections Program has allowed him to focus on meeting Connecticut voters and talking about issues that matter, not raising money. It has also kept special interest money out of his race.

Republican Attorney General candidate Martha Dean is applauding Thursday’s U.S. District Court ruling in Florida that allows a lawsuit challenging a key provision of the federal health care reform legislation to move forward. The current suit – brought by twenty states – challenges the constitutionality of a mandate forcing citizens to buy health insurance.

Dean said, “I am pleased that Judge Roger Vinson decided that it is appropriate to move this important case forward. I look forward to closely following further proceedings in the coming weeks.”

Twenty states say that Congress is exceeding its constitutional authority by penalizing people for not doing something -- buying health insurance. The bill also fails to refer to any penalties it contains as taxes, even though the Obama administration recently argued that the penalties should be considered a tax levied by Congress, thereby giving it the constitutional power to regulate interstate commerce.

Dean added, “Connecticut deserves a strong Attorney General who will advocate vigorously for Connecticut’s citizens’ constitutional rights. My Democratic opponent is too accepting of federal power that goes far beyond what we have authorized constitutionally.”

She continued, “As Connecticut’s next Attorney General, I promise to join the twenty states already challenging the new federal requirement to purchase health insurance.”

Martha Dean, an Avon attorney announced last week that she is seeking the Republican nomination for Attorney General.

Dean will be holding a press conference this coming Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at the Capitol building's north steps. The press and public is invited.

Dean states that Connecticut is entering a full-blown crisis - an economic crisis, cultural crisis, and a leadership crisis. She believes these crisis' means that the quality of the people who we elect is more important than ever.

As Attorney General of Connecticut, Dean promises to work with other state officials to take the legal steps necessary to save this great State and see it safely to the high ground of competitiveness and prosperity.

Martha Dean has maintained an active practice of law for 22 years. In 2002, Dean was the Republican nominee for Connecticut Attorney General. Dean's legal practice is dedicated to helping clients understand and comply with complex regulatory schemes, successfully challenge inappropriate government action, and recoup losses, while furthering their economic and individual rights guaranteed by state and federal constitutions.

Dean is a co-founder of the Hartford Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society for Law & Public Policy Studies. The Federalist Society is a national organization of law students, law professors, lawyers and judges who sponsor panel discussions and debates with leading scholars and authorities on important public policy issues of the day.

Dean is a graduate of Wellesley College '82 and the University of Connecticut School of Law '86. She is also a member of the Connecticut Bar, U.S. District Court (CT), U.S. Court of Appeals (2nd circuit), and the U.S. Supreme Court.