It was about a month ago that Speaker James Amann launched a committee to explore a possible run for governor in 2010, saying he would make a decision about a gubernatorial campaign after the legislative session.
But if the endorsement Friday from a state motorcycle association is any indication, the Democrat from Milford, may have already made up his mind.
A press release from the Connecticut Motorcycle Riders Association, which has a Political Action Committee (PAC), said it will host a fundraiser Saturday for Amann’s gubernatorial bid. It’s asking those attending the fundraiser to pay
$40 per person and $75 per couple at the door.
Established in 1980, CMRA has 2,000 members and their PAC has about $3,000 in its bank account, according to campaign finance records.
Richard Paukner, an accountant and CMRA official, said the Speaker earned the early endorsement of his organization because Amann’s door has always been open to hear the group’s concerns.
“Jim Amann believes in individual rights and personal responsibility, which reflects what the Motorcycle Riders Association stands for as an organization,” Paukner said. “I know Jim will be the type of fair, decisive leader we need as Governor of this state.”
In the press release Amann said he was grateful for the group’s endorsement. “We’ve just begun exploring this run for Governor and every day I’m hearing from more and more peoples who are excited and want to help,” Amann said in the press release.
This is not the first time the group has supported Amann. Click here to read about who the organization supported in 2006. One notable surprise, they did not support U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman, who Amann is often criticized for supporting.
Editor’s note: The reporter is not related to Mary Stuart, the woman collecting the money for the CMRA fundraiser
