The falling snow didn’t deter Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy’s supporters from gathering on the steps of a state office building to greet him as he arrived in Hartford Tuesday.
Malloy, who lost the Democratic primary to New Haven Mayor John DeStefano Jr. in 2006, said he is again exploring a run for governor in 2010.
“The state of Connecticut needs new leadership and it needs experienced leadership and I’m prepared to offer that. When I took over as mayor of the City of Stamford 14 years ago it was not the safe and vibrant community it is today,” Malloy said.
Malloy said he would be talking about his experience and leadership as he goes around the state and meets with people in all of Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.
“I can’t imagine that the people of Connecticut are not going to tell me I should run for governor, but I am going to have that conversation” Malloy said. “That’s a process that will be undertaken starting today.”
Also Malloy said he was committed to participating in the new public campaign financing system.
“I’m very committed to public finance, but I also understand this is going to change the nature of this campaign,” Malloy said. “I literally have to get to all 169 municipalities. I’ve got have get to the Main Streets and talk with the shopkeepers and barbers…if I’m going to break through.”
He said that’s a big part about why he’s not running for re-election as Stamford’s mayor.
Malloy is the third Democratic candidate to announce an exploratory committee. Former Speaker of the House James Amann and Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz are the two other Democrats that will explore a run for governor in 2010.
