For the first time in 20 years the race for the office of attorney general is wide open. And at times this week, it seemed like any lawyer with a party affiliation was mentioned as a possible candidate.
One of those considering a run for the office is state Sen. Andrew Roraback, R-Goshen.
Roraback, who hasn’t missed a single vote in his nearly 16 years in the legislature, says opportunities like this infrequently present themselves and he is seriously considering it.
“I love helping people through tough circumstances and redeeming their faith in government and elected officials,” Roraback said during an interview in his office Friday. “I have the qualifications, experience, and credentials for the job. More importantly, I still have a passion for public service, righting wrongs, and advocating for the people.”
Roraback, who practices law in Torrington, says he’s not ashamed of being a moderate New England Republican. In fact, he thinks the more moderate wing of the Republican party needs to take over and lead the party.
But while party politics may play a part in getting to the attorney general’s office, Roraback says that once elected, the attorney general serves all the people. And while he may not always agree with Blumenthal’s approach to the job, Roraback says he would aspire to the same work ethic and accessibility Blumenthal brought to the job.
Roraback, whose family has a long history of public service, says he will make a decision within the next month.
Joining Roraback on the Republican side may be Ross Garber, who served as counsel to the governor’s office during former Gov. John Rowland’s impeachment hearings. Garber also served as counsel for the governor’s office for a brief time during Gov. M. Jodi Rell‘s administration.
“It’s a unique opportunity to do a job in which I’d be able to do a lot of good,” Garber said in an email Friday. “I’m talking to my family and expect to make a decision in the next few days.”
Garber currently is a partner in Hartford’s Shipman and Goodwin law firm. In the past, he ran unsuccessfully for state Senate and Treasurer.
Other Republicans who are considering a run for attorney general state Reps. Themis Klarides, R-Derby, Arthur O’Neill, R-Southbury, and Sen. John Kissel, R-Enfield.
Jason McCoy, Vernon’s Republican mayor, said he has received several telephone calls suggesting that he consider running for AG.
Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, R-Fairfield, said Friday that he’s not interested in the office. House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero, R-Norwalk, also said he is not interested. Before Christmas, Cafero held a press conference to announce that he would not seek statewide office, including a bid for governor.
Among Democrats, former state Senator and Democratic Party Chairman George Jepsen of Stamford has announced that he will be running for AG and Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, who currently is vying for governor, hasn’t ruled out switching races.