Doug Hageman, another candidate for state Republican chairman who dropped his bid this week and endorsed William Aniskovich, is thinking about jumping back in to the race following Aniskovich's departure.
Hageman sent a letter (copied below) to members of the State Central Committee, who will select the new chair at the end of the month. He says he'll make his decision after meeting with his supporters.
Nowalk RTC Chairman Art Scialabba, announced that he is resuming his candidacy following Aniskovich's announcement yesterday that he's dropping out. Both Hageman and Scialabba had endorsed Aniskovich, the apparent frontrunner.
Here's Hageman's letter:
After visiting dozens of Town Committees throughout Connecticut, my supporters had knit together a plan to re-engage and re-energize our Republican base.
On Monday the 13th I spent a few hours with Bill Aniskovich and a mutual friend reviewing the entire plan.
When Aniskovich agreed with everything right down to the brass-tacks and promised to implement the entire program, I saw no reason to remain as a candidate for party chair.
His sudden withdrawal from the field leaves the program orphaned and none of the other current or past entrants have offered anything comparable what-so-ever.
Here's the facts:
Our Town Committees are doing their job - Republicans currently control about 100 cities and towns.
Clearly the "problem" is at the state level, and according to virtually every local RTC chair it's because state central doesn't listen nor behave as any sort of data clearinghouse or partner.
My team will meet tomorrow and a decision as to whether we re-enter the race or not will be forthcoming before Saturday.
This has never been about me - should someone enter who's willing to implement the plan designed by town committees and the team, we'll back that person.
Thanks!