Jerry Labriola Jr. is entering the race for state Republican party chairman.
Labriola said he had no intention of seeking the spot until late last week, when front runner William Aniskovich abruptly withdrew. Labriola said he received dozens of phone calls, texts and email encouraging him to enter the race.
"I'm excited," Labriola said in a brief phone interview this afternoon, not long after making his announcement on Larry Rifkin's radio show. "The feedback has been very encouraging."
Labriola is one of at least six candidates in the race. Several people jumped out last week when Aniskovich appeared to be a shoo-in, though at least one, Norwalk's Art Scialabba, has since resurrected his candidacy.
The 72 members of the Republican State Central Committee will gather next Tuesday night in Bristol to pick a new party chairman to replace departing leader Chris Healy. Those running include current vice-chairwoman Catherine Marx, Wilton RTC chairman Al Alper, communications professional Rich Olivastro and former Secretary of the State Pauline Kezer, in addition to Scialabba and Labriola.
New Britain Mayor Tim Stewart, rumored to be considering a run for party chairman, has decided not to enter the race, Labriola said. Stewart did not return several calls seeking comment.
