In a move that surprised some insiders, The Hartford Courant has endorsed Republican Jerry Farrell over Democrat Denise Merrill in the race for secretary of the state.
Merrill is one of the best-known lawmakers at the state Capitol as the House majority leader and the former co-chairwoman of the budget-writing appropriations committee. She is viewed as one of the most knowledgeable and experienced legislators in the building.
The Courant had previously endorsed Merrill in the Democratic primary, which she won over Gerry Garcia of New Haven.
Farrell is increasing his name recognition around the state with a TV commercial that shows him wearing sneakers and explaining that he cut costs in his job as the state's consumer protection commissioner.
The endorsement was released online Tuesday night in advance of being printed Wednesday in the newspaper.