Republicans and Democrats are closely watching the race between longtime incumbent state Rep. James O'Rourke and Republican newcomer Christie Carpino in Cromwell.
O'Rourke has represented the district for 20 years, and he has the support of House Speaker Christopher Donovan of Meriden. Carpino, an attorney who won a Republican primary in August, was recruited for the seat by Republicans and is seen as an aggressive campaigner and a strong candidate.
O'Rourke, the deputy House speaker, became involved in controversy when he gave an acquaintance, state employee Carol Sinisgalli, a ride from a bar. O'Rourke eventually dropped her off in a residential area in Rocky Hill, and she was later found dead from exposure about a half mile from where O'Rourke dropped her off. Rocky Hill police submitted an arrest warrant application, but O'Rourke was never charged in the case.
O'Rourke is running on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines.