From the State Convention: Westport Republicans Nominate Dan Debicella for Congress

HARTFORD — Connecticut Republican Chairman Chris Healy gaveled up the 2010 CT GOP convention at 2 p.m. Friday.  The Westport delegation, led by chairman Steve Violette and Westport RTC Chairman Bob Zappi, embarked on a two-day adventure to nominate Republican candidates for U.S. Senate, the CT 4th Congressional District, Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, Secretary of State, Comptroller and Lt. Governor.  

On Saturday, the delegates will nominate a candidate for Governor and the rest of the statewide offices.  The excitement was palpable as delegates strongly believe they have the best chance in years to win in  state delegations that have been dominated by Democrats in both Hartford and Washington in recent years.
Shelton State Senator Dan Debicella won the nomination for US House of Representatives on the first vote, receiving over 72 percent of the delegates' vote.  The Westport delegation was more evenly divided that the overall district, placing 8 of its 13 votes for Debicella and five of its votes for his challenger Rob Merkle.  

Westport RTC Chairman Bob Zappi said, "The energy in the room was incredible and it was great to be a part of democracy in action. Dan truly understands the needs of Westport and we are confident of his ability to appeal to the broader electorate and bring the CT 4th Congressional district back into the Republican fold."

Westporter Jerry Doyle, the representative to the State Republican Party from the 26th District and also a super delegate to the convention added, "This overwhelming endorsement of Dan illustrates how united the Republican Party is in its effort to defeat Jim Himes in November."

The Westport GOP delegation includes the following individuals:

• Gavin Anderson
• Michael Delli Carpini
• Jerry Doyle
• Charlie Haberstroh
• Karen Hess
• Robert LaFleur
• Shayne Phares
• Vicki Slack
• Desiree Soli
• Rick Towers
• Steve Violette - Delegation Chairman
• Tim Wetmore
• Bob Zappi - RTC Chairman
• Alternates:Nicole Pappas
• Trevor Hawley

Stay tuned for more updates as the convention progresses.

Editor's Note: The updates from the state convention were submitted by the Westport Republican Delegation. The offer was extended to post updates from the Westport Democratic Delegation but nothing has yet been submitted. We will also post any photos or commentary from the Democratic Delegation if it is submitted. Thank you.