Southington Election Guide 2012

As we look ahead to November’s elections, Southington Patch is devoted to bringing you the information you need about every race in town. Here's our start on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as November draws near.

President

Barack Obama (D): The president came to Connecticut last election to stump for his Democratic colleagues, although this year he could be more busy campaigning for himself. 
Mitt Romney (R): The former governor is no stranger to Connecticut, having most recently visited in May for a lucrative fundraiser.

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U.S. Senate

Editor's Note: Both the Democrats and Republicans have .

Chris Murphy (D): The Democratic congressman is polling ahead of his closest party rival by a 50-20 margin as he tries to win outgoing Sen. Joe Lieberman’s seat.Susan Bysiewicz (D): The Democratic candidate for Senate has her work cut out for her as she tries to lessen U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy’s strong lead as the August primary approaches.

Sylvester Salcedo (D): The Bridgeport lawyer is known for being one of the few Asian-Americans to run for U.S. Senate in the 2012 election — perhaps now the only one since  — as well as driving to the Mexican border earlier this year to gain a some attention for his campaign.

Lee Whitnum (unaffiliated): The Greenwich resident spark some controversy when  because Gov. Malloy and Rep. Chris Murphy are "lying to the people to pander to the ultra conservative branch of the Jewish community." She announced in June that she would Linda McMahon (R): The former WWE executive tried – and failed – in her run for U.S. Senate two years ago. This year, she was the Republican favorite after .
Chris Shays (R): Despite losing the party nominations to Linda McMahon, .

Kie Westby (R):, the Southbury attorney said that career politicians have had their chance to make changes. "It requires a fresh face, a fresh approach," he said. Although he hasn't officially suspended his campaign, Westby recently announced that he wouldn't submit the signatures required to be part of the Republican primary.

First Congressional District

John Larson (D): Rep. John Larson has been serving the first congressional district in congress since 1999. During his tenure, Larson has secured the defense contracts for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's F-135 Engine, which were built in Connecticut in 2011.

He recently started the Connecticut with the purpose of the program being to bring what are known as "Track One” candidates together with prospective employers who are looking for a certain skill set.

Last month, he introduced "the 'Victory for Veterans' commemorative stamp, which is a .21 cent stamp that has no postage value, but can be placed on letters to show support for our veterans," according to an email from his spokesman.

John Decker (R): On his Facebook page, John Decker states that he is a "real person" and not a "career politician."

"I look forward to a time when we elect real people at home in their communities instead of re-electing career politicians interested in spending our money and in their own self-preservation," he wrote on his Facebook page.

Decker has served Connecticut as a financial advisor for the past 16 years. He recently earned his certified financial planner designation, serves on the Board of Directors of Business for Downtown Hartford and is a deacon, according to his Facebook page.

16th State Senate District

John "Corky" Mazurek (D): Mazurek has hit the road hard after losing his seat in the state House of Representatives in 2010 by just 40 votes, earning the nomination to run for senate in 2012.

In , he said his record would stand for itself. "“What has (Markley) done to help the people of Southington? I challenge him to show what he has accomplished in the past two years.”

Joseph Markley (R): Markley one a race against Southington Town Councilman John Barry in 2010 and has placed significant focus on fiscal responsibility, reducing taxes and has heavily fought against the Hartford-New Britain busway.

In a recent video profile, Markley walked the start of the busway to explain why he believes the project is a misuse of funds. Click the link to see more on his website.

30th Assembly District

Joseph Aresimowicz (D): The longtime incumbent should have a relatively easy race this November, as the Republican party has announced they would not provide an opponent on the slate and no one has stepped up to challenge him as an unaffiliated candidate.

On his Facebook page last month, Aresimowicz offered the following: "Thank you very much to the voters of the 30th district and all my friends and family for all their hard work this election cycle. If great friends could be counted as currency I would be a very rich man!"

80th Assembly District

Charles "Chuck" Marsella (D): The Wolcott Town Councilman and former Fire Chief , stepping up to challenge incumbent Rob Sampson for the split district.

With realignment changing the boundaries in Southington and a strong record of public service, Marsella will stand behind his record as he seeks a seat in the state House of Representatives.

Rob Sampson (R): The Wolcott native won his seat in 2010 with the motto "Let's cut spending! Reduce taxes! And more!" He remains steadfast that those will be his goals if re-elected.

On his website, Sampson says, "I ran for office in 2012 because I was concerned about the direction our country and our state were headed. I want future generations to experience an America I would recognize. One where the institution of “family” still exists. One where we are safe from any potential enemies, where the flag is revered, our soldiers are honored, and finally, an America where a person’s word means something and children are taught to aspire to achieve greatness. The same issues exist today. In many ways, things have only gotten worse."

81st Assembly District

David Zoni (D): When 10-year incumbent Bruce "Zeke" Zalaski announced that he would not be seeking re-election in 2012, Zalaski immediately endorsed fellow Democrat and former Southington Town Councilor David Zoni.

See .

Cheryl Lounsbury (R): The Southington Town Councilwoman and former head of the Southington Republican Town Committee will challenge for the vacant seat with a campaign focused on promoting fiscal responsibility and reform.

“My priority will be to keep the focus on state economy and jobs. I believe that Democrats are using social issues – schools, the death penalty, etc. – to distract voters from what really needs to be done, which passing realistic budgets, and building an economic environment designed to encourages business growth and therefore jobs,” .

103rd Assembly District

Elizabeth Linehan (D):  Southington's newest district, which previously belonged to only Cheshire and Wallingford , will feature a newcomer to the political arena.

The 38-year-old Cheshire marketing pro told the Record-Journal: “I’m sick and tired of complaining. I talk to a lot of my friends...we have fears and concerns and nobody is asking us about it. I want to be the person that listens, not to get elected but to make changes.”

Al Adinolfi (R): Adinolfi has been an on-again, off-again state representative for the last several decades. He has lost his seat several times, only to continue to win it back.

Adinolfi told Southington Patch earlier this year that he intends to run on his record and believes he will find success again this year.

Still want more? Click on the links to see the individual candidates websites and be sure to check in for constant updates throughout election season.

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