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Democrats Nominate Hartwell in 26th DistrictBy Don CasciatoArticle Launched: 05/21/2008 10:17:22 AM EDT Westporter John Hartwell Monday was nominated by Democrats from the 26th state Senate District in an event held at the Trackside Teen Center in Wilton. The Democrat will oppose Republican state Rep. Toni Boucher of Wilton in the November election. The seat now is held by Judi Freedman, a Westport Republican, who has announced that she decided against running for another term. In an interview with the Westport News prior to the nomination, Hartwell said he picked the Wilton location to reinforce his theme of the need for transportation reforms in Connecticut. Asked about reports that budget problems in the state would put the plan to split the state Department of Transportation on hold, Hartwell said he didn't believe splitting DOT was a good idea. Hartwell also said he will emphasize health-care improvements and reported that Gov. M. Jodi Rell has threatened a veto of the health-insurance bill from the just-concluded session of the General Assembly. As now proposed, it would offer the state's coverage plan to towns and small business. Press reports yesterday morning stated that Rell had major concerns after receiving a letter from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield officials that said if the legislation was signed into law, it would have to recalculate the terms of its new contract for the state employee health plan that takes effect July 1. |
Approved by John Hartwell