Politics & Government

Donovan Plans Week-Long Kickoff to Announce Candidacy

State Speaker of the House Chris Donovan will officially announce his candidacy for the U.S. Congress 5th District seat this week in events throughout Connecticut.

Throughout the spring and summer there were whispers, nudges, and even , but this week State Speaker of the House Chris Donovan (D-Meriden) will finally officially announce his candidacy for U.S. Congress in events throughout the 5th District.

From Wed., Sept. 7 to Sat., Sept 10, Donovan will hold events in Torrington, Waterbury, Danbury and New Britain, culminating with a party in Meriden on Friday at 5 p.m. at the campaign's at 5 Colony St. The public is welcome at each event, which will include Donovan, community leaders and activists and supporters, according to a campaign press statement.

Donovan is launching his 2012 election campaign for the seat currently held by Chris Murphy (D). Murphy has announced he will be running for the U.S. Senate post that Joseph Lieberman (I) is vacating. Donovan joins Elisabeth Esty of Cheshire, Daniel Roberti of Kent and Mike Williams of New Preston in the running to be the Democratic Candidate. Republicans who have officially announced a run for the seat include of Farmington, of Simsbury, Justin Bernier of Plainville, and Mark Greenberg of Litchfield.

Find out what's happening in Farmingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Donovan, an 18-year state rep., had planned to announce his intent right after the legislative session ended on June 8. When budget negotiations dragged on throughout the summer, he , but still fundraised enough to earn $230,000 in the last 22 days of the second quarter of 2011.

The campaign just launched its official website last week: www.donovanforcongress.com

Find out what's happening in Farmingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to a press statement, at the events, Donovan will discuss his plans for the 5th District, focusing on jobs, education, transportation and infrastructure, and Medicare and Social Security.

Donovan's announcement tour schedule:

Wednesday

11 a.m. - Torrington
Coe Memorial Park, Corner of Litchfield St. and South Main St.

5 p.m. - Waterbury
Nino's Restaurant, 91 Scott Road

Thursday
5 p.m. - Danbury
Danbury Public Library (front steps), 170 Main St.

Friday
5 p.m. - Meriden HQ Opening
Meriden Headquarters, 5 Colony St.

Saturday
10 a.m. - New Britain
Franklin Square Park, Downtown New Britain


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