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Do you think endorsements from former President Barack Obama will impact the Nov. 6 election?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided
In Lamont's endorsement, Obama cited a moment of courage from a dozen years ago.
At the time, Obama backed incumbent Sen. Joseph Lieberman’s, urging Connecticut Democrats not to defeat Lieberman for Lamont because the senator supported the war in Iraq.
“When Ned Lamont stood up to his own party and opposed the war in Iraq more than a decade ago, he showed the courage to do what was right,” Obama said in a statement.
Obama called Lamont -- who faces Republican Bob Stefanowski on Nov. 6 -- a successful businessman who demonstrated an ability to bring people together, and created jobs while volunteering as a teacher in a Bridgeport high school.
“That’s why I’m so proud to endorse Ned Lamont for governor,” Obama said. “If elected, Ned will do what he’s done his whole life to turn the state around and ensure a more hopeful future: he’ll protect working families, improve Connecticut’s business climate, and refuse to back down from making the tough choices.”
Obama also endorsed Lamont’s running mate for lieutenant governor, Susan Bysiewicz, and Jahana Hayes, the Democratic candidate for the 5th Congressional District.
Obama also endorsed James Moroney, who is seeking the 14th state Senate seat left vacant by the retirement of Democrat Gayle Slossberg.
Obama also endorsed ex-Working Families Party co-chairwoman Julie Kushner who is challenging Republican incumbent Sen. Michael McLachlan of Danbury.
In other Senate races, Obama endorsed Will Haskell, 21, who faces incumbent Sen. Toni Boucher, a Republican from Wilton; and Jorge Cabrera of Hamden, who is challenging incumbent Republican Sen. George Logan.
In state House races, Obama endorsed Kara Rochelle of Derby, founder of the Naugatuck Valley Young Democrats. She is running for a seat left open by the retirement of Linda Gentile.
Obama also endorsed Matt Blumenthal, son of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, to fill the House seat of state Attorney General candidate William Tong, representing residents of Stamford.
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