Three Vie for Congressional Nomination

Come November, Republicans hope to regain the congressional seat that Rep. Jim Himes snatched from long-time Rep. Chris Shays in 2008. Though Dan Debicella won his party's nomination for the 4th district at the state convention this past spring, he faces two challengers in Tuesday's primary—Rob Merkle and Rick Torres.

Debicella is a second-term state senator representing Connecticut's 21st District. In published reports, he refers to himself as a "fiscal conservative." A moderate, Debicella has voted for tax credits for businesses as well as increased funding for education. In Hartford, he serves on the Appropriations, Public Health and Higher Education committees.

Debicella grew up in Connecticut. He says on his website that he was the first member of his family to attend college full-time and he went on to earn degrees from both the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard. He and his wife live in Shelton.

Norwalk resident Rob Merkle calls himself "the citizen candidate." The owner of an executive search firm in Westport, Merkle emerged from the Tea Party Movement and has received their endorsement. He opposes the federal economic stimulus efforts, saying on his website that true economic recovery will come from businesses. He calls for the elimination of taxes on corporations and the extension of the Bush-era tax cuts.

A graduate of Notre Dame, Merkle and his wife have two daughters. He also has a daughter from an earlier relationship who is currently a student at Florida State University.

Rick Torres serves as chairman of the Bridgeport Republican Town Committee. The son of a Cuban political activist, Torres spent part of his childhood in Cuba before his family could immigrate to the United States.

On his website, Torres refers to himself as "an authentic American conservative." Torres calls for tax reductions and reduced spending, especially through the elimination of redundant programs and agencies. He also calls for the repeal of the health care act that passed Congress this year.

Torres and his wife met while pursuing degrees at Washington University. They live in Bridgeport with their five children. They are the owners of Harborview Market.

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