Weston GOP Hears Congressional Candidates

WESTON, Conn. – Seven candidates or their representatives for U.S. Congress and Senate seats appeared at the Weston Republican Town Committee meeting Tuesday night at Town Hall.

The candidates are running for the 4th District Congressional race against Democrat incumbent Jim Himes and the Senate seat being vacated by Independent Democrat Joe Lieberman.

Two of the Senate candidates, Linda McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment who lost the Senate race to Richard Blumenthal in 2010 and Chris Shays, the former 4th District Congressman who lost to Jim Himes in 2008, were represented by aides. The others made personal appearances, including two Senate candidates who were quick to criticize McMahon for her loss to Blumenthal.

“The party needs a fresh face, and I’m the only one who can satisfy the conservative and liberal wings of the party,” said Brian K. Hill, a Windsor attorney and ownrt of BKH Associates, a Hartford law firm.

“McMahon couldn’t beat Blumenthal in 2010, so how are we going to do it now?” asked Peter Lumaj, a Fairfield resident who operates a New York law firm. “The character and fortitude of the candidate will determine who wins the election.”

Tom Scott, a former state senator and political director of the McMahon campaign, said, “McMahon learned a lot from the last campaign” and has the support of more than 100 town chairmen and other state political leaders.

Three candidates for the 4th District Congressional race made personal appearances.

Richard Wieland, from Redding, who spent 12 years in Washington as a representative of Hughes Aircraft and Raytheon, said, “The Obama administration needs to be shown the door. I’m going to make some noise down there and beat Jim Himes.”

Chris Meek, from Stamford, has founded two non-profits and said he has support in Stamford and Bridgeport which can cut into Democratic strongholds in the cities.

Steve Obsitnik, from Westport, the president and CEO of Quintel, a wireless company, said, “It’s time to turn the ship back in the direction we favor, of free market and entrepreneurship versus big government.”

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