Where To Vote;
What’s At Stake

New Haven could have an outsized role Tuesday in determining the state’s political future as voters head to the polls — that is, if voters do head out to the polls.

Hard-fought campaigns for Connecticut’s open U.S. Senate and governor seats will come down in part to whether or not Democrats can motivate their urban base to vote. Early signs are that it’s an uphill battle. Local unions are working hard for Malloy; the Democratic machine, less so. The fact that so few contested races for lower office take place in one-party cities like New Haven also translates to fewer energized vote-pulling efforts.

Two other major factors in Tuesday’s elections: Women (especially in the U.S. Senate race) and independent voters, the state’s largest bloc.

Democrats are trying to win their first gubernatorial election in blue Connecticut since 1986. Republicans are trying to seize a U.S. Senate seat held even longer by Democrats.

Polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Click here to find out where you vote.

In New Haven, the campaign drawing the most energy — and probably the highest turnout Tuesday — is a local one: a special election for Ward 9 alderman. Click here and here to read about that.

Only one of eight state legislators from New Haven has an opponent this year: Democratic State Sen. Martin Looney, who faces Republican Matthew Corcoran.

Click here for a sample New Haven ballot.

Among voters’ choices:

For U.S. Senate: Democrat (and Working Families candidate) Richard Blumenthal, Republican Linda McMahon, Connecticut for Lieberman Party’s John Mertens, and Independent Warren Mosler for U.S. Senate.

For U.S. Congress: Republican Jerry Labriola, Jr., Democrat (and Working Families candidate) Rosa DeLauro and Green Charlie Pillsbury for U.S. Congress

For governor: Republican Tom Foley, Democrat Dan Malloy and Independent Tom Marsh.

(Click here to read an Advocate story about third-party candidates.)

Lower-ticket races include:

• Comptroller: Republican Jack Orchulli against Democrat (and Working Families candidate) Kevin Lembo, Green Colin D. Bennett, Libertarian Joshua Katz, and Independent Hugh Dolan.

Treasurer: Republican Jeff Wright, Democrat (and Working Families candidate) Denise Nappier, Green S. David Bue, and Independent Andrew Grant White.

Attorney general: Republican Martha Dean, Democrat (and Working Families candidate) George Jepsen, Green (and Independent candidate) Stephen Fournier.

Secretary of the state: Republican Jerry Farrell, Jr. Democrat (and Working Families candidate) Denise Merrill, Green S. Michael DeRosa, Libertarian Ken Mosher, Independent Michael Telesca.

Probate judge: Democrat John Keyes has no opposition.

Selected Independent stories on the races:

U.S. Senate:

Everyone Loves A Tea Party
DeLauro Helps Blumenthal Woo Women
On Broadway — & On Message
McMahon Gets Churched

Governor

Can He Win Without A No-Tax Pledge?
Foley Echoes Mayor’s Binding Arb Call
Foley Channels His Inner DeStefano
Can Malloy Break The Curse?

Attorney General

Is Connecticut Ready For Tea?

Ward 9 Alderman

Candidate: Pay The Health Middleman Less
Unions Go Independent In East Rock Race
Lifelong East Rocker Wins Party Nod

Click here for an archive of all Independent campaign stories this year.