Special Election

Leora Levy Thanks Delegates

Press Release from Leora Levy:

Today is 18 days since Senator Kasser resigned. Thank you to everyone who has engaged with me in a serious dialogue about what we need in our next Senator. I know you feel the weight and importance of this senate seat and the responsibility of standing strong for our Republican values in Connecticut.

I cannot tell you how much I loved running for this office. I so enjoyed driving to every delegates home and connecting with you in-person to talk face-to-face about what makes us so dedicated to our cause — fighting for families, fiscal stability and freedom.

Thank you to my family, my friends, and fellow Constitution state neighbors, Republicans, Democrats, and Unaffiliateds who joined me on this journey. A special thank you to my husband, Steve, who is the best partner in life I could have ever asked for. Thank you to my team. Your talent and passion are an inspiration.

Thank you to all the delegates to the 36th district Republican convention for your service to our party. It was a privilage to get to know you better. I respect your choice. Congratulations to Ryan Fazio. On bahlf of myself and my team, we are committed to joinign with everyone to elect a Republican for our next state Senator of the 36th district.

Thank you and God bless you, as we now head into this special election unified. May God bless our state and our country.

Sincerely,

Leora R. Levy

Republican National Committeewoman – CT

Ryan Fazio Has Secured the Republican Nomination

Ryan Fazio is now the second person officially running for the state Senate seat left vacant by the unexpected resignation of Alex Kasser. The first, Alexis Gevanter, was nominated at the Democrat’s convention on Tuesday.

In addition is petitioning candidate and entrepreneur, John Blankley, a Democrat who has already secured over 370 of the 546 signatures, needed by Monday to become a candidate. Any registered voter in the 36^th district may sign his petition in person. See below for more information if you are interested signing.

When state Senator Alex Kasser announced her resignation from the thirty sixth Senate District, which covers all of Greenwich and parts of Stamford and New Canaan, it set off a series of events necessary to fill her vacated seat.

Democrats and Republicans had to reconvene their previous conventions with the same delegates.

Delegates for the Democrats, who previously voted for Alex Kasser, unanimously voted for Kasser’s pick to replace her, Alexis Gevanter. Delegates that previously endorsed Ryan Fazio for the Republicans were lobbied continuously by candidates Ryan Fazio, Leora Levy, and Harry Arora.

The convention, which was held virtually this morning, was chaired by Edward Dadakis who said, “When our convention is done this morning, every one of us will join hands with our nominee, roll up our sleeves, and campaign hard for the next thirty-eight days all the way to a Republican victory. That’s the way Republicans do it, we compete vigorously, then we all come together, for the greater good.”

When the convention was done, it was Ryan Fazio who was selected once again.

Fazio was nominated by Icy Frantz who described Fazio as hardworking and humble. “Ryan is smart, hardworking, and humble; attributes that will serve him very well in Hartford. He is also not afraid to stand up for his beliefs, and he is a stellar debater, able to articulate his positions on policies with plenty of facts to back them up.

Also nominated at the convention was community volunteer and Republican powerhouse Leora Levy. Citing her work with animal shelters; her support and leadership of a number of Greenwich charities including the Bruce Museum; her work with veterans and in support of military men and women; and her work on the national and international stage, her nominators asked the convention delegates to make her their candidate. Levy successfully captured about a third of the delegate votes.

State Rep. Harry Arora withdrew his candidacy prior to the convention. In an email to supporters he said he believes it is very important for Republicans to win this seat and that his “faith and optimism inform me that when one door closes, another one will open.”

In his acceptance speech, Fazio thanked Icy Frantz and Whitney Williams their nominations and the delegates for their support saying he would “work hard every day to validate it in this election and in the state Senate, where I hope to faithfully serve my home district.”

Fazio next thanked Arora and Levy for their public service. His full acceptance speech is below.

John Blankley still believes that he can win as a petition candidate in the special election for the 36th state Senate seat. Blankley is an entrepreneur and self-described finance expert who has served on the BET as well as being a candidate for the 36th state Senate seat previously. Democrats have said they have concerns that if Blankley is on the ballot it will only serve to take votes away from their candidate.

“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think I could win,” Blankley said. Voters interested in signing his petition must do so in person but may contact him at 203 249 7797 and john@blankley.com.

The special election will be held on August 17.

Ryan Fazio’s Full Acceptance Speech:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to Icy Frantz and Whitney Williams for your kind words in nomination. And thank you to our wonderful delegates for the enormous trust you have placed in me. I will work hard every day to validate it in this election and in the state Senate, where I hope to faithfully serve my home district.

Thank you also to Representative Arora and Committeewoman Levy for your public service. I look forward to working with both of you arm-in-arm in our state government and state party to create a positive change.

Hanging behind me is a picture of our first Republican president at Gettysburg which frequently reminds me of the great inheritance we all have as Republicans, as Americans, and as members of this wonderful community in southwestern Connecticut.

It also reminds me of the great obligation we have to leave to the next generation a better state than we inherited.

In Connecticut, however, I fear we are risk of not doing that. Our people have experienced the worst economic growth of any state in the country, the second-highest taxes, and among the highest cost of living. Our most vulnerable families are facing a horrendous surge of crime and violence, with homicides up 35% in our state’s largest cities. Our politics is becoming more divisive. And for the last 12 years, one party has had complete, unchecked control of our state government.

But I know we can do better. I remain an optimist. I know that our communities and our people here in Greenwich, Stamford, and New Canaan are the best there are around, with big hearts, who look out for one another…and that they simply need a change in leadership in Hartford to thrive like never before.

So let’s build consensus across this state to solve the biggest challenges we face. Let’s reduce taxes, the cost of electricity and health care, and create economic opportunity for all. Let’s make all of our neighborhoods safe and support our local police. Let’s create the greatest school system of any state in the country. Let’s protect our environment. And let’s bring people together from every walk of life.

I still believe the best days are ahead of us in Connecticut, if only we can create a positive change first. That change starts right here on August 17^th in this special election. So I hope you will join our campaign and make that a reality. We can only win this race together.

Now, I hate to cut this speech short, but I need to go knock on some doors right away. There’s not a moment for us to waste.

So thank you again for your great trust. God bless you. And let’s get to work.

Can A Third Party Candidate Win?

by Anne White

John Blankley believes he can win as a petition candidate in the special election for the 36th state Senate seat. If he gets enough signatures, he will face Democrat Alexis Gevanter and one of three Republicans: State Rep. Harry Arora, Ryan Fazio, or Leora Levy.

When state Senator Alex Kasser (D-36) announced her resignation from the thirty sixth Senate District, which covers all of Greenwich and parts of Stamford and New Canaan, it set off a series of events necessary to fill her vacated seat.

In this situation, Democrats and Republicans must reconvene their conventions and choose new candidates from their parties to run for office in a special election.

The timing of Sen. Kasser’s resignation meant that both parties would have to reconvene their previous conventions with the same delegates.

Delegates that previously endorsed Ryan Fazio for the Republicans must now choose between Fazio, Levy, and Arora. That convention will be held this coming Sat, July 10 virtually.

Delegates that previously voted to endorse Alex Kasser for the Democrats have now unanimously endorsed her pick for the seat, Alexis Gevanter who worked for the San Francisco based law firm Sheppard Mullin before moving to Connecticut two years ago.

John Blankley, who has served on the BET as well as being a candidate for the 36th state Senate seat previously, is petitioning for the right to be on the ballot and let voters decide for themselves.

Democrats have said they have concerns that if Blankley is on the ballot it will only serve to take votes away from their candidate.
“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think I could win,” Blankley said. He will need to collect the signatures of almost 600 registered voters before July 12 in order to appear on the ballot.

Voters interested in signing his petition may contact him at 203 249 7797 (cell phone) and john@blankley.com.
Visit the Greenwich Sentinel at www.GreenwichSentinel.com/specialelection for more information on the race.

LETTERS to delegates of the upcoming Republican convention submitted to the Greenwich Sentinel.

Supporting Harry Arora

Dear Respected Delegates:
I am sending you this email to request that you please nominate HARRY ARORA to be the Republican candidate for the State Senate Special election on 17th August. I have been very impressed and pleased by Harry’s work since he was elected to the State House of Representatives. Harry does a great job keeping his constituents informed of all the important issues being considered and the bills passed by the House of Representatives, as well as keeping us informed of numerous other important issues for Connecticut and for Connecticut residents. Harry handles his job with truly great professionalism. I certainly believe that Harry has a strong and proven track-record and I want you to know that he has the support of many others who agree with me.
Thank you very much.

Sincerely, Gordon K. Johnson

Respected Delegates:
I’ve known Harry for a few years now and I can say with confidence that he is the leader we need right now! We need to pick who is favored by the people, and Harry is that person. Think about the grit he has. He went up against Jim Himes, the long-standing incumbent, with no experience and gave him a pretty good fight. He then seized the opportunity to take over where Camillo left off and win the last special election for State Representative. Harry is a force to be reckoned with. He is tethered to the community and made it a best practice to reach out to us for feedback and guidance. He is truly a caring and determined person ripe with fortitude. When I think of leadership, I think of Harry. When I think of a person who will act on behalf of the people, I think of Harry. When I think of the future of Connecticut and all its potential, I think of Harry.
Please nominate HARRY ARORA to be the Republican candidate for the State Senate Special election on 17th August. Harry has a proven track-record and has my support.

Sincerely, Douglas Salamone

Supporting Ryan Fazio

Republican delegates,
I am very proud to endorse Ryan Fazio for the Republican nomination for the 36th state Senate district, which I had the privilege of representing for a decade. Ryan is an outstanding person and candidate who cares deeply about our state and our community. Ryan has great potential to win back the Senate seat due to his high level of energy, compassion, and grass-roots campaign which is ready to kick into high gear as soon as the nomination is complete. In the most challenging national election for Republicans in the district in history, he still managed to win 49% of the vote against a well-funded incumbent last year. Now, I believe he is perfectly positioned to unite the district and win the seat on August 17th.
Ryan knows the issues inside and out and is unusually responsive to everyone, which in my judgment is one of the most important qualities a state Senator can have. He is a Greenwich native, and active volunteer in the community. Ryan is passionate about creating a vibrant Connecticut economy, which has lagged significantly behind nearly every other state in the country due to very poor policy choices for generations. He is also very keen to address the education and curriculum challenges that we face as a state. And finally, he earned the endorsement of the Greenwich and Stamford police unions last year for his support of public safety.
I hope you will nominate Ryan to run and serve our community in the State Senate.

Very best, L. Scott Frantz

Supporting Leora Levy

Dear fellow delegate:
When folks in our town and in our state look for help and advice regarding public service and philanthropic leadership, two words are regularly spoken: “Call Leora.” Time and time again, Leora has been there to say “yes” to many worthy causes. Now, when our state needs to recover from a devastating pandemic, correct its direction under one-party rule, and fill a vacancy in the 36th State Senate district, Leora has stepped up again to offer her blood, sweat and tears to be our party’s candidate for State Senator.
As a delegate to the district convention on July 10th and as a State Central Committee member, I am honored to whole-heartedly support Leora Levy, who is a pillar of our community and a standard-bearer for our party. No potential state senate candidate of either party has Leora Levy’s distinguished track record of accomplishment as a leader who gets things done.
When Greenwich needed a new animal shelter, Leora got it done with a public private partnership called Shelter Our Strays. When the Bruce Museum of Arts and Science needed a board leader and a co-chairman to help it transition to the next level of serving our region, Leora led the expansion of the museum. When the Greenwich Board of Selectmen needed a member for the Selectmen’s Nominations Advisory Committee, leaders of both parties put their trust in Leora.
When our U.S. soldiers at Bagram Airforce Base needed help, Leora was there. What was going to take the federal government six months to furnish the first Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic in theatre, Leora got it done in six weeks and sent enough supplies to furnish a second clinic. She not only raised the funds, she saw to it that supplies were sourced properly, transported across the world, and successfully received by the soldiers.
And in one of the greatest honors to be bestowed upon any American citizen, when our U.S. President needed an ambassador to represent America in the country of Chile, he turned to Leora. Her presidential nomination was affirmed by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee with the support of both of Connecticut’s Democratic U.S. Senators.
Have no doubts, Leora has the capacity to run an effective, fully-funded campaign for the August 17th special election. Leora has knocked on doors, phone banked, and given of her time and treasure – including as Finance Chair for the Connecticut Republican Party and for the past two Republican gubernatorial campaigns – for other candidates. She knows how much hard work goes into a political campaign.
Leora will win as a first-time candidate with a clear Republican message of freedom and free markets. In addition to her exemplary record of life accomplishments, let’s not forget that Leora has the distinct voice of a Cuban-American, a pioneering professional woman on Wall Street, a mother of three sons, a wife of 36 years, a conservative of the Jewish faith, and more. Hers is an important voice in our party, which we should absolutely be elevating and promoting in Connecticut.
In twelve years as First Selectman of the Town of Greenwich, and decades before as a volunteer in public service, I have been honored to get to know many of our town’s leaders. None have been more committed and effective than Leora Levy. I hope you will join me in supporting my friend, Leora Levy, who seeks our party’s nomination for the 36th State Senate District.

Peter J. Tesei

Arora Announces Endorsements

The Arora campaign announced that it had received over 1000 endorsements, mostly from residents of the 36th district. Harry Arora, on Monday, said he was “proud to be the People’s candidate. My endorsements come from residents across our community – women and men, youth and seniors, and from all towns in the district. I have the mandate from the people, to run this race, to win this race and to be your next State Senator”. While there are three candidates in the race, Arora is the only candidate with a demonstrated record of public service. He has shown leadership during crisis and has been tireless in his advocacy. The Republican convention is scheduled for the 10th of July and the Arora campaign is confident that that a majority of the delegates will support his “People’s candidacy”.
The names of the 1000+ constituents who have endorsed Harry can be found on harryforct.com. About Harry Arora: Harry Arora is the state representative for CT’s General Assembly’s 151st District, which includes parts of the Cos Cob, Riverside, and other neighborhoods of Greenwich. He is serving his second term and is the ranking member of the Labor Committee in the legislature.

This was issued by the Arora Campaign. This statement has not been independently verified by the Greenwich Sentinel