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. John Blankley may be the third.
Blankley is a Democrat who has already secured over 370 of the 546 signatures needed by Monday to become a candidate. Any registered voter in the 36th 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 17th 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.
