Last night, Republican delegates to State Senate Conventions gathered to nominate candidates for the Connecticut State Senate.  Though a number of terrific candidates were nominated, there were very few competitive Conventions.  The only contested Convention was in the 8th State Senate District, where State Representative Kevin Witkos, of Canton, and Simsbury Selectwoman Moira Wertheimer sparred for the Republican nomination.  The seat is being vacated by Sen. Thomas J. Herlihy, whose 2006 race was among the closest in the State.

State Rep. Witkos is a six year veteran of the State House and a sergeant with the Canton PD.  Wertheimer, in addition to her work on the Board of Selectmen in Simsbury, is an RN.  Wertheimer focused on her diverse background of achievements while highlighting the strategic advantage of running as a Republican candidate out of Simsbury a la Sen. Herlihy.  Witkos emphasized his experience and compelling biography as a law enforcement officer when making his pitch to the delegates.  In the end, the Convention voted 36-12 in favor of State Rep. Witkos. 

The race may not be over, however.  Wertheimer’s 25% of the delegates automatically qualifies her for a spot on the August primary ballot if she so chooses.  It remains to be seen whether the race is headed to primary or not.  Regardless of the candidate that ends up the Republican nominee, it is clear that the Republican line will be occupied by a terrific candidate when Labor Day arrives.