OSTEN ENDORSED FOR FOURTH TERM IN 19TH STATE SENATE DISTRICT

Norwich — State Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, was endorsed Monday for re-election to what could be her fourth term in the 19th District seat.

Osten was endorsed unanimously after being nominated by Norwich Alderwoman Stephanie Burnham and Derell Wilson of Norwich during the district convention Monday at Norwich City Hall.

Osten will face Republican challenger Mark Lounsbury of Sprague, who was endorsed earlier this month at the district convention.

Osten highlighted her role as co-chairwoman of the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee to pass two bipartisan budgets.

“Revenue shortfalls have forced us to make very difficult decisions this year, but I have never shied away from difficult decisions,” she said in a news release on her endorsement. “I will ensure that Connecticut continues to move forward, and I will always stand with the middle class.”

She also worked to promote workforce development to supply workers for advanced manufacturing jobs, which are exploding around the state.

Osten is a U.S. Army veteran and is retired from the state Department of Correction.

She has qualified for the Citizens’ Election Program, which provides public funding for candidates in statewide and General Assembly elections.

The 19th District includes Norwich, Ledyard, Sprague, Columbia, Franklin, Lisbon, Lebanon, Hebron, Marlborough and a portion of Montville.