Fasano’s seat has candidates scrambling
Longtime Republican not seeking reelection in state Senate race
HARTFORD – With longtime Republican state Sen. Len Fasano not seeking reelection, at least three candidates are scrambling for an open seat that both Democrats and Republicans think they can win.
Fasano, the Senate Republican leader, first won election in 2002 over Democratic incumbent Brian McDermott in an upset victory, and Democrats have strength in various portions of the sprawling district.
Former East Haven Mayor April Capone told reporters Wednesday that she has raised $3,500 so far in her bid to succeed Fasano and intends to seek public financing. Capone now lives in North Haven, which is Fasano’s hometown. Capone is battling against Aili McKeen of Wallingford for the Democratic nomination in the 34th Senate District at a convention that will be held in a Zoom meeting on May 19 due to the coronavirus pandemic. A Democratic primary would be held on Aug. 11 if needed.
On the Republican side, Paul Cicarella, Jr. of North Haven is seeking the nomination.
McKeen, who serves on Wallingford’s inland wetlands commission, gained name recognition in the district by running against Fasano in a losing effort in 2018. She won about 41% of the vote.
Capone was in the news frequently as a two-term mayor of East Haven from 2007 through 2011 as she was involved in close political races. She was serving as mayor when Tropical Storm Irene hit Cosey Beach hard in August 2011 and severely damaged houses along Long Island Sound. Capone toured the beach with high-level leaders that included U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, then-U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman and then-Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.
They sought federal assistance during an inspection of the properties with Janet Napolitano, who was serving at the time as secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Capone eventually lost to Republican Joe Maturo, a controversial figure in East Haven who she had narrowly defeated in 2007. She then started working for the Malloy administration as a liaison who helped mayors and first selectmen in their dealings with the state.
Capone told reporters in a Zoom meeting Wednesday that campaigning will be difficult due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“We’re in unprecedented times,” she said. “Just this announcement. In the past, I did announcements so differently. We gathered everyone together. Today, I’m sitting in my kitchen, announcing from home.
“We’ll be using technology. … We’re not going to have traditional fundraisers. There’s not going to be a pasta dinner like we’ve always done. You just can’t do that in these times.”