Democrats renominate Osten in 19th

Democratic state Sen. Cathy Osten has won renomination for the 19th District Senate seat she holds.

Osten, who also is first selectwoman of Sprague and has served two terms in the Senate, was endorsed unanimously by Democratic delegates who gathered Monday night at Norwich City Hall. Her nomination was made by Norwich delegate Talibah Dominjan and seconded by Bill Caron of Uncasville, deputy chairman of the Town Council in Montville.

“I will ensure that Connecticut continues to move forward, and I will always stand with the middle class,” Osten told the nominating convention, according to a news release. Osten also promised to focus on children’s issues. She is credited with pushing for Erin’s Law to educate children about sexual predators and has been a proponent of measures to help those with dyslexia.

According to Democrats, Osten’s accomplishments include helping to secure more than $20 million in small business grants for her district and voting to pass two increases in the state minimum wage.

A one-time sergeant in the Army, Osten also has been a correction officer for the state. She serves as Senate chairwoman of the General Assembly’s Planning and Development Committee and is vice chairwoman of the Aging, Housing, and Labor & Public Employees committee. She also is a member of the Transportation Committee.

“Revenue shortfalls have forced us to make very difficult decisions this year, but I have never shied away from difficult decisions,” Osten said.