Governor Malloy announces he will not seek 3rd term

Statements from Wilton DTC Chair Deborah McFadden, State Party Chair Nick Balletto, and Governor Malloy

Statement from Wilton DTC Chair Deborah McFadden

Governor Malloy has rejuvenated the Democratic Party of Connecticut and faced major challenges, some of which are the result of previous administrations that have kicked the can down the road.  His choices have not always been popular but he has done the hard job of leading Connecticut through difficult times.  His time is not yet over and we need to continue to support him in his efforts to build a progressive future for Connecticut.  

Statement from State Party Chair Nick Balletto

Plain and simple, our party and our state are better off today for Dan Malloy being our governor,” said Balletto. “He proved yet again this afternoon what he’s always been: a leader willing to make the hard choices necessary for the long-term interests of our state and to secure a sustainable future for our residents and our businesses, regardless of the political calculus.

As the chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party, I am grateful for all he has done and continues to do to support our party, our candidates, and his fellow elected officials – even when he does not gain the credit or notoriety. I know that the work we do will not stop, and I know that the fighter I have come to respect and admire will keep working tirelessly for the causes and party in which he believes. And for that, we will be better off.

As governor, Dan Malloy has built a stronger Democratic Party. He has inspired grassroots activism, helped elect candidates to local office and the state legislature, and made investments in party infrastructure that will last long beyond his terms in office. A strong Connecticut Democratic Party has led to a much-needed raise for working people, new and comprehensive gun-safety laws, the end of the death penalty in our state, and expanded healthcare access for hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents.  His commitment to our party and the causes it represents haven’t been just about his term in office, but part of his life’s mission. I look forward to working with him in the years ahead to keep making progress toward our shared goals.

Governor Dan Malloy’s Remarks As Prepared for Delivery

I began my first run for Governor on February 3, 2004, more than 13 years ago. And now, a little past the midway point in my second term, I’ve obviously had to consider what the future might look like for myself and my family, for the Democratic Party, and for our great state.

I’ve thought a great deal about the areas my administration has tried to prioritize these past six years. Throughout our work, we’ve tried to play the long-game for Connecticut, not doing what is politically expedient, but rather what we believe is in the best interests of the people we serve today, and for generations still to come.

I’ve thought about how our state has added more than 74,000 private sector jobs since 2010, and unemployment is now at 4.7 percent – its lowest level since 2007.

I’ve thought about how we worked across party lines in 2012 to pass comprehensive education reforms, and today our students are some of the best readers in the country, and our graduation rates are now at their highest point in Connecticut’s history.

I’ve thought about the commonsense and compassionate changes we’ve made to our criminal justice system – changes that are helping us experience our lowest crime rates in generations.

And I’ve thought about similar progress in so many other areas – energy, affordable housing, transportation, and so much more.

In all these areas, I am tremendously proud of the undeniable progress we’ve made, but I also know how much is still yet to be done.  I know that Connecticut must continue to change and grow and strive for a more perfect tomorrow – that we must continue to focus on the long-game.

I know that until anyone who wants a job can have one, until every person in our criminal justice system is treated fairly and equally, until every student has access to a quality education – that we have never done enough, and that there will always be more work to do.

Inherent in the nature of our Democracy is that no governor, no mayor, or no president for that matter ever sees their vision fully realized.  America, each of its states, and each of its amazing cities and towns, are forever works-in-progress. Elected leaders at every level are stewards – entrusted to use the time they have to improve the lives of their constituents as best they can.  That’s what I have tried to do every day I’ve held this office, including this one.

In fact, it’s been said by some that if I were interested in a third term, I might’ve put forward a different looking budget.  I’m not sure I agree with that, but I take it as a compliment. My proposed budget was built with Connecticut’s best interest in mind, regardless of political consequence for me, or anyone else.  And I intend to make the core principles of that budget a reality in the coming months.

For that reason, I am today announcing that I will not seek a third term as Governor.

Instead, I will focus all my attention and energy – I will use all of my political capital from now through the end of 2018 – to continue implementing my administration’s vision for a more sustainable and vibrant Connecticut economy.

Here’s what that means:

It means creating a fairer and more equitable system for town aid – a system that includes a more sensible and equitable ECS formula, and a system that responsibly shares the obligations of teachers’ retirement – just as every other state does.

It means maintaining our commitment to better and more sustainable budget practices.  We will not rely on gimmicks or one-time fixes, we will not push off debts that should be responsibly paid now, and we will not borrow to save ourselves from difficult but necessary reductions in spending.

And it also means continuing to make our criminal justice system work better for everyone, regardless of where they live, the color of their skin, or how much money they have.  No one should sit in jail simply because they are poor, while others walk free.  And if a young person pays the consequences for a mistake when they are young, those consequences shouldn’t prevent them from eventually taking part in our society, and our economy.

The decision I have announced today will allow me to focus on these areas fully – not just for the remainder of this session, but for the next 20 months.  In the remainder of my term, my team and I will continue to play the long-game.  We’ll keep fighting for what w believe is in the best interest of Connecticut residents now, and in the future.

In closing, I want to recognize my wife Cathy who is here today.  She is my partner and my best friend, and it’s only through the love and support of Cathy and our sons that my career as a public servant has been possible.

I also want to recognize Nancy Wyman. I’ve made a habit of saying that she is the best Lt. Governor in the United States, and I have meant it every single time.

And finally, I want to thank my staff and the many, many supporters without whom I would not have been able to do this job.  My message to them this afternoon is simple: thank you… now get back to work.  We have many months ahead, and much work to do.

Serving as Connecticut’s 88th Governor is the honor of my lifetime, second only to being a father and a husband.  It will continue to be an honor as I work hard as hard as ever – for the remainder of this term.

Thank you.

 

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