Election Day is this coming Tuesday. As a pastor, I never endorsed or even fully revealed who I voted for. I think it is important in certain leadership positions that one not become too partisan and too many churches wade too far into politics for my liking.
But now I am “Joe Citizen” and a chef and no one really cares what I think, lol — so I am happy to let you know who I am voting for and why. (click here for a sample ballot)
CT GOVERNOR: Dan Malloy
Simply put, Malloy is a highly qualified and effective public servant with a solid track record. He is a pro-business, fiscally moderate candidate who has the experience to lead CT through a hard fiscal time. Also, his principled opposition to the Death Penalty wins me over big time. I give him a lot of credit for standing by his convictions given how unpopular it is (especially given the current Stephen Hayes trial). That said, Foley would not be a disaster at all. I think we have two pretty good moderate candidates to choose from.
CT US SENATE: Richard Blumenthal
I am not thrilled with my choices here. Blumenthal gets the nod because I think he is smart and a policy wonk. I believe we need two kinds of people in Washington — leaders and good policy makers. As fat as i can tell, Linda McMahon would be neither and really brings nothing to the table in Washington. Blumenthal is not particularly likable and is a terrible candidate, but will be a good policy maker, good at constituent relations, and good for CT.
CT US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: (District 1) John Larson
Simply put, Larson has earned another term from me. He does a solid job, is good with constituents, and is good as an advocate for CT.
CT ATTORNEY GENERAL: Dan Jepson
Jepson gets my vote mostly because Martha Dean doesn’t.
CT SECRETARY OF STATE: Denise Merrill
Denise Merrill has a long record of service as State Rep from Mansfield. She is effective, solid and I think worthy of this office. She will get my vote based on her track record as State Rep.
CT TREASURER: Denise Nappier
An incumbent who has earned the right to go back for another term.
CT COMPTROLLER: Kevin Lembo
I know little about either candidate, but people I trust say both are qualified and competent. I have heard Lembo speak and he was impressive.
CT STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (District 13): John “Jack” Thompson
A long history of good service and advocacy for Manchester… he gets my vote. (Bonus endorsement: I don’t live in District 12, by I would vote for my friend Geoff Luxemberg. He is great!)
CT STATE SENATE (District 4): Steve Cassano
A small business owner, I think Cassano has common-sense and leadership, particularly in the areas of job creation and economics, right at a time when we need both.
No matter who you vote for, I hope you will vote!!! And take some time to get informed about the issues and candidates.
BEN DUBOW 
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