Former Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation member John Blankley, who announced on June 24nd he would seek the Democratic party’s nomination for State Senate 36th district, is now going rogue.
The position became available after Democrat, Alex Kasser, who won a second term last November, abruptly resigned on June 22 for personal reasons.
On July 2, Governor Ned Lamont announced he had scheduled a special election for the Tuesday, August 17, 2021.
The 36th district consists of Greenwich and parts of New Canaan and Stamford. The winner will complete Ms Kasser’s term.
Blankley, a Democrat, announced over the weekend that he would instead run as an independent, meaning there could be a three-way race should he achieve enough signatures to get on the ballot.
Blankley said he needs to collect 546 signatures of registered voters in the 36th District by 4:00pm on July 12.
Ryan Fazio, State Rep Harry Arora and Leora Levy all seek the blessing of the Republican party delegates in the district. The Republican delegates will hold their convention on Saturday, July 10.
Alexis Gevanter, an attorney who works for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, seeks the nomination from the Democratic delegates in the district. The delegates will hold their convention Tuesday night, July 6.
Blankley said he made the decision after careful consideration and consulting with friends, supporters and his wife, Vera.
“In exploring this race, I have not altered my long-held opinions for any political purpose,” he said. “I believe strongly in the positions I have taken on matters important to the district, and I believe I share these with an overwhelming number of voters in Greenwich, North Stamford and New Canaan. And these are socially liberal positions as my voting record will show.”
Blankley said he strongly supported a woman’s right to choose, in gun regulation, in a robust and well-funded public education, and a clean and defended environment.
However, he said he was a great believer in ensuring a strong and well-managed economy for our district and Connecticut.
“Much like the announced Republican candidates, I am in favor of resolving our pension deficit, and I believe we should create a better environment for companies to stay in the state or relocate from elsewhere,” he continued. “I believe that Connecticut residents should have good jobs and opportunity, and they should be able to hold on to the benefits of their hard work, while at the same time protecting and supporting those who need it. Like the Governor, I support holding the line on taxes whenever we can. I have taken these positions clearly and forcefully in the past, and bringing them to success is the only reason why I am considering this run.”
Blankley said his years of business experience and financial expertise would serve Connecticut and the 36th senate district well.
“Ideological battles do not interest me, and I am sure that is the position of the people of this district,” he said. “When it comes to our government, we are interested in having our personal rights protected, in having our revenues well managed, and having all our different points of view being heard in Hartford.”
Blankley, who served on the Board of Estimate and Taxation, said he believed he is the right person to represent the district.
“Placement on the ballot means I will be asking for signatures and should I be placed on the ballot, I will work hard as a candidate and work hard in Hartford, putting the people first,” he said.
Blankley said his team of volunteers and supporters will knock on doors, reach out to friends and visit supermarkets an intense effort to collect signatures over six days.