State Primaries May Set Pace of Fall Elections

Connecticut's primary race for the 4th District may prove to be the nation's barometer heading into the fall's elections. 

"This is a classic swing district. As this district goes, so goes the nation. It really reflects national trends," said Dan Debicella, fresh off delivering his acceptance speech for the Republican nomination.

Connecticut was one of four states holding primaries Tuesday night. It appeared those candidates with little or no political experience fared the best. In addition, the sense that the country must put its fiscal house in order dominated the day, said several voters, campaign strategists, and candidates.

Indeed as Wilton voters cast ballots to nominate candidates on all levels – from Congress to comptroller, the flagging economy weighed on people's minds. That anxiety about the nation's fiscal health gnaws at both Democrats and Republicans.

Wilton resident Margaret Sapir owns the Wave Hill Bread bakery. She had backed former GOP candidate Rob Merkle, particularly because of his support of small businesses.

"I feel very patriotic having a small business and hiring people, creating jobs," Sapir said. "But I'm so frustrated at what's happening now. The uncertainty is affecting my growth plans."

As the race marches ahead talk about government spending, tax cuts, health care, and the federal deficit promise to govern the conversation.

On Monday Speaker Nancy Pelosi called a special mid-August session to vote to pass a $21.6 billion state aid package that cuts billions from food stamps in order to rescue teachers jobs and prevent cuts in Medicare. The food stamp cuts amount to about $11.9 billion. The House bill won't go into effect until 2014, but it still has to pass the Senate.

Cutting spending will be necessary to get the economy back on track, said Rep. Jim Himes (D-4) in a previous interview with Patch.

The choice now for Fairfield County voters is whether to stay with the status quo, said Edmund Peterson, who worked as campaign strategist for Norwalk businessman Rob Merkle.

"The Party can take some lessons from this," said Peterson at a campaign party at the Stamford Brewing Company. "There has been structural damage to the economic pillars to society by the termites of government. The foundation is rickety."

Previously Peterson worked on campaigns for Alan Keyes and Steve Forbes. He said while the economic experts can squabble on what kind of tax reform is best for the country, people "don't want punitive taxes with inflation just around the corner."

Whether this dissatisfaction means an exodus of the incumbent remains to be seen. Although Jason Perillo, campaign manger for Dan Debicella, said he's convinced the nation wants to clean the House.

"What we're hearing in Fairfield County is no different than the rest of the nation," said Perillo. "If you're an incumbent in DC, this is not a good year for you."