Republicans are close to landing Connecticut state Senate Minority Leader John McKinney to run against freshman Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), providing the GOP with a top-tier challenger in a region where the party's fortunes have bottomed out.
McKinney is expected to make a final decision soon after the state legislative session ends June 3, but he has already been making moves in preparation for a campaign, according to several GOP sources.
He was in Washington last week to discuss a potential candidacy with the National Republican Congressional Committee and has talked to NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions of Texas and another prominent moderate, Rep. Michael Castle (R-Del.).
Former GOP Rep. Chris Shays, who represented the district for 21 years before losing to Himes last year, has been in contact with McKinney and said he is under the impression that the legislator will jump in the race. He said McKinney would have his full backing.
"If he runs - and I think he will - he will have a very good likelihood of winning, and if he is elected, he will be an outstanding public servant," Shays said. "He is just an exceptional young man who really has a lot to offer. I'm excited about him running, and if he does run, he has my total support."
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