"After much soul searching and discussion with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election next year," Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell said Monday at a impromptu 5 p.m. press conference.
Rell fought back tears as she recounted her five years as governor and the people she has met throughout the state. "At some point you really do know inside that it's time to get a new chapter in your life," Rell said.
Whispers in the state said that the timing of Rell's announcement -- she announced her retirement this afternoon in a press conference -- was tied to the release of a Quinnipiac University poll set to be released tomorrow that showed her losing significant altitude in advance of 2010.
Can't wait to see the poll tomorrow...
UPDATE 4: Responses to the governor's announcement are coming in.
State Senate President Don Williams:
"Gov. Jodi Rell should be thanked for her years of public service and work on behalf of Connecticut residents. I wish her and her family well as they begin the next chapter of their lives. In the meantime, the best thing we can do for the next governor - whoever it is - is to work together to grow jobs and help stabilize our economy."
Democratic Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo:
I thank Governor Rell for her service and wish her the best.
It's not an easy time to be a governor, and it's clear that Connecticut needs - and deserves - a chief executive who goes to bed every night and wakes up every day thinking about innovative and unique ideas to get this state and its people through arguably the most difficult economic climate in a generation. I feel confident that our bench of candidates for this position will bring to the table the kind of ideas and proposals that Connecticut voters will be able to relate to and have confidence in. This is good news for our party, and the people of this state.
Dan Malloy:
I thank the Governor for her years of public service to the State of Connecticut, and I wish her and her family all the best.
We now know that Connecticut will have a new Governor in January of 2011. From my travels around the state, it's clear that people want a leader with a track record of creating jobs, lowering crime, building affordable housing and improving quality of life for Connecticut families. I've spent 14 years as Mayor of Stamford doing precisely that, and should I become the next Governor I'd be proud to lead the fight to restore Connecticut's economy and help put our state back on track.
Ned Lamont
I salute the Governor for her service to Connecticut, her civility, and her integrity. Now is the time for a fresh start. Connecticut needs a proactive, hands-on governor who has experience creating good paying jobs, and who knows how our state can be a partner in helping our working families and small businesses make Connecticut the jobs engine we should be.
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