Ackert’s In. Popular Republican State Representative Announces Challenge to Klarides.

Dangerous Liaison Leads to Caucus Challenge.

Coventry Republican state Representative Tim Ackert will challenge incumbent House Republican Leader Themis Klarides to lead the minority caucus when the new legislature convenes in January. Klarides’s erratic work habits, iffy grip on issues and close relationship with House Majority Leader Joseph Aresimowicz have caused many Republican legislators to become restive with their leader.

Ackert is seeking a fourth term from his eastern Connecticut district. In making his announcement, Ackert declared, “I am seeking the position of Leader to provide a much needed change to the current practices that have kept Republicans from making a larger impact for the State of Connecticut. I want our Republican members to be involved in key decisions to help lift Connecticut from one of its worst economic positions in recent memory. We have many talented caucus members who are ready and able to step up and make the changes necessary to improve our state. I am ready to give them that opportunity. A key point in my decision to run for Leader came in the waning moments of the 2016 legislative session. Our members were forced, by our current leadership, to vote on a consent calendar with little or no information on what they were voting on. This lack of leadership forced Republican House members to make a decision to support, oppose or abstain on dozens of bills without any knowledge about their content. Putting our members in such a precarious position will not happen under my leadership.”

Ackert is giving voice to caucus members who believe Democrats such as Aresimowicz, Senate Democratic staffer Vincent Mauro and former Malloy chief of staff Mark Ojakian enjoy an unseemly amount of influence with Klarides that far exceeds any wielded by her fellow Republicans in the caucus.