Analisa Stravato challenging Leora Levy for Republican National Committee seat.

Wilton’s Analisa Stravato wants one of Connecticut’s two seats on the Republican National Committee—the one occupied by Leora Levy.

Because Republicans hold no statewide or congressional offices, minor posts take on significance among frustrated activists in a party in decline. The party’s state central committee members elect the two Connecticut members of national committee. Grumbling grows that a firm date has not been announced for the vote. Republicans are particularly sensitive to some deviations in voting procedures. The “r” word has been whispered.

Levy, who won the 2022 U.S. Senate primary over party-endorsed candidate Themis Klarides by a wide margin, is seeking re-election. Levy won the endorsement of Donald Trump shortly before the primary. Incumbent Richard Blumenthal defeated Levy by 15%—nearly 200,000 votes—in the general election.

Trump nominated Levy in 2019 to serve as ambassador to Chile. Levy’s confirmation hearing was not a success. The Senate did not act on her nomination.

Levy, Stravato and incumbent John Frey faced off on a remote forum last week. Levy’s formidable fundraising record reminded voters what they will lose if they elect Stravato, who served as the party’s vice chair from 2015-2017. She is currently the Republican registrar of voters in Wilton.

Under the anachronistic rules, a state must elect one man and one woman. Frey is unopposed. He is not considered one of the state party’s top fundraisers.

Some people are saying party chairman Ben Proto favors Stravato. This is raising the temperature in the tiny hothouse of state party politics.

Published March 3, 2024.