Connecticut Republicans Elect Proto Chair in 1st Ballot Victory. Party Leaders Rebuked by Win.

Ben Proto cruised to an easy first ballot win Tuesday night in the long contest to become chair of the state’s shrinking Republican Party. Proto won 55 votes, Jim Campbell 18.5 and Gary Byron 15.5. After a round of treachery—the switches—Proto increased his total to 69.5 as Campbell’s support fled to Proto.

Proto’s first task will be to provide meaningful support in this summer’s sudden special state Senate election.