Dita Bhargava Announces Bid for State Treasurer. Convention Contest Taking Shape.

Dita Bhargava began her second bid for state treasurer Monday morning. The Greenwich Democrat is the first to announce her for the vacancy created by incumbent Shawn Wooden’s surprise decision not to seek a second term.

Wooden defeated Bhargava in 2018’s Democratic state convention and the primary that followed. Bhargava dropped out the race for governor that busy year to run for treasurer.

Adam Cloud, Hartford’s treasurer, is expected to give the race a pass. Popular state party vice chair Erick Russell has made no announcement. A decision by Russell to defer to fellow New Haven Democrat Karen DuBois Walton will disappoint many.

Treachery with a smiling face may be at work in Stamford. Some city Democrats who would like see a local state representative advance are urging state Senator Billie Miller to jump into the treasurer’s race. Miller won a special election for the seat in 2019, making the case that the party’s nomination was based on merit, not legacy. Miller is too shrewd to fall for false blandishments.

Former state Representative Reginald Beamon may enter the race. Beamon served 10 terms in the House, leaving in 2007. He represented Waterbury in the House.

Published April 11, 2022.