In the Field. Survey Asks Democrats About Tong, Lamont. AG’s PAC Accepting Contributions from Lawyers.
Democrats were surprised to learn that a pollster is calling Democrats to solicit opinions about two state officials not on the ballot this year. The survey asked Democrats if they view Governor Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong favorably or unfavorably.
The random Democratic voters, Daily Ructions can report, were also asked about Tong’s accomplishments in office. The Stamford Democrat, who aided anti-Semites in their vicious 2018 defeat of the renomination of Superior Court judge Jane Emons, may be the beneficiary of the poll. Lamont, who has seen his leadership of the state win public approval during the coronavirus crisis, is not conducting a poll.
The contents of the poll suggest Tong has cast his eye on the 2022 race for governor in the event Lamont does not seek a second term. The Greenwich Democrat may have plenty of options. He endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden early in 2019 when the former vice president’s campaign was faltering. Biden might be happy to consider Lamont for a range of appointments in a new administration. That would give Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz a head start on the 2022 Democratic nomination for governor. As a self-funding candidate, Lamont does not need to make his intentions clear for months. He has spent $50 million in three races for statewide office. There’s no reason to think he would hesitate to spend millions more on a re-election campaign, which would discourage any challengers, even the self-regarding Tong.
Tong has created a political action committee to fund ongoing activities.. In a September 1st email hymn to himself, the Stamford Democrat wrote, “To expand our reach and impact, my team and I formed the Firewall Fund, a political action committee to support Democrats across our state.” He warned, “We’ll be reaching out to you soon with more information about the Firewall Fund and updates on what our office is working on.” The message included an invitation to join Tong in a conversation with his predecessor, George Jepsen, to benefit Stamford Democrats.
Firewall Fund has raised more than $26,000 since it was formed in October last year. A hefty portion of the contributions were in the maximum amount of $1,000, including one from Democratic party chair Nancy DiNardo, who is listed as chairperson of the committee. Lawyers have been generous contributors.