J.R. Romano Winning Support to Replace Labriola as Republican Party Leader.

Derby Republican J.R. Romano is gaining support in the contest to oust and replace besieged incumbent Jerry Labriola. Romano claimed endorsements Monday from state central committee member and former vice chair Catherine Marx and former executive director Liz Kurantowicz. Romano is also a former political director under four former state party leaders. He ran Trumbull Republican’s close race for state treasurer this year.

Romano needs 20 members to call a special meeting of the state central committee and 47 members to remove Labriola. Goal is to strike in early December.