Pat Longo (1937-2023). Former Republican National Committeewoman loved politics and her nation. Her 2004 display of courage set her apart.

Beloved former Republican National Committeewoman Pat Longo has died at 86. The generous Wilton resident spent nearly 40 years encouraging young people to get involved in politics and then provided help as they navigated campaign shoals.

Pat was a loyalist but challenged the established party order when the moment called her. As corruption deluged the Rowland administration in 2003 into 2004, state Republican party committee members met to elect two national committee members, a man and a woman. The incumbent woman representing Connecticut, Jo McKenzie, was a Rowland confidant and a minor player in the scandals that were consuming his administration.

Pat Longo allowed her name to be placed in nomination against McKenzie, who had held the seat for 14 years. John Rowland, the New Haven Register reported, stood in the back of the room while the committee met. McKenzie defeated Longo, 46.5 to 31.5. These were people with no history of bucking party leadership, especially the first Republican elected governor in 24 years. Pat Longo had, but allowing her name to go forward, stiffened many spines.

Two months later, Rowland would resign. A few days before Christmas he would plead guilty to federal corruption charges.

After the deluge, Pat Longo succeeded McKenzie and serve on the RNC for ten years.

Not every RNC duo from each state works in harmony. Pat Longo and John Frey were more than colleagues. He was a loyal and essential friend to Pat in her final years, a reminder that politics can create bonds that transcend elections.

Published November 7, 2023.