Proto Announces for Republican Party Chairman.

Ben Proto, a familiar figure in state Republican circles, announced Sunday he has “decided to seek the position of Chairman of the Connecticut Republican State Central Committee.” Proto made the announcement in an email to members of the party committee.

The Stratford Republican worked on Steve Obsitnik’s 2018 race for governor. He was the Connecticut head of Donald Trump’s 2016 race.

“I am the person to get us back in the game of winning,” Proto wrote, “I have the experience, relationships, and drive to draw the line in the sand now – to demonstrate to our candidates, incumbents, donors, volunteers, and voters that Connecticut and our Towns and Cities will be better off with Republicans elected at every level of government.”

Proto is seeking the vacancy created by the resignation of J.R. Romano, who announced in October he would not seek re-election in June. Party rules require an election within 60 days to fill the vacancy. There has been talk among the battered 74 Republican committee members that they should unite behind a temporary leader who would not seek a two-year term in June.