Republicans’ Lucky Break: Bacchiochi Undone.

The mask fell off state Representative Penny Bacchiochi with her attempted character assassination of David Walker, one of the Somers Republican’s rivals for lieutenant governor at this weekend’s party nominating convention. Bacchiochi made a wild accusation of racism against an opponent on Thursday’s Jim Vicevich WTIC radio show. Bacchiochi then told WFSB’s Susan Raff that the opponent is Walker. A firestorm ensued as Walker denounced Bacchiochi and the legislator/lobbyist disappeared, unwilling to explain provide details to sustain her charge.

From her bunker, Daily Ructions has learned, the wounded Bacchiochi has begun to back off her claim that that Walker’s campaign made disparaging comments about Bacchiochi’s husband, who is black. As the Bacchiochi campaign unravels hours before the convention convenes, Republicans should acknowledge their luck that Bacchiochi has revealed herself in May rather than September.

Reckless is the kindest characterization of Bacchiochi’s toxic tactic party officials will offer. Many are waiting for party chair Jerry Labriola to condemn Bacchiochi’s gambit. His statement to WFSB’s Dennis House provide a reminder that leadership is not a synonym for Labriola. Others are wondering who cooked up the Bacchiochi scheme that has holed her campaign below the waterline.

One of the ironies of the Bacchiochi detonation is that there’s been a broad consensus that one of the most popular figures on the campaign trail is her husband, Emil Igwenagu. Candidates, delegates, and town committee members like him far more than they do Bacchiochi. Her attempt to take down Walker by using her using her husband, who has been welcomed across the state, has left many Republicans sad and angry. Expect a stampede of delegates away from Bacchiochi as they recognize the risk she would pose to victory as a member of the party ticket.