Stunned: Republican Candidates Lose Independent Party Endorsement.

Another hurdle for Republican candidates running for the state legislature. The Independent Party line has been home to Republican hopefuls for a decade–seen by many as a counterweight to the Working Families Party reliable endorsements of Democrats.

The Independent Party played its most pivotal role in the 2010 race for governor when its nominee, Tom Marsh, won 17,000 votes as Republican Tom Foley fell fewer than 7,000 votes short of defeating Democrat Dannel P. Malloy. This week’s endorsement of Democrats and libertarian-minded candidates will add to the woes of Republican hopefuls in a presidential year that is expected to see Joe Biden and Kamala Harris sweep Connecticut in a high-turnout election.

The candidate questionnaire above, which not every candidate received, reveals the the small party’s philosophy has taken a sharp turn to the left.

Republican candidates were confused on the party’s new nominating rules. Many appear not to have participated in the selection process. The party did endorse 17th Senate District Republican incumbent George Logan. Candidates and their campaign teams are baffled that they received no direction from embattled state Republican chairman J.R. Romano and his vice chairman Susan Hatfield. Candidates are turning today to legislative leaders for an explanation and some help.