GOP Candidates Clash on Style in CT Primary

Connecticut Republicans are gearing up for a crucial battle in two primaries on Tuesday, as the party seeks to regain its footing in Congress amid a political landscape increasingly dominated by Democrats. The primaries will feature candidates in both the U.S. Senate race and the 4th Congressional District, with the GOP facing a challenging environment, having not won a U.S. Senate election in Connecticut since 1982. In the Senate primary, Gerry Smith, the convention-endorsed candidate and first selectman from Beacon Falls, will compete against Matthew Corey, a Navy veteran and bar owner from Manchester. Corey previously lost to incumbent Senator Chris Murphy in the 2018 election. Meanwhile, in the 4th District, Bob MacGuffie, a former financial executive, will face Michael Goldstein, a physician and attorney who lost the GOP primary for the same seat last year. The 2022 GOP Senate primary drew national attention, but candidates acknowledge the need for significant fundraising to compete against incumbents. Smith expressed concerns that the primary could hinder fundraising efforts, while Corey argued that it keeps the Senate race relevant. Smith believes that a successful primary could enhance his visibility and fundraising capabilities for the general election. In the 4th District race, MacGuffie aims to energize Republicans and attract unaffiliated voters by taking a strong stance on key issues. He is prepared to invest his own resources if he wins the primary, emphasizing the importance of cost-effective campaign strategies to bridge any financial gaps.