Greenwich's Fazio and McCaughey Distinguish Themselves on the Debate Stage
- May 10
- 2 min read
Updated: May 11
The Republican battle to choose the best candidate to defeat Democratic incumbent Ned Lamont this fall is heating up. While there are three primary candidates vying for the gubernatorial nomination, the stage is missing a player.
Former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart has remained absent from these crucial forums. While she has labeled recent investigations into her administration’s tax office, her pension eligibility and her personal expenditures on the Mayor's credit card as a "witch hunt," her absence from the stage is notable. The fact that the first event was held in Farmington—directly next door to her home turf of New Britain—suggests her absence is a deliberate strategy rather than a scheduling conflict.
These debates offer a clear look at the differing strategies of the two candidates from Greenwich who are showing up to take back the Governor's residence:
Replay of May 7 Debate From WTIC 1080 studios in Farmington, CT:
Replay of May 8 Debate From the Pine Loft in Berlin, CT:
Fazio: Make CT Affordable Again
State Senator Ryan Fazio is centering his campaign on "realistic" middle-class relief. His platform includes cutting bureaucratic waste to reduce income taxes by $1,500 per family. On the energy front, Fazio has pledged to eliminate the "public benefit" charges on electric bills, a move he estimates would reduce average monthly bills by roughly 20%.
McCaughey: Make CT the Economic Engine of the Northeast
Betsy McCaughey (pronounced "McCoy"), a former NY Lt. Governor and member of the 2016 Trump economic transition team, is calling for a "bold Connecticut comeback," rather than "baby steps." Her plan to roll back the CT income tax entirely aims to make Connecticut a tax-free haven for businesses fleeing neighboring states. On the energy front, she isn't waiting until the election to act. She has already filed a lawsuit against the Governor of New York to stop the obstruction of the Constitution Pipeline, which would bring cheap Pennsylvania natural gas into the region to lower rates.
Between the Lines: Whether it’s Fazio’s targeted relief or McCaughey’s sweeping tax overhauls, these debates are sharpening the Republican message.