CT Senate Republicans promise more assertive approach, despite losing nearly all their seats
The three remaining Republicans picked state Sen. Rob Sampson, a conservative firebrand, as their new leader.
More Stories
“Senator No” is a nickname Rob Sampson says he is proud of.
Often, he is the lone “no” vote on legislation in Hartford.
Now Sampson has a new title – Senate Minority Leader.
Following massive losses in last week’s “Blue Tsunami," the outspoken conservative will lead the three remaining Republicans in the state Senate – and he’s promising a more aggressive strategy.
“WE INTEND TO BE UNAPOLOGETIC”
If you thought the GOP would shrink into the background after last Tuesday’s election rout, think again.
“We intend to be unapologetic about what we stand for: individual liberty, constitutional rights, fiscal responsibility and limited government,” Sampson and new deputy leader Eric Berthel (R-Watertown) said in a statement. “Republicans must also recognize where we have fallen short. Part of the problem has been a media environment that rarely treats our arguments fairly. Part has been an overwhelming Democratic majority that has faced little real accountability. And part has been too many Republicans in positions of authority who were satisfied simply to remain in the minority.”
Sampson did not respond to an interview request.
“TREAD CAREFULLY”
Sampson is known for hours-long speeches and floor debates. It has led to public clashes with Democratic leaders.
“One senator in particular likes to push the envelope a little bit,” House Speaker Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) told reporters in February. “The only reason he speaks, and gets to be what he wants to be those last three days, is because we don’t change the rule. So my advice to him is, tread carefully.”
That “rule” is unlimited debate.
Unlike many states and Congress, the Connecticut General Assembly lets members speak as long as they want on a bill. Typically, Democratic and Republican leaders negotiate how much time each side will take. In the final days of the session, it gives GOP lawmakers leverage to wind down the clock and kill legislation.
Sampson responded to Ritter with an AI-generated social media post, depicting himself as Steve Burns from the children’s show, “Blue’s Clues.”
But Senate Republicans’ options are limited.
“I think with three members, that severely limits their ability to gum-up the works until maybe the end,” said incoming Senate President Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “But we are a mighty and a strong caucus and we'll make sure we respond to those things the way we need to.”
Could that mean limiting debate?
“I don’t think I want to get into, you know, various things that might or might not happen. But I would just say that we've always run very well,” Duff said. “They’re not getting shut out, but it all depends on how they want to move forward.”
With such a small caucus, Senate Republicans will have to rely on their House counterparts to fill spots on more than two dozen legislative committees.
“The actual day-to-day is going to probably be a huge challenge,” said Dr. Gayle Alberda, a former GOP strategist who now teaches at Fairfield University. “And with only a small group of Republicans, they're going to have to use every tool they can as the minority party.”
