Harkins election means another trip to the polls

Written by John Kovach
Friday, 06 November 2009 09:43

The election of John Harkins as mayor Tuesday could mean another trip to the polls for Stratford voters.

Harkins, already representative for the 120th District, may resign from the General Assembly but is not obligated to do so, according to Michelle Gilman, chief of staff for Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz.

A campaign spokesman said Wednesday that Harkins would resign from the Legislature.

If Harkins does resign his post in Hartford, Gov. M. Jodi Rell has 10 days to order a special election that must be held exactly 46 days from the issuance of that order.

Gilman said such orders are often issued on a Friday, ensuring the special election would be held on a Tuesday.

“That’s not always the case,” she said.

There would be no primary, Gilman said, but petitioning candidates could step forward.

Delegates from the prior nominating convention would serve in those roles again, she added.

Republican and Democratic leaders both said Thursday that discussions on potential candidates are thus far preliminary.

Democratic Town Committee Chairman David Mooney expressed hope that Harkins would wait until his swearing-in to resign. If he were to resign soon, Mooney pointed out, the special election would fall around Christmas or New Year's. If Harkins waited until his swearing in on Dec. 14, the special election would be held at the end of January.