Young Republican ready to challenge Rep. Himes

Vowing to “carry the torch for Yankee conservatives,” William Gregory, a 24-year-old New Canaan resident, officially entered the race Aug. 3 to challenge Connecticut’s 4th District incumbent Democratic Congressman Jim Himes.

“Right now we’re leading the pack and proud to be doing it,” said Mr. Gregory of his team’s position in a recently emptied field of opposition. “We’re going to be the people to lead the way for the Republican Party and begin reclaiming seats in New England.”

State Senate Minority Leader John McKinney announced recently that he would not be seeking the seat once held by his father. On Tuesday, Aug. 11, state Senator Dan Decibella, a Republican from Shelton, announced he would be seeking his party’s nomination, making it a least a two-way race for his party’s endorsement. Other names that have been floated as possible candidates in the race have so far included state Senators L. Scott Frantz of Greenwich, as well as former state Senate candidate Rob Russo of Bridgeport.

Mr. Gregory declined to state his age in June when he embarked on a “listening tour” as part of his exploratory committee to weigh a congressional run. The minimum age to hold congressional office is 25; Mr. Gregory will turn 25 before the election.

Last week, the candidate characterized his age as an asset, however, saying, “We’re capable of doing what no other candidate can.”

Emphasizing the importance of capturing the youth vote, he said, “Older people in Congress don’t have to worry about the tremendous deficits being run up now... It’s our money they’re spending. We’re showing that we’re going to do something about it.”

Mr. Gregory was born in Stamford and raised in New Canaan.

An Eagle Scout, he became involved in numerous service projects through local churches and community organizations, he said, describing public service as being “a big part of my life” and the influential factor in deciding to seek public office.

After spending time as an undergraduate at Oxford University studying international relations, he returned as a graduate to receive his master’s degree in global governance and diplomacy.

During his listening tour, Mr. Gregory said he met with “every aspect” of local government and community — from business leaders, first selectmen and mayors to members of local planning and zoning and educational boards.

“The response was unambiguous and overwhelming,” he said. “People want a new kind of leadership for the Republican Party and a new kind of leadership in Washington.”

It was a similar, then Democratic, call for a change of leadership that resonated with voters across the country nine months ago, ushering in a new era of House rule in New England devoid of a single Republican for the first time since the GOP’s founding in 1854.

Of the 42-year-old Democratic incumbent, Mr. Gregory said, “People are getting sick of the policies that are being driven through.”

Mr. Himes “voted 95% of the time with Nancy Pelosi,” he added, “and the voters of Connecticut that were seeking an independent-minded and centrist candidate are getting buyer’s remorse.”

“The congressman is always pleased to see young people who are eager to get involved in politics,” said Elizabeth Kerr, Mr. Himes’ communication director. “But Will needs to get his facts straight. The congressman has the most independent voting record in the delegation.”

Mr. Gregory said he is planning a series of “economic summits” to be held throughout the district over the next several months.

“We’re going to be bringing together leaders from the business community, local officials and taxpayers to discuss how we can begin moving our district and country forward in these tough economic times.”

He expressed optimism about the success of such informal town hall-style speaking events.

He also suggested that a “national movement” is underway involving younger conservatives reclaiming districts and demographics ceded to Democrats in last year’s elections.

“I’d like to underscore the turnout,” he said of the response to his listening tour. “There’s a consensus that we need leaders from the Northeast [who are] fiscally conservative and socially moderate. People are not willing to wait around until 2012 for positive change on the political landscape.”

He added, “This isn’t something that only young voters appreciate — the idea of fiscal discipline, of not leaving your children and grandchildren with mountains of debt.”