GOP primary: Dean and Garber in race for attorney general slot

Written by Jeannette Ross
Wednesday, 28 July 2010 12:09

The Republican ticket for attorney general will be selected on Primary Day, Aug. 10. Vying for the Republican spot are two attorneys: Martha Dean of Avon, who received the endorsement at the Republican convention, and Ross Garber of Glastonbury. Whoever wins will face Democrat George Jepsen in November and could become the first GOP attorney general since 1959.

When asked why she would make the best candidate for attorney general, Ms. Dean said she would bring a “fresh perspective” to the office. “I am an experienced lawyer who is not swayed by political considerations. Unlike my opponents, I have no ties to past failed administrations or to failed legislative policies.” She said her decisions would be based on the law, “relying on knowledge, integrity, and common sense.”

As attorney general, Mr. Garber said, he will focus on the fundamentals of the office: “To advise state officials and agencies on how to comply with the law; to represent the state in court; and to enforce the state’s civil laws, including those that protect consumers from unscrupulous business practices, preserve the environment, and ensure that antitrust violations do not stifle competition.

“An attorney general’s success should not be measured in lawsuits filed or press conferences held,” he continued.

Ms. Dean, who made headlines earlier this year when she publicly advocated firearms training for school children, is now focusing on the issue of leadership. “Connecticut is in a crisis,” she said. “Crises demand excellent leadership because there is no room for politics, political correctness, or mere feel-good solutions. Excellent leaders deal with facts and reality... They are able to discern what’s right and map out and implement a pragmatic course of action. Over my career, I have demonstrated my willingness to take on tough assignments and to do what is right, rather than what is convenient.”

Ms. Dean, who has run her own legal practice for 16 years, has practiced in Connecticut for 22 years. She has earned the endorsements of the Tea Parties of Fairfield County, as well as the endorsement of former State of Connecticut Secretary of the State Pauline Kezer, and the grass-roots organization Right Principles, which focuses on individual freedoms, fiscal restraint, and limited government.

As attorney general, Mr. Garber said, “I will aggressively pursue those who break the law, but I will also work with businesses, individuals and office holders to make sure the law is not broken in the first place. I will streamline operations of the office to do my share to reduce the cost and size of state government. I will focus on being a good attorney general, not a successful politician.”

Mr. Garber, who served as chief legal counsel to two governors, is a partner with the law firm of Shipman & Goodwin, focusing on government investigations and ethics. He has been endorsed by State Senator Andrew Roraback of Goshen, State Rep. Livvy Floren of Greenwich and Stamford, and Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei, among others.

The comments in this article were taken from statements presented by the candidates by Hersam Acorn Newspapers. The full text of those statements and candidate biographies may be viewed online at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information on Ross garber, go to rossgarber.com and for Martha Dean, marthadeanforattorneygeneral.com.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites