Community Corner

Is Paul Ryan a Problem for Connecticut Republicans?

Mitt Romney's vice presidential pick causing a stir among state Republican candidates.

The controversial budget policies of Paul Ryan — — appears to be pushing some Connecticut Republicans away from the Romney campaign.

The Connecticut Mirror today reports that Linda McMahon, the GOP's front-runner going into tomorrow's Republican U.S. Senate primary, is already trying to distance herself from Ryan, who has, among other things, called for a radical overhaul of Medicare and the elimination of some federal programs.

Democrats, meanwhile, have sought to link McMahon and other Republican candidates with Ryan's controversial budget polices.

Find out what's happening in East Havenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Linda McMahon said just months ago that she supports 'some' of Congressman Ryan’s disastrous plan, including 'taking a look' at its massive cuts to Medicare,” said a spokesman for Chris Murphy, who along with McMahon is seeking the open U.S. Senate seat. “So, which parts of Congressman Ryan’s plan does she support? And why hasn’t she endorsed her party’s nominee for vice president?"

And in statement issued this weekend, Democrat Chris Donovan, the party-endorsed candidate to run for the Fifth Congressional District seat, also sought to link Ryan with what Donovan labeled "extreme" fiscal policies.

Find out what's happening in East Havenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Paul Ryan authored the extreme Republican plan to turn Medicare over to the health insurance companies and Social Security over to Wall Street, while giving more tax giveaways to millionaires and big oil. Democrats can win this year only if we highlight this contrast for voters and promise not to cut programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security."

A spokesman for Republican Andrew Roraback, who is seeking the party's backing for the Fifth District seat, also appeared to try to distance his candidate from Ryan, telling the Mirror that Ryan's budget plan "had parts (Roraback) likes and parts he doesn't like."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here