Sampson Tapped To Lead Senate’s Republican Contingent

by Donald Eng

HARTFORD, CT — The Senate Republican Caucus, down to three members after losing eight seats in last week’s election, announced it had elected two leaders Monday, naming Rob Sampson of Wolcott Senate Minority Leader and Eric Berthel of Watertown to the #2 spot as Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore.

The third Republican in the state Senate is Henri Martin of Bristol.

In a joint statement, Sampson and Berthel acknowledged that Election Day had been a serious setback, but vowed to remain a check on state Democrats, who overwhelmingly control both the Senate and House of Representatives, in addition to the governor’s office.

“We will challenge bad legislation, demand answers, and expose government overreach,” they wrote. “We will make sure Connecticut residents understand exactly what is happening inside their State Capitol, what their elected officials are proposing, how they are voting, and what those decisions mean for their families. We will document the path they take, vote by vote.”

They acknowledged that three Republicans cannot outvote 33 Democrats, but said they could “question them, challenge them, expose the consequences of their decisions, and ensure their actions do not go unnoticed.”

While stating that Republicans must acknowledge the areas where they have fallen short, they cited the media, the Democratic majority and weak party leaders.

“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, or willing to set our principles aside the moment they thought it might help them win a news cycle,” they wrote. “We need stronger candidates, a more effective operation, consistent communication, and the conviction to stand by our principles.”

The two also thanked outgoing Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding of Brookfield for his efforts on behalf of the party. Harding was one of eight Republican senators to lose their seat on Election Day.

Editor’s note — This story has been corrected to reflect Sen. Henri Martin’s town of residence.