Ridgefielder Patrick Walsh Campaigns with Daughters at Lobsterfest

BETHEL, CT — Connecticut Republicans of all ages came out to the Bethel Republican's annual lobster fest fundraiser on Saturday at Bennett Park. A spirit of hope was in the air as those running for office, and those who support them, came out to enjoy over 120 lobster dinners. Holbrook Farms in Bethel donated dozens of ears of sweet corn and a small army of volunteers worked to make the day's events go off without a hitch.

Connecticut Republican Party Chair J.R. Romano gave an inspirational and energetic speech. Sen. Michael McLachlan spoke about the state of our state, Gov. Dannel Malloy's budget cuts and why new leadership in Connecticut is essential for necessary changes to be made.

"In my travels I met a family who is deaf and one with special needs whose services have been cut," McLachlan said, not mentioning the Governor by name. Malloy ordered $79 million in emergency cuts back in March with two-thirds hitting social service agencies, education and health care-related cuts, according to the CT Mirror.

Will Duff, who is running for the soon-to-be vacated 2nd district seat of Dan Carter, addressed the crowd by saying that no matter how disheartened they are by the current state of affairs that they shouldn't lose hope. "I've been coming to this picnic since I was a little kid," Duff said, "Things were different then. There were people as far as the eye could see. Many are losing hope or jumping parties but I'm here to tell you— don't give up. Change is coming. Vote Republican across the board. It's time to take our party back."

Clay Cope, who is running for Connecticut's 5th District which includes 41 towns in the state, spoke about work that needs to be done in the district. Cope has said in previous interviews that working in local politics has taught him to work with people of all political beliefs and ideologies.

Cope is originally from Texas and is the current Mayor of Sherman. He has been a critical opponent of Elizabeth Esty's lack of visibility in the district and has worked hard to get to many community events and meet the public of each town he hopes to serve. On Saturday, he was at New Milford's Village Fair Days, Bethel's Lobsterfest and an event in Warren all in one day.

Dan O'Grady, endorsed by the Bethel Republican Town Committee and Patrick Walsh, endorsed by the Ridgefield Republican Town Committee are both running for Judge of Probate for the Northern District of Fairfield County which includes Ridgefield, Redding, Newtown and Bethel. Both spoke about their platforms.

Walsh brought his three teenage daughters who also campaigned with him last week at Ridgefield's Summerfest. He describes himself as a family man who has over 20 years of experience and the knowledge required to handle family issues that come up managing probate matters.

Daniel O’Grady is the current Treasurer of the Town of Bethel, Attorney at Law and former Bethel Probate Judge. The two will face-off at a Republican primary on August 9 in the four towns they are seeking to serve. The winner of the primary will be the Republican candidate on the November 8 ballot against Democratic Ridgefield Attorney Sharon Dornfeld.

Bethel Republican Town Committee Chairman Bill Hillman said, "We had a great turnout, hearing from our next Senator, Dan Carter, our next member of Congress, Clay Cope for Congress, William Duff, Michael McLachlan, Toni Boucher, Dan Ogrady and the chair of the Connecticut GOP, JR Romano." Bethel, Brookfield and Danbury State Representative Steve Harding was just married on Friday and sent along his well wishes to those in attendance.

Photos by Wendy Mitchell