2 Connecticut Republicans battle to be party’s Senate nominee

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Two Connecticut Republicans are vying to be their party’s nominee against incumbent Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy in November.

Beacon Falls First Selectman Gerry Smith and businessman Matthew Corey, of Manchester, are set to square off in a statewide primary election next month.

Both candidates sat down with News 8 chief political anchor Dennis House for this Sunday’s edition of “This Week in Connecticut with Dennis House.”

The two Republicans largely agree on many policy points. They’re both critical of the foreign and economic policy stances of both Murphy and President Joe Biden.

Where they draw contrast with one another is on who would be best to carry the Republican message against Murphy in November.

Smith positions himself as an electable Republican in a deep blue state.

“I’m the better candidate,” he said. “Whether it’s statewide, local – I’ve actually, I’m a proven winner, a proven leader and I can win this election.”

Smith noted that Corey, who was the party’s nominee against Murphy in 2018, has been an unsuccessful candidate for office on multiple occasions.

Corey countered, arguing his willingness to step up and run in races where Republicans faced long odds was an asset not a liability.

“I took those battles on when nobody wanted to take them on,” he said. “And I’m still in the fight. because I haven’t quit.”

Early voting in the GOP Senate primary begins on Aug. 5.

You can watch the entire conversation between Smith, Corey and House at 1 a.m. Sunday on WTNH, WTNH.com and the News 8 app.

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