A number of national political figures, including President Barack Obama, are coming to Connecticut this week to help in the state’s close race for governor. Former President Bill Clinton will make an appearance with Gov. Dannel Malloy at a rally in Hartford tonight, and Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana is expected to make an appearance with Republican challenger Tom Foley on Friday.
This raises the profile of one of the closest races for governor in the country this year, according to UConn Political Science Professor Ronald Schurin.
“Here in Connecticut President Obama, unlike some other parts of the country, still has a strong base of support and of course Bill Clinton does as well, so those things the governor will hope helps his campaign,” Schurin said.
Obama will be stumping for Malloy at rally in Bridgeport on Wednesday. There’s a reason why Republican challenger Foley is bring in centrist GOP governors like Louisiana’s Jindal and New Jersey’s Chris Christie, Schurin said.
“Chris Christie is not perceived as an ultra right winger. If Ted Cruz came here on behalf of Mr. Foley it would not do Foley any good. Christie attracts attention where ever he goes and the Foley campaign hopes [it] will work to their benefit,” said the UConn professor.
Christie is expected to make a fourth visit to Connecticut to stump for Foley in Rocky Hill on Tuesday.
