Politics & Government

Houston Putnam Lowry Withdraws from State Senate Race

Democrats endorse Dan Seger, a Canton businessman, to challenge incumbent Kevin Witkos.

Canton resident Dan Seger is now the official Democratic choice to challenge 8th District state Sen. Kevin Witkos.

Seger received a unanimous nod from roughly 50 delegates who gathered at the Canton Community Center Monday night.

Earlier this year, Avon Democrat Houston P. Lowry had announced his intention to seek the nomination but Wednesday night he said he withdrew to support Seger rather than cause a contested process.

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“I endorse him,” Lowry said. “I wish him the very best and I look forward to assisting on his campaign.”

Seger reiterated his emphasis on creating jobs in the district, a major talking point of his campaign so far.

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“I’ve seen my children and their friends struggle to find good jobs,” he said. “We can change that with proper legislation.”

In nominating Seger, Simsbury Deputy First Selectman John K. Hampton, also a candidate for State Representative, praised Seger as a businessman and family man who would stand up for his constituents in a diverse district.

“Dan is a smart, talented and dynamic leader who will bring the voice of the 8th District back to the state senate,” he said, later adding that the people of the district are “crying out for help. They are crying out for good jobs. They are crying out for the future of their children. They are crying out for the well being of senior citizens. They are crying out for decent, affordable health care.”

Paul Summers, secretary of the Torrington Democratic District, also spoke on the candidate’s behalf.

“I think he’s going to be a great voice in the state senate,” Summers said.

Mary Tomolonius, chairman of the Canton Democratic Town Committee told the delegates Seger would need their help in spreading the word and in gaining financial support as he works toward qualifying for the citizen’s election program.

Although the seat has been in held by a Republican for some 40 years Simsbury Democratic Party Jeff Tindall said with the diversity of the district, its needs and with a presidential race, this November that can change.

“This is a winnable race,” he said. “I’m convinced of it.”


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