CT-05: Chris Healy throws fellow Republicans under the bus; urges Sam Caligiuri to run for Congress

Is GOP chair Chris Healy urging State Senator Sam Caligiuri to abandon his U.S. Senate aspirations and turn his sights to the 5th Congressional race?

Well, here's Caligiuri in his own words:

In response to Chairman Healy's call for Senator Caligiuri to enter the Fifth Congressional district race, Caligiuri made the following statement:

"I want to thank Chairman Healy for his kind words and encouragement of my potential candidacy in the Fifth Congressional District. Over the last several days I have been exploring this option with Chairman Healy and other leaders in the party who have reached out to me in support of this move. My goal has always been to best serve the people of Connecticut by reviving our economy, reforming government, and restoring fiscal responsibility. Over the coming days, I will make a decision on how I can best continue to fight for those principles and serve the people of Connecticut."

As expected, the Republicans who are currently seeking the 5th District nomination aren't too happy with Healy's slap in the face. Here's what Justin Bernier had to say about about the GOP chairman's sign of no-confidence.

The situation in New York's 23rd congressional district showed us what happens when party insiders play favorites,'' said Bernier, referring to the recent disaster in New York when conservatives forced a moderate candidate off the ticket. "I am confident that the Republicans in the Fifth District of Connecticut will make the right decision in this nomination process,'' said Bernier, a war veteran and former legislative aide to former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons.

"Over the past seven months I have travelled western Connecticut and I am honored by the support and many endorsements we have received. My only goal remains to represent the people of the Fifth Congressional District in Congress, and I am 100 percent committed to seeking my party's nomination for this responsibility.

Other Republicans seeking the 5th Congressional district nomination include Dan Carter, Bill Evans, and Kie Westby