Bob Eick
Ridgefielder Bob Eick has decided not to take his quest for the Republican nomination for state treasurer to a primary.
“I respect the right of all candidates who qualify to seek a primary but, especially for an underticket race, primaries just tend to reduce our chances to win in November,” Mr. Eick said Monday as he announced that he was ending his bid for the office of Connecticut state treasurer.
The Republican convention on May 17 endorsed Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst for treasurer, but Mr. Eick claimed 29% of the vote, almost twice the 15% required to qualify for a primary if he wanted to continue the contest.
It took a few weeks, but he decided against extending the battle.
“I have been encouraged and gratified by the support I received from all corners of the state in such a short time but I will not pursue a primary,” said Mr. Eick, who had announced his candidacy in January.
Mr. Herbst now faces Democrat Denise Nappier, a four-term incumbent state treasurer.
Mr. Eick felt that race shouldn’t overshadow Republicans’ effort to take the state’s top job.
“When it comes to the race for governor, I think Boughton, McKinney or Foley would all do a better job than Dan Malloy,” Mr. Eick said.
“They also will have several million dollars to put into their respective races to get their messages out.
“It just isn’t the same for an underticket race — particularly for state treasurer, when running against a four-term incumbent, even one who has a terrible record of performance, like Denise Nappier,” he said.
“It’s unfortunate we have a career politician as our state treasurer when what our state really needs is someone with financial expertise.”
Mr. Eick, a partner in CRT Capital of Stamford, had run on his years of experience in the financial field.
“This has been a thrilling, humbling and gratifying experience,” he said, “and I want to thank everyone who has given me their support — from my campaign manager, Diane Generous, and treasurer, Eva Maldonado, to volunteers like Chris DePino and all the team members and donors and friends I have made along the campaign trail.
“I am glad I participated in the process and got to meet and work with such a great group of people.”