House Republican Press Release

November 9, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. CAFERO NAMED HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER

HARTFORD – Norwalk Republican state Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., tonight was chosen by his House colleagues to lead the caucus as Minority Leader to replace long-time lawmaker Robert M. Ward of Northford who is retiring.

Cafero, 48, has represented his hometown of Norwalk for 14 years and was re-elected to an eighth term in office on Tuesday. Cafero has served as Deputy Leader with Ward for 10 years. As the highest ranking Republican member of the state House of Representatives he will lead the 45-member caucus.

He thanked his fellow Republicans for their support and praised Ward for his leadership in the legislature. Cafero promised to work hard to enact a legislative agenda that makes sense for all of Connecticut residents and to provide responsive government.

“I truly appreciate the support you have given me and the faith you have placed in me. I pledge to make this caucus stronger and to advance our agenda in the coming legislative session,’’ Cafero said.

He thanked Ward for all he has done during his 22 years in the legislature and for the record 12 years he spent as Republican leader. That tenure is believed to be the longest on record for the Connecticut General Assembly.

Cafero was first elected in 1992 and has served as a ranking member on the Education Committee and most recently has served on the Judiciary and Labor and Public Employees committees.

He said that the Republicans will meet in caucus before the start of the legislative session that begins in January to set an agenda. He said he looks forward to working closely with Gov. M. Jodi Rell and Democratic leadership to set a course for Connecticut.

“We have an opportunity to accomplish a great deal for the people who have elected us and we have a responsibility to act in their best interests and set aside party labels. The elections are over, now it is time to govern,’’ Cafero said.