State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi Eyes Lt. Gov. Run

State Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (R) is setting her sights on the office of the Lieutenant Governor for the fall 2014 ticket.

"All of our focus has to be on changing the direction of the state of Connecticut," Bacchiochi told Ellington-Somers Patch of her decision to open an exploratory committee for higher office. "The next administration has to make the budget, jobs and economy the top priority."

Bacchiochi has represented Somers and Stafford in the 52nd district since 2002. Until recently, the district also included Union.

“My constituents, like citizens all over Connecticut, are feeling real economic pain, while our government simply stands in the way of any realistic path to recovery,” Bacchiochi said of her focus on improving the economy's health state-wide.

In a press release, Bacchiochi said that she voted against the 2011 budget tax increases.

She said in the release, “For eleven years, I’ve been on the team that tries to slow down this growing debt and this increasingly intrusive state bureaucracy. Exploring a run for LG is an extension of that effort. I would like to see if I can make a positive difference on the ticket that will give all of Connecticut’s citizens a responsible, pro-growth team in the Governor’s office before it’s too late."

Bacchiochi recently voted against Connecticut's bill enforcing stricter gun regulations, citing the increased number of banned weapons as one of the reasons behind her vote.

Bacchiochi owns a small real estate and property management company, and holds a Connecticut real estate brokers license.

Bacchiochi currently serves on four legislative committees, including Housing, Veterans Affairs, Higher Education and Employment Advancement, and Public Safety and Security, according to her website. She lives in Stafford with her husband and six children, according to her biography page.

Bacchiochi told Patch that she intends to visit Republican town committees all over the state as she continues to contemplate the campaign.

Anyone looking for more information can visit the PennyForCT website or call 860-308-0832.