Blumenthal Nixes Run for Conn. Governor; Will Seek Re-Election as AG

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, whose targets as the state’s top prosecutor have included the insurance industry, has said he will not run for governor but will run for re-election as attorney general.

Democratic leaders had hoped that the popular Blumenthal, who has been attorney general for close to 15 years, would lead the effort to unseat Gov. Jodi Rell, a Republican, who assumed office last year when John Rowland was forced out in an ethics scandal.

Blumenthal’s decision leaves two mayors vying for the Democratic nomination: John DeStefano Jr. of New Haven and Dannel P. Malloy of Stamford.

Rell, who is riding high in current polls, is expected to announce her intentions later this week.