A Third Connecticut Republican is Eager to Take a Shot at Dodd
The race to take on Democratic Sen. Christopher J. Dodd in Connecticut is going to be a crowded affair, with three Republicans now in the mix. The latest to jump in is businessman and former Ambassador Tom Foley , who announced Wednesday in Stamford, Conn., that he would run for the GOP nomination.
Foley is looking to paint himself as “a Washington outsider and expert in business and economics,” as he says on his new Web site . He was, however, a fundraiser for President George W. Bush, and was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Ireland in 2006. He promised supporters Wednesday afternoon that he would “bring fresh ideas, new energy, and real expertise to the problems we face in Connecticut and across the country.
His low profile and lack of political experience make him a virtual unknown in Connecticut, a disadvantage against his GOP opponents — former Rep. Rob Simmons and state Sen. Sam Caliguiri . However, Foley’s successful business forays, including stints at consulting firm McKinsey & Co. and Citicorp Venture Capital and now owner of several companies, make it likely he will be capable of self-funding.
