As Vote Nears, Donovan Knocks Esty On ‘Republican-Like’ 2009 Budget

With the Democratic Fifth District primary now one week away, House Speaker Chris Donovan is taking a televised swipe at the Legislative work of his former colleague, Elizabeth Esty.

In a 33-second TV spot released online this week, Donovan says he respects Esty “greatly,” but slams her for being part of a group of Democrats who presented an alternative budget to House leaders in 2009.

A spokesman for Esty called the claim “dishonest,” saying that Donovan himself supported many of the same cuts proposed the alternative budget in legislative votes between 2009 and 2012.

Donovan was first elected to the General Assembly in 1992 and has been Speaker since 2009. Esty served one term as a representative from Cheshire from 2009-2011.

“When Connecticut faced tough economic times, she refused to ask the wealthy to pay their fair share and instead supported a Republican-like budget that cut education and cut services for seniors,” Donovan says in the ad. “But I led Democrats to stand up for what’s right, protecting seniors and those in need.”