Roraback Names New Campaign Manager

Republican Andrew Roraback, who is running for the 5th Congressional District seat, has a new campaign manager.

Steven Basserman, of Branford, will now work for Roraback’s campaign, replacing state Sen. Rob Kane, who served as Roraback’s campaign manager through the primary.

Kane will focus on his own re-election campaign, but will remain with Roraback’s campaign as an unpaid adviser, said Chris Cooper, Roraback’s spokesman.

“Because we knew that Rob would have to focus on his own state Senate re-election campaign, our plan from the very beginning always had him moving out of the day-to-day campaign manager responsibilities after the primary,” Roraback said in a prepared statement. “I am fortunate that my campaign will continue to benefit from his critical guidance and advice.”

Basserman is a graduate of Yale University and has worked for the state Republican office. He’s a veteran of several Connecticut political campaigns, Cooper said.

Basserman most recently worked as Republican Chris Shays’ policy director and regional field director. Shays, a former U.S. representative, ended his bid for U.S. Senate when he lost last month to Linda McMahon in the primary.

“Steve will be able to take up right where Rob is leaving off, a seamless transition that will continue our momentum toward victory in November,” Roraback said.

Roraback faces Democrat Elizabeth Esty in the general election.