Tong Dropping Out Of U.S. Senate Race

Courant political reporter Daniela Altimari writes:

Democratic state Rep. William Tong will abandon his long-shot bid for U.S. Senate today, less than two weeks before his party is scheduled to nominate a candidate for the open seat.

Tong has scheduled a 12:30 press conference with Democratic front-runner Chris Murphy, who he is expected to endorse.  Gov. Dannel P. Malloy  and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman are also expected to attend.

Tong’s campaign spokesman, Marc Bradley, declined to comment.

Tong, a Democrat from Stamford, was dubbed the “Asian Obama.”  He entered the campaign last year with a compelling story and a big first quarter fundraising haul. The son of immigrants who owned Chinese restaurants in the Hartford area, he drew contributions from Asian Americans across the nation early in the campaign.

But his fundraising stalled, as did his poll ratings. In addition to Murphy, former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz is also seeking the seat. It is currently held by Joseph Lieberman, who is not running for re-election.