Trio Of Ernie Newton, Chris Coutu, And Len Suzio Would Have Changed The State Senate

The elections are over, but two of the most outspoken candidates in the 2012 campaign came back to the state Capitol this week.

Former state Sen. Ernie Newton, a liberal Democrat who lost a primary battle to regain his seat in August, testified Thursday at a public hearing on juvenile sentencing as he wore one of his flashy suits that became his trademark during his colorful legislative career.

At the same time Thursday afternoon, state Rep. Chris Coutu, a conservative Republican from Norwich who lost in a race for the Senate, was back visiting friends at the Capitol.

Newton and Coutu were two of the most outspoken politicians running this year, along with state Sen. Len Suzio, a conservative Republican who lost his releection battle to a Democratic newcomer.

Insiders noted this week that the trio of Newton, Coutu, and Suzio could have changed the tone and tenor of the state Senate with their outspoken ways.