Joan of Waterbury Getting Calls in 5th District.

Fearless state Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury) tells Daily Ructions that she has been taking calls from well wishers and others who want to talk about the Democratic nomination for the 5th congressional district seat being vacated by incumbent Christopher Murphy.  Hartley is flattered and listening.  She knows that some of the attention is from the ambitious who would like a shot at the Senate seat she’s held for more than a decade.

Hartley has exhibited enough independence in the Senate to have often infuriated craven Senate leader Donald Williams (D-Brooklyn).  She’s been punished for her rectitude while her tormentor was rewarded for his criminality by Williams.  Her essential role in rescuing Waterbury from bankruptcy provides her with rare experience that would make her stand out in Washington.  So would her deep well of style and candor.

Hartley knows she’d have some trouble winning the nomination, though a crowded race and her loyal base in Waterbury would be assets.  If nominated, she could prove unstoppable in the competitive district.

Her ties to high rollers among the contributing class would get her off to a fast start in the early fundraising competition.