Pat Longo Speaks.

Six years ago, Republican stalwart Patricia Longo stood up against the dominant but beleaguered Rowland wing of the Connecticut Republican party by running for the Republican National Committee.  While others dithered or averted their gaze, Longo did the right thing.  She later won that seat on the RNC and has held it since.

She’s gutsy, committed and kind.  Longo entered this week’s endorsement marathon in the run-up to the Republican state convention this weekend by announcing her support for Dan Dibicella for the Republican nomination for Congress in the hotly contested 4th congressional district.  A few minutes later, she released a statement backing Linda McMahon for the U.S. Senate nomination.

Longo’s statement includes a paragraph with a hint of regret that she won’t be supporting Rob Simmons, suppressing the Republican deference gene that a lot of delegates have been tussling with as decision time approaches.  It’s the “your turn” instinct that got Bob Dole nominated in 1996 and pushed one-time John McCain over the finish line 12 years later.

According to Longo:

“Linda McMahon has solid credentials, is right on the issues and would be our best candidate to defeat Richard Blumenthal this fall,” Longo said. “I have great respect for Rob Simmons and I always will, but Linda is the better candidate for this office at this time.”