Voters in Southeastern Connecticut faced a difficult dilemma in the state senate race, where the injured Andrew Maynard remained on the ballot.
Democrat Maynard hasn’t campaigned in this race, and hasn’t been seen in public since the accident at his home in July when he suffered a fall which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. His family made the decision to keep him on the ballot, saying they’re confident he will recover sufficiently to serve if he’s elected.
Voter Madeline Lewis held a sign supporting Maynard outside a polling station in Groton. “If we have to choose someone else to serve in his place, then we’ll do that responsibly and well," she said, "but I think he should have a chance to continue the wonderful work that he’s done for our state.”
But other voters weren’t so sure it was the right decision. Some said they found themselves unable to cast a vote in the race, as Republican Kevin Trejo has also chosen not to campaign.
Retired Electric Boat worker John Clifford said it’s an unfortunate situation. “Mr Maynard certainly does a good job, and he’s well respected and well known," he said. "But this is a political arena. If you cannot campaign, if you cannot stand up for your job, then I think that’s questionable. I didn’t think it was right.”
The Maynard family has said if he’s re-elected, they’ll make a decision about whether he should serve closer to the start of the new legislative session in February. Maynard remains in the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain.
