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To the Editor:

John Larson has represented the 1st Congressional District of Connecticut with grace and integrity for almost three decades. But I’d like to share with you why I will be voting for the Democratic Party’s endorsed candidate, Luke Bronin, in the primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 11.

Mr. Bronin has run a generally positive campaign focused on issues, not insults. He recognizes that skyrocketing healthcare, housing, and energy costs are causing hardships for many American families. He is an advocate of universal healthcare, supports increasing the federal minimum wage, will prioritize strengthening Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and wants to crack down on tax avoidance. You read that right: despite everything you’ve heard from his opponents about Mr. Bronin being a puppet of Wall Street billionaires, he wants the super-rich and corporations to pay their fair share.

As an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve, Mr. Bronin was part of an anti-corruption task force during his deployment to Afghanistan in 2010-11 – experience he’ll call upon in holding accountable those who would subvert or weaponize government for their personal or political gain. He wants to abolish ICE and restore some semblance of humanity to immigration enforcement.

During his time as mayor, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Mr. Bronin joined state leaders in condemning the ruling, called for federal codification, and positioned Hartford as a safe harbor for reproductive rights.

On foreign affairs, Mr. Bronin acknowledges the need for America to maintain a robust and ready military but stresses that building (and repairing) strategic partnerships and alliances is key to our national security, not instigating senseless wars.

True, there’s nothing revelatory about Mr. Bronin’s platform. But throughout this campaign, I have been so impressed by his ability to connect with people of all ages and from all walks of life in communities urban, suburban, and rural. I expect him to be a vocal, visible member of the House of Representatives who will maintain regular communication with constituents across the entire district to keep us abreast of what he’s up to and how we can use our collective voice to help affect change.

I deeply value continuity and the steady guidance that comes from veteran leadership. I salute Congressman Larson for the sincerity and passion he’s brought to public service these many years. But the threats to our democracy are pervasive and the need for new energy and fresh perspectives is irrefutable. We must not be afraid of change in Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District. On Aug. 11, please join me in supporting Luke Bronin.

Adam Raider
West Hartford, CT