The last Republican to represent the state in the U.S. House was Chris Shays, who lost his seat in 2008 to Jim Himes.

The last Republican to represent the state in the U.S. Senate was Lowell Weicker, who lost his seat in 1988 to Joe Lieberman.

Town committees have the ability to endorse candidates in primary elections for local office.

First elected in 1970, Weicker lost his bid for a fourth term in 1988 to Joe Lieberman.

Ambassador Thomas C. Foley ran as the Republican nominee in the 2010 election and was subsequently defeated by Democratic challenger Dannel Malloy.