The 5th District Congressional race in 2014 could get very interesting in the coming weeks. Dr. William Petit, whose family was murdered in a 2007 home invasion, says he is “50/50” on whether he will attempt to become the 5th District’s Republican nominee.
Petit says he has been encouraged by friends for three or four years to run for political office. But, he adds, this is the first year he’s considered it at all. So, what is his timetable to make a decision?
“I don’t have one, much to my wife’s chagrin,” said Petit.
He and his wife, Christine, who met through the Petit Family Foundation, have been married for 14 months. And, they’re expecting their first child before Christmas, which is a factor in his decision.
“That’s a big issue. You know, just married a year and new baby on the way in 8 weeks,” said Petit, who spoke to the media at a domestic violence prevention event in Simsbury Friday morning.
For the record, Dr. Petit’s wife is also on the fence about a possible run. And, if he does commit, and becomes the Republican nominee, he will face incumbent Elizabeth Esty, about whom he was measured.
“I think she’s a freshman in Congress. It’s a tough position to be in. And, that’s part of the whole decision making process. Whether a freshman in Congress can make a difference,” added Petit, whose father, sister and brother have all been involved in politics at the municipal level.