Litchfield resident Audrey Blondin has a tough decision to make, based on the recent news that Democrat Susan Bysiewicz will run for another term as Secretary of the State, dropping plans for a gubernatorial bid.

The Torrington attorney has been campaigning for the Democratic nomination to run for Secretary of the State since Ms. Bysiewicz announced in October 2004 that she would run for governor. At the moment, Mrs. Blondin is still deciding whether to drop out of the race or continue.

"When the situation changes very abruptly, I think you have to step back and take stock and figure out, as I said before, not only what to do personally, but for the campaign and for Democrats in the state of Connecticut," Ms. Blondin said. "And that's what we're doing, taking a little more time, thinking about it a little more. I have many calls still to make to people. Once it's over then we'll make a decision."

Ms. Blondin, who served as a Litchfield selectman for 10 years, is one of six Democrats that were campaigning for what was expected to be an open seat for Secretary of the State. Two, former State Rep. Robert Landino and State Rep. Andrew Fleischmann, have already announced their withdrawals from the race.

"Irrespective of my decision one way or the other, there are still others. So it's a crowed field," Ms. Blondin said, adding that she has not spoken with any of the other candidates.

Ms. Blondin had been considering a shot at a statewide office for a few years, but wanted to wait until her three children were older-the youngest is now in junior in high school. She also chose to run in the 2006 race because Ms. Bysiewicz had declared her intentions to run for governor.

"I felt that the stakes are so high for us as the Democrat Party that our primary focus and our resources have to be put in place for the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. So I did not go into this race for Secretary of the State with the intention that this was going to be a contested position as well," she said. "Certainly I was very surprised to learn of her decision."

Since Ms. Bysiewicz's announcement to seek another term, Ms. Blondin's phone has been ringing nonstop. People from around the state are inquiring about her intentions now that the incumbent is a factor again. Ms. Blondin already has a lot invested in the race. She has a campaign staff, manages a $10,000 Web site and has raised more than $100,000 in campaign donations.

"I have a lot invested in this personally, and we as a campaign have a lot invested in this," she said. Ms. Blondin has been campaigning for the nomination since she announced her intentions to run Dec. 1, 2004. Since then, she has visited more than 80 Democratic Town Committees and attended countless events in an effort to gain recognition and discuss her platform.

"I loved it, I loved every minute of it," Ms. Blondin said about her campaign. "I've been involved with the state Democrats for more than 25 years, and even though I was somewhat known on a statewide basis, it is a very different experience to actually go out into all five of the congressional districts, to all the towns. And each town is very unique and has its own personality."

©The Hartford Courant 2005