Bob Stefanowski criticized for appearance with anti-vax group

Stefanowski, who is making his second bid for governor, was among a dozen GOP candidates for state and federal office who were scheduled to speak at an event last weekend hosted by Connecticut Residents Against Medical Mandates at Crystal Ridge Winery in Glastonbury. The private, ticketed event was billed as an “evening with the candidates” and included GOP hopefuls for comptroller, attorney general, secretary of the state, U.S. Senate, and several state Senate and state House races.

Connecticut Residents Against Medical Mandates, or CTRAMM, fought against the repeal of the state’s religious exemption for mandatory school vaccinations last year and has been a strong opponent of COVID vaccine requirements in schools and places of employment. The group also opposed the state’s mask mandate and advocated for parents to decide whether their children should wear masks in school.

Stefanowski’s appearance at CTRAMM’s event has drawn strong rebuke from Democrats who said it signals his support for a group that has advocated against the advice and guidance of public health officials.

“We are here to let the people of Connecticut know that Bob is courting extreme groups that espouse ideas that will endanger our public health,” Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said at a virtual news conference hosted by Democrats on Tuesday.

Bysiewicz said Stefanowski has attended other events hosted by “anti-vax, anti-mask” groups including an event hosted by CT Liberty Rally in May called “Freedom Family Cookout.” The day after the event, Stefanowski announced he tested positive for COVID.

These groups, including CTRAMM, have spread misinformation during the pandemic, which has killed more than 11,000 Connecticut residents and sickened hundreds of thousands more, said state Sen. Saud Anwar, D-South Windsor, a pulmonologist. “This is a group that says this is not a real illness, this is not a real disease,” he said.

Tuesday’s news conference was the latest effort by Democrats to tie Stefanowski to “extremist” views on issues such as abortion rights, gun control, and now public health.

Stefanowski initially responded to the Democratic attacks, which first came in a news release Monday, with a brief written statement issued through a spokesperson.

“Rather than governing, Ned Lamont is putting out daily press releases misrepresenting all of my positions,” Stefanowski said. “Frankly, I’m surprised your paper is even covering it — voters care about inflation and out of control crime — not campaign lies from the governor.”

In a follow-up statement Tuesday after the Democrats’ news conference, Stefanowski pointed to his efforts in the early days of the pandemic to distribute more than 1.5 million masks throughout the state. Stefanowski has spoken publicly about being vaccinated against COVID-19 and has encouraged others to get inoculated. But he is not favor of vaccine mandates, saying it’s a matter of personal choice.

“I don’t mind the daily campaign attacks from Governor Lamont and his lieutenant governor because people know they are not true. I just wish Mr. Lamont would spend less time campaigning and at least some time helping people to get through the highest inflation in 40 years, rising food prices and out of control crime,” Stefanowski said in Tuesday’s statement.

Democrats also criticized Leora Levy, one of three GOP candidates for U.S. Senate, for her appearance at the “anti-vaccine soiree” In a written statement Tuesday afternoon, Levy’s campaign confirmed her attendance. “I will always stand with my fellow parents for their rights and for their children’s welfare,” the statement says.

Kate Kraemer Prokop, president of CTRAMM, said the group does not favor any particular political party, and that its members span the political spectrum, but lean more conservative. Prokop said Republican and Independent candidates running for state and federal office were invited to speak at event. Few Democratic candidates have expressed interest in engaging with the group, she said.

During his remarks at the event, an audio clip of which was obtained by Connecticut Democrats and provided to Hearst Connecticut Media, Stefanowski said he and Prokop “probably talk every couple of weeks about various issues around the state” and that he’s met with CTRAMM’s board several times by video conference.

“I want to thank you guys, for your support,” Stefanowski said. “And I want to thank you guys for having me here tonight.”

Stefanowski’s comments largely centered on the economy, with promises to lower taxes and improve the cost of living, and crime, which he said has gotten worse under Lamont’s watch — two major talking points in his second bid for governor. He did not mention the religious exemption or vaccine mandates.

Attendees paid $40 for a ticket and candidates paid $20 and were able to set up booths with campaign materials. Prokop said the event raised $4,000 with proceeds going toward CTRAMM’s operating costs and its efforts to lobby for medical freedom in Connecticut.

Each candidate spoke for about five to 10 minutes, according to Prokop. She said all the candidates have expressed opposition to the state’s vaccine mandates and support for reinstating Connecticut’s religious exemption.

Prokop said she plans to vote for Stefanowski in November. An unaffiliated voter for 36 years, she said she registered as a Republican two months ago so she can vote in the primary election. Prokop said Stefanowski’s support of parental choice is what earned her vote.

“For me, he’s a winner,” she said.

According to the event page, the list of candidates in attendance included: Stefanowski; Levy; Dominic Rapini, Republican candidate for Secretary of the State; Jessica Kordas, Republican candidate for attorney general; Mary Fay, Republican candidate for comptroller; State Rep. Anne Dauphinais, R-Killingly; Steve Weir, a Republican candidate for the 55th state House District; Kim-Marie Mullin, a Republican candidate for the 14th state Senate District; Daniel Miressi, a Republican running for the 25th state Senate District; Matt Harper, a Republican candidate for the 3rd state Senate District; Jacqueline Crespan, a Republican candidate for the 4th state Senate District; and Susanne Witkowski, a Republican candidate for the 29th state Senate District.