Prepping for the Primary

Faithful voters from both major parties head to the polls on Tuesday to cast ballots for their party's primary. In anticipation, Patch has put together a collection of stories from the election season to date so you can read up on some of the issues being discussed along the campaign trail.

Patch Westport covered a debate between the Republican gubernatorial candidates where each was asked what they believed was Gov. M. Jodi Rell's biggest failure and what they would do differently, whether a tax haven should be created for certain businesses and what three cuts they would make to close the budget gap.

In the Democratic gubernatorial debate, the candidates were  asked about their stance on taxes and jobs; transportation and tolls; investing in cities; whether economic growth trumps environmental and social concerns; the gambling industry; and their thoughts on closing the achievement gap.

In the 4th Congressional District, three Republicans are vying for a spot to challenge Democratic incumbent Jim Himes. Wilton Patch put together a voting guide that includes each Republican's stance on taxes, stimulus, job growth, housing, health care and transportation.

That race also has proven particularly combative with its share of controversy involving a Youtube video; an incident dating to a candidate's college years; and attacks on voting records and allegations of personal attack.

In the U.S. Senate race, where two Republicans are competing for a chance to run against Democratic candidate Richard Blumenthal, New Canaan Patch reported on a poll that shows one remains ahead of the other.

While some of the top elected seats have garnered most of the attention this election season, there are several other contested races that voters will be asked to decide.

For your voting convenience, here's a list of the candidates running in races that have a contested primary, according to the Office of the Secretary of State:

Attorney General
Republican
Martha Dean, Avon
Ross Garber, Glastonbury
Democratic
George Jepsen, Ridgefield
Green
Stephen Fournier, Hartford

Comptroller
Republican
Jack Orchulli, Darien
Democratic
Michael J. Jarjura, Waterbury
Kevin Lembo, Guilford
Green
Colin D. Bennett, Westbrook

Governor
Republican
Tom Foley, Greenwich
Michael Fedele, Stamford
Oz Griebel, Simsbury
Democratic
Ned Lamont, Greenwich
Dan Malloy, Stamford

Lieutenant Governor
Republican
Lisa Wilson-Foley, Simsbury
Mark Boughton, Danbury
Democratic
Mary Messina Glassman, Simsbury
Nancy Wyman, Tolland

Secretary of the State
Republican
Jerry Farrell Jr., Wallingford
Democratic
Gerry Garcia, New Haven
Denise Merrill, Mansfield
Green
S. Michael DeRosa, Wethersfield

U.S. Senate
Republican
Rob Simmons, Stonington
Linda McMahon, Greenwich
Peter David Schiff, Weston
Democratic
Richard Blumenthal, Greenwich
Connecticut for Lieberman
John Mertens, West Hartford

4th Congressional District
Republican
Dan Debicella, Shelton
Rick Torres, Bridgeport
Rob Merkle, Norwalk
Democratic
Jim Himes, Cos Cob