Yesterday was certainly an exciting day in Connecticut for Clean Elections. As party primaries were held across the state, candidates using the new Citizens Elections' Program won in 15 of the 19 races. The winners comprised of Democrats and Republicans alike, incumbents and challengers for open seats.

As a former resident of the nutmeg state during my years at Trinity College in Hartford, this is a heartening outcome. The state once affectionately known as "Corrupticut" is now shedding its image as a place where backroom deals are the norm and special interests have free reign.

Solange Bitol Hansen, national programs director here at Public Campaign, put out the following statement this morning:

"Connecticut voters sent a clear and powerful signal that they want a political system where their voices can be heard and one that allows for a diversity in the candidates who can run for elective office. Just as it has worked in the seven other states and two cities around the country, Clean Elections modeled campaign reform curtails pay-to-play politics and makes elections about voters and volunteers instead of big money donors."

The August primaries are just the beginning of the Clean Elections overhaul. In November, the General Election will see the vast majority of candidates using the Citizens Election Program. To say that we are encouraged by this news would be an understatement; the success in yesterday's primaries coupled with the forecasted participation rate for November give reason to be enthusiastic and optimistic about Connecticut's future.