Conn. Gov. Rell says she won't run again

HARTFORD, Conn., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has announced she will not seek re-election in 2010 to the post she has held since 2004.

Rell, a breast cancer survivor, said health concerns were not her reason for stepping down, the Hartford (Conn.) Courant reported Tuesday.

"My health is fine. My husband's health is fine," Rell said, referring to her husband's recovery from esophageal cancer.

Rell gave no reason for her move. A Republican, Rell served as lieutenant governor for 10 years after serving 10 years in the state legislature, and has enjoyed the highest popularity ratings in the state's history, the newspaper said.

"Working together, we steadied our state, and passed landmark ethics reform and campaign finance reform legislation," she said.

Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele said Rell told him she will support him if he runs in 2010 regardless of any other Republican candidates who may come forward.

Democratic hopefuls for the office include Ned Lamont, a former U.S. Senate candidate; Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy; Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz; former House Speaker James Amann; state Sen. Gary LeBeau; and Ridgefield First Selectman Rudolph Marconi.