Sharkey Chosen as New Speaker

The state House of Representatives has chosen Hamden Rep. Brendan Sharkey as the new House Speaker.

The Democrat who previously served as House Majority Leader urged his colleagues on Wednesday to treat one another with respect and make bipartisanship the rule and not the exception.

Sharkey's nomination was seconded by House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero of Norwalk.

Cafero called on his fellow lawmakers to carry on "the spirit of Sandy Hook" and cooperate with one another, referring to the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

Sharkey replaces Chris Donovan of Meriden as Speaker.

Donovan, who retired from the Legislature to wage an unsuccessful bid for Congress, received a standing ovation from the House chamber. Sharkey said Donovan cares about "protecting every last person in the state."
   
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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