Last year many were predicting that come May 2010 Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz would be marching toward the Democratic nomination for Governor.  Polls showed she was the best candidate the Democrats could put up against Governor Rell, and when Rell dropped out, Bysiewicz continued to lead the Democrat pack, beating all the Republicans hoping to succeed the Governor.

But Bysiewicz decided not to run, and instead threw her hat in the race for Attorney General.  Perhaps she was spooked by Ned Lamont’s money or Dan Malloy’s popularity among the party establishment.   She may have also realized the next Governor will have to make tough budget decisions and could become unpopular…and fast.    It’s also possible Bysiewicz sees the corner office overlooking Bushnell Park as a better launching pad to the U.S. Senate.    

Within days of announcing, the likeable Bysiewicz instantly came under attack.  A blogger raised questions about her legal experience and whether she was qualified to run for Attorney General.   The case went to court, she was deposed in what had to be a humilating experience, but in the end, she won. 

During a taping of “Face the State” Bysiewicz told me the attacks actually energized her.   She talked about the experience, and what she thinks about a Republican appeal.   

During the ten minute interview we also talked about the man she hopes to succeed.   Does she agree with critics of Richard Blumenthal, who say he sues too frequently, and claim his lawsuits have cost  Connecticut jobs? 

Without directly criticizing Blumenthal,  Bysiewicz  points out the differences between the two.     “I tend to have a proclivity toward collaboration and cooperation rather than litigation,”   Bysiewicz said.   It sounds like if elected she won’t be as litigious as her predecessor.     I followed up by asking whether she feels Blumenthal files too many lawsuits.    Watch and study her  answer very carefully.   

The entire interview is this Sunday at 11 AM on Face the State.