Just about ten years ago, John Rowland launched his campaign for an historic third term as governor.  It was no secret he was going to try to make history, but the official kickoff of the campaign didn’t happen until July 1, 2002, only four months before election day. 

Rowland was very popular then, with a Quinnipiac Poll approval rating of 63% in May of ’02,  and polls showing him easily defeating any Democrat who might challenge him.     No wonder there was no rush to get the campaign going.

In this week’s Face the State flashback, we will take you back a decade with a report from our archives on Rowland’s campaign kickoff at the then-unfinished Adriaen’s Landing in Hartford.     You’ll hear the Republican take a swipe at the Democratic nominee Bill Curry, and Curry attack the man who defeated him 1994, and did again in ’02.    Protestors were also on hand for Rowland’s campaign announcement.

Rowland remains the only governor in Connecticut history to be elected to three four year terms.      Of course, he never finished that last term, and will be remembered in the history books for that early departure and  subsequent time in prison. 

You can watch the entire flashback,  right here http://www.wfsb.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7410335