Newsmaker

Every Friday, we choose an alum who has been making headlines—for better or for worse.
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Susan Bysiewicz ’83

By the staff | 11:01am January 21 2011

Lots of female politicians play up their first names. Susan Bysiewicz ’83 has more than the usual reasons. Fortunately for Bysiewicz, who spent 12 years as Connecticut’s secretary of the state, voters recognize her name—even if they can’t spell or pronounce it. (“It’s BICE-uh-witz,” one headline advised.)

She hopes to capitalize on that recognition by jumping into the race to succeed US Senator Joe Lieberman ’64, ’67LLB. On January 18, Bysiewicz announced that she’s seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat Lieberman has held since 1988. On January 19, Lieberman announced that he won’t run for reelection next year.

Bysiewicz will face stiff competition from fellow Democrats—and, if last year is any guide, from her own gaffes. But as Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal ’73JD proved last year, it’s possible to stumble quite a bit on the way to a Senate victory.

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