Good morning and welcome back to the Tip Sheet, a weekly newsletter from Tom Dudchik’s Capitol Report written by Mike Cerulli.

This week, we’re taking a look at the latest developments in the 1st Congressional District.

Plus, Connecticut’s Young Republicans have a new leader and Jill Barry has a new ballot line.

Let’s dive in…

Murphy gives Larson a boost

When Chris Murphy publicly endorsed John Larson last October, Larson described his younger colleague as a true friend in the rough world of politics. Likewise, Murphy described Larson as an indispensable mentor who played a key role in his rise.

“I don’t think I’d be in the position I am, lucky enough to be Connecticut’s United States Senator if John hadn’t been by my side,” Murphy told News 8 late last year.

A demonstration of that longstanding loyalty, friendship, and political alliance is coming soon to a screen near you.

Murphy is the star of a new Larson campaign advertisement set to hit the airwaves in the final weeks until August 11. The commercial is titled “This Exact Moment.” 

“The next two years will make or break our country,” Murphy says. “So, at this exact moment, we need our best fighters.”

In the senator’s view, Larson is the man for the job.

The new Larson ad will join the deluge of primary election commercials blanketing the state’s airwaves. Luke Bronin’s campaign is currently airing ads focused on convincing Democratic voters to ditch Larson. One features a diverse array of Bronin supporters describing their rationale for moving away from Larson. Another doubles down on the volleys Larson and Bronin have traded over the issue of campaign funding.

News 8 is set to host a 1st District debate on Tuesday.

Tributes to Droney memorialize a giant of state politics

Sometimes, it's best just to let those who know best do the talking.

When it comes to memorializing John Droney, the people who know best are those who knew him through his life’s work.

Richard Blumenthal described Droney as an “incomparable” leader.

Kevin Rennie penned a touching farewell to a man he described as “the best brawler with the biggest heart.”

Kevin Sullivan called Droney “the best political leader I have ever known.”

Barry gets GOP support

Glastonbury’s Republican Town Committee announced this weekend that they will cross-endorse Jill Barry in a race that has seen an unusual level of drama.

The Tip Sheet reported last week that Barry and Ryan Fazio were spotted campaigning together. The two could possibly share two ballot lines if Fazio is successful in his bid to secure the support of the Independent Party.

CT’s Young Republicans have a new leader

A leadership change has been completed atop the Connecticut Young Republicans. Patrick Burland has handed the reins over to Connor Favre, a policy staffer for the House Republicans from Madison.

“There will be big shoes to fill replacing Patrick, who rebuilt this organization in the state,” Favre said. “But I am confident our executive team and I have the ability to continue growing this important organization.”

Favre was unanimously elected to succeed Burland and now leads a board stacked with Fazio campaign aides and staff from both of the GOP’s legislative caucuses. The move has been in the works for a few months.

“Connor brings exactly the experience our organization needs,” Burland said, noting Favre’s tenure leading Madison’s Republican Party.

The state’s young Democrats also held recent leadership votes. Alan Cunningham was confirmed for another term as the organization’s president.

Healy keeps on fighting

If anyone ever attempts to pen some epic chronicle of modern Connecticut political history, one of the story’s most compelling characters would certainly be Chris Healy, the former Republican state chairman who now lobbies for Catholic causes at the State Capitol.

Healy has been in the hospital for the past several days recovering from a heart attack. This weekend, as Healy received well wishes from longtime friends and colleagues, it was clear that even a serious medical emergency could not quiet the indelible voice of a man once described by Mark Pazniokas as “outspoken and quotable.” Drawing on his quick wit, Healy borrowed a quote from Ronald Reagan on the ambulance ride to the hospital, joking that he hoped the EMTs were all Republicans. Like the Gipper after the 1981 assassination attempt, Healy fights on.

That’s all for this week! We’ll be back next week with another edition of the Tip Sheet.