The 1978 Connecticut State Treasurer election took place on November 7, 1978, to elect the Connecticut State Treasurer. Incumbent Democratic State Treasurer, Henry E. Parker won re-election to a second term, defeating Republican nominee, Margaret B. Melady, a Fairfield university instructor.
This is the last election until 2002 where a Democrat won every county.
Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Henry E. Parker, incumbent state treasurer (1975-1986)
Republican primary The Republican convention delegation chose Margaret B. Melady, a political newcomer, who was unknown to much of the convention. Following the announcement of her candidacy by convention leaders, Rep. Alan J. Mazolla threatened to run contend for the nomination, but declined to do so before the roll call vote. The convention delegation also considered choosing State Representative Elinor Wilbur of the 133rd district. Candidates Nominee Margaret B. Meladay, SHU assistant professor and wife of Thomas Patrick Melady, Sacred Heart University President and former U.S. Ambassador to Burundi and Uganda
Declined Alan J. Mazolla, State Representative of the 49th district
General election Results
By county Parker won all eight counties. County Henry E. ParkerDemocratic John T. BeckerRepublican Total votes castFairfield123,547 50.56%120,815 49.44%244,362Hartford162,218 60.96%103,903 39.04%266,121Litchfield30,472 54.20%25,748 45.80%56,220Middlesex26,733 58.64%18,859 41.36%45,592New Haven145,655 58.70%102,480 41.30%248,135New London40,299 61.35%25,392 38.65%65,691Tolland20,395 60.03%13,582 39.97%33,977 Windham17,210 61.91%10,588 38.09%27,798Total566,52957.34%421,36742.65%987,960
By congressional district Parker won all six congressional districts, even while the 4th district elected a Republican U.S. Representative. District Henry E. ParkerDemocratic Margaret B. MeladyRepublican Total votes cast Representative # % # % 1st 101,154 60.90% 64,936 39.10% 166,090William R. Cotter 2nd 97,861 60.74% 63,262 39.26% 161,123 Chris Dodd 3rd 96,090 59.37% 65,753 40.63% 161,843 Robert Giaimo 4th 72,859 52.42% 66,142 47.58% 139,001 Stewart McKinney 5th 95,633 52.99% 84,834 47.01% 180,467 Ronald A. Sarasin (95th Congress) William R. Ratchford (96th Congress) 6th 102,932 57.38% 76,440 42.62% 179,372 Toby MoffettTotals566,52957.34%421,36742.65%987,960
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