Lamont criticizes Democratic primary challenger Elliott over missed votes ahead of August primary

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - Gov. Ned Lamont is shifting his tone toward Democratic primary challenger Josh Elliott, criticizing the state representative for missing votes in the legislature as the August primary approaches.

Lamont, who is seeking a third term, had largely run positive ads against Elliott until this week. Elliott is a state representative who is running to Lamont’s left.

“Look, he’s been banging the whole time. Trump really lowered the standards for political campaigns,” Lamont said. “I simply said, ‘Look, you have missed a whole lot of votes. Come into my office and lobby for things. Just don’t have a press conference and go home.’”

An exclusive poll conducted with Sacred Heart University and CT Insider shows Lamont with a strong lead over Elliott, though some expect Elliott to cut into that margin.