Governor candidates seeking backing of Independent Party

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Some candidates for Connecticut governor are hoping to secure the nomination of a third party that's been embroiled in a yearslong legal battle over who are the rightful party leaders.

The Independent Party of Connecticut, which organizers estimate has roughly 30,000 members, was holding its caucus for governor and other statewide offices on Sunday in Waterbury. Several gubernatorial candidates, including Republican Party nominee Bob Stefanowski, Republican Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti and petitioning independent candidate Oz Griebel are among those who've expressed interest in getting the group's backing.