Merrill: Democrats to remain on top ballot line

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Secretary of the State Denise Merrill is disagreeing with Connecticut Republicans who contend that their party's candidates should be put on the top line of November's statewide election ballots, even though a Democrat won the 2010 governor's race.

Republicans are challenging the order of candidates, saying not all of Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's votes came from the Democratic Party line. Republican Tom Foley received 560,874 votes, while Malloy received 540,970 as a Democrat and 26,308 from those voting for him under the Working Families Party.

Merrill's office said Friday the Working Families Party did not have minor-party status in 2010, and state law says the top line goes to the party of the gubernatorial candidate who won.

The state GOP says it is reviewing Merrill's interpretation of the law.