State Rep. Terry Backer to Run for Re-Election

State Rep. Terry Backer (D-Stratford) will run for re-election in Stratford's 121st Assembly District, a seat he has held for close to 20 years.  

After successfully battling brain cancer for more than a year, the 57-year-old lawmaker looks forward to serving the Lordship section and South End for another two-year term.

"If I feel as good as I've been feeling come the end of the 2012 legislative session and the good Lord keeps me here, I'm running," Backer said in a statement. "I feel blessed and have more work to accomplish."

Backer began serving Stratford in January 1993. During these last 19 years, he also maintained his role as the Long Island Soundkeeper, his main job and passion outside the legislature. Backer will be celebrating his 25th year as the Long Island Soundkeeper in 2012.

Backer was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2010. He underwent eight hours of surgery and is now on chemotherapy. In , he said his doctors told him he might only have a few years to live.

"I feel capable," Backer told Patch Friday. "It's been my life's work to make Connecticut and Long Island Sound the best place for residents."

Backer said it's important to continue to fight for his constituents struggling to keep their home, and for people who are without jobs. He said a state representative has an obligation to the state operation.

"I'm not going to be a rat leaving a sinking ship," Backer said.