Branford Republicans have endorsed First Selectman James B. "Jamie" Cosgrove to run for a second term as the party's incumbent candidate in this November's race.

During the party caucus July 21, Cosgrove thanked party members for their confidence and support for the past two years, which he characterized as "productive and successful."

"Two years ago I stood here and I promised that we would put aside politics and put the people of Branford first. I think we did that --  I know we did that -- and I would be honored to serve the people of Branford for two more years," said Cosgrove.

Cosgrove returns to the ticket together with incumbent Selectman Joseph Higgins.

In his acceptance speech, Cosgrove said, in part, "In less than two years, we have turned Branford around and are busy growing our tax base responsibly so that we can build a better Branford. After listening to promises for eight years, we have a new Senior Center underway. I am working closely with our Superintendent and Board of Ed officials to develop a fiscally responsible plan for the Walsh middle school. I am proud that we put aside our partisan politics and appointed Democrats, Republicans and Independents to our boards and commissions. And finally, I am happy that the Planning and Zoning Commission has approved the Costco development at Exit 56; and I hope that remaining approvals will come after a thorough and fair process."

The Republican party's 2015 Branford municipal candidate slate was also approved on July 21. The party is aiming to continue another term as the town's majority government and approved approved a slate announced by Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Majority Leader Ray Ingraham, including: Treasurer Michael Nardella, Town Clerk Lisa Arpin, Tax Collector Joan Cleary (a Democratic incumbent being cross-endorsed by the Republican party), Board of Assessment Appeals  candidate Jason Driscoll, Six-Year Board of Education (BOE) members Joann Borrus and Maria Ehrhardt, Two-Year BOE candidate Shannon Sharkey and candidate Constables Robert Zettergren, Kyle Nelson, Dennis Nardella and Nancy Gaylord.

The party also caucused to determine candidates for Republican seats in each of Branford's seven districts. The 30-member RTM currently has a Republican majority membership.

Branford's Democratic Town Party caucus is set for July 28. The party will consider endorsing candidates for the race including Mark Rabinowitz for First Selectman and Jack Ahern for Selectman. (See http://www.zip06.com/news/20150713/rabinowitz-ahern-seek-branford-first-second-selectmen-seats)