Jack Orchulli of Darien Announces He’ll Run Against U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal

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Jack Orchulli big 4-12-16

Jack Orchulli (photo from his website)

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Darien resident Jack Orchulli, former CEO of Michael Kors, has announced that he’s running for the Republican nomination to oppose U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

“Welcome to the new home of Facebook communications with former CEO of Michael Kors, Jack Orchulli, who will be running for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. Please share with your friends,” reads a post on the “Orchulli for US Senate” Facebook account.

Post Orchulli announces 4-12-16

This message on the “Jack Orchulli for US Senate” Facebook account was posted Tuesday afternoon.

Orchulli was the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 2004, when he ran and lost to then U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd (like Blumenthal, a Democrat). Orchulli also ran as the GOP nominee for Comptroller of the state in 2010 but lost to current Comptroller Kevin Lembo.

Orchulli’s personal Facebook page doesn’t show any public posts indicating he is running for the office.

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Jack Orchulli (from the “Jack Orchulli for US Senate” Facebook account)

Ken Dixon, a reporter for the Connecticut Post and Hearst Newspapers, tweeted Tuesday afternoon that Orchulli has announced his bid.

Other Republicans who are running for the same office: Stamford businessman August Wolf and state Rep. Dan Carter of Bethel.

The Michael Kors company is a maker of clothing and accessories. The company website’s “About” page describes its products as “accessories, footwear, watches, jewelry, men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, eyewear and a full line of fragrance products.”

Orchulli’s Background

Orchulli describes himself this way on the “Meet Jack” Web page on his website:

I was raised in the small town of Alpha, NJ in a cold-water row home that had an outhouse for a bathroom. I came from humble beginnings, but through hard work and student loans I was able to attend Rutgers University and earn my Bachelor’s Degree.  While working full time, I went to night school and earned my Master’s Degree in Finance.

In 1981, I met a then unknown 19 year old fashion designer named Michael Kors.  Over the next 20 years as CEO and a founding partner, we worked to build Michael Kors into a prestigious and iconic international designer sportswear brand.

In 2003, I felt another calling in my life and sold my interest in Michael Kors.  I needed to give back. Over the years I have watched a growing big government stifle opportunity instead of enhancing it.  The answer from our politicians is always more government, more regulations, increased spending, and higher debt.  The reckless spending goes everywhere except to our hard working middle class. It was then that I knew I could use my expertise in economics, finance, and business to make a positive impact in the State of Connecticut and for my neighbor’s lives.

In 2004 I ran as the Republican nominee for the United States Senate against Christopher Dodd and wanted to give the state of Connecticut a choice other than a career politician.  I broke rank with my Republican colleagues on the issues of gay marriage and abortion, but stayed true to my fiscally conservative values.  Values that I believe we desperately need today in Connecticut.  I was also the 2010 Republican nominee for the office of State Comptroller. I had these two setbacks but I will not give up.

In an effort to continue my service, I held various leadership positions.  I was elected to Chairman of the Darien Republican Town Committee where we ushered in a new generation of Republican leaders that had a positive impact on our City of Darien.  I was also a Director of the Connecticut Development Authority, which is paramount in providing business loans and other incentives to help businesses prosper and grow jobs.  I was able to sharpen my experience working as the Assistant to Richard Moccia, Mayor of Norwalk.  There I gained a strong understanding of what it takes to run Connecticut’s sixth largest city and it taught me the importance of bipartisan solutions.

I founded and ran Kids n U, a non-profit organization that offered mentoring programs for at risk youth.  It’s always been my belief that there’s nothing stronger than the influence of a great role model in a child’s life.  This program was invaluable in providing exposure to some of the best and brightest talents in the hospitality industry.  Visiting chefs came in and worked alongside these high school students teaching them valuable skills and providing guidance to otherwise at risk children.

I’ve had a wonderful and fulfilling career, but nothing makes me more proud than my role as a father. I’m blessed to have a wonderful son, Andrew, who graduated from Princeton University and currently lives in New York City with his wife, Cristina.  I couldn’t be more proud of him.

My humble beginnings and successful endeavors serve as a reminder of just how blessed I am and thankful for all the opportunities I’ve been afforded.  Through hard work and perseverance, I’ve realized my dreams.

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