Cheshire Home Invasion Survivor Considers Congress Run

Dr. William Petit is the only survivor of the hostage ordeal in which his family was killed in their home

The Connecticut doctor whose wife and two daughters were killed in a 2007 home invasion said Friday he is considering a run for Congress.

Dr. William Petit told reporters he is torn about running for office and has not made a decision. Petit and his new wife are expecting a baby in December.

Petit has spoken with Republicans about running in the 5th Congressional District, The Associated Press reported Thursday. The district is represented by Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Esty.

Petit was the only survivor of the hostage ordeal in which his wife and two daughters were killed inside his home in Cheshire.

The family was held hostage for hours by two paroled burglars and their home set on fire. Petit was beaten, tied up and taken to the basement, but he managed to escape and crawl to a neighbor's house for help.

His wife was taken to a bank to withdraw money, then was raped and strangled back at the house. Their daughters were tied to their beds and died of smoke inhalation after the house was doused in gasoline and set on fire.

Steven Hayes, 50, and Joshua Komisarjevsky, 33, were sentenced to death for the killings.

Petit has never held elected office, but he was deeply involved in campaigning against the repeal of Connecticut's death penalty.

Petit would make a formidable candidate, said state Republican Sen. John Kissel of Enfield.

"He's very honest. He's an extremely good speaker, he's photogenic, he's personable and he's got an incredible life story that is filled with both horrific tragedies but great accomplishments as well," Kissel said.

The seat is one where Republicans have their best chance to break Democrats' lock on the state's congressional delegation.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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