Prime Time for Sharkey

The job requires the toughness of a traffic cop, the warmth of a den mother and tact of a diplomat. On January 5, the first day of the 2011 legislative session, it will belong to Rep. J. Brendan Sharkey, D-Hamden.

Sharkey, 48, a five-term legislator best-known as an advocate of "smart growth" and regionalism, becomes House majority leader on a day when the spotlight will be on Dan Malloy, who takes the oath as governor.

Majority leader-elect J. Brendan Sharkey with House Speaker Chris Donovan: 'A relationship that's endured'

For the first time in 20 years, the governor will be of the same party as the House majority, meaning that Sharkey will have advantages and burdens not faced by his immediate predecessors.

"You can't compare the job of majority leader today with what it was last year or five years ago or 10 years ago. Instead of playing defense, you're playing offense," said Rep. Michael P. Lawlor, D-East Haven, one of the senior lawmakers.

It will fall to Sharkey keep the legislature's largest and most diverse caucus unified as Malloy undertakes the challenge of trying to restructure government and erase a $3.3 billion deficit.

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