Blankley to run independent campaign for state Senate after Dems line up behind Gevanter FacebookTwitterEmail State Senate candidate John Blankley, seen here during his 2016 run for the office, is breaking from the Democratic Party and is now gathering signatures for an independent/unaffiliated run for the now open seat.Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media GREENWICH — The race for the 36th State Senate District could well be upended as Democrat John Blankley has broken with his party to run as an independent, setting up a potential three-way contest for the vacant seat. Blankley had been seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination to succeed former state Sen. Alex Kasser.