and the American Council of Young Political Leaders. In 2009, he joined a delegation of five nationally elected officials to explore the culture, politics, and government of Romania and Hungary. Norwich alderman Coutu earned a seat as an alderman on the Norwich City Council in 2007. During his tenure on the city council, he served on several committees, including the Board of Zoning Appeals, Mohegan Park Advisory, Public Works and Rehabilitation Review. He was the chairman for the Administrative Planning for Economic Development Committee. On February 7, 2008, Coutu stated, "It's the taxpayers' money," and led a bi-partisan effort to cap the annual tax increase. Connecticut House of Representatives He was first elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 2008. Coutu's 2008 state house victory was a rare victory for New England Republicans, capturing a previously Democratic seat from a 14-year incumbent, Jack Malone. He won the election 54% (5,449) to 46% (4,605). In 2010, despite being outspent by 33%, he earned a second term with a 58% to 42% victory over Sprague First Selectwoman, Cathy Osten. As representative of Connecticut's 47th district, Coutu serves the City of Norwich and rural eastern towns of Canterbury, Scotland and Sprague, which are located in New London and Windham counties. Coutu as the ranking member for the Insurance and Real Estate Committee in the Connecticut House of Representatives. He also serves on the Veterans and Commerce committees. He previously served on the Judiciary, Human Services and Finance, Revenue and Bonding committees. Since 2009, Coutu participated in or hosted three dozen forums on energy, sexting, capital punishment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the state budget. Connecticut State Senate campaign In May 2012, Coutu returned home from a three month Army training assignment. Shortly after returning to Connecticut he transitioned to a state Senate campaign. Coutu challenged Osten to a series of debates saying, "I am eager to debate my opponent anywhere and any time in front of anyone. I believe now as I did a month ago, the more people educated to the issues across the 19th, the better." On September 1, he asked Osten to join him and request the Governor end the inmate early release program. "This is part of a continuing trend of being soft on violent criminals," Coutu said. "This is a very dangerous slope." He also mentioned as a convenience store clerk he was assaulted in 1994. On October