July 12, 1962 - Abraham A. Ribicoff (right) of Connecticut today became the first member of President Kennedy’s Cabinet to resign. Mr. Ribicoff announced in a speech that he had stepped down as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare and would seek the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senator from Connecticut. Neither action was a surprise. Mr. Ribicoff had not publicly announced his Senate candidacy before, but his decision had been made known to Connecticut Democratic leaders. Mr. Ribicoff, who was elected Governor of Connecticut in 1954 and 1958, was an early and ardent supporter of Mr. Kennedy for the Presidency. He is the favorite in the Senate race.
