Sometimes political activists join a campaign full of enthusiasm thinking most of the ducks are lined up to push the candidate across the finish line. Then they walk into headquarters, size up the campaign infrastructure, the finances, the volunteers, the message and strategy and go “Oops.” Sometimes representations are made that cannot be delivered.
Running a serious race to become mayor of the state’s largest city challenging a well-financed incumbent requires a lot more than a leap of faith. You need money, bodies, sound campaign advice and a candidate that can hammer home a message to voters that sticks. Reality hit Marilyn Moore, who’s been a candidate for office herself, when she sized up John Gomes’ Democratic candidacy for mayor. It’s not well financed, the message is weak and the organization scattered.
This is not a reflection of John Gomes the person. He’s a good guy with accomplishments in both the private and public sectors. These qualities don’t always translate into campaign life. Mary-Jane Foster who’s running closest to Mayor Bill Finch in OIB polls among the current candidate field is also learning that striking a quality candidacy is different than a successful private sector career. She too must improve as a candidate and deliverer of the message for change to persuade Democratic voters to switch horses. I’ve seen ordinary candidates become good mayors and strong candidates who sucked at governing. I’ve seen crazy stuff happen in campaigns but today at least Finch is still the favorite for reelection.
Marilyn Moore, after a few weeks on the job, told OIB she has walked away as Gomes’ campaign manager, but not yet entirely from supporting the Gomes candidacy. She’s taking a wait and see attitude. Will Gomes improve as a candidate? Can he raise the money to compete? I don’t see any evidence that his candidacy, barring something dramatic, will resonate with voters. It’s his job (Foster’s as well) to turn skeptics into believers.
What, already? I guess that puts Curry back in the driver’s seat.
Choose your battles wisely. You must decide between allies and friends. She chose to re-think her position. She has all my respect.
Antitesto, ditto.
Unless she was directly quoted nobody should jump to any conclusions. Sometimes a ballplayer signs a huge contract and expectations are large. My team signed Jason Bay. ‘Nuff said.
Grin,
Is he a relative of Tampa Bay?
Anti
Isn’t it all relative?
Does this mean Gomes is one step closer to dropping out and throwing his support to Mary-Jane Foster? Gomes has a lot to offer. The implementation of his CitiStat recommendations could change the way the City does business forever. Posters on this blog need to encourage this rather than trying to drive a wedge between the two. Mayor Foster and CAO Gomes. Sounds like a winning team to me.
John Gomes,
It’s time for a reality check. Your campaign is not going well enough to stand up to El Squid and his Calamarians. It is my opinion you will not succeed in November in the unlikely event you prevail over MJF in the primary. Yet I truly believe you are worthy of the office.
It is my further opinion you withdraw and publicly ally yourself with Foster so we can double-team the DTC and put into office TWO people who have the ability, vision, integrity and support to bring this city, once and for all, back into prosperity and promise.
Otherwise, if you remain a primary candidate, you will cause a dilution of primary votes which will ensure a Finch victory.
MJF. Heed very careful notice.
John Gomes–
Ignore yahooy’s urgings. He has no skin in the game, he’s rooting against you and his opinions are self-serving. He can’t even capitalize his own OIB handle. He’s disqualified himself when it comes to advising you.
Your campaign has spirit and conviction–two sorely needed ingredients in Bridgeport politics. I approve of any plan that has MJF endorsing you. Many people know more about local politics than I do but I’ve walked in places while supporting Connecticut candidates that others wouldn’t go without a police escort. When it comes to politics in Bridgeport, I come from the projects, man.
LG sides with MM because she would be his political counterpart in an imaginary campaign. LG mentioned nothing about speaking with you and your role in MM’s dismissal. Investigative reporting might be gone, but thankfully informative blogging has arrived.
Voters should not underestimate the political firepower of John Gomes or the new role The Mayor of Bridgeport will play in upcoming politics.
(wink)
The political firepower of John Gomes? You haven’t done your share of “Investigative reporting.” It’s a fact that Gomes doesn’t even have a campaign manager. Yet you see that as “political firepower.” It’s official–your Eyes are blind to our local political facts.
Once again, spin is spun, unless you hear it from Marilyn or John, assuming makes asses out of all. That said, MJF & JMG would be quite the team.
A sunshine patriot or a realist?
Yikes.
Or did Gomes fire MM, like Finch fired LG?
Finch fire LG? Not accurate intelligence, Ronin. Marilyn Moore confirmed to me she’s no longer Gomes’ campaign manager of her own choice.
Ronin
Is that the same LG who spun this story? I saw no quotes. It’s between Marilyn and John.
GR, it’s the same LG who’s spinning all the untruths on this webzine. LOL.
Did she confirm jumping before being pushed? Or did she confirm she is no longer there WITH a reason? Or did you say I heard you are out and she said yes … and the rest of the story was speculation or spin?
Like I said before, NO QUOTES.
Think it was 2011 said it best, “keep it clean.”
Moore or less, JG and MJF need to have a sit-down.
Peace Out!
MJF, JG. LG. MM. MT. BF, BOE, BW, JS, LE, LSMFT.
And all the BS in between.
tc–LMFAO!
Jim Buchanan’s Website Poll shows 86% in agreement with Mary-Jane Foster on adult entertainment expansion issue.
She should be an adult entertainer. They make a lot of money. I’ll talk to Sal.
It may not be the “dyslexia.” It may just be the green reefer.
If MM is lining up with MJF, then all the cards are starting to fall into place. John Gomes is a hero, but without a substantial campaign he is doomed to failure. Were JG to throw his weight behind the MJF campaign there will be a formidable opposition to the Stafstrom/Mario/Finch re-election. And … MJF would be wise to employ JG in a future non-DTC-controlled mayoralty.
blog.ctnews.com/connecticutpostings/2011/06/21/no-love-for-bridgeport-mayor-bill-finch/
That billboard says everything! Come on JG, be a hero; join forces and live to run another day. Don’t be a spoiler; if you are you will create a very unhappy electorate. I used to like Ralph Nader. I can’t stand to look at him now. In my book his candidacy caused Gore to lose, gave us George Jr. and look at our country now. MJF has the money, name recognition, support and is leading in the polls. Be a hero John, and join forces. Be part of the victory, not the one who causes the defeat. MJF is rallying her sisters and gaining momentum.
Ron Mackey and tc,
What does this mean when they pull the firefighter exam? Doesn’t sound kosher to me.
If memory serves earlier this year Finch postured on putting a new group of firefighters on this summer. I think like everything else he knew he did not have the money for that. He has now put it off until after the election and even then I doubt if it will happen. I know he got the firefighters union to agree to work OT for straight time up until July 1st but I don’t think that was a factor.
So who is managing Gomes’ campaign?
Gomes?
Curry?
2011?
Grin Reeper?
Ronin?
Inquiring minds want to know …
I agree with town committee, Finch postured on putting a new group of firefighters with NO money but now he claims the City got money from President Obama for new firefighters.
But Mayor Finch is not trying to hire Bridgeport residents to become firefighters, why?
*** She’s hurt Gomes more than helped him with this short quick decision. *** Could the writing be on the wall? ***