Awaiting a legal ruling from a state judge regarding alleged campaign finance law violations, Ernie Newton is weighing campaign options that include running for one of the two legislative seats he once occupied. In preparation for a run he will become a member of the Democratic Town Committee in the 139th District that serves his East End voter base. Newton says “don’t count me out” irrespective of the pending court case.
Last year the state charged Newton with criminal violations of state campaign finance laws, claiming he falsified five donations that triggered an $80,000 grant from the Citizens Election Program of publicly financed races for his 2012 State Senate run. He has not been charged with using money for private gain. In filing a motion to dismiss the case, Newtown’s lawyer Darnell Crosland claims state investigators misrepresented the facts in an effort to target Newton who was forced from office in 2005 following federal corruption charges. The state accuses Newton of manipulating five donors to represent they made contributions without providing the money that helped the campaign qualify for the state grant to finance the race. Newton finished a close second to Andres Ayala in the primary.
Newton’s lawyer claims Newton was charged criminally for cases that are generally resolved civilly. The judge is expected to rule on the motion to dismiss in late March. Newton says he will likely run for office even if the judge does not dismiss the case in March and sets a trial date.
Despite Newton’s legal challenges he’s still popular in his East End base and would pose a significant obstacle to incumbent State Rep. Don Clemons if he decides to challenge him. Town committee members in the East End sway the endorsement for the State House seat. Newton could even bypass public financing, if it were an issue with his case pending, and be the favorite to win a primary against Clemons.
Challenging Ayala, however, is a different story because of the size of a State Senate district that covers about two-thirds of the city. Money and messaging become more important. Newton says he would have won the senate seat in 2012 if then incumbent State Senator Ed Gomes did not siphon support from black voters.
In this gubernatorial and legislative cycle, various conventions to endorse candidates will take place in May with party primaries in August.
I live in the district that is partially covered by Don Clemons the current state rep. Having Newton run against Clemons would be a plus for us.
There is one problem and the minority community does not seem to get it. They keep supporting these losers like Clemons, Newton, Ayala, Stallworth and the list goes on. One has to wonder why. I know there are plenty of qualified caring minorities who would be better suited to represent the city both minority and white. Let’s get rid of the minority powerbrokers like Ralph Ford, Mitch Robles and my all-time favorite Americo Santiago. Until they are removed the minority community will stay stagnant.
Sad … however, so very true.
Glad to hear the lovely Mrs. Fardy is running! 🙂
Does anyone really wonder why businesses won’t touch Bridgeport with a ten-foot pole
State Rep. Don Clemons challenged and primaried Ed Gomes for the open State Senate seat and lost to Gomes. Lennie, will Don Clemons challenge Andres Ayala in a primary?
Ron, that depends on what Ernie does, but I don’t see Clemons challenging Ayala.
As Dory would say “just keep signing … Just keep signing …”, still trying to qualify. Thank you to all those with the kind thoughts and words as we collect our signatures.
*** JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT HE WAS OUT, HIS PEEPS PULLED HIM BACK IN! *** RASPBERRY AWARD POLITICAL MOVE ***