UPDATE: Get ready for the Ernie Newton and Andre Baker showdown. Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey appeared at a fundraiser Wednesday night for State House candidate Andre Baker who’s challenging Democratic-endorsed Ernie Newton in an August 12 primary, saying in a statement “Public trust is the first quality voters should consider when choosing who will represent them, and Andre Baker has earned that distinction with his work on behalf of Bridgeport residents as a member of the both Board of Education and City Council.” Newton fired back saying there’s a price to pay for Sharkey not supporting the Democratic endorsed candidate.
Sharkey endorsed Baker at M. White Lounge, 2288 Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock. The event took place outside the 124th State House district that covers the East End and a portion of the East Side.
As politics goes, this is risky business for Sharkey, the most powerful person in the Connecticut legislature. Newton keeps score and win or lose the primary, the self-proclaimed Moses of his peeps says he will not forget this easily whether in the November election in which Governor Dan Malloy needs every vote he can get or in the legislature next year, if voters return Newton to the State House district he occupied for more than a decade.
“They got a price to pay and it will trickle down to the governor,” Newton says of Sharkey’s support for Baker. “Sharkey can’t get Andre votes. It’s not going to stop me from working hard. It lets me know they are scared. It also tells me that the Democratic Party endorsement doesn’t mean anything. We’re going to keep working. Do you think my people are going to support Malloy if they cross the endorsed candidate? There’s no excitement in this city as it is.”
Sharkey may not deliver votes for Baker but he can attract folks to write checks. Baker’s trying to raise $5,000 in small donations to qualify for a $27,850 grant under the state’s Citizens Election Program of publicly financed races. He must also receive 150 donations within the city of Bridgeport, according to public financing rules. The deadline to make application for a public grant is July 18.
Newton is prohibited from participating in the voluntary state fundraising program because of a bill supported by Sharkey that goes back to Newton’s conviction on federal corruption charges about 10 years ago. The legislation was passed after Newton was charged last year by the state accused of falsifying $500 in campaign contributions to trigger a public grant in his bid for State Senate in 2012. Newton denies the charges and is awaiting a trial date.
Newton is raising money outside the public financing program.
Sharkey issued this statement:
“Public trust is the first quality voters should consider when choosing who will represent them, and Andre Baker has earned that distinction with his work on behalf of Bridgeport residents as a member of the both Board of Education and City Council. He also brings with him the strong endorsement of retiring State Representative Don Clemons, who knows from experience what it takes to properly serve the community.”
Sharkey added, “As a successful local business owner, Mr. Baker understands how important encouraging economic growth through job creation is to Bridgeport’s future, and that perspective will serve the city well in the state legislature.”
Bad move on the Speaker’s part, I guess he wouldn’t have come to town if he had BEEN ASKED to go to the EAST END. Even if that is not the case, that is the impression.
Hey East Side!
What’s next, a fundraiser at the Oak Hills CC in Norwalk?
The old boys at the Anvil Smoke Shop and Leroy’s Newsroom would never come out for Baker!
Anvil Smoke Shop and Leroy’s Newsroom are gone but those in the American Legion Post 140 and Braxton’s Men’s Shop will come out for Mr. Baker.
The planned cremation of the late Andre Baker has drawn mixed reactions from across the Stratford Ave. divide. As the clock ticks towards Aug 12th when the body of the late Norwalk Funeral Director is to be cremated, we sought to find out what it takes to undergo this burial ritual and try to find out why many people are voting for Ernie Newton over the not so homeboy Baker.
And what’s with holding the event at M. White Lounge, 2288 Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock? That place doesn’t even qualify as a nightclub. It’s just another ghetto dive.
Maybe the 10 Commandments of “Moses” and 40 years of wandering have become too much of a sea to part and cross in this district. I for one am glad to see statewide leaders take notice and lend a hand in local fundraising.
If Baker gets elected and he has the backing of the House Speaker, then he may run a better chance of being appointed to more important committees and playing more important roles. I remember when Gomes was Co-Chair of housing, this was a very big deal. In contrast, there is a danger, if elected, Newton may be blacklisted or may be less likely to be appointed to meaningful roles, which is not good at all for Bridgeport. Bridgeport needs people in Hartford who can have leverage.
Absolutely right and that would give more juice for the Bridgeport legislative representation. Newton is and will continue to be a pariah within the halls of Hartford regardless of the outcome. Any threat from Newton is just as hollow as his failure to live up to the oaths of office he took as both a legislator and senator.
He’s an unrepentant felon.
I assure you, Brendan Sharkey had absolutely no idea who Andre Baker was prior to tonight. I would be willing to bet $100 if someone asked Mr. Sharkey to pick out Andre Baker in a room prior to this evening, he would not have been able to successfully do so. Mr. Sharkey clearly attended because Mayor Finch contacted Governor Malloy and requested his assistance. This only serves as further evidence Andre Baker’s candidacy for state rep. is being completely backed by Mayor Finch.
Hmmm, imagine an individual elected who would supportable Mayor Finch and Governor Malloy. Imagine money flowing to Bridgeport finally helping an impoverished overlooked community. No offense to Ernie, but in support of Andre Baker.
I can understand Ernie being upset. To state and assume his peeps will stay home on the November election is just downright insulting to his constituents and all the more reason to look at Baker. This is about the future of our great city Ernie, not an in-your-face comeback at the expense of an impoverished community that deserves so much more than they have received in the past.
Maria Pereira, you have been on this for awhile and I’ve had said nothing hoping you would back off but you have not and that’s your right. You are turning people off with your point of “trying” to make Mr. Baker a “pawn” for Mayor Finch because you didn’t like the way he voted, well that position won’t sell in his district, just go there and ask.
Ron, one of Andre Baker’s significant platforms when he ran for the Bridgeport Board of Education was he was in opposition to the corrupt Democratic machine, he was the lone voice of dissent on the city council and he has always been independent of Mayor Finch and his henchmen. In my opinion, his candidacy for state rep. is being fueled and supported by Mayor Finch, not the vast majority of those who worked tirelessly to get him elected to the Bridgeport Board of Education. He was asked to run by Mayor Finch, several of those who assisted him with the circulation of his petitions were city employees, he has selected Ms. Sims to be his campaign manager and now Brendan Sharkey, the most powerful Democratic leader in the legislature, attends his fundraiser last night although I sincerely believe Mr. Sharkey had absolutely no idea who Andre Baker was until last night. Although I have not contributed to Ernie Newton’s campaign, I know for a fact several people I associate with have contributed. Not necessarily because they fully support Mr. Newton, but because they are so angry with Andre Baker, they want Mr. Newton to defeat him. It is not something I would do, but I do understand the reasoning of those who have. I believe I made a compelling argument on behalf of my position. Thank you for respecting my opinion and I am most certainly willing to respect yours.
So what if he is backed by Finch? Who cares? Baker is still a good candidate.
Whether you agree or not, there are people who do care about this issue. If a candidate runs on a platform where he/she claims to be anti-establishment and independent of Mayor Finch and his administration and then turns around seven months later and is clearly working with and being supported by those they claimed to be independent of, it appears disingenuous, unethical and speaks to a candidate’s integrity. When politicians gain the support of constituents based on particular commitments and positions and then renege on those commitments once elected, the electorate can really only hold that elected official accountable at the polls in the next election cycle. It certainly may not be an issue for every voter in that district, but there could certainly be enough unrest in the district to effect the outcome of the election in August.
That’s one way of looking at it.
I agree Mustang, he is an excellent candidate who if elected will bring dignity to the Bridgeport delegation rather than humiliation.
Maria Pereira–Do you know that for a fact or are you just speculating? Just asking …
Maria, I understand and appreciate your point. You make good linkages and connections.
However, I think even if I were to give you the benefit of the doubt that Sharkey has no clue who Baker is, Baker can very much leverage this to his advantage in Hartford. It is not common for a freshman legislator to have had the House Leader at their fundraiser. This may make other legislators view Baker as important and gives him a sense of leverage. However it will be up to Baker to make the most of this opportunity. In the end, this is an opportunity and Baker will need to have the acumen to know how to leverage this. Regardless of the points I raise, in the end there is a connection with the Speaker, albeit political, that Newton does not have and this can be beneficial to Bridgeport.
I think it was in 2006 or 07 then-Speaker Amann wrote a letter to Fabrizi in the CT Post in which he wrote “don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” He was referring to $11 million that was appropriated to Bridgeport schools, but then the city cut its MER contribution by the same amount and this really pissed off the Speaker (I don’t recall the amount exactly but it was comparable). In the end, you do not want to be on bad terms with the Speaker and Baker is on a better footing than Newton.
If you focus on the Bridgeport relationship then I can understand your point, although I am not sure I fully agree, but I respect your point. If you focus on the Hartford relationship then Baker has a strength.
However Baker is interesting because he began as an independent-minded official, and has recently been perceived as colluding with the mayor’s administration. Colluding has its pros and cons. A pro is it may link you to the House Speaker. However if he colludes too much he may be perceived as ‘part of the problem’ by others. One thing I do find interesting is he is not hired by the city but appears to now have some sort of relationship. This will be interesting to keep an eye on within the context of the conflict of interest laws this past year. Baker’s new relationship with the city can be a barometer for what a non-city-employed official’s relationship with the city can be, should this law get passed. It can also be a barometer of what strategies are used to entice not-city officials. I raise this point because the conflict of interest legislation, if passed, will not be a panacea, and the city will adapt. The relationship with Baker may shed light on what these adaptations and strategies will be.
I have attended two events to introduce Andre Baker and help him raise funds for his run for State office. Rep. Don Clemons the current seat holder and Rep. Jack Hennessy have been at each of these meetings speaking in support of Andre. Last evening they appeared again along with Auden Grogins and Ezequiel Santiago.
That means the entire City legislative delegation was present with the exception of Christina Ayala. It will serve no purpose to dwell on her behavior during her term of office other than to say it has served neither her nor the City and its delegation well. It is important for candidates to be serious, as Baker has proven to be, but also willing to work with others towards a delegation goal. Voters are more likely to return those representatives to office in the future who keep district and City goals in mind.
Majority Leader Brendan Sharkey grew up in Fairfield though he represents constituents in Hamden currently. He has appeared in Bridgeport at the request of Auden Grogins in the past to discuss benefits of regional approaches to services and financing. With Clemons stepping down it seems likely to me the delegation itself is attempting to promote solid support for Bridgeport candidates who will be seriously considered in the State legislature.
In Maria’s viewpoint or opinion, disagreement with her makes an elected person a tool of the Finch administration it seems. This is what comes of witnessing the puppetry and string-pulling in a one-party town for too many years.
Is it more possible there are actual candidates running for office in Bridgeport who are intelligent, experienced, generally independent and not saddled with conflicts of interest? Is this what has been happening in recent years in primary and general elections? Time will tell.
John Marshall Lee, I’m in total agreement with you on this one.
JML–Well stated. I totally agree!
What about Andres Ayala and Reverend Stallworth, were they present? Let’s take me and my opinion out of the equation. How many of those who were actively working and supporting Andre Baker for the BBOE election are working on his current campaign? Please list the specific individuals who are doing so. He is no different than Malloy. Malloy betrayed his core constituency once elected and Andre Baker did the exact same thing. The question is will they pay a price for those betrayals at the polls? Time will tell.
Maria Pereira, I’m a real big supporter of Barack Obama and I can’t begin to tell you the number of betrayals he has done from the time he was a candidate for president to his reelection for president; the war, big bailout of banks, those are just two for a start of his betrayal to the voters but that doesn’t mean I want Mitt or any Republican to be president.
Ron, please feel free to call me Maria. I understand your reasoning and it refers back to my previous posts where many voters cast a vote for the lesser of two/three evils. I recognize many voters utilize this reasoning, however I just do not support that thinking. I think we all have to do what works for us.
Maria Pereira, are you saying it’s “all or nothing” with a candidate you like?
I am saying if the issues I care about most deeply are education, taxes and women’s rights and neither candidate’s positions correlate with mine on these issues, then neither gets my vote. Most voters have issues that are of the highest priority and then they have issues that are secondary. I may be willing to compromise on the secondary issues but not on the issues I am most passionate about. I hope that answers your question.
Maria, I saw neither Andres Ayala nor Anthony Musto, the two State Senators representing Bridgeport voters. I would not necessarily expected them to come out to hear the House Majority Leader when he comes to town and I have no idea whether they are pro or con Andre Baker.
I am not familiar with Representative Dr. Stallworth personally and did not see him present. However, the point I still make is a different group of persons may be attempting to swim in local political waters and may be looking to associate with folks with energy, intelligence and independence who will serve the public need first rather than a special or personal interest. Time will tell.
I only asked the question because you stated “the entire City legislative delegation was present with the exception of Christina Ayala.” However you made no mention of Senator Ayala and Reverend Stallworth, who I do not believe is a “Dr.” I forgot to inquire about Musto but thank you for including him in your response.
I am unclear as to whom you are referring. Who is the individual with “energy, intelligence and independence who will serve the public need first rather than a special or personal interest?”
John, can you name anyone from the 124th, Ernie’s district who came to this fundraiser in Black Rock???
In addition to the Finchettes, Ron Mackey, and the suck-ups and lapdogs from Black Rock?
Jimfox, at this time I’m in retirement from any “political activity” and I was not at any fundraiser for any candidate.
Jim,
Life is like a box of chocolates … some people become present and get a choice of what to see and do, and others miss out and curse their own darkness. What side of the bed are you getting up from these days? No need to answer me or me to answer you, for any good it will do. Time will tell.
In the legislature they have a simple rule, “that guy may be an ass, but he’s our ass.” Whoever gets elected will be treated with respect and welcomed aboard, the fact Speaker Sharky came out in support of Baker will give Ernie leverage should he win. When Baker asks for something they may remind him of that visit they made to Bridgeport in his defense.
Bashing Andre Baker is another issue Maria is passionate about.
Bob, I haven’t bashed anyone. I am stating a combination of facts and my opinion to support my position Andre is being backed and supported by the very Mayor he claimed to be unaffiliated with and independent of. I honestly believe I have made a compelling argument to support my position. I honestly do not think you are in a position to accuse others of “bashing.”
Maria, don’t forget Andre had enough votes off the Democratic line to get elected to the BOE. He did not need the WFP. The WFP needed him.
So it may not be a case of Andre turning his back on your party but more of a feeling he is under attack for not following your orders.
He may not have turned on you but because of you.
Bob, I am well aware of the BBOE election results, especially since I volunteered over 500 hours of my time to help elect Andre, Dave and Howard. I believe I have made it quite clear I am no longer affiliated with the WFP, therefor they are not my “party.” Once again, take me out of the equation; how many individuals who actively worked or volunteered on his BBOE campaign are working on his state rep, election? I am fairly confident the answer is none. He gained support from parents, voters and community members based on false commitments and promises. I was warned by those closest to me I should not support Andre because he had served on the City Council as an endorsed machine Democrat, therefore he had bad habits and he would betray those who supported him. I chose not to listen and I have to live with that decision. I made a very serious error in judgment and have to look at it as an opportunity to learn from my mistake. Going forward, I will be much more thorough in vetting any future candidate I choose to support. My focus will not be on what candidates say they will do but on their actions and previous public statements or votes. Actions will speak louder than words going forward.
And Maria, guess what. Sometimes the administration is right.
Bob, please list all the education issues Mayor Finch has been “right” on. Would it be the illegal takeover of the BBOE, the proposed Charter Referendum to take voter rights from residents, the repeated illegal underfunding of the Bridgeport Public Schools, the support of Charter School expansion, supporting Moales on the BBOE, building a new Harding High School on the largest brownfield site in CT, failing to bond for a desperately needed roof at Bassick High School, bringing in Vallas etc.? I could just go on and on. I await your response.
Newton is and will continue to be a pariah within the halls of Hartford regardless of the outcome. Any threat from Newton is just as hollow as his failure to live up to the oaths of office he took as both a legislator and senator.
He’s an unrepentant felon.