If all goes according to plan the state senate campaign of Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox will be the first among four candidates to submit an application to secure a public grant of roughly $110,000 for the August Democratic primary.
The Quinnipiac law professor is in a field with former Mayor Bill Finch, City Councilman Scott Burns and ex councilor Tyler Mack in the Bridgeport, Trumbull, Monroe 22nd District.
This field, following State Senator Marilyn Moore’s announced retirement, has a compressed timeline to fundraise and qualify for public campaign grants reviewed by the State Elections Enforcement Commission.
Meanwhile Finch on Friday received the endorsement from the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 371.
Statement from Sujata campaign:
We were able to complete that goal in a little over three weeks because of a wonderfully supportive and highly mobilized community who share a vision of a politics of engagement, collaboration, and public service.
The Citizens’ Election Program, Connecticut’s public financing program, allows people without unlimited access to money to get involved and run for election, and it ensures strict limits on campaign financing and spending for those who participate. But there is political pressure to water down the program and to relax enforcement of its rules. We must support this very effective program and support the integrity of our elections.
Again, to my supporters in Bridgeport, Monroe, and Trumbull who helped me reach this milestone, thank you so much. I would be honored to serve you in the State Senate.
News release re Finch endorsement
Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 371, which represents essential workers in grocery, meatpacking, food processing, retail, and other essential industries across CT, MA, and Vermont, announced that Bill Finch has been endorsed for the State Senate to represent the residents of Bridgeport, Monroe, and Trumbull.
UFCW Local 371 President Ronald M. Petronella stated, “Bill Finch has always stood up for our members and the working class. He’s steadfastly supported increases to the minimum wage and workers’ rights to organize at the State Capitol. He’s also joined our workers on the picket line when they’ve been on strike to show his solidarity. He is the clear choice for the working families of Bridgeport, Trumbull, and Monroe. We are proud to endorse Bill Finch in the race for State Senate.”
Bill Finch added, “I am honored to have the support of the hard-working members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. These workers put their lives on the line to serve others during the pandemic. I look forward to having the opportunity to continue to work as their advocate in Hartford to protect workers’ interests and help fight against corporate-funded attacks.”
UFCW and Bill, perfect together. They like to eat with Two Forks.