Moore: Game On–Poised For September Primary Fireworks Against Ganim

State Senator Marilyn Moore, citing the Declaration of Independence on July 4th before supporters outside her Downtown campaign headquarters, announced publicly for the first time she will challenge Democratic incumbent Joe Ganim in a September 10 primary urging “We are going to the September primary fighting for our independence. And we will win!”

Mysteriously, even some of Moore’s biggest supporters leading up to her announcement weren’t sure about her game plan: primary, straight to general election, or both?

Why? Some Moore insiders wanted her to do this, some wanted her to do that.

Now, we know.

Moore, it appears, is embracing a two-pronged approach: challenge Ganim in a primary with a general election backup plan likely on the Connecticut Working Families Party line.

Process: on July 23rd the Democratic Town Committee will endorse Ganim for another four-year term. The next day launches a two-week window for Moore’s campaign operation to secure approximately 2,300 validated signatures of registered Democrats in Bridgeport. If successful, she’ll appear on the primary ballot against a well-financed incumbent.

State Rep. Charlie Stallworth, also a mayoral contender, must do the same to qualify for a primary.

Four years ago Ganim made history against Bill Finch who became the first incumbent mayor to lose a primary. Could it happen in back-to-back cycles?

Depends on a number of factors. Money for one, Organization for another, and Message to complete the trifecta of MOM.

The money piece we will learn by July 10, the deadline for Moore to file her campaign finance report with the Town Clerk’s Office. Why is that critical? Money drives the other two pieces in a citywide race for mayor. Moore’s first quarter finance report shows she raised $68,000. The early money is always the easiest money to raise from friends, contacts, family and core supporters. If her upcoming report reflects the first she’d be in play to raise and spend about $200,000 for the primary.

In 2015, Finch spent about $600,000 in the primary to Ganim’s $300,000.

In Bridgeport’s mayoral history, about 50 individuals have occupied the office, all white males except for Mary Moran, a white woman who won the mayoralty in 1989 and lasted one two-year term defeated by a young Joe Ganim. If successful, the 70-year-old Moore would become the first African American.

Meanwhile, Moore’s holiday declaration:

In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America,

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

The 4th of July is celebrated as Independence Day. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain and were now united, free, and independent states. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence as a document that would explain its decision.

As you may recall I announced my candidacy on Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday. I thought that date appropriate as I liken my candidacy as a fight for equality and our civil rights. Today, on Independence Day I turn my attention to my beloved community and ask that you declare independence from a system that has been a yoke on our city.

Numerous residents have voiced their concerns about the lack of transparency and honesty in our local government, the lack of response or action by our police chief regarding the reckless actions of some police officers and recently the approval of an interim superintendent who does not have the proper credentials overseeing our children’s education and the number of assaults against our city is endless. This is not just poor management; it is designed to alienate and disenfranchise the residents of Bridgeport. It is intentional and it is controlled by a few people who have wielded perceived power to a few.

The Declaration was used to inspire troops to keep fighting. It’s now time to follow the lead of the Continental Congress and declare that we will no longer be the subject of an administration or Democratic town committee that holds a yoke on the city. We will commit to joining the fight to bring back a Democratic Party that is about the people and not about self.

I never entered into any of my campaigns for office for me; it’s always been about how do I use my knowledge of Bridgeport as a life-long resident, as an advocate for women diagnosed with breast cancer, and corporate experience to make a better place and life for everyone and, after five years in the Senate, I bring that government experience.

So today, it’s not about a primary or the general election. It is about our independence from a system that is not democratic and not equal. I believe if you join me we can win! We can win in September and we can win in November!

Make today the day we declare our independence from this Democratic Party and create a Democratic party with me as your CEO of the city. A city and party that is for all of the people all of the time.

Join me in signing onto the Declaration of Independence for a Better Bridgeport, a better way of government and let’s begin by each one of us committing to doing the work to make it happen.

“It was appropriate then, and it is appropriate now. We must have new Guards for Bridgeport’s security of the future … Marilyn Moore, Candidate for Mayor of Bridgeport.”

There are sign on sheets, volunteer sheets, and there is our own Declaration that we commit and sign today. Are you willing and ready to do the work? Because I am ready to take them on in September.

Finally, let me share with you the words of John Adams after the signing who said “I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and Defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Mean.”

I See that the end is more than worth it for Bridgeport, I see that for us! … Stand and fight with me! We are going to the September primary fighting for our independence. And we will win!