State Senator Herron Gaston and City Councilman Ernie Newton are not exactly buds in this battle of new guard versus old.
Twenty years ago Newton occupied Gaston’s seat derailed by a public corruption conviction. Since that time Ed Gomes represented Connecticut’s 23rd Senatorial, then Andres Ayala, Gomes again and then Dennis Bradley served two terms until defeated by Gaston two years ago.
Gaston is half Newton’s age, but Newton says I have twice the name recognition.
Gaston says state leadership supports me. Newton says, I get along with them too.
Gaston says look at my record over two years: police accountability, more money for the district, school bus safety measures.
Newton argues I did that too.
So what this really comes down to is cajoling friends to turn out in what is expected to be a death valley turnout.
In this battle Bridgeport’s Democratic registration dominates, but the piece of western Stratford has shown relevance in past outcomes, including Gaston two years ago when he trounced Bradley across the city line.
Newton rejoinders: dude, I was raised in Stratford.
Okay, so tit for tat is part of the political dialogue, but unlike the other side of the city and suburbs to replace a retiring State Senator Marilyn Moore, absentee ballots loom four times higher here.
How does that shake out?
