UPDATE: Former Mayor Joe Ganim on Wednesday celebrated the opening of his campaign headquarters in the North End announcing his campaign has raised more than $100,000 in his effort to unseat Democratic incumbent Bill Finch who has raised more than $400,000.
Ganim raised $100,000 in about four weeks, a meaningful total in response to critics who wondered about his fundraising ability as he seeks a comeback for his old job. Finch and Ganim are vying for the Democratic Town Committee endorsement in July. A party primary will take place September 16.
Ganim issued a news release on Thursday about eclipsing $100,000. The release also has some additional news, referencing Black Rock District Leader Danny Roach as Ganim’s campaign manager. Ganim and Roach have been friends for decades.
“People from all walks of life are joining us as we begin this journey,” said Ganim in a statement. “I am so humbled by the outpouring of support I have received, financially, spiritually and emotionally. It is just wonderful.”
“This is phenomenal,” said Danny Roach, 130th district leader, and Ganim’s campaign manager. “The support is coming from across the board. We are getting $5 and $10 donations, as well as $1,000 donations (the maximum a donor can contribute).”
Finch’s 2011 primary opponent Mary-Jane Foster will make a formal announcement June 4. School Board member Howard Gardner and East End town committee member Charlie Coviello are also in the race.
City Councilman Enrique Torres is planning a run on the Republican side.
Photos from Ganim event:
I think it is great Joe Ganim broke $100K. I think it is so sad many supporters were individuals who wanted to flesh out the Democratic town committee. What a bunch of losers. Great picture of Scott Hughes. Very sorry I lent my support to this guy over Andres Ayala, Steven Nelson, all of them. Talk about bringing back the days of cronyism. Very disappointing and embarrassing. I am just so curious to see the folks who contributed to this campaign. The good news is people like Scott Hughes couldn’t get any votes for himself so I’ll safely assume this soft-spoken man without any fire in his belly can’t help Ganim much. Yes, a perfect example of disappointment when you support a candidate and find out they are no different than any other political hack. Very disappointed. I am sure I am not as disappointed as Mary-Jane Foster watching her entire support system support Ganim. I expect her candidacy to be short-lived and Ganim to go down in defeat. As soon as Charlie Coviello joins the Ganim camp we know it is over for Ganim. But this is Bridgeport, who has the passion to get out the vote and who has the money to control the narrative and of course who will be the respectable endorsements a candidate needs.
What role will the University of Bridgeport play if any? If Ganim has raised $100k and Finch has $500k, what hope is there for Foster and Gardner? Well maybe each have their own personal Billionaire to tap into. That is pretty much how it works. I also think Finch needs to get creative with a new campaign slogan for his campaign. Bridgeport is getting Better and Better is already tired. He needs something fresh and exciting. The diner the other morning the conversation was how the Fireman and police hate Finch and they were saying how they wish Scott Walker got rid of the Unions that have crippled the city. I think the police and firemen do a great job but unless you are a family member of a policeman or a fireman, you are not interested in their contracts and since they do not vote in Bridgeport I’ll assume they will have very little affect on the election as well as the teachers union. I still say this election is going to be a snore.
Hey! I have to send Joe another check!
Was that Tom Lyons in the last picture? Did he go there specifically for some of Maria Pereira’s baked goods? 🙂
Is that R. Christopher Meyer, Esq peering from under Danny Roach’s armpit in the second photo? And gracefully covered by Alma Maya’s veil in the third photo? And applauding Gil Hernandez’s words in photo four?
Chris, it is probably not campaign worthy, but in the years you worked for the City Attorney office (part time) and the year since, the City has publicized its professional handling of the City website more than once.
Chris, are you surprised Mark Anastasi has the 2009-10 goals still posted this morning? Or you continue to be listed as a part-time member of the City Law Department? Time will tell.
Steve, I want you to know my magic squares were an absolute hit. Many people took them home and several people asked me for the recipe.
You missed out. 🙂
Maria, I left the restaurant last night at 8:30, Kama Sushi in Stratford. I drove by Ganim’s headquarters and there were still a few stragglers. I had no problem saying hello but I had others in the car who were just not interested. Besides, I ate too much. All you can eat, made to order sushi. Beautifully served. Yum! I am sure your magic squares were a hit. What type of marijuana was in the secret recipe? 🙂
Piranha hemp.
Hashish a la Alice B. Toklas.
🙂
Believe it or not, someone asked me that very question last night. I was taken aback in a funny way.
Looks like a lot of the political hacks from Joe’s early days in office. Looks like the same people still looking for jobs.
Andy Fardy, you got that right, just look at those in those pictures, the same old gang but I’m surprise to see Scott Hughes there but it might not mean anything.
Everybody has seen the Geico commercial with Pinocchio???
In a high-pitched voice ALL OF THOSE SPEAKING IN THE PHOTOS ABOVE:
“I LOOK AROUND THIS ROOM AND I SEE NOTHING BUT UNTAPPED POTENTIAL” AND THEIR NOSES START GROWING.
OH PINOCcHIO, YOU ARE A KILLER. I CALL YOU KILLER ‘CUZ YOU SLAY ME.
I THINK 60 PEOPLE MORE OR LESS WAS A NICE TURNOUT AND I AM SURE THOSE SPEECHES WERE PRICELESS.
Steve, there were well over 150 people who showed up. People were in and out from 6 to 8 p.m.
Next fundraiser will be at the Vasco de Gama club next Friday. Tickets are $50.
Good job, Maria. Can’t say you are not doing an excellent job promoting your candidate.
Well thank you, Steve.
No mention of the event at Stafstrom’s (John) at the same time. I noticed the grass was finally mowed and there were Finch signs everywhere.
Danny Roach is relentless in getting out the vote and has a good handle on Black Rock. Finch must be PISSED!
Danny was present when they lied to me and understands they will and have done it to others.