His critics said he’d never get the party endorsement. They also said he’d never qualify for public financing. On Wednesday afternoon the comeback of Ernie Newton to try to regain his old State Senate seat continued when the State Elections Enforcement Commission approved his application for public financing that will allow his campaign to spend roughly $95,000 between the funding grant and money he has raised. Newton has still one major hurdle in his comeback, winning the Aug. 14 Democratic primary against incumbent Ed Gomes and State Rep. Andres Ayala, both of whom have the same money to spend in a compressed primary cycle and bases of support to drag to the polls.
A staff attorney with the State Elections Enforcement Commission confirmed that Newton’s application was approved. So game on. Three candidates with the same amount of loot to spend. Newton, the self-proclaimed Moses of his peeps, is trying to become the city’s Phoenix of politics following corruption charges that forced him to resign the seat now occupied by Gomes. Newton stunned state political observers by capturing the party endorsement in May. Skeptics wondered if Newton could raise $15,000 in small donations to trigger the $80,500 public financing grant. “We raised it from the little people,” Newton told OIB Wednesday afternoon after learning he qualified for public financing. “They said it couldn’t be done.” Newton added he has 100 volunteers banging phones, door knocking and dropping campaign literature. The public financing allows Newton to commence a heavy direct mail campaign in the weeks leading up to the primary.
Connecticut’s 23rd Senate District covers about 70 percent of the city with 16 voting precincts in addition to a portion of western Stratford.
The chairman of the SEEC Stephen Cashman voted against Newton’s grant application as a protest stating “I do not believe that the Legislature would have contemplated such a situation to put us in this position of approving taxpayer money for someone with Mr. Newton’s criminal record that involves a direct violation of the public trust, and for that reason it is my message to the Legislature that this ought to be corrected. I am going to vote against this application.”
Where’s everyone? What happened to all the Newton haters? yahooy, that phony Bob Barnes fined by the state for trashing Bob Keeley’s campaign finances, that old coot Andy Fardy. Come out, come out wherever you are!
What about that harpie known as anna who loves the felon known as Newton? I don’t hate Ernie Newton. I just think violating the public trust by stealing from his constituents then going to jail does not constitute redemption. He does not deserve to feed at the trough from which he stole. You can harp about me and Andy Fardy, but to promote the likes of Newton makes no sense. I understand why you think I’m a phony, but you should harp from knowing the facts, not from something that had nothing to do with theft, lying or deception. You can quote from chapter and verse from info given to you by some political fly with an agenda all you want.
anna! Old coot!!! I prefer dirty old man. I have very little interest in the upcoming campaigns. Same old people, same old bullshit.
The blog has been full of this campaign crap, just look at the topics for the last few days. Do I really give a damn who wins the Republican nomination for the senate? The 10 registered Republicans in Bridgeport care, maybe.
BTW how have you made out during these recent wind gusts? Where you able to keep your perch in your favorite tree? One more question, can you still land upside down when it’s windy? You old bat. Have a great day. You made me laugh.
Andy, she’s just not familiar with your swashbuckling good looks.
Lennie, you are starting to worry me.
*** It’s on to see who will spend the most money on reminding voters there’s a primary in Aug. with hopes Bpt voters will go to the polls. Along with many bogus AB ballots to seal the winner’s race! *** Bpt Sideshow Reunion ***
I’m glad Ernie Newton redeemed his coupon. Now the lineup is complete and the playing field level. Don’t be surprised if all the campaign money produces a larger-than-normal turnout. Never underestimate people’s desire to be seen and heard. Because of that, news-hungry media outlets will showcase this primary with its obvious appeal. If you live in Bridgeport, straighten your back and keep your smile … you might be on TV!
(wink)
anna, just had to add a comment for Andy and myself, we have been trying to find some relaxation time at the NEW Knowlton Park the city is sooo proud of.
We could not find a spot to relax because of the homeless using the benches as BEDS!!! What a disgrace; there is absolutely nothing for youngins to do at this NEW park for families …
You cannot redeem stupid no matter how much money you get.
I know a guy who is smarter than Newton. Actually, I know a lot of people who are smarter than Newton. Actually everybody I know, except maybe anna, is smarter than Newton. I just cleaned a bunch of slugs out of my garden. They’re smarter than Newton.
The only people I know who are dumber than Newton are they people who contributed to his ‘campaign’ and will vote for him.
“Stupid is as stupid does.”
So … yahooy, tell us how you really feel.
I just have to comment that I love these nicknames Lennie assigns to all the local yokels. He has not missed yet! “Moses;” love it!
It’s interesting following the money and the Ford Dealership’s, East End Political Action Committee, paid canvassers to canvass for???
Flow of money to Ernie’s campaign mirrors the time period and potential work product of Ford Dealership’s solicitation of money for small contributors to Ernie’s campaign?
Many $5.00 and $10.00 contributions that are from unemployed and many blank fields for occupation. I guess these donations were solicited by Phil N. Blank.
You may draw your own conclusions by looking at the reports that were compiled by Drew A. Blank!
Ford’s fingerprints are all over this report.
seec.ct.gov/ecrisreporting/Data/Attachment/Unassigned/SEEC20_120942_1.pdf
I hear Ralph will be resurrecting Alvin W. (“W always stood for Wonderful”) Penn’s vote for this election.
Conclusion: Everything looks on the level. On the disbursement side there are names of payees with no addresses but that can be amended when and if they get the information.
Here’s the picture that paints the canvas on the Ford Dealership.
seec.ct.gov/ecrisreporting/Data/Attachment/Unassigned/SEEC20_121609_1.pdf
Why is the Ford Dealership PAC hosting a fundraiser for Charlie Stallworthless?
*** Welcome to Bpt! Now what can you do for me? ***