More on the Democratic endorsements

Some of the speeches that candidates and supporters gave may be posted on the blog here later tonight or tomorrow so check back if you like that sort of thing (as a political junkie, I do, of course). I'll have some more of the scene for you later, too.
Meanwhile, though, here's a summary of what went down:

BRISTOL – It proved a lopsided showdown.
City Councilor Ellen Zoppo easily secured the Democratic Town Committee’s backing Monday for a mayoral run this year.
Zoppo collected 40 votes among party leaders while city Councilor Art Ward rounded up only 18.
Though Zoppo expressed the hope "that we come together as a team to showcase the Democratic Party platform and how we will operate," Ward said he plans to force a Sept. 11 primary that would let grass roots Democrats pick their mayoral standard bearer.
In two of the city’s three districts, Democrats are likely to see City Council primaries as well.
But the night belonged to Zoppo, who earned her party’s nomination for Bristol’s top job after a lifetime of political involvement that includes three terms on the council, a stint as a wetlands commissioner and long service on Democratic campaigns.
Zoppo said the nomination reminded her of a kaleidoscope, with "light and reflection" shifting amidst emotions, promises and glimpses of the future.
Her immediate future pits her against Republican mayoral nominee Ken Johnson and, in all likelihood, Ward, who may run as an independent in addition to forcing a Democratic mayoral primary. They are vying to replace GOP Mayor William Stortz, who is stepping down.
Former Mayor Frank Nicastro, who is running for City Council, said that he remembers Zoppo coming to him years ago to resign from the Wetlands Commission.
Nicastro said he refused to let her quit. He said he told her that someday she would be a city councilor and someday, too, she would be a mayor.
"Much water has flowed over the dam since then," Nicastro said, and Zoppo has proven that she can handle any assignment handed her. "Anything she does, she does well," Nicastro added.
He said that he respects Ward but he’ll back the party’s entire slate of endorsed candidates "as a Democratic should do."
Nicastro and city Councilor Craig Minor, who were each nominated for new terms in the 3rd District, will likely face a primary themselves, from longtime party activist Terry Parker.
Parker didn’t challenge the two at the meeting Monday, held at the Board of Education, because he did not want "to put anybody in too tough a position" but promised to collect signatures starting today to bring about a primary.
In the 2nd District, too, there is almost certain to be a primary for the Democratic council slots.
Though party leaders backed incumbent Kevin McCauley and Bruce Lydem, who would be taking Zoppo’s seat, former Councilor Tom Ragaini said he’s going to run as well.
In the 1st District, Democrats unanimously backed two newcomers, Cliff Block and Rich Kilby. It appears one of them is virtually assured a seat because the Republicans nominated only one candidate in the district, incumbent Mike Rimcoski.
For the Board of Education, Democrats endorsed four incumbents and two newcomers, Karen Vibert and Sherry Turcotte. The incumbents are Barbara Doyle, Julie Luczkow, Tom O’Brien and Jane Anastasio. Every Democrat who’s ever run for the school board has won.
In the treasurer’s race, Democrats threw their support to Bill Veits to succeed retiring city Treasurer Patti Ewen.
Ewen said Veits is "quiet, competent, caring, organized and supremely qualified" for the part-time city position.
The general election is Nov. 6. Mayors, councilors and the treasurer all serve two-year terms.


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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com