Democrats gearing up for primary

BRISTOL – Two different Democratic campaign headquarters are opening downtown next week.
One, which hosts the party’s endorsed candidates, is slated to open Thursday in space rented at the Elks Club at the foot of Main Street.
The other, housing Democratic mayoral challenger Art Ward’s operation, is opening Monday at 178 Main St.
The dual offices highlight the split within party ranks as loyalists gear up for a Sept. 11 primary showdown in which Ward is hoping to grab the mayoral backing from nominee Ellen Zoppo.
Perhaps throwing a monkey wrench in both of the politicians’ plans is the possibility that Rich Armington, a financial planner who’s well known in town, might also jump into the primary. He’s taken out paperwork to gather the required signatures to secure a place on the ballot.
The winner of the mayoral primary will face Republican Ken Johnson in the Nov. 6 general election.
It isn’t clear yet whether any other candidates may be on the general election ballot. But there is a chance there could be an independent candidate or two come November, including perhaps Ward, who hasn’t ruled out the option. Armington, too, has talked about running as an independent for mayor this year.
There are at least two City Council primaries shaping up as well, among Democrats in the 2nd and 3rd Districts.
In the 2nd District, former Councilor Tom Ragaini is circulating petitions to gain access to the primary ballot so he can take on nominees Kevin McCauley and Bruce Lydem. McCauley is a first-term incumbent.
Also in the 2nd District, Mark Blashke is circulating petitions to gain a spot on the general election ballot as an independent candidate. He said the process is going well.
The Democratic council nominees in the 3rd District, incumbents Frank Nicastro and Craig Minor, are facing a challenge from Terry Parker, a longtime party loyalist.
Both Parker and Ragaini are Ward supporters.
The party headquarters at the Elks Club, 126 South St., will open with a fundraising pizza party from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Tickets are $10, with children under 12 getting in for free. For more information please call 583-7481.
Ward’s headquarters is holding its grand opening from 4 to 8 p.m. on both Monday and Tuesday. The campaign will be giving away pens and pizza cutters, along with traditional pamphlets and bumper stickers.
There is no charge to attend the opening of Ward’s headquarters.

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