BRISTOL – It looks like the much-anticipated Democratic mayoral primary is on.
“We’re in for the primary,” said city Councilor Art Ward, who filed the necessary paperwork Wednesday to take on the party’s mayoral nominee, Ellen Zoppo.
Ward is the only candidate in either party to round up enough signatures to force a primary.
But both Ward and former city Councilor Tom Ragaini filed paperwork with the city clerk’s office that would allow them to run as independent candidates in the Nov. 6 general election. Ward would be on the mayoral line while Ragaini is eyeing a 2nd District council seat.
Democratic Registrar Bob Badal said he had verified at least 766 signatures for Ward’s Democratic primary filing, 143 more than he was require to file. But he hasn’t finished checking all the paperwork so the excess is likely to wind up higher.
One other candidate, Democratic council hopeful Terry Parker in the 3rd District, filed about 100 signatures, less than half of what he needed to force a Sept. 11 primary against the party’s nominees in the district, incumbents Frank Nicastro and Craig Minor.
Ragaini, who serves as a member of the state Democratic Party’s Central Committee, would be taking on Democrats Kevin McCauley and Bruce Lydem and Republicans Ken Cockayne and Joe Geladino in the general election.
Ward said that voters can expect to see “an issues-oriented” campaign from him that will focus on what’s best for the people of Bristol.
If Ward wins the primary, state law would bar him from also running as an independent on the general election ballot.
But if he should fall short in his bid to snatch the endorsement from Zoppo, he would still be on the Nov. 6 ballot along with Zoppo and Republican Ken Johnson.
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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
16 comments:
Way to go Art, we all supporting you. Keep up the good work.
And what were you all saying in your comments when Steve posted his "Suppose we have a 3 way race" blog article?
Zoppo is just mad & throwing a hissy fit because either way Ward will be on the ballot for the voters. Guess the money she spent on polling is not so accurate.
Karen B.
Good luck Mr. Ward.You have the BIG heart and good soul to be a great leader for all of Bristols citizens.Keep on marching to the top. We`ll be hoping for the best.
Ragaini will Lieberman come into town for you?TOM YOUR TRUE COLORS HAVE COME OUT .
Give the people choices, give the people options, that's what America is all about. Inform the public, educate the citizens, run a clean campaign. Separate yourselves on the issues,create distance, don't give the public too much to digest. I wish all the candidates the best of luck.
Why did Chris Murphy (Dem. Senator) pull out of Zoppo's fund raiser?
I don't know, but probably because he is staying neutral. That is the usual protocol for elected officials at the higher level until after the primary.
I heard differently - and it was not in Zoppo's favor.
Who cares. Murphy doesn't even represent Bristol. Where does John Larson stand?
John Larson supports Ward and he was at Ward's fund raiser.
For those of you who thought Art Ward wouldn't get enough signatures and are busy taking pictures or driving by his Headquarters on Main St....Stop By next time you're in the neighborhood, for a Listening Ear~ and I promise he won't have you drive by the Elk's Club or take pictures...He has more Class than that!
That was before Zoppo entered the race and before Ward lost the party endorsement. I doubt we will see any of our congressional delegation until after September 11.
I wonder how Larson feels about Ward now that he's pulling a Lieberman? I can just hear him: "I knew Senator Lieberman; I served with Senator Lieberman. You, sir, are no Senator Lieberman!"
Sorry to inform you, but Larson STILL supports Ward as does the Police & Firemans unions.
Okay, I'm willing to be proven wrong. Show me something dated after the DTC voted last month from Larson that shows he still supports Ward.
Usually, national politicians maintain neutrality during local primaries so as to not create any hard feelings.
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