Brickley wins GOP congressional primary

ROCKY HILL – Republicans appear to have given the 1^st District congressional primary nod to Wethersfield engineer Ann Brickley.

Though many results were not yet in, Brickley held at least a 10 point lead over challenger Mark Zydanowicz late Tuesday when the paper went to press.

With about half the precincts counted, including many in Zydanowicz strongholds, Brickley held what appears to be an insurmountable lead in the far-flung district, earning her the opportunity to take on U.S. Rep. John Larson in the November 2 general election.

Zydanowicz was not ready to throw in the towel, however.

“We’re still not sure,” the West Hartford dairy executive said from his home. “We’re still waiting to hear.”

At deadline, Brickley had yet to make an appearance before a crowd of about 100 supporters at the Rocky Hill Marriott, across the hall from a gathering for gubernatorial hopeful Tom Foley.

In Bristol, Zydanowicz garnered 649 votes to 632 for Brickley, but Bristol was considered by both sides in the primary fight to be heavily in Zydanowicz’s corner.

Larson, an East Hartford Democrat, has represented the 1^st District since 1998. A Republican hasn’t won the district since 1956.

Brickley said she plans to break the half century streak of one party dominance in the district.

In talking points prepared for Brickley’s address, she thanked Zydanowicz and Joe Visconti, who lost out at the Republican convention, for running a clean campaign that avoided personal attacks.

She said in the prepared remarks that with rounds one and two behind her in the campaign, “I am ready for the main event.”

Brickley vowed to take it to Larson because “the problem with entrenched incumbents is they only talk to each other” and they don’t listen to constituents.

She said she’s had “enough of the rhetoric” and intends to force Larson to do a lot of explaining.

“I can’t wait to debate,” Brickley said. “I’ll debate him on his front porch if I have to.”

“We will be heard,” Brickley said, because “our government is broken and it’s time for all the residents in the 1^st District to come together and send the message to Washington that we have had enough.”

Larson has a built-in advantage with more than 20 times as much campaign cash raised – so much that he’s given more away to other Democrats than the Republicans have any hope of raising themselves for the race.

The 1^st District includes Bristol, Southington and Berlin. It is centered on Hartford.

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Watch 1st District GOP congressional debate

Here's the CT-N tape of Thursday's 1st District GOP congressional debate between Ann Brickley and Mark Zydanowicz:

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Brickley, Zydanowicz hold only real debate

In their only full-scale debate, two Republicans vying for the right to take on U.S. Rep. John Larson in the general election showed a surprising civility Thursday and expressed views that largely mirrored one another.
But Ann Brickley, an engineer from Wethersfield, and Mark Zydanowicz, a dairy executive from West Hartford, clashed sharply on one key issue at the showdown at Trinity College: the proposed $574 million busway between Hartford and New Britain.
Zydanowicz scoffed at the plan, calling it “financially irresponsible” and a poor substitute for a commuter rail line.
Brickley said the busway is “ready to go” and would begin to alleviate congestion on Interstate 84 within three years.
Holding out for rail, she said, would be much more costly and take a decade if it ever came to pass.
Generally, though, the candidates offered only slightly different takes on the issues raised during the debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters and co-sponsored by Trinity and CT-N, which recorded it and plans to show it sometime this weekend. Click here for the full story.
I'll endeavor to post a link to the CT-N video whenever I find it online.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Brickley, Zydanowicz to debate Thursday in Hartford

Media Advisory
	REPUBLICAN 1ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CANDIDATES TO DEBATE AT TRINITY
	Ann Brickley, Mark Zydanowicz to Compete in August 10 Primary What: Ann Brickley, the Republican Party’s endorsed candidate in the 1st Congressional District – which includes Hartford – and challenger Mark Zydanowicz will participate in an hour-long debate. The two will appear on the August 10 primary ballot, with the winner squaring off against Democratic incumbent John B. Larson in the November election for the right to represent central Connecticut in Congress. The debate, which is open to the public and will be taped and broadcast by CT-N, is being hosted by the League of Women Voters. When: Thursday, August 5 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Where: The Washington Room in Mather Hall on the Trinity campus, 300 Summit Street.

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Zydanowicz makes case for primary victory

Press release from Mark Zydanowicz, a Republican contender for the 1st District congressional seat:

INFORMAL POLL SHOWS OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR ZYDANOWICZ IN REPUBLICAN PRIMARY 

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (July 29, 2010) -- In a recent state district online poll for Republican voters, First Congressional candidate Mark Zydanowicz was the overwhelming favorite, far surpassing opponent Ann Brickley whom he will face in an Aug. 10 primary.
Based on the results of the informal July 25 poll by the Friends of Rocky Hill GOP, 63 percent of those polled backed Zydanowicz, while only 13 percent supported Brickley. Twenty-three percent remained undecided. 
“All across the district I’m hearing voters say the same thing,” said Zydanowicz. “They want someone with strong business and leadership skills to unseat John Larson. They’ve made it clear -- they’re tired of the ‘business as usual’ style that we’re seeing from the Democrats in Washington, D.C.”
Zydanowicz’s message is simple: significant steps must be taken to improve the economy. Connecticut’s unemployment rate must be addressed and small business, the true economic engine of the country, need to be in position where they can hire and thrive.
“Unemployment in the state has continually risen since John Larson took office in 1999,” said Zydanowicz. “The Democrats, especially Larson, turned their backs on Main Street, but pumped bailout money into Wall Street. Small businesses suffered and continue to suffer. This must be changed.”
Zydanowicz’s leadership ability, not only in the business world, is what sets him apart from his rivals.
An officer with the Connecticut National Guard who has served in Iraq and on the Mexican border, Zydanowicz is dedicated to upholding the United States Constitution, especially when it comes to protecting U.S. citizens.
He is a third-generation owner of New Britain-based Guida’s Milk & Ice Cream, which employs 270 people and continues to expand, despite the economy.
“We’re pleased and excited by the poll numbers,” he said, “but there are many voters to still talk to and much work that remains ahead of the primary. The people have had it with John Larson and I’m looking forward to bringing real leadership to Washington and truly representing the people of Connecticut.” 
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Brickley, Zydanowicz clash on debate

Press release from congressional hopeful Ann Brickley of Wethersfield, the GOP's endorsed candidate in the 1st District:
Brickley Expresses Disappointment With Zydanowicz’s Rejection of Invitation to Participate in First Congressional Primary Debate
Zydanowicz cites “scheduling conflicts” as reason for declining 30 to 40-minute debate hosted by the League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford
WETHERSFIELD, CT (July 26, 2010) – Ann Brickley, the Republican-endorsed candidate for the First Congressional District, expressed disappointment that her Republican primary challenger has declined to participate in a 30 to 40-minute debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford that would have been held in the Legislative Chambers of the West Hartford Town Hall on Tuesday, July 27th at 12:30 p.m. Mr. Zydanowicz states that he was unable to change his schedule to accommodate the debate and declined the invitation.
“While both Mark and I are currently campaigning throughout the First District and our schedules can be incredibly hectic, I believe that we owe it to the voters of the First Congressional District to have an open and extensive exchange of ideas on the key issues,” Brickley said. With so many competitive and well-publicized political campaigns taking place this year, it has been challenging for both of our campaigns to receive a great deal of media coverage. This situation makes it more difficult for voters to learn a great deal about our views and backgrounds.
The Greater Hartford League had made arrangements to have the debate taped by West Hartford Cable Television and the Connecticut Television Network had also planned on sending a television crew to tape the event so it could be aired in various communities throughout the First Congressional District. The Brickley campaign is attempting to see if another more convenient date and location can be found prior to the August 10th primary.
Here is the response that Zydanowicz, who is challenging Brickley for the right to take on U.S. Rep. John Larson in November, posted on Facebook: Apparently my opponent put out a press release that I would not debate her. This is not true; we debated on live for 12 minuets on NBC at the 5:30 news last week. Regarding the League of Women Voters debate; I received “5 business hours” notice. They contacted me late Friday and wanted an answer 1st thing Monday morning. I previously scheduled a commercial shoot and could not accommodate a re-shoot. If my opponent can not plan properly for something as simple as a debate how can we send her to congress?
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Zydanowicz ad plugs his military, business experience

Republican congressional contender Mark Zydanowicz has an advertisement on his Facebook fan page that I think everyone can see. Watch it here.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Congressional hopeful Mark Zydanowicz on "The Real Story"

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Larson way ahead with campaign cash

Veteran U.S. Rep. John Larson has 15 times as much campaign cash on hand as both of the Republicans vying to unseat him have between them.
Larson, an East Hartford Democrat who has represented the 1st District since 1998, has raised $1.8 million for this year’s campaign and still has half of it in his campaign treasury, according to the Federal Election Commission.
On the GOP side, the two competitors in an Aug. 10 primary, Ann Brickley and Mark Zydanowicz, together raised $80,000, which includes $61,237 in loans from Brickley to her campaign.
Brickley, the party’s endorsed candidate, still had $55,000 of her campaign cash on hand at the end of June.
Zydanowicz, a West Hartford dairy executive, raised $7,195 as of May 1. The FEC hasn’t yet posted his campaign finance information through June.
Neither of the Republicans reported receiving any political action committee cash. Larson, on the other hand, has collected $759,000 from scores of groups.
Larson also got more than $1 million from individual donors. Click here for full story.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Zydanowicz backs Arizona immigration law

Republican congressional hopeful Mark Zydanowicz issued this press release recently:
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (July 9, 2010) -- Republican First Congressional candidate Mark Zydanowicz today said he fully supports Arizona's new immigration law, but backs reforms that would continue legal immigration.
Arizona's new law, SB 1070, goes into effect on July 29 and makes illegal immigration a state crime. State law enforcement authorities are required to determine immigration status of people stopped for suspected offenses.
"The problems start due to people who are here illegally," said Zydanowicz. "The current administration, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Representative John Larson, has a desire to give illegals benefits under many of our entitlement programs like social security or public education. That's not only problematic, but it's costly."
Zydanowicz also praised the efforts of Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer who continues to stand up to the criticism of the federal government.
"Gov. Brewer has taken a lot of heat for getting this legislation passed and she should be applauded for her efforts on behalf of the residents of Arizona," he said. "I fully support this law and I know millions of other Americans do, too."
Arizona has long been an entry point for hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants and this has led to elevated criminal activity in the state and in numerous cases, violence against its citizens.
"It is the duty of our federal government to protect the citizens of this country," said Zydanowicz, "and by all accounts, that duty has not been upheld in Arizona, but Gov. Brewer has taken responsibility. The Arizona law complies with the United States Constitution and federal immigration laws, but the federal government has not seen fit to enforce them."
Zydanowicz, an officer with the Connecticut National Guard who has served in Iraq and supported engineering projects on the U.S.-Mexico border, fully encourages the legal immigration process that has been in place for more than a century.
"There are millions of people who have become citizens of the United States through the legal immigration process," said Zydanowicz. "Our country, long a melting pot of cultures from around the world, has been strengthened and enriched by immigrants who have followed the rules and I continue to support this process to make good people part of our country.
Zydanowicz will primary on Aug. 10.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Brickley challenges Zydanowicz to debate(s)

Letter written this week by Republican congressional candidate Ann Brickley to Mark Zydanowicz, who is aiming to grab the 1st District nomination in an August 10 primary:
Dear Mark:
As I mentioned this morning, when I travel throughout Connecticut’s First Congressional District, I am often asked when the two of us will engage in a debate. I am sure you have entertained similarquestions during your visits to local communities. With a little more than a month remaining beforethe August 10th Primary Election, I think we owe it to the Republican voters of the First District, as well as all of the residents of the District, to hold at least one substantive debate that focuses on ourviews on the key issues faced by Connecticut and throughout the nation.
We as a nation face many serious challenges that require real leadership to find thoughtful and effective solutions. As candidates for the Republican nomination for Congress, we should bediscussing such vitally important issues as how to improve the economy and promote job growth, how to balance our deficit-ridden budget, and our ideas about enacting meaningful health carereform that expands people’s access to health care without placing an unfair burden on our children and grandchildren.
As Republicans, you and I share many core values, but I believe there are some significant differences between our two backgrounds and our views on key issues. Unfortunately, the Republican candidates for this District have historically been viewed as underdogs with little chance to actually be elected to office and often receive little coverage by the media. This situation makes itmore challenging for voters to become aware of candidates’ views and backgrounds.
It is for these reasons that I hope you will agree to join me at least one debate prior to the August10th primary. We have been in contact with the Connecticut League of Women Voters and theLeague has expressed an interest in asking some of the local chapters in the First District to hold at least one debate and possibly more. It is time to provide the voters with the opportunity to hear ourviewpoints and ideas and explain why this year they really do have a choice in the election for theFirst Congressional District. It is up to us to show them why they should make history and supportthe Republican candidate to represent the people’s interests in Washington.
Sincerely,
Ann Brickley

Zydanowicz calls for strong support for Israel

Press release from Mark Zydanowicz, a Republican congressional hopeful in the 1st District who is angling to grab is party's backing from endorsed candidate Ann Brickley:

ZYDANOWICZ: U.S. MUST SUPPORT ISRAEL, LARSON STILL SILENT WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (June 11, 2010) -- Republican First Congressional candidate Mark Zydanowicz today said he steadfastly believes the United States must support Israel and push for a peaceful resolution to the Gaza blockade situation.   "My thoughts and prayers are with those families who have lost loved ones -- which included an American citizen -- as well as those related to the injured Israeli commandos," Zydanowicz said, "but the United States must show strength and foresight." Zydanowicz expressed concern that U.S. Rep. John Larson, despite being pressed by the media for his views on the situation, remains silent. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "The raid was justified because the ships were headed to breach Israel's naval blockade of Gaza, which it imposed to stop the flow of weapons to the territory. The ships ignored repeated Israeli warnings to turn back and offload their cargo at the port of Ashdod for truck delivery to Gaza after a security check." Zydanowicz, an officer with the Connecticut National Guard who has served in Iraq, stands by Israel. "Just like any other nation, Israel has the right to protect her borders and thus ensure the security of its citizens," he said. "It is imperative the United States fully support Israel now, or be prepared to react later when tensions escalate and become unmanageable in the region." The U.S. should not, Zydanowicz believes, just be an observer to a situation that carries such massive ramifications. "When a country is being attacked by an extremist group like Hamas -- who controls the Gaza strip -- a calculated response for the region should be sanctioned," said Zydanowicz. "The Obama administration needs to have direct involvement with peace negotiations in the area. Sadly, these are not circumstances simply dissipate. This must be addressed and done so sooner, rather than later." Zydanowicz will primary Ann Brickley on Aug. 10.

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

GOP congressional hopeful sees shift in primary results

Press release, just issued, from GOP congressional hopeful Mark Zydanowicz:

ZYDANOWICZ: TUESDAY'S PRIMARIES 
SEND LOUD MESSAGE

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (June 9, 2010) -- Republican First Congressional candidate Mark Zydanowicz today said the results of Tuesday's primaries convey a rejection by the American people of the constitutional violations of Democratic policies supported by U.S. Rep. John Larson.

"It appears the mood of the country has shifted," said Zydanowicz, "to a more commonsense approach to how we want to be governed at the federal level -- and I suspect the same message will be sent to Hartford in November as well." 

Zydanowicz believes a vast majority of the population is fed-up with the management at every level as demonstrated by President Barack Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Harry Reid -- all of whom have been heartily supported by Rep. Larson.

"Blanche Lincoln's stunning success on Tuesday signaled a clear rejection of the Obama administration by her defeat of a big labor-backed candidate who was supported by Obama," said Zydanowicz.

"The Lincoln victory sent a message, and there's no question Reid is all too aware of how the Tea Party boosted Sharron Angle's triumph in Nevada," he said. "People are taking notice and the message is loud and clear: Republicans are poised to defeat incumbents in November."

Zydanowicz will primary Ann Brickley on Aug. 10. 
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Zydanowicz declares intention to primary

Republican congressional hopeful Mark Zydanowicz told local business and government leaders this morning that he intends to ask grass-roots GOP voters to select him as their candidate to face U.S. Rep. John Larson in November.
"I'm making it official here that I will primary," Zydanowicz said.
Zydanowicz, a West Hartford dairy executive, will face Ann Brickley, a Wethersfield business owner who is the party's nominee, in an Aug. 10 primary.
Zydanowicz spoke at an Egss & Issues breakfast sponsored by the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce.
Zydanowicz got a shock last week when the 1st District congressional convention tapped Brickley as the Republican standard bearer against Larson, an East Hartford Democrat who has represented the district since 1998.
Bristol's delegation stuck with him, though. He got unanimous backing from its delegates.
He is an Iraq veteran, where he helped rebuild Baghdad's infrastructure, who works for Guida Dairy, which his grandfather started decades ago.
For more, see Wednesday's Press.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Mocabee email might have done in Zydanowicz

A tough guy email from former Bristol GOP leader Art Mocabee to Wethersfield congressional contender Ann Brickley may have played a key role in propelling her to victory Friday in the Republican 1st District convention.
The email more or less ordered Brickley to quit the race so the party's chosen candidate, West Hartford dairy executive Mark Zydanowicz, could waltz to the nomination.
Brickley proved she, too, could play hardball.
She sent Mocabee's email to all of the district's Republican delegates.
Several party insiders said the blundered attempt to force her from the race probably swayed many undecided voters to her side.
Joe Visconti, the West Hartford contender who ran two years ago, said delegates basically wanted to send a message to their party leaders.
The final vote, which Brickley won easily, showed "a lot of backlash against the establishment," Visconti said.
Chris Healy, the state GOP chair, said that Visconti should take his medications.
He said Brickley "obviously did a great job" and will be a tremendous candidate. He said she's a neighbor of his and her family is friends with him.
Healy said the party helped Brickley with the process of running just as it did with Zydanowicz.
But when Zydanowicz announced his candidacy, both Healy and Mocabee, the 1st District leader, were present. When Brickley declared, they were absent.
Brickley avoided the controversy when I talked with her.
She said the delegates made their choice.
Photo shows Zydanowicz talking to Gary Schaffrick, a GOP state committee member.
Update: Here is the story about the 1st and 5th District conventions from Saturday's Press.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Zydanowicz claims he'll win Republican nomination

Press release issued a few minutes ago by GOP congressional hopeful Mark Zydanowicz:

ZYDANOWICZ POISED TO WIN CONVENTION

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (May 18, 2010) -- 

Based on preliminary results, Republican First District Congressional candidate Mark Zydanowicz is quickly building support among Republican delegates who will select a nominee on May 21, according to Campaign Executive Director Angelo DiMatteo.

"Mark is out there listening, talking and building a consensus among delegates," said DiMatteo. "Our tactics are not about trying to change anyone's mind, or call in some old favors that other candidates in this race are trying to do."

Zydanowicz emphasizes the importance to talk with delegates and listen to their concerns regarding how the federal government functions.

"The more I listen the more I learn," said Zydanowicz. "Our delegates are involved in a very serious process of selecting who will represent them in Washington. They know what's at stake, but they have very important ideas and suggestions on what to do and I need to process those ideas into action for them."

Zydanowicz has been on the campaign trail since January visiting town committees and businesses as well as talking to citizens and community leaders.

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Forget the busway, says Zydanowicz

Press release this morning from Mark Zydanowicz, one of the three Republicans seeking to run for Congress in the 1st District:

ZYDANOWICZ: RAILWAY IS THE FUTURE;
BUS WAY EQUALS FISCAL IRRESPONSIBILITY

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (May 14, 2010) -- Republican First District Congressional candidate Mark Zydanowicz today reiterated the negative impact the proposed "bus way" between New Britain and Hartford would be if it became a reality.

Long an opponent of the proposed nine-mile, $600-million bus way, Zydanowicz contends that large sections may have to be torn up if the Connecticut Department of Transportation officials need to fix the section of Interstate-84 known as the "Aetna Viaduct" in the near future.

"How many times have you seen a street re-paved, only to have it torn up for maintenance -- that's what we could be facing with the bus way.  Zydanowicz warned.

Zydanowicz stresses the need to for fiscal responsibility.

"Besides the potential for the bus way to be torn up," he said, "it does nothing to remove trucks from I-84. Needless to say, $600 million is a lot of taxpayer money for nine miles of walled bus way."

Zydanowicz backs a more cost-effective rail line in place of the bus way, saying that it will provide a far better return on investment. "The projected rail solution boils down to a cost of
$1 million per mile," he said. "I challenge you to find any taxpayer who wouldn't consider that far more appealing when it comes to cost."

Zydanowicz also points out negative fiscal implications to the state which has been hampered by a diminished manufacturing presence.

"If the bus way is supposed to relieve congestion on I-84, one can only imagine what will happen when the bus way and the Aetna Viaduct are being worked on," he said. "The bus way project will require state bonding and that will only add to Connecticut's fiscal problems.

"The bus way does nothing for our manufacturers who can benefit from increased access to new markets, creating jobs or revitalizing the distressed manufacturing landscape in our state," he added.

Zydanowicz vows to make a difference when elected to Congress.

"As a Congressman from the First District, I will go to Washington and talk with the Federal Transportation Agency to negotiate for an intelligent rail solution to better serve the needs of passengers and commerce, not just in my district, but for all of Connecticut's north-south rail corridors," he pledged.

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

GOP split shaping up in 1st District

In the first sign of a struggle for the hearts and minds of Republican congressional delegates, Wethersfield's Ann Brickley just sent out a notice to Mark Zydanowicz, the other 1st District GOP contender. It reads:
Mark,

I noticed on your website that it says that the Portland delegates unanimously endorsed your candidacy.  I am sure you know this is not correct.  Please correct this as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Ann

Brickley and Zydanowicz, a dairy executive from West Hartford, are vying for the right to take on U.S. Rep. John Larson, the East Hartford Democrat whose district includes Bristol.

Update at 9:30 p.m. Saturday --
The chair of the Portland Republican Party wrote this to Brickley this evening:

Ann,
Thank you for your email.  The website should state that the Portland Republican Town Committee unanimously endorsed Mark's candidacy rather than the delegates.  I have spoken to Mark's campaign and they will make the change to their website to reflect the Town Committee rather than the delegates.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you need further clarifications.
Cindy Varricchio

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Zydanowicz says to take the train

Press release:

Mark Zydanowicz Supports Local Rail  West Hartford - Mark Zydanowicz of West Hartford, Connecticut  release a statement supporting railroad in the Greater Central Connecticut.  The current plan is to tear up approximately nine miles of existing rail bed and to create a concrete walled  "bus way" to facilitate commuter service between New Britain and Hartford. "Once the rail bed is taken for a bus way, it is lost forever.

Zydanowicz: Stop railroading the "Rail Road" West Hartford CT Republican 1st Congressional Candidate Mark Zydanowicz said today, "The only transportation solution that makes sense is improved connectivity of rail lines within the Greater Central Connecticut region for both passenger and freight service" After studying the issue and attending a hearing last week at the State Capital, Zydanowicz has joined the fight to stop the nine mile $600 million proposed bus way that will increase rider ship from the current level of 11,000 per day to 15,000. "Do the math", Zydanowicz said, "The biggest problem I have with this proposal is not only the cost but it does little to help economic development along the proposed route. A rail solution costs about $1million per mile and has a much broader return on investment and commerce" he said. The current plan is to tear up approximately nine miles of existing rail bed and to create aconcrete walled "bus way" to facilitate commuter service between New Britain and Hartford. "Why not facilitate commuter and freight service not only between Hartford and New Britain, but between the entire Central Connecticut corridor increasing access to New York City and Boston by the use of rail"? Zydanowicz asked. "Once the rail bed is taken for a bus way, it is lost forever. We lose the opportunity for a much more feasible rail solution. If elected I will act swiftly to create traction for a rail solution, both freight and passenger to better serve the needs of the 1st District and Connecticut. Zydanowicz concluded.

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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Zydanowicz hopes to fire Larson

HARTFORD -- Surrounded by family and friends on the north steps of the state Capitol, Republican congressional hopeful Mark Zydanowicz formally declared his intention Monday to convince voters to “fire our congressman, John Larson, and send a message to the political class in Washington that enough is enough.”
“Help me make history,” the political newcomer from West Hartford told about 40 backers who came to help him launch his long-shot campaign.
Zydanowicz, a 42-year-old executive with Guida Dairy, is taking aim at Larson, a veteran congressman from East Hartford who has represented the 1st District since 1998. The district includes Bristol, Southington, Berlin, Newington, Wethersfield and Rocky Hill.
Chris Healy, the state GOP chair, called Zydanowicz “a true American hero who will get the job done” on both the campaign trail and in Washington.  Click here for the full story.
Here is the prepared text for Zydanowicz's speech.
Photo: Chris Richie/New Britain Herald
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com