Bristol politicos choose sides in presidential primary

I'll try to keep this thread updated until Tuesday. Last update at 9:18 a.m. Saturday.

Republican Primary

John McCain - City Councilor Mike Rimcoski
Mitt Romney - City GOP Chairman Art Mocabee
Ron Paul - State Rep. Bill Hamzy

Democratic Primary

Hillary Clinton - state Sen. Tom Colapietro and former city Treasurer Patti Ewen
Barack Obama - Mayor Art Ward and city Councilor Craig Minor

And what they each said about the candidates they prefer:

City Councilor Mike Rimcoski, Republican: "I think it will be John Mccain; he tells you one story and sticks with it. He spent nearly 5 years in the Hanoi Hilton, which proves his character. I think Hilllary is carrying to much luggage - mainly about 200 pounds in a silver hair slippery womanizer."

Former city Treasurer Patti Ewen, Democrat: "I hope Hillary continues to win delegates. Think it will be an interesting split as I think the polls may not reflect the continuig shifting of sentiment.
Think both candidates are bright, articulate, caring people...Clinton has the needed exposure & seasoning both nationally and globally.
And isn't it amazing that we enter the 21st century considering a presidential race between a woman and an African-American male."

Mayor Art Ward, Democrat: "My support goes to Obama because of the inspiration that he seems to be instilling in a broad wave of new voters while captivating the sea of those voters who are already registered in the Democratic Party.I think that Barack's presence on the ballot and the populace's allegiance for his candidacy will provide the impetus for a huge turnout at the polls on Tuesday."

State Rep. Bill Hamzy, Republican: "The only person in this race who has gotten me the least bit excited about this election is Ron Paul. If people would stop dismissing him and actually listen to what he has to say, I believe they would be impressed and begin to understand him as well. Although I don't agree with him on everything, he is absolutely right on foreign policy as well as his economic views. So, I will be proudly supporting Ron Paul on Tuesday and hope many other Republicans take the time to hear what he is saying. I believe they will agree."

State Sen. Tom Colapietro, Democrat: "I think that Barack Obama is very charismatic and his policies are good but I give the edge to Hillary because she has a lot more experience than Obama. I like him a lot but I think she is a very intelligent , strong woman. At this time I will vote for her. The people that have talked to me seem to be for her as well."

City Councilor Craig Minor, Democrat: "I'm supporting Barack Obama. I think Clinton failed to show responsible leadership when she jumped on the bandwagon to invade Iraq. I also think that the Democrats are a lock to win the White House, but if we run Clinton, she will energize Republicans who might otherwise stay home on Election Day."

City Republican Party Chairman Art Mocabee: "As a chairman, I should remain neutral, however, I can tell you that in November, Bristol Republicans conducted a "Straw Poll" among our loyalists and found that Rudy was the front runner. Well, we all know the wisdom of that choice! The second place finisher in the Bristol straw poll, who was also the first place finisher in a straw poll conducted by State Republicans in Middletown last week was Mitt Romney. However, recent state wide polling suggests that Senator McCain is the front runner in CT now. Breaking from tradition, I personally like the more conservative Romney and will support him."

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com