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(Chris Donovan's campaign submitted the following press release on Fri., Jan. 13.)
MERIDEN, CT - The Newtown Democratic Town Committee announced their support for Democratic candidate for the fifth congressional district Chris Donovan last night in Newtown.
"Chris Donovan has spent his entire career working for middle class families. And we know we can count on him to fight for the families of Newtown and the rest of the fifth district as our Congressman.” said James Juliano, Chair of the Newtown DTC. “The Town Committee is proud to endorse his candidacy, and we'll be working hard between now and November to see that he is the nominee and our next Congressman."
"I am grateful to my friends on the Newtown DTC for their support and encouragement. I look forward to working with them throughout the campaign and beyond to ensure that the people of Newtown have access to good, stable jobs with solid benefits, quality, affordable health care, educational opportunities for their children, and an affordable retirement," said Donovan.
The Newtown DTC joins the Connecticut Working Families Party, AFSCME Council 15, the Connecticut Council of Police, the Connecticut Education Association, the Connecticut State Council of Machinists, the IAFF - Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut, United Auto Workers Region 9A, the Connecticut Laborers District Council, the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 777, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, Blue America, former 5th CD Congressman Jim Maloney, and Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman in endorsing Chris Donovan as the best candidate to fight for the families of Connecticut's fifth congressional district.
Nick
5:05 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2012
The Newtown Democratic Town Committee may have endorsed Donovan, but it is unlikely that Donovan will carry Newtown in a general election. It is a moderate town at best, as are so many other towns in the 5th congressional district. That makes Donovan a very weak candidate. Democrats would do better to nominate a candidate, like Elizabeth Esty, who can win actually win these towns against a Republican. With Donovan's record, he would lose these towns badly; his strength in the cities is a mute point because any Democrat will carry the cities by a big margin.
Democratic elected officials and candidates in moderate towns across the 5th district who are up for election/re-election in 2012 - like Newtown's State Rep. Chris Lyddy - would be wise to distance themselves from Donovan. Donovan will be a drag on the rest of the Democratic ticket, and aligning themselves with Donovan may cost them crucial votes.
Elizabeth Leonard
9:47 pm on Monday, January 16, 2012
Donovan certainly cannot carry Donovan in a general election. Esty might, though Roberti has a chance as well--perhaps a better chance than Esty. They would have been better off choosing not to endorse anyone.
Sully
11:07 pm on Monday, January 16, 2012
If Donovan can not carry Donovan, who can he carry?