July 20 - Ridgefielder Democrats joined 150 others from the newly-drawn 4th Congressional District in Stamford to nominate Stephanie Sanchez as the challenger to 16-year incumbent Rep. Chris Shays. Ridgefield was redistricted from the old 5th district, which has been represented by Rep. Jim Maloney, into the 4th, currently represented by Shays. First Selectman Rudy Marconi, who attended today’s convention, said, “We are delighted to be able to work to elect Stephanie Sanchez to Congress this fall. Ridgefield has been ably represented by Jim Maloney for the last six years, and we’ll miss being part of his district. But Stephanie Sanchez broke into politics on Jim Maloney’s staff, and she’s very much in his mold. She’s smart, talented, and energetic, and is committed to pay close attention to the needs of the towns in her district. I am confident she will be very responsive to the needs of Ridgefielders."
[Photo left] Stephanie Sanchez and Rudy Marconi chatted at the reception following the convention.
[Photo right] Bill Curry introduces Stephanie to the convention. Behind them are (from left) Lieut. Gov. candidate George Jepsen, Comptroller Nancy Wyman, Treasurer Denise Nappier, and Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi.
Sanchez, accepting the nomination before a jubilant crowd, talked about addressing local needs like urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and protecting the natural beauty of this area. Ridgefielder Pam Hunter, a UConn Stamford political science professor, has been named local coordinator for the Sanchez campaign. “Stephanie is focused on the issues important to our town, like Route 7 congestion, protecting open space, and preserving the environment,” she said. “We’re organizing a vigorous local campaign to see that she gets elected in November.”
[Photo left] Convention delegates recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
[Photo right] Sanchez giving her impassioned acceptance speech.
In 2000, Sanchez, then a relative unknown, challenged Shays for the first time, and won 42% of the vote. Local Democrats are confident that the 2002 campaign will see a win for the young Sanchez. “Americans and Ridgefielders are getting tired of Republican excuses for the deterioration in the economy, for corporate malfeasance, and for squandering the national budget surplus built up through the 1990’s,” said Susan Cocco, Ridgefield Democratic Town Chair. “Stephanie Sanchez will be one of many Democrats who will sweep out tired Republican incumbents this fall,” she added. Challenger Sanchez said, “Chris Shays has had 16 years to solve the problems of this district and what do we have - our highways worse, our schools struggling for adequate funding, and utility companies trying to take advantage of our citizens, It is time for a new approach in the district; as Congresswoman Sanchez, I will be able to tackle the problems with the appropriate agencies and the local, state, and federal level.”
[Photo left] State Central Committeewoman Martha Aasen of Westport chats with Bill Curry and Rudy Marconi.
[Photo right] The top of the ticket, George Jepsen and Bill Curry, congratulate Stephanie Sanchez.
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