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| Speaking for the candidates were (from left) Nick Piandiris for John Kerry, Miles Garrity for Wesley Clark, Jim Dean for his brother Howard Dean, Matt Lieberman for his father Sen. Joe Lieberman, and First Selectman Rudy Marconi |
More than 60 townspeople turned out to hear the candidates' positions and question their representatives about everything from fiscal policy and Iraq to their candidate's electability. DTC Chair Susan Cocco said the event was being held to bring information about the candidates to Ridgefielders in a first-hand way, and also to generate early interest in the crucial 2004 campaign and election.
[Photo, left] Matt Lieberman, the son of Sen. Joe Lieberman, speaks of behalf of his father's candidacy. Referring to Al Gore's recent endorsement of Howard Dean, in a seeming abandonment of his 2000 running mate, Mr. Lieberman said, "the last couple of days have been a tough deal, but we've been getting lots of e-mails. They say 'You're an honorable man.' I am so proud of my Dad - he is taking the high road. He is Connecticut's favorite son, and he wants and needs your support."
[Right] Miles Garrity made the case for Gen. Wesley Clark. He said the Democrats were percieved as being weak on national security - and that Gen. Clark could counter this perception with his distinguished military career. "Gen. Clark has the kind of charisma up close that I haven't seen for years. He shows he is in command. He has dealt with world leaders up close."
[Photo, left] Howard Dean's brother Jim explained why he would be the best candidate and the best President. Speaking of former Gov. Dean's electability, his brother said, "When he ran for Governor of Vermont, he drew 40% of the Republican vote. He has always been perceived as a centrist. It's only as the national GOP has shifted the debate to the right that he is sometimes viewed as left-wing. If we elect him to lead the country, he will bring back the sense of community and accountability."
[Right] Nick Piandiris argued for Sen. John Kerry. He argued that Sen. Kerry has been a "lifelong Democrat." Whereas, he said, "Howard Dean has not - he has supported Bush in the recent past." He said that the media has "had a coronation for Howard Dean," and that it was very premature. He spoke of Sen. Kerry as the candidate who would remain standing after the early races, when the field will inevitably be winnowed down to two leading candidates - Howard Dean and one other.
[Photo, left] More than 60 townspeople filled the Town Hall conference room to hear the candidates' cases made by their representatives.
[Right] DTC Chair Susan Cocco (right) joined (from left) Nick Paindiris, Miles Garrity, Jim Dean, and Matt Lieberman.
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