Most candidates for contested Connecticut nominations appeared at Ridgefield Democrats' Candidates' Forum tonight. The festivities got under way with a reception, with plenty of refreshments, at 7:00 pm, and at 7:30 the candidate presentations began. Each candidate was questioned closely by the audience, which included most of Ridgefield's Democratic delegates to the nominating conventions.
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All three contenders for the Secretary of the State post appeared; for Susan Bysiewicz, it was her second appearance before Ridgefield Democrats. Her persistence in courting Ridgefield delegates may be the reason many local delegates, including DTC Chair Rudy Marconi, have announced their support for her. (Photo: Candidates for Secretary of the State talk with Ridgefield Democratic conventiongoers: (from left) Americo Santiago with DTC Chair Rudy Marconi, Susan Bysiewicz with Selectman Barbara Manners, and Ellen Scalettar with Finance Board head Bernie Dzielinski)
State Treasurer candidates Frank Lecce and Denise Nappier explained their respective qualifications and platforms to Ridgefield Democrats at the Forum. Frank stressed his years of experience in the business world, including "over two decades... as a financial professional and entrepreneur." Denise has been Treasurer of Hartford for nine years, and has five successful electoral campaigns on her resume. She told Ridgefielders that her public sector financial experience made her uniquely qualified for the Treasurer post. Earlier, candidates learned that former New Haven Mayor John Daniels had announced his withdrawal from the Treasurer's race, making it a two-person contest.
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| Democratic State Central Committee members Martha Aasen and Stuart Smith are candidates for reelection. They are unopposed, but both came to Ridgefield to tell the DTC their plans for closer communication among Democrats in the 26th Senatorial District, which they represent to the statewide Democratic organization. |
The position of High Sheriff is the last remaining county office in the state of Connecticut. Paul Estefan (left) and Steve DeVito (right) are friendly rivals for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republicans for the Fairfield Sheriff's post. Both have law enforcement experience. Steve is a 32-year veteran of the Stamford police force and is currently Patrol Bureau Commander there. Paul was a Redding police officer from 1973-1984, and has served as the Danbury Airport Administrator since 1984. While both promoted their own qualifications, they agreed that it was important for Democrats to capture this traditionally Republican post, especially this year, as the incumbent Republican sheriff is not running.
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