Who’s Running For Office? You Can’t Go By The Signs

By Steve Bigham

In Newtown, you have to do your homework if you want to know who is running for political office. Unlike most area towns, here politicians are not permitted to erect campaign signs. It’s sort of an unspoken rule between the town Democrats and Republicans (although a handful of political signs have popped up in isolated areas during this year’s campaign season).

In stark contrast to Newtown, Bethel is littered with campaign signs on front yards, poles, and just about everywhere else. They serve as a sort of a political cheat sheet for those who don’t read newspapers. Politicians figure signs increase their exposure.  The photos for this story were all taken in other towns which share the same candidates. For example, Julia Wasserman is seeking re-election for the 106th District, which includes both Newtown and Bethel. Her sign can be seen in Bethel, but not Newtown.

For those in Newtown unfamiliar with who is running for office in November, here is a brief rundown of who will be on the tickets. Also, those interested in the election season are invited to attend the annual Pizza & Politics event Monday, October 23, at the Fireside Inn.

Of course, Vice President Al Gore of the Democratic Party is seeking to become the nation’s 43rd President and is being challenged by Texas Gov George W. Bush of the Republican Party. There are also a handful of others seeking your vote, including long shots Ralph Nader of the Green Party, Howard Phillips of the Concerned Citizens Party, Patrick Buchanan of the Reform Party, and Harry Browne of the Libertarian Party.

Democratic Sen Joe Lieberman may be traveling the country in the hopes of becoming the country’s next vice president, but he remains a candidate for re-election here in Connecticut. Republican newcomer Phil Giordano and William Kozak, Jr, of the Concerned Citizens Party are opposing him.

The most widely talked about campaign in the area is taking place in the Fifth District of the US Congress where Democratic incumbent Jim Maloney is looking to hold off Republican challenger Mark Nielsen. Congressman Maloney defeated Mr Nielsen two years ago in a very close race. This year’s race has been marked by personal attacks by both parties and a large crowd is expected to pack the Fireside Inn to see the two butt heads later this month.

Joseph Zdonczyk of the Concerned Citizens Party is also running for the Fifth District congressional seat.

Republican State Sen John McKinney is seeking re-election to office in the 28th District. Democratic newcomer Felix Giannini is challenging him. Two years ago, Sen McKinney defeated Democrat Tom Ganim, who lost in his second bid for the senatorial seat. Previously, Mr Ganim had lost to Fred Lovegrove, who had held the seat for more than a decade.

Mr Giannini will be fighting against history, as Republicans have held the seat for many years, much to the chagrin of the Democrats.

Closer to home, State Representative Julia Wasserman, a Newtown resident, is running unopposed in her bid for re-election in the 106th state congressional district.

In the 112th District,  Republican incumbent Pat Shea is being challenged by Democrat Joe Ziehl. Both are from Monroe.

John Stripp is also running unopposed in his bid to return to his 135th district congressional seat.