Legislative Candidates In Early Stages Of Public Outreach

By John Voket

Two fellow Legislative Council cohorts, now candidates competing for votes in the 106th District, are busy at work getting their names, faces, and information about themselves into the public eye. Democrat Chris Lyddy will officially kick off his campaign for state representative on Saturday, June 21, with an event starting at 7 pm at the Newtown Meeting House. 

Council Chairman Will Rodgers, on the other hand, is busy at work finalizing his virtual campaign presence with the launch of RodgersforNewtown.org on the web.

Mr Lyddy received the endorsement of the Democratic Town Committee, and was unanimously nominated for the seat by Newtown Democrats at the party’s caucus on May 20.  Mr Lyddy has also filed his paperwork for public financing, and expected to hear this week  that he has qualified for the funds.

Mr Rodgers said Wednesday that he is awaiting a final few public finance contribution forms from individuals who have already submitted checks necessary for the Republican challenger to qualify for the campaign grant program as well. “More than the 150 contributions have been logged, more than enough for me to qualify,” Mr Rodgers said.

He similarly received the unanimous endorsement of his candidacy at the recent Republican Town Committee caucus.

Mr Lyddy spoke about his involvement in the first election to feature the public financing option for legislative candidates, saying he was “thrilled to be a part of this very exciting time in Connecticut.”

“Our campaign finance laws are truly a model for other states,” he said. “And as one of the first grant recipients in the state, I am eager to utilize these funds to embark on my first campaign for the general assembly.”

In a press release, Mr Lyddy announced that State Representative Kim Fawcett (D-133) will be the guest speaker at the June 21 event, and other state officials and local candidates are expected to be in attendance.

“This event is to celebrate the steps we’ve completed, to gather more volunteers, and to keep building momentum as we move forward,” said Mr Lyddy. 

Mr Rodgers told The Bee he is still considering the ways in which he will conduct his public outreach. While Mr Lyddy and 112th District Democratic challenger Michele Mount opted to meet and greet participants at the recent Relay For Life June 7, Mr Rodgers said he is looking to speak with various local groups like the Chamber of Commerce and veterans organizations.

“I also attended the Lions Club Duck Race, and I plan to be involved in two veterans ceremonies being planned at the high school later this month,” Mr Rodgers said. “In the future I will be going out to other appropriate groups and events to spread the word about my campaign.”

Anyone wishing to attend the Lyddy campaign event June 21 can RSVP by e-mail at FriendsofLyddy08@gmail.com or calling 364-7572. Any groups interested in hearing about Mr Rodgers campaign initiatives can call him directly at 426-1941.