Democrat Drops Out Of The 5th District Race

HARTFORD (AP) — Democrat Robert Marconi announced Monday that he is dropping out of the 5th Congressional District race.

Mr Marconi, an assistant state attorney general from Brookfield, said his job has recently become more demanding and he does not have the time or money to run an effective campaign against incumbent Republican US Rep Nancy Johnson.

Terry Gerratana, a former state representative from New Britain, is expected to become the party’s new candidate, Democratic State Chairman George Jepsen said. He said the 5th District members of the Democratic State Central Committee will meet Saturday to chose a candidate.

Ms Gerratana in 2002 left the legislature, where she was a chairwoman of the Human Services Committee.

Mr Marconi, nominated three months ago, said he knew he faced a tough battle against Mrs Johnson, an 11-term veteran. But Mr Marconi said he was willing to remain on the ballot unless Democrats found a more well-known and stronger candidate.

“It was with great frustration that I saw no prominent Democrat to step up to challenge Congresswoman Johnson. Therefore, I felt a duty to do so,” said Mr Marconi, who estimated he raised about $11,000.

Both Mr Marconi and Mr Jepsen said Mrs Johnson is still vulnerable, despite having raised more than $1 million for her reelection bid. They said Democrats just have to point out how Mrs Johnson has been a strong supporter of President Bush, who is unpopular in Connecticut.