Working Families Endorsements in Democratic Legislative Primaries

by: Jon Kantrowitz

Sat Jul 31, 2010 at 09:25:39 AM EDT

The Working Families Party has endorsed:

John Fonfara for State Senate (1st SD)

Leo Canty for State Representative (15th HD)

Pat Dillon for State Representative (92nd HD)

Gary Holder-Winfield for State Representative (94th HD)

Roland Lemar for State Representative (96th HD)

Fonfara is an incumbent.
Canty is running against incumbent, David Baram
Dillion is an incumbent.
Holder Winfield is a one-term incumbent.
Lemar is running for an open seat, formerly held by Cam Staples who isn't running for re-election.
 

"I'm running because I think voters in my district deserve someone  to stand up for them, who will fight to lower energy costs, to restructure our tax system and make property taxes more affordable for middle class families, and to invest in green jobs and in our schools," said Roland Lemar, candidate for State Representative in the 96th House District in New Haven. "I'm proud to earn the support of the Working Families Party, because I know they share my values and will stand with me on the side of  hard working families trying to make it through this recession."

The Working Families Party activists will knock on doors in priority districts to promote their endorsed candidates and mobilize voters. In low turn-out primaries, a concerted door to door field operation like the WFP's can help get a candidate's supporters to the polls.

"Having the support of the Working Families Party was valuable to my reelection two years ago, and I'm proud to have their support again," said State Senator John Fonfara. "They always stand on the side of hard working families. When it comes to door knocking, I can't think of anyone that works harder or does it better."

The Working Families Party evaluates the records of all the candidates, and then endorses the candidates who best match the party's stands on issues like creating good jobs, making healthcare more affordable and fair taxes for middle class families.

In 2008, over 80,000 voters cast their votes for Congress on the Working Families line -- about 5% of the total vote statewide. Observers say that Working Families voters could make the difference in close races around the state this year.

The Working Families Party more often endorses Democrats but has endorsed moderate Republicans and independent candidates. In Hartford, Bridgeport and Windham, WFP has succeeded in electing its own members to municipal office.