Big City CT Mayor Endorses Ned Lamont For Governor

GREENWICH, CT — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ned Lamont this week received the endorsement of New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, Lamont's campaign announced.

"For months I’ve said I’ll support the candidate I believe will be the best Governor for all Connecticut cities, and that candidate is Ned Lamont," said Mayor Harp in a statement. "Ned Lamont understands that the cities in this state need infrastructure investment to spur economic development, and he understands the state budget must consistently support our cities. Ned’s unique experience as a businessman and local leader, coupled with his track record as a progressive make him the right leader for our state."

Since announcing his candidacy in January, his second attempt at the state's top office, the Greenwich resident also has received the endorsement of Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen and others.

"I am honored to earn Toni Harp’s endorsement and proud to have her standing with me today," said Lamont. "From her tireless service in the legislature to her leadership in New Haven, Mayor Harp is a real change maker who puts the people of New Haven and Connecticut first."

He continued, "Mayor Harp is a leader on the pressing issues that all of our cities face today. She has prioritized keeping all of her citizen’s safe by protecting New Haven’s status as a sanctuary city. She is a force of good on public education. She has made tough decisions and lead serious fiscal reforms. Mayor Harp will be a critical partner as we build the grassroots movement that will bring opportunity and growth to our cities.

"Our cities face significant challenges, but they are also the heartbeat of hope for our future. As Governor I will be a partner to all of our Mayor’s and local leaders."

In addition to Harp and Jepsen, others to endorse Lamont include Commissioner Jonathan Harris, East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc, Milford Mayor Ben Blake, Woodbridge First Selectwoman Beth Heller, Bridgewater First Selectman Curtis Read, State Rep. Sean Scanlon, State Rep. Mike DiMassa, State Rep. Michelle Cook, New Britain City Council President Eva Magnuszewski, Waterbury Board of Education Chair and former State Rep. Liz Brown, former Woodbridge First Selectwoman Ellen Scalettar and Fairfield DTC Chair Steve Sheinberg.

From Lamont's release:

Ned Lamont has leveraged his lifelong experience in the academic and business worlds to create jobs in Connecticut. For the past decade Ned has been training the next generation of entrepreneurs as a professor at Central Connecticut State University. Ned Lamont became a well-known figure in Connecticut politics when he challenged Joe Lieberman in the Democratic primary in 2006 over the Iraq War. In 2008 he was the Chair of the Obama campaign and helping him win the support of Connecticut Democrats. In 2010 he challenged Dan Malloy in the primary for the nomination for Governor, saying that if real political courage wasn’t shown Connecticut would find itself in an economic crisis ten years later.

Photo of Ned Lamont via Twitter

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