Milford Alderman Announces Challenge To Rosa DeLauro, Local Democrats Question The Move

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

MILFORD, CT – Bryan Anderson calls himself a “change agent” which is why he isn’t afraid to take on the powerful Rosa DeLauro for 3rd District Congressional seat that DeLauro has held for close to three decades.

On Tuesday, Anderson, an alderman in Milford used Milford City Hall as his backdrop to announce that he is challenging DeLauro for the seat she’s he’d since January of 1991.

Top Democratic leaders in Milford, including the mayor, later criticized Anderson for taking on someone in his own party, stating DeLauro had “been a friend” to Milford and that Anderson should concentrate on being a Milford alderman instead.

Anderson, a former New Haven city alderman, also made campaign stops in New Haven and Hamden later on Tuesday.

He said he understands his task won’t be easy.

“I made the decision to run not knowing whether Rosa was going to be a candidate or now,” Anderson, 62, said after his appearance in Milford. “I want to give people an opportunity to hear a different viewpoint.

“If you don’t like the way Congress works then you have to change your representative,” Anderson said.

As to whether DeLauro, 74, will be running for another term in 2018 - her campaign manager put that question quickly to rest.

“I can confirm that the congresswoman is running for re-election,” Jimmy Tickey, DeLauro’s campaign manager said. “Rosa is totally focused on defeating the dangerous forces at work in Washington DC.

Anderson is also a former elected official in the city of New Haven and town of Hamden - both part of the 25 municipalities that encompass the 3rd District.

At his campaign kickoff on the steps of Milford City Hall, Anderson repeatedly uttered his campaign slogan: “A New Way for a Better Day.”

A group of supporters, including families and friends, cheered on his announcement.

“I run not out of hubris or ego, but with a firm desire to make a difference and a firm commitment to serve,” Anderson said. “These times call for more of us who recognize the challenges to seize the opportunity and be willing to stand for change.

Anderson, who is serving his third term as an alderman in Milford, listed three issues that he said he would be championing during the campaign: health care, the end of the war in Afghanistan and jobs and economic security.

On health care, Anderson said: “I believe healthcare is a right. America needs to embrace its daughters and sons who deserve real health care coverage.

“In a country where innocent babies are born with acute medical maladies, where increasing numbers of adults need long term care, and with profound compassion for family members who can’t afford their prescription drug costs, Americans deserve to have peace of mind in an accessible, stable, and affordable model that covers everyone,” Anderson said.

Anderson said he, if elected, will fight and be a sponsor of any House version of “Medicare for All” legislation.

On Afghanistan, Anderson said: “America’s sons and daughters today find themselves engaged overseas in Afghanistan, where still at war. Afghanistan has become America’s longest war with seemingly no end in sight.

“Our prolonged involvement has led to mission creep and an interchangeable enemy. We need to cut our losses, negotiate for power-sharing, and set a strategy for the rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops,” Anderson said.

On jobs and economic security, Anderson said the last major project for the Greater New Haven region was the Pearl Harbor (Q Bridge) project “and that was 27 years ago.”

“What is the next project for our region? Anderson, who pointed to the fact that his background includes large amount of economic development work, asked.

Anderson, who was born in New Haven, has worked on development projects such as Marketplace of Hamden, Aspen Glen and Towne Walk of Hamden Hills, Casa Otonal, Union Station and the Shubert Theatre.

His resume includes stints as Housing Authority Director in New Haven and economic development director in Hamden.

He also spent time as a congressional aide in Washington, for former 4th District U.S. Rep. Stewart McKinney.

Anderson said he knows he faces another obstacle besides name recognition when it comes to taking on the well known DeLauro.

Namely, money.

“I certainly can’t match her dollar for dollar when it comes to raising money,”

Anderson said. But he added he has been able to raise money in the past in his other political campaigns and will work hard to do so this time, also.

While Anderson was surrounded by supporters in Milford, some leaders in the city weren’t happy with his decision to take on someone in his own party.

Democratic Town Chairman Richard Smith said: “This announcement leaves all of us, including voters, confused; why he’s asking for their vote for Aldermen when he’s running for Congress?

“Bryan is running against Rosa DeLauro. Rosa has been, and continues to be, a loyal and tireless supporter of all of us here in Milford. She has always been there for us when we called her, spent countless hours at local events and meetings. She has always been an advocate for the ideals and principles of the working and middle class, defending families, children, the elderly, the environment, women, and jobs. Her work has earned her well-deserved support, winning with huge majorities, and drawing votes from across the aisle. She has earned the trust and support of people across our city.”

Democratic Mayor Benjamin Blake added: “There's no better friend of Milford than Rosa DeLauro. During tragedies and disasters, she's here with a steady hand and a tireless work ethic bringing comfort and support to those in need.

“She has been an ally not only of my administration but of prior administrations as well. She is one of the more effective members of Congress and we are fortunate to have her representing our City.”

Blake added: “I would hope Bryan would reset his sights on running, winning, and serving on our Board of Aldermen where he can make a positive difference.”