Lyddy, Ferguson, Mount, Hovey Receive Endorsements

IPN Supports Lyddy for State Representative

The Independent Party of Newtown (IPN) is supporting incumbent Democrat Chris Lyddy in his bid for a second term as a state representative of the 106^th District representing Newtown.

"Chris has done an outstanding job representing Newtown, particularly in issues of local concern involving Housatonic Railroad and United Water," said IPN Chair Bruce Walczak.  "His performance as our state representative the past two years, his relationship with town leaders from all parties, and his contacts made in Hartford are assets which Newtown needs, especially in these difficult times. Newtown needs to take advantage of Chris's experience in Hartford to advocate for Newtown and to insure that Newtown continues to receive its fair share of revenue sharing. We also appreciate Chris's strong advocacy for children's needs and education, areas for which the IPN has also had strong advocacy."

The IPN met with the two candidates for 106^th district representative - Republican George Ferguson and Democrat Chris Lyddy - on September 30 to discuss their positions and views on a variety of issues and topics.  Each candidate met with a group of IPN members for approximately one hour.

Mr. Walczak said Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Lyddy were both given kudos by those present for their approach, openness and willingness to reach across the aisle. Both candidates had their individual strengths and would serve Newtown well.

"George Ferguson made a very favorable impression," said Mr. Walczak.  "George has distinguished himself as one of the Republicans on the Legislative Council who is open minded.  He is willing to listen to different points of view, to question the status quo and to take new approaches to issues when warranted.  We believe he would show these same traits as a state representative.   However, Chris has done an outstanding job as our current state representative.  His effective performance, his positions on critical issues and his enthusiasm for continuing to represent Newtown were decisive factors in our decision."

The Independent Party of Newtown is recognized by the Secretary of State as a local municipal political party. In the last municipal elections, the IPN ran candidates for First Selectman, Selectman, Legislative Council, Board of Education, Edmond Town Hall Manager, Police Commission, and the Board of Finance. The local election resulted in 10 IPN candidates now serving in elected positions, including Selectman Bill Furrier and multiple representatives on the Board of Education, the Legislative Council and the Police Commission. Since the 2010 election, other IPN members have been appointed to various town boards, commissions and task forces.  IPN candidates received upwards of 50% of the vote in some contests, and routinely received one out of every three votes cast in 2009.  

The IPN is uniquely focused on Newtown.  It is a separate and distinct political entity from the statewide Independent Party.  In order for the IPN to maintain its municipal party status, it cannot formally endorse a candidate for state office and place that candidate on the November ballot.

The Connecticut Independent Party agent Dr. Robert Fand, a resident of Bethel, has endorsed Mr. Ferguson and he will appear on that party's line on the ballot in November. The Independent Party of Newtown was never contacted by Dr. Fand and played no role in this endorsement.

Mr. Walczak said the IPN did not intend at this time to officially cast its support behind any other candidates for state elected office.

"Although Chris Lyddy's name will only be found on the November ballot under the Democratic line, the Independent Party of Newtown, Newtown's only local Independent Party, strongly supports returning Chris Lyddy to Hartford for a job well done and for what he will certainly accomplish in the future," said Mr. Walczak.

Ferguson Endorsed by Independent Party of Connecticut

Today (Sept. 23) Robert Fand, M.D., Agent of the Independent Party of Connecticut announced that he has filed a Certification of Party Endorsement with Connecticut's Secretary of State endorsing George Ferguson as his party's candidate for Newtown's 106th General Assembly seat.  

The Independent party of Connecticut has a general platform that stresses individual freedom, a free market economy, lower taxes, the reduction of government regulations and fair trade policies that reduce the U.S. trade imbalance and the country's subsequent loss of jobs to overseas companies.

Dr. Fand said: "We are endorsing this father, husband, businessman  and community leader because Connecticut needs the steady hand of a seasoned and caring leader to steer us through troubled waters.  Mr. Ferguson has pledged to work diligently to help put Connecticut on a path leading to economic sustainability.  He aspires for Connecticut to again be a place of economic vibrancy, as it was for hundreds of years, before failed policies, and irresponsible spending mortgaged our children's and Connecticut's future."

In doing so Dr. Fand indicated that the goals that Mr. Ferguson has set to guide him in his bid for office, resonate with his party's leadership.

Mount Endorsed by the Connecticut Police and Fire Union

Michele C. Mount, Democratic candidate for 112^th District State Representative, has recently earned the endorsement from the Connecticut Police and Fire Union.

Wherever you go in Connecticut, chances are you are being protected by one of their members who serve and protect our families 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Ms. Mount understands the importance of building a strong partnership with those that ensure our public safety.

When asked about her endorsement, Ms. Mount stated "The role first responders play in making and keeping Connecticut's residents safe is one of the most important roles to support. We can't underestimate the dedication these individuals have and their willingness to put their lives on the line each and every day. I am proud to be recognized as a true partner in ensuring they have the resources they need to maintain the utmost safety standards for our hospitals, schools, airports and highways."

Hovey Endorsed by National Federation of Independent Business

Last week the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) announced that it has endorsed DebraLee Hovey's candidacy for State Representative in Connecticut's 112^th House District.

NFIB is the nation's leading small business association with offices in Washington DC and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business.  NFIB's powerful network of grassroots activists sends their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique members-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America's free enterprise system.  NFIB's mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses.  More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

"This is an exciting endorsement because it is about small business which is dear to my heart and the heartbeat of our community.  I am so appreciative and honored that they recognize I have stayed the course and have always been in their corner" said Hovey.  "If we are going to move out of this economic recession it most likely will be the entrepreneurial spirit that does it."

DebraLee Hovey will appear on the November 2nd election ballot as the Republican Party Nominee for State Representative in the 112^th State House District which comprises all of Monroe and part of Newtown.