Cope Wins Nomination for 5th District to Challenge Esty

Clay Cope has won the nomination for the 5th District. The votes were 226 for Cope and 21 for Bill Stevens, according to Bethel Republican Town Committee Chairman Bill Hillman.

Cope is ending Monday on a high note with the victory after responding to an attack from Stevens in which he accused Cope of having an arrest record. Cope explained in a statement released Monday morning that he does not have an arrest record. He said his identity was stolen and used as an alias by his younger brother who was a drug addict.

"It is inexcusable – and especially unfair to voters trying to make an informed decision -- when candidates like Bill Stevens become so desperate to win an election that they knowingly spread untruths about an opponent. There is no place for such vile smear tactics and character assassination in politics. Bill Stevens should be ashamed," Cope said.

Cope will challenge Elizabeth Esty for the 5th Congressional District of Connecticut which, according to Wikipedia, includes:

• Fairfield County - Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, Newtown, and Sherman.
• Hartford County - Avon, Burlington, Canton, Farmington, New Britain, Plainville, and Simsbury.
• Litchfield County - Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Harwinton, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Milford, Norfolk, North Canaan, Plymouth, Roxbury, Salisbury, Sharon,Thomaston, Torrington (part), Warren, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury.
• New Haven County - Cheshire, Meriden, Middlebury, Southbury, Waterbury (part), and Wolcott.

Esty, a Democrat who lives in Cheshire, serves as Vice Chair for the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and has worked with Sandy Hook families to promote "sensible gun policies, expanded criminal background checks on all commercial gun sales, stricter penalties for illegal gun trafficking and straw purchases, a ban on high-capacity magazines, and a firm and lasting commitment to mental health services," her website states.

Cope, a Republican who currently serves as the First Selectman of Sherman, said if elected he will work on advancing a conservative fiscal agenda of lower taxes, reduced Federal spending, and a fair or simplified tax structure.

"I believe voters in the 5th District want a Representative in Congress who mirrors their values who will Make Washington Work and deliver Prosperity and Security via more and better paying jobs, a stronger economy -– and a sense of both family and personal security that is sadly missing today," Cope said.

Cope has criticized Esty's lack of contact with each of the town's citizens in the 41-town district since she took office in 2012 from Sen. Chris Murphy.

Photo by Bethel Republican Town Committee Chairman Bill Hillman.