Ernie Newton says that he'll help inner-city youth learn how to run for political office.
BRIDGEPORT –– Back in the 1980s, Ernest Newton was leading a effort on the city’s mean streets called MOLD, which stands for “Minority Organization for Leadership Development.”
The idea behind MOLD was to create the next generation of leaders, be they state legislators, mayors or city councilmen, by teaching the have-nots of the lower East End and other pockets of poverty in Bridgeport how government works, and how to navigate the political landscape.
The Post caught up with Newton on Wednesday, a few hours after what must have been a crushing loss for the former state senator. He was hoping against hope that voters would give him a redemption of sorts by sending him back to the state Senate, two years after his release from prison.
“We had a lot of grass roots help with our campaign, and a lot of those people were interested in the political process, and they could get a lot out of a program like MOLD,” he said. “I’m thinking about bringing that back. We’re going to bring in those people and train them –– train them in politics. So that’s my goal.”
The unofficial results for the state Senate race in the 23rd district were Andres Ayala, 2129; Newton, 1739; Ed Gomes, 1138.
“On a one-on-one race, I would have won,” Newton told the Post. “I lost on absentee ballots, and you know how that goes in this town. I had the numbers to win that election.”
Despite the disappointing night for Newton, he was upbeat. “The sky is still the limit,” he said. “Who knows what might happen in the future?”
Newton said that he’s might consider a run for the state legislature, or even for the 23rd District seat when it’s contested again.
“I think I did very well,” he said. “I ran on a message of redemption and opportunity, and I think that there is a role for me to play.”
Go crawl back under a rock Newton….and stay there
@Charlie: Forgiving someone with a criminal history and voting for someone with a criminal history are two different things. You vote for people you believe in. I am no saint and my family has had its fair share of drug problems. I can say though, if God is going to judge me on not voting for someone who has FIVE FEDERAL CORRUPTION CONVICTIONS to his name, I’m fine with that. I’m sure God will understand my reasoning despite the fact that you don’t. I don’t feel bad for this Newton character one bit. He is getting what he deserves. You talk about how he should get a second chance…well, what about honest people with no history of Federal law breaking? Do they deserve a first chance? Or should we continue to elect criminals, which sends the message that its okay to comit crime, because we’re forgiving…? Think about it.
Bridgeport is for Ayala, enjoy making MOLD!
I must admit when I think of MOLD I think of people like Ernie…but usually it is the type of mold you see on rancid food. Should we expect to see more of Ernie? Oh ABSOLUTELY! I expect to see his picture on Post Office Walls all over this land!
I HOPE ALL OF YOU WHO CAN’T GIVE FOLKS A SECOND CHANCE IN LIFE ARE PERFECT HUMAN BEINGS BECAUSE YOU WILL ULTIMATELY BE JUDGED BY THE ALMIGHTY AND I YOUR LEVEL OF FORGIVENESS WILL BE CONSIDERED. “OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN …………. AND FORGIVE US OUR TREASPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US” REMEMBER YOU WILL BE JUDGED FOR YOUR SINS TOO.
Why would anyone want him in public office? But, I suppose he’ll run for state rep again and the idiots (all 1739 of them) will vote for him. Don’t they realize that he violated the public trust and does not deserve to represent them. He stole once (that we know of). What makes anyone sure he won’t do it again, now knowing how to get around the legalities of what got him in jail in the first place?
This egomaniac will continue to hang around,trying to get his face on TV,or in the paper.Get a clue,Ernie.We are embarassed of you and also for you.Get a job,make a living (an honest one,for a change)and fade away.We don’t want you