Retiring House Speaker James Amann, D-Milford, the only Democrat so far campaigning for governor, announced a pretty significant endorsement yesterday.
The Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association of Connecticut held an event backing Amann in his hometown.
“It was awesome. They had 30 guys there from all over the state,” said Amann, who wanted to make sure The Advocate was aware of the association’s decision so Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy would read about it.
You see, Malloy has said he too is interested in running for governor in 2010 after losing the 2006 primary to New Haven Mayor John DeStefano.
But Malloy like most state Democrats is waiting for Attorney General Richard Blumenthal of Greenwich to decide his own political future and whether he might run.
Amann said the firefighters’ backing MUST have Malloy considering dropping out before he’s officially entered the race.
“It just brings my campaign to another level,” he said. “These guys work. They’ll be out there, making calls.”
Malloy’s response?
“Firefighters are great. Love ‘em. If I run for Governor I expect I’ll have a large percentage of votes of fire fighters from across the state,” Malloy said. “That being said, congratulations to Jim.”
UPFA President Pete Carozza said Amann approached the group.
“Jim called us and asked us for support,” Carozza said. “We brought it before out political action committee and to our executive board. He did appear and personally asked for our endorsement. We brought it to our delegates – our 60 affiliated locals throughout the state last month. And they voted unanimously to endorse him.”
