Myself and a few other staffers at Hearst newspapers today met with ex-legislator-turned-felon-turned-state Senate candidate Ernest Newton II to talk further about his winning the endorsement of the Bridgeport Democratic Party.
We’ve reported Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch tried to convince Newton not to run. And this afternoon I spoke with several other folks who agreed Newton’s return to the state Senate would only hurt Bridgeport’s chances of turning around a reputation for producing corrupt politicians.
Newton’s response to critics? Listen to Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy.
At least twice during our conversation Newton referred to comments the governor made to reporters at the Capitol today when asked to weigh in on Newton’s candidacy.
“The governor said today it’s not my choice to tell people not to run, it’s the people’s choice,” Newton told us.
Read Malloy’s actual comments as reported by the Hartford Courant’s Chris Keating.
As for Newton’s views about Finch’s advice?
“Bill Finch is the mayor, but he ain’t my father,” Newton said.