"I want you to understand that I gave it up. My family needs me and they mean a lot to me and I have to be there for them," Newton told supporters at a news conference on the steps of city hall.
...
Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz said that Newton's seat would likely be filled by through a special election. (AP)
Newton is trying to salvage his pride, of course, by claiming that he wasn't forced to go. He also apparently made no reference to the scandals surrounding him.
He did the right thing, but why now? This was a very sudden announcement. It could be that a major break in the investigation is going to come out soon.
In any event, he is now gone. What will become of him after this is anybody's guess.
Source
"Embattled Newton says he'll resign from state Senate." Associated Press 15 September, 2005.
8 comments:
I don't think Newtown was thinking about the special election but rather that the feds had the goods on him.
If you read the article in today's CT post, it leaves you with the impression that the prosecutor is either close to indicting Newton or that Newton struck a deal.
From CT Post
Newton's expected announcement comes during a week in which the Bridgeport senator's lawyer, Salvatore C. DePiano, met at least twice with prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney's office in Bridgeport.
DePiano declined to comment on the meetings or whether a deal had been struck between Newton and prosecutors....
I don't think we've heard the last of this story yet.
Has there been speculation on who would run to fill his seat?
Don't know.
Rep. Caruso (D-Bridgeport) springs to mind. I believe that he lives in Newton's district.
I know Eddie Gomes is interested- he primaried Newton for the seat, and Charles Cowell- he is a state rep. I heard one more state rep from the district also, but I forget his name. i do not believe that Caruso is interesTed- he has power in the house now
It makes me very angry that Newton is playing the race card. He sounds just like Rowland, who whined that the media was trashing him, when he truly did commit numerous crimes. And referring to himself as Moses? This guy needs a slap in the face with the reality fish.
Look for Council President Andres Ayala and Rep. Lydia Martinez to vie for it.
Just a note, there will be plenty of folks on the ballot. Both parties, at caucuses, will endorse a candidate. There is no primary in a special election. Anyone else who wants on can get on the ballot via a petition. No one has to give up a seat to run, so there is no downside for anyone. An "upset" is possible since the votes get split so many ways.
How embarassing was Newton's speech? He blamed everyone else, called the media and prosecutors racist, and sounded generally incoherent.
This guys is an embarassment to the Democratic party and the Bridgeport. I am glad to see him gone. He can spend some time reflecting on his sins with Ganim and Rowland.
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