Himes wins backing to challenge Shays
Stamford Advocate, Tuesday, May 13, 2008
BRIDGEPORT - Democratic congressional candidate Jim Himes blamed Republicans for dividing the country as he accepted his party's endorsement Monday to unseat GOP incumbent Christopher Shays in the 4th District.
"We are at a unique moment in our history," said Himes, 41, a Rhodes Scholar trained businessman turned nonprofit executive, during the district convention at Cesar A. Batalla School.
"My opponent complains that our nation and our great party have become too partisan," he said.
"But he represents a party that has lost its way, abandoned the values of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, and sought advantage by turning American against American. Rich against poor, native against immigrant, black against white."
In his 13-minute speech, Himes, a Greenwich resident, blamed Shays for following George Bush "as he wrecked our economy, ravaged our consitution and ruined our nation's reputation in the world."
In seeking to unseat the 10-term incumbent, Himes, married and the father of two daughters, is taking on a formidable task. Shays was the sole Republican House member in New England to survive the Democrats in 2006.
But as they awaited his speech, delegates said they thought Himes had the qualifications and qualities to succeed.
"The country's in a different climate than even two years ago," said John Mitola, of Fairfield, referring to one of two races in which Shays narrowly withstood challenges by Diane G. Farrell, the former Westport first selectman.
"There's a lot of people who want us out of the war, and Shays is not going to give us that," said Norwalk Common Council President Fred Bondi.
"Jim's a solid guy," said Bridgeport district leader Daniel Roach, who also pointed to public distaste for the war.
"This year is our time," declared Linda Arden, of Stamford, who added she saw calls for change at every elective level.
Democrats from 17 towns ranging from Greenwich to a piece of Oxford in New Haven County rose to unite behind the man who would become the first Democrat elected since 1966. Despite the unanimous endorsement, Himes doesn't become the official nominee of his party until at least June 10, the deadline for filing petitions for a primary.
At least one potential candidate, Lee Whitnum, of Greenwich, has already applied for primary petitions.
Whitnum's name was not put in nomination, and delegates said they don't expect a serious challenge, as she hasn't made overtures for the support.
"She called me last night," said Jean Cayer, of Shelton, of the first time she heard from Whitnum.
By contrast, Himes has already campaigned for more than a year. He has appeared at an assortment of political events throughout the district, and perhaps more significantly, has amassed a campaign war chest that in late April stood at slightly more than $1 million, compared with nearly $1.25 million for Shays.
Himes said that his immediate goal will be to "harness the energy" present at the district convention.
