Fourth District Democrats Choose Jim Himes for Congress
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
BRIDGEPORT, CT - On Monday, May 12, in an auditorium filled with more than 400 hundred enthusiastic party officials, delegates, and supporters, Jim Himes was unanimously chosen as the Democratic nominee for Congress in Connecticut's Fourth Congressional District. Himes will challenge longtime Republican incumbent Chris Shays in the fall.
In a speech frequently interrupted by applause, Himes focused on economic concerns, identifying education, healthcare and the middle class opportunity as the key issues facing the district.
"It is our job, our common purpose to support the American dream by making sure that every child of Connecticut has access to education, to healthcare, to safe neighborhoods and good jobs," said Himes.
Himes described himself as someone who has lived the American dream. Born in Peru to American parents working abroad, Himes later moved to a small town in New Jersey when his parents divorced.
"My home would be called broken, except that it wasn't," said Himes. "My mom worked hard, but at the end of the day, she would come home and gather us around the dinner table and push us to do our homework and challenge us to do our best."
Himes described that background, and the public schools in his community, as the key to his later achievements, which include a Rhodes Scholarship, success as a businessman, and six years at the helm of the New York office of an affordable housing non-profit.
The convention was held at the Cesar A. Batalla School in Bridgeport, the newest school in the Bridgeport system. Principal Hector Sanchez welcomed delegates. George Jepson, former chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party, was elected permanent chair of the convention. Himes was nominated by Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch. The nomination was seconded by Amanda Brown of the Norwalk Common Council.
Democratic party leaders were unanimous in their enthusiasm for Himes' candidacy. Former Westport First Selectwoman and two-time Congressional candidate Diane Farrell opened the convention. "People want a change and Jim Himes is the right candidate to deliver it."
Former Senate candidate Ned Lamont also spoke in support of Himes, saying, "The United States needs a fresh start, and it starts right here, right now in this convention hall with Jim Himes."
And, noting Himes years in Latin America, Bridgeport School Board Chair Max Medina said in Spanish, "This Jim Himes, he's good people."
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