New Haven Independent

Alpert: Don’t Forget Me

by Paul Bass | January 6, 2010 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

He’ll need a new brand of soap. But Merrick Alpert continued running hard for the U.S. Senate Wednesday even though his chief target, Chris Dodd, dropped out.

Alpert has been waging an underdog campaign for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. His argument has been: the five-term Democratic incumbent, Chris Dodd, can’t be reelected, in part because of ethics scandals. At a Dec. 29 New Haven political gathering two weeks ago, Alpert handed out bars of soap (pictured) to make his point: The wrapper read, “Won’t it Be Nice To Have A Clean Senator.”

The gimmick dissolved Wednesday as Dodd conceded Alpert’s point — he’s too unpopular to win — but a squeaky-clean new front-runner emerged.

That front-runner is Dick Blumenthal. Blumenthal has served as attorney general, and a senator or governor in waiting, for two decades. He has a 78 percent approval rating, statewide name recognition as high as any brand of soap, and perhaps most importantly, no scandals attached to his name. Blumenthal announced Wednesday that he’s immediately jumping in to the race for the Democratic senatorial nomination to replace Dodd.

That didn’t faze Alpert. After touring a Plainville food pantry, he declared that he’ll “absolutely” remain in the race, despite the change in opponents.

“While some of the players may change, the issues facing the people of Connecticut don’t,” Alpert asserted. “People want to focus on private sector job creation, clean government, and getting out of Afghanistan. I’ll continue to discuss those issues. That’s what folks care about.”

He argued that people don’t care that much about “personalities.”

He said he “welcomes” Blumenthal into the race for the Democratic nomination.

“We need to have a vigorous primary process. That’s the best way to have an issues-based campaign and have the strongest Democratic candidate,” he said.

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Posted by: AndersonScooper | January 6, 2010 11:40 AM

Will Alpert now go back on FoxNews to sling mud at Dick Blumenthal?

And Paul, why give attention to just another Ferrucci?

Posted by: outof afghanistan | January 6, 2010 12:39 PM

Anderson you are wrong. The issue that matters is Afghanistan, I don't think Alpert will sling anything unless Blumenthal cowtows to the current policy in Afghanistan. That's why Alpert marched across CT.

Posted by: RAY WILLIS | January 7, 2010 2:12 AM

I love Ralph Ferrucci, I've voted for him. But I think Merrick Alpert deserves a fairer-shake than that. He's clean shaven, doesn't look like he's come off of a bender, and the soap is just plain original. Maybe thats the difference between a mayoral/senatorial candidacy at work, but I think he's trying a bit harder than Ralph Ferrucci (Who I will continue voting for as long as he continues appearing on ballots).

Posted by: Serious Dem | January 7, 2010 11:39 AM

Fantastic news, Mr. Alpert! Why would a candidate who had the strength of conviction to enter the race against heavily-entrenched incumbent Senator Dodd back in May - when no other likely candidate (especially "one in waiting" like Dick Blumenthal) had the courage to challenge Dodd - back down now? From what I know of Mr. Alpert and his campaign, this is principled candidate who is running to give Connecticut citizens a dedicated and genuine advocate in the Senate. Mr. Alpert is the refreshing voice of honesty and integrity that this state and nation need. Those disbelievers - like Andersonscooper above - who supported Dodd were wrong to doubt Mr. Alpert, and those who are incredulous now hopefully will realize that Blumenthal is not the answer we need. For after a lengthy career as an elected official, he represents the same entitlement-driven, status quo, rank-and-file politics that Senator Dodd's candidacy promised.

Alpert: Don’t Forget Me

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