nothin “I Don’t Think He Needs To Answer That” | New Haven Independent

I Don’t Think He Needs To Answer That”

Mayoral candidate Kermit Carolina crashed the governor’s appearance at a polling station Tuesday, and Toni Harp stepped in to the governor’s defense.

The action took place Tuesday afternoon outside the Lincoln/Bassett School, the polling station for Newhallville’s Ward 20.

Malloy showed up there to support Harp, who’s one of four candidates — along Carolina, Justin Elicker, and Henry Fernandez — seeking the Democratic nomination in Tuesday’s primary election.

Melissa Bailey Photo

Malloy and Harp.

Malloy has endorsed Harp, and reiterated his support for the longtime state senator Tuesday to a ring of reporters.

As Malloy spoke, a van drove by several times blasting Carolina’s theme song, Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” so loudly that the governor had to stop talking. That’s very effective,” Malloy quipped.

Carolina, the principal of Hillhouse High School, waited until Malloy was done taking reporters’ questions. Then he jumped in. (Click on the video to watch the exchange.)

Why now?” Carolina asked. We’ve had homelessness for a long time, and I didn’t see you. We’ve had poverty in this city, and we haven’t seen you. Why now? Is it because of your political interests?”

Harp stepped between the two men to protect Malloy.

Why haven’t you come up to the state and actually advocated?” she shot back at Carolina. I don’t think [Malloy] needs to answer that question.”

Malloy grabbed Harp’s left shoulder and pulled her back as she spoke.

Carolina (right) greets city/town clerk candidate Sergio Rodriguez.

Carolina continued confronting Malloy.

We needed you here a long time ago,” Carolina told Malloy. I hope you’re not here to serve your political interests.”

I’m disappointed you wouldn’t allow the will of the people to make the decision,” instead of waiting until the Democratic primary to endorse a candidate,” Carolina added.

Malloy pledged to support the Democratic nominee in the general election.

If you win this primary, I’m going to be for you,” he said.

Carolina continued to ask why the governor had to meddle in New Haven’s election prior to the primary.

I happened to have a candidate in the race that I think would be superior,” Malloy said.

Let me be very clear. If you win the primary as a Democratic candidate, I’m supporting you,” Malloy pledged.

In an earlier conversation with reporters, Malloy was asked if he’s getting involved in New Haven because New Haven Democrats delivered him such a large margin of votes in 2010. Campaign workers affiliated with Yale’s UNITE HERE Locals 34 and 35 played a key role in electing Malloy. They’re backing Harp in this mayoral race.

I think it’s important to have an effective mayor in office,” Malloy replied. He said he picks sides in a mayoral races when there are great candidates” to support. 

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