Morrison’s Out

Citing a lack of ​“traction,” John Morrison has bowed out of the race for state representative for the 96th General Assembly District.

Morrison (at left in above photo) filed his papers to withdraw his candidacy last week. The Hamden historian declined to endorse either of his former opponents in the Democratic primary, East Rock psychologist Debra Hauser or East Rock Alderman Roland Lemar (center and right in photo).

Lemar and Hauser are now in a two-way race for the state House of Representatives seat occupied by State Rep. Cam Staples, who is stepping down at the end of his term.

The 96th district comprises parts of Hamden and New Haven, including East Rock, Wooster Square, and Fair Haven. Morrison’s departure puts Hamden’s votes up for grabs.

On Tuesday, Morrison said he had decided to drop out because his campaign couldn’t get enough ​“traction.”

“I came in too late,” he said. Morrison entered the race at the end of May at the nominating convention.

He said he was finding himself with too much to do and not enough time before the Aug. 10 primary. The primary was in September last year. ​“It just doesn’t give you enough time,” he said.

Summer is a difficult season to campaign in, since so many voters go on vacation, Morrison said.

He declined to throw his support behind either Hauser or Lemar. ​“Right now, may the best candidate win,” he said. ​“I just wish both candidates well. It’s hard to pick a favorite.”

Morrison expressed satisfaction with his role in the race. He said he got the other candidates to discuss progressive taxation and the underfunding of Education Cost Sharing in Hamden by the state. ​“That’s an issue now,” he said. ​“We got our issues out there.”

How does he feel about dropping out?

“It’s very relaxing,” Morrison said. He no longer has to wake up at 5 a.m. and worry about fundraising, and the many other concerns of a candidate. ​“I can enjoy my summer.”