07/29/08 PRESS RELEASE: Himes and Statewide Officers Call for Change in Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 29, 2008 Contact: Michael Sachse, 646 265-0556, Michael@HimesforCongress.com HIMES AND STATEWIDE OFFICERS CALL FOR CHANGE IN WASHINGTON Connecticut Democratic leaders gather to endorse Jim Himes for Congress BRIDGEPORT, CT - Leaders from across the state gathered with a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters today on McLevy Green, just across from Bridgeport's City Hall, to discuss the need for change in Washington and endorse Jim Himes, Democratic candidate for Congress. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, and State Comptroller Nancy Wyman were unanimous in endorsing Himes as the person best equipped to bring real change to Washington. Surrounded by Bridgeport community and political leaders, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal described Himes as a "unique and historically qualified candidate," who suits "this unique and historic opportunity." "Jim Himes has worked for everything he has. He brings dedication and distinction as a result of those experiences. I'm very proud to stand here supporting Jim Himes." State Comptroller Nancy Wyman seconded Blumenthal's endorsement. "I look at Jim's background and I know that he understands that we need to change what's going on in Washington when it comes to our fiscal future." "When we talk about a candidate of change, we've got to talk about Jim Himes," added Wyman. "Jim Himes will take the American dream and make it an American reality." Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz described Himes as a "candidate with tremendous energy." Pointing out the crowds of young Himes supporters in attendance, Bysiewicz noted, "Young people are leading the way. They know we're at a critical point." Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch argued that only Democrats deliver results for the middle class, "My family is a middle class family. And the Finches never did better than in the 1990s, when we had a Democratic president and a Democratic Congress." Himes, who attended public schools and went on to become a Rhodes Scholar and Vice President at Goldman Sachs before running the New York office of a national affordable housing non-profit, stated that he can deliver results for the middle class. "I'm running to bring new energy to the American dream," said Himes. "As someone who grew up in a small town with a single working mother and managed to achieve success, I know that opportunity is at the heart of the American dream. Yet, for families today, opportunity is slipping away. Health care costs, energy costs, and struggling schools are urgent problems that need federal attention. That is particularly true here in Bridgeport, and it's why I'm so proud to stand here with Bridgeport leaders and our constitutional officers to work together for real change. Issues that matter to Connecticut's families will be a priority for me in Congress." The unified group of political and community leaders who attended to support Jim Himes included Mayor Bill Finch, Judge of Probate Paul Ganim, State Senator Ed Gomes, State Representative Bob Keeley, State Representative Don Clemons, State Representative Andres Ayalla, Democratic candidates for State Senate Anthony Musto and Marilyn Moore, and Ezequiel Santiago, Lydia Martinez, and Michelle Mount, Democratic candidates for State Representative. ============================================ Please send your comments and press releases to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com