NORWALK, Conn. – Local Democrats are already starting to line up for the fall election – the one in 2014.
Common Councilman David Watts, who is running for re-election in District A, has formed an exploratory committee for a state representative run. While Watts lives in the 142nd district, a source close to the situation said the councilman is considering challenging state Rep. Chris Perone, who represents the 137th district.
Perone filed his papers for re-election on Aug. 8.
“I’m pretty busy and I don’t want to start off at the last minute,” Perone said. “It’s a little earlier than I usually do. It always involves a lot of running around, so I would just as soon start it sooner.”
He said he didn’t know if Watts was planing to run against him. “It’s an exploratory, so there’s not much else I can comment about it other than that,” he said.
Watts filed the papers for his committee on April 4. He also emphasized that it is an exploratory committee, and would not comment on the rumor that he’s considering taking on Perone.
“This is a way to bring maximum pressure to the city delegation and the powers that be because Norwalk has been shortchanged by the state,” he said. “This is an attempt to, number one, bring awareness to state issues and continue to discuss issues that I feel strongly about, as far as the state goes.”
Watts made many trips to Hartford as the legislative session came to an end in June, posting on Facebook numerous photos from inside the Capitol.
“I became kind of the voice of Norwalk going up to Hartford and advocating for Norwalk citizens,” he said.
On July 9 Watts’ exploratory committee filed an end-of-the-quarter financial report – the councilman had raised $3,482.05. He would need to raise $5,000 to get a matching grant from the state.
His contributors include Common Councilman John Igneri (D-District E), who donated $100; Common Councilman Carvin Hilliard (D-District B), who donated $120; and state Sen. Toni Harp, the endorsed Democratic candidate for mayor of New Haven, who donated $100.
Watts said recently that he owes his political career to Harp.
Other notable contributors:
Vinny Mangiacopra $100
Tony Ditrio $100
Tammy Grimes McPherson $25
Michael Discala $100
Donna Discala $100
Mike Mushak $75
Mike Barbis $25
Darnell Crosland $105
Warren Peña $15
The source said Watts could run for the 137th seat even if he doesn’t live in the district. If he wins he would have to move.
Democratic Registrar Stuart Wells said Watts would not have to go far.
“Watts lives ‘two blocks and a cemetery’ away from the nearest District 137 line (Riverside Avenue),” Wells said in an email. “I’m not sure when he would have to move into the district in order to represent it – on the off-chance he won the (likely) primary and general election.”
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