Meriden Democratic town committee Chairwoman Mildred Torres-Ferguson said four Meriden delegates had supported Gerry Garcia because Meriden is a diverse city. When Torres-Ferguson heard about the deal made between Garcia and Jonathan Harris, she said she demanded to know whether Garcia would ask his supporters to vote for a specific candidate, or whether they would be free to vote their conscience. Many were upset that Garcia asked them to release their votes to Harris, Torres-Ferguson said.
“They were Denise voters to begin with,” she said, referring to House Majority Leader Denise Merrill, who eventually won the party’s endorsement for secretary of the state.
Mark LaPlaca, chairman of the Democratic town committee in Mansfield, was excited to see Merrill, who is from his hometown, accept the endorsement Saturday, saying that the long-time lawmaker showed great political strength by beating her opponents in a close race.
“She was able to beat both of them essentially,” LaPlaca said.
Harris said he has already signed the papers, saying that he will primary. It was a great race, and his campaign worked hard, he said, adding that he came into Saturday as strong as possible. The deal with Garcia was reached during the voting, Harris said.
“It just sort of happened,” he said. “In the heat of the battle, we were able to talk.”