Blue State Blues: Fatigue and Frustration as Final Do-over Mayoral Election Looms in Connecticut’s Largest City
25th February 2024
It’s been nearly four months since a judge tossed out the results of a Democratic mayoral primary in Connecticut’s largest city due to allegations of ballot stuffing, sending voters repeatedly back to the polls and thrusting Bridgeport into an unflattering national spotlight.
Many frustrated local voters say they just want it to be over with.
A do-over general election on Tuesday will mark the fourth time registered Democrats have voted for the city’s next mayor, after the judge voided the initial primary over surveillance footage showing a supporter of incumbent Mayor Joe Ganim putting multiple absentee ballots into a drop box.
For those counting, there have now been two primaries and one general election, which didn’t count.
Democrats invented and almost monopolized the classic urban political machine, from Tammany in New York to Daley in Chicago. When it comes to graft and crooked elections, Democrats lead the field.