Rob Blanchard, Newtown resident and Democratic candidate for state senator in the 28th District, held a Democratic candidate meet and greet at his Main Street home on Saturday, August 8.

The event was hosted in conjunction with the Democratic Town Committee, and featured Blanchard, along with Michelle Embree Ku, the Democratic candidate for state representative in the 106th District, and Julie Kerton, the Democratic candidate for state representative in the 107th District.

State Senator Richard Blumenthal, who had been on the floor of the United States Senate until 5:15 am that morning, returned to Connecticut and managed to join the gathering as a special guest.

For the candidates, the event served as an opportunity to connect with their Newtown neighbors.

"It not only gives us a chance to talk a little more about why we're running to represent them in Harford, but also to hear about the issues that matter most to them," Blanchard said.

Several dozen people attended the event, originally gathering outside Blanchard's home. Even when inclement weather drove everyone inside, people talked amongst themselves as they enjoyed sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. There was also a QR code to donate to the Newtown Democratic Town Committee, along with informational handouts on each of the candidates.

Newtown Democratic Town Committee Chair Alex Villamil thanked everyone for coming despite the weather. Their commitment, Villamil said, is what drives them and keeps their candidates door knocking.

He handed the floor over to Blanchard, who welcomed everyone to his home. Blanchard felt they gathered because what they are experiencing nationally and throughout their state is this polarization, this divisiveness, that has made people feel disengaged.

"And so opportunities like this to bring people together, talk about the issues that matter most to us and our communities, are really, really important," Blanchard said.

He told everyone that he, like a lot of people, is part of a young family impacted by the cost of living. Blanchard said the high prices of childcare, groceries, and utilities are not just specific to Newtown, and have been an issue for seniors and young families across Fairfield County.

"And I think that we need new leaders with bold new ideas to take on these challenges, and that's why I'm running," Blanchard said. "I've spent my career in public service one way or another, but I really want to find a way to give back and give Newtown the voice it deserves."

Blanchard said the seat for state senator in the 28th District is open for the first time in 12 years, but that the last time a Democrat held it was when Richard Nixon was in office as president of the United States.

"We need all Democrats energized coming together this fall, because I know we hear it every two years, but there really is a lot at stake here," Blanchard said.

He continued by saying that Connecticut is lucky it has not experienced the full impact of President Donald Trump's administration. Blanchard said this is because they have stood up to the Trump administration because of the state's fiscal management when faced with cuts to support for agriculture and food insecurity, as well as public health grants.

However, if they do not have people that will stand up and support those kinds of initiatives, Blanchard said they will "feel the full impact."

"I couldn't be more lucky to be running with candidates here in Newtown like Michelle [Embree Ku] and Julie [Kerton] ... but coming here is the first step. Hopefully we'll get out there and knock on doors when it stops raining," Blanchard said. "But thank you guys for everything you've done for me. Let's go win this race."

Kerton spoke next. She said that, one year ago, she would not have seen herself standing before everyone like this. However, Kerton was asked by her Democratic Town Committee chair one day if she would consider running for state representative.

She thought about it, weighed the pros and cons, and thought, "What if I fail? But what if I can make a difference?"

Kerton added, "I was so tired of marching, protesting, keeping my mouth shut, that I had to say yes."

She said that she cares deeply about what is happening in the country, and believes it is really important that people step up and vote. Healthcare and education are topics that matter tremendously to her, with Kerton saying that she does not think they should be for-profit industries.

Afterwards, Embree Ku took the floor. She thanked the Blanchards for opening up their home to everyone for the event, and the Newtown Democratic Town Committee for hosting it as well.

Embree Ku also thanked everyone who has been a part of the election process. She said they had a very lively Democratic caucus back in May.

"There were so many people involved in that, and it is so important that we all come together now as Democrats and make sure that we're supporting all of our candidates in Newtown," Embree Ku said. "I really appreciate all of that energy that we had in May, and I hope that we can bring it forward all the way through November."

Embree Ku said she has heard some people say "it seems like a given" that Democrats will win this election cycle, but she said it is not.

She continued by saying they need people who have a voice in the conversation who can say, "Newtown needs expanded I-84 access," and "Newtown needs to stop seeing traffic through town," and to tackle other issues such as healthcare and education.

"It's time we stop sending somebody to Hartford who votes no on everything and just opposes everything that happens. I mean, we can oppose things that happen in Hartford, we can be the Democratic voices that oppose things and fight for Newtown, but it's got to be the right issues," Embree Ku said.

Blumenthal, who arrived a little ways into the event, said he could not tell everyone how excited he was to be there. More than anything else, he wanted to tell everyone thank you, including Villamil, Blanchard, Embree Ku, and Kerton for stepping forward.

Blumenthal said this year is incredibly critical, and really demands that kind of leadership and courage, putting a face and voice on the values they have: freedom and democracy.

"People, faces, and voices embody those values, and are what win elections," Blumenthal said.

He said Trump wants to suppress the vote and stop access to the polls. Blumenthal continued by saying Trump is creating a culture of fear surrounding the election, and that is why they need the kind of turnout they have been working to achieve.

In terms of elections, Blumenthal said he and his colleagues across the country are preparing for the worst, preparing teams of litigators and poll watchers.

"The backbone for this election effort, at the end of the day, is you. We can talk about all the things we're preparing to do if things go sideways, but to make things go right, we need you," Blumenthal said.

=====

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.