Date: Fri 06-Feb-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

politics-Schlesinger-5th-Dist

Full Text:

Former Derby Mayor Joins 5th District Race

(with cut)

Former Derby mayor and state representative Alan Schlesinger officially

announced his candidacy for Connecticut's 5th Congressional District Tuesday

in Shelton.

The Republican will attempt to unseat first-term Democrat Jim Maloney, who

took office more than a year ago after knocking off Republican Gary Franks.

Mr Schlesinger says he has been encouraged in his bid, knowing that Mr

Maloney's 5th District seat is one of the top targets for Republicans in the

Northeast and among the top ten nationwide.

In his announcement, the former six-term state representative assured his

supporters that "this campaign of bringing back responsible representation to

the 5th District would be an inclusive effort that would be brought to each

voter's doorstep."

Mr Schlesinger called the incumbent's record "pleasant rhetoric and little

else." He said Mr Maloney's record in the state legislature as well as in

Congress has consistently supported increased government spending and "blind

loyalty" to big labor, which Mr Schlesinger claims has bankrolled his two

congressional races.

Mr Schlesinger is undefeated in nine elections for state and local office and

has unseated three incumbents. The candidate said well-known political

strategist Ed Rollins is advising him in his campaign.