Planet Fitness Owner Decides on Waging Primary for Kennedy Seat

The owner of several Planet Fitness gyms in the area who challenged former Major League Baseball player Adam Greenberg for the Republican 12th Senate District seat has decided not to wage a primary against Greenberg.

Greenberg won the GOP nod against Jerry Mastrangelo.

Here is what Mastrangelo said about his decision not to wage a primary for the seat that is currently held by Ted Kennedy, Jr. Christine Cohen is the Democratic candidate for the seat.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to inform you, that after much reflection, I have decided to suspend my campaign for state senate. This was a difficult decision to make, especially because of all the incredible support I received from hundreds of you in the 12th district. I am deeply humbled and grateful.

“Many have asked me why I am suspending my campaign and I believe it is important that I share my thoughts and reasons with all of you. Going into the convention on May 14th, I was excited to have exceeded our campaign financial goal as well as the signature requirements needed for the state election funding...thanks to all of you.

“Further, I received solid commitments of support from many town delegates, enough to warrant a primary runoff. However, to my shock, last minute phone calls and pressure from party leadership in Hartford persuaded many of my committed delegates to change their vote, leaving me just 1 vote shy from qualifying for a primary runoff. This now meant that in order to stay in this race, I needed to capture an additional 792 signatures from district registered Republicans.

“Initially undaunted, we began to mobilize. Unfortunately, however, over the past few days, I received word that not only would a primary runoff be unwanted and unsupported by the Republican Party, I also began hearing rumors about potential negative campaigning that would affect my family and loved ones. To me, that is unacceptable.

“Although I believe that the primary process would have given our constituents a voice in choosing their Republican candidate, it would also have been a very difficult and uphill process for me to continue and I do not want to put my family through any potential negative attacks. Regretfully, I am therefore suspending my campaign and working with my team to wrap things up. Again, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

“I look forward to continuing to be an advocate for our families and children, and for the ideals that make our country great. I look forward to thanking all of you personally for your tremendous support.”