Gottlieb Ends Effort in 12th District and Endorses Democrat Cohen

GUILFORD, CT -Andy Gottlieb has ended his petitioning effort to primary for the Democratic State Senate nomination in the 12th District and endorsed Christine Cohen, the Democratic Party’s endorsed candidate. The District includes Branford, Guilford, Madison, Killingworth, Durham and North Branford.

Cohen will now face Republican Adam Greenberg in November for the seat currently occupied by Ted Kennedy Jr., who is not seeking re-election.

Gottlieb, 24, of Guilford, garnered just shy of the 1,014 signatures necessary to gain access to the Democratic ballot in the August 14th primary. Cohen received 53 of the 55 delegate votes at the 12th District Convention, making her the overwhelming choice of the District’s party leaders.

“Over the last few months,” Andy said, “I’ve had the great privilege of being a candidate for State Senate. I’m proud of the conversations we’ve had, the progressive platform we’ve put forward and the tireless efforts of my volunteers to get our message out. In just a short time, we accomplished a great deal. Today, I’m endorsing my friend Christine Cohen. I know she’ll serve the people of the 12th District with honor, integrity and compassion. Most importantly, I know that Christine will listen to her constituents, taking their needs into account as she navigates the exceedingly difficult political environment in Hartford.

While my own campaign is ending, I’m confident that the ideas and concerns that motivated me to run will find a home in Christine’s campaign. She and I share a strong commitment to moving Connecticut forward, and I’m excited to see her succeed in that noble mission. I urge all my supporters to rally behind Christine now and in November. This election will be critical for future progress, and her victory will be our victory.”

Cohen stated, “I believe in the Democratic process and I supported Andy’s right to collect signatures in an effort to participate in the primary. Andy is an important member of the Guilford Democratic Party, and I am honored to have his support. I look forward to working with him on the important issues facing our state, including fiscal stability, economic development, access to affordable healthcare, the environment and public education.”

Veronica Wallace, Chairwoman of the Guilford Democratic Town Committee, applauded Andy’s effort as well. “Andy is young, brilliant, and full of the new energy we feel in our party,” Wallace said. “He is a valuable member of our Guilford Democrats team. Our victory at the polls in November in large part depends on new voices and renewed activism like Andy’s, and he will be an asset to our Christine Cohen for State Senate campaign.”