Bernier Builds on Grassroots Lead, “First Step is Winning the Convention”

PLAINVILLE, Conn. (February 7, 2012) – Justin Bernier, candidate for Congress, has been endorsed by another 25 Republican leaders in Connecticut’s Fifth District.  The grassroots development comes just days after fundraising reports showed that Bernier raised $500,000 in 2011 – more than any other Republican in Connecticut.

 The new list of supporters includes Republicans from every area of the congressional district.  Many are likely delegates to the state party convention in May.

 “These Republicans represent the heart and soul of our party in the 5th District,” Bernier said.  “They say they’re ready to fight for our country during this critical time in American history, and I’m honored to have their support.”

 Roger Picard, Wolcott Town Council Member, said, “Congress needs leaders with a fresh approach to the challenges of today, not more career politicians.  That’s why I’m supporting Justin.  As a veteran, Justin knows what it means to make sacrifices; and as a department head under Governor Rell, he put that mindset into action by returning a large portion of his budget to the state.  That’s the kind of experience I want in my next congressman.”

 “First Step: Win the Convention”

 Scott Will, Bernier’s campaign manager, said the first goal of the campaign is to win the critical May convention.

 “Right now,” Will said, “we are focused on gaining the support of Republicans who are eligible and likely to become delegates to the state party convention in May.  We are laying the groundwork to win the general election in November, but the first step is winning the convention and the nomination.  Justin’s Republican supporters will help us do just that.”

 The new supporters are added to a list of about 150 Republicans who endorsed Bernier in 2011.  The list includes all seven Republican Aldermen in Waterbury and dozens of elected officials from across the 41-town district.

 “No other candidate in this race has such strong support in every corner of the district,” said Will.  “With over 6,000 donors and so many Republican leaders invested in our campaign, it’s no wonder there is real energy behind us.”

Bernier, served a tour of duty in Afghanistan as a military intelligence officer.  A former official in the administration of Governor M. Jodi Rell, he currently serves on the State of Connecticut’s Commission on Compensation of Elected State Officials and Judges.

 List of supporters:

Bethel – John Rondano, RTC member

Brookfield – Patrick Donohue, RTC member

Brookfield – Ryan Murphy, RTC member

Brookfield – Linda Taylor, RTC member

Burlington – Paul Omichinski, RTC member

Burlington – Donna Rusgrove, RTC member

Canton – Jean Bouchard, RTC member

Cornwall – Joe Marchetti, RTC member

Harwinton – Chris Janco, RTC member

Harwinton – Jane Golec, RTC member

Kent – James Samartini, RTC member

Meriden – Jeffrey Hamelin, RTC member

Meriden – Sal Scarpati, RTC member

Meriden – Joe Torchia, RTC member

New Britain – Mary Jo Ronstrom, RTC member

New Milford – Lynette Celi Rigdon, RTC member

Newtown – Jane Brymer, RTC member

Plymouth – Bob Leroux, RTC member

Plymouth – Bob Nelson, RTC member

Roxbury – James Garofalo, RTC member

Waterbury – Anthony DeLeo, Jr., RTC member

Waterbury – Steven Gambini, RTC member

Wolcott – Bill O’Brien, RTC member

Wolcott – Roger Picard, Town Council

Wolcott – Jeff Slavin, Town Council