"Three terms in the house, peace corps volunteer, election observer, anti poverty worker, congressional aide, I've done a lot of things that are highly relevant to this congressional job," says Scott McNally.
Democratic Primary heats up in 2nd District
(WTNH, July 14, 2004 6:00 PM) _ It may only be July but the battle for Connecticut's Second Congressional District is already heating up.
Democrats hold a primary next month to see who will run against Republican incumbent Rob Simmons.
The majority of this sprawling district is democrat, so this race is getting a lot of attention.
For the hundreds of seniors at today's Waterford town picnic today was just another lazy, hazy day of summer.
For 37 year old Jim Sullivan this is the beginning of the home stretch in the Democratic Congressional Primary.
Sullivan is a 37 year old former Norwich City Councilman who gave up his job as a financial planner to run for congress at the urging of many top democrats.
46 year old former state legislator Shaun McNally has the same idea. He also gave up his job with the state's largest business organization to set his sights on this congressional seat.
The National Democratic Party thinks that two term Republican Rob Simmons is vulnerable and has become one of their prime targets.
Many in the national party are supporting Sullivan, that's unusual before a primary.
McNally says he's the one with the better resume in politics.
"Three terms in the house, peace corps volunteer, election observer, anti poverty worker, congressional aide, I've done a lot of things that are highly relevant to this congressional job," says McNally.
But Sullivan has a comeback that is resonating in this unique part of Connecticut.
"I think you can walk down any street in Washington, D.C., Mark, and you will see in front of you, people with all kinds of experience, and for years, the place has still been a mess and i think what it needs is a healthy dose of common sense," says Sullivan.
Both McNally and Sullivan sense the war in Iraq is the biggest issue here and portray Simmons as simply a rubber stamp for George W. Bush.
"Everywhere I go, people are distressed about our foreign policy and what's going on in Iraq."
"As I criss-cross the district; America's position in the world with regard to foreign policy."
Sullivan says he's been able to raise more money, money that will be needed for the final election against Simmons in November.
McNally says he's not taking any special interest money but says he'd be happy to get financial assistance from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. They have already given to Sullivan.
