Last Saturday, Matt Lesser received a stunning show of support from members of the 100th District community. Over forty volunteers and supporters gathered at the home of Mary Augustine for the “Canvass for Change: 100 Days in the 100th District” to kick off a door-to-door petition drive urging Governor Rell to join Democrats in the legislature in addressing the state’s imminent home heating oil crisis.

The event was a fitting commemoration of the 100^th day before the general election on November 4, 2008.  A total of 21 campaign volunteers showed up and canvassed throughout the afternoon. The volunteers spent approximately 4 hours in the field and collected 220 petition signatures.

Also present were union leaders, campaign supporters, and elected officials, including former Middletown Mayor Tony Marino, Middlefield Planning and Zoning Commissioner Ken Hamilton, and Middletown Common Council members Bob Santangelo, Hope Kasper, and Ron Klattenberg, who joined Matt in giving remarks before the canvassing began.

Check out this video of the event:

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On Saturday, July 26 at 11am, Matt Lesser will introduce a petition drive in Middletown urging Governor Rell to work with Democrats in the legislature to address the state’s imminent home heating oil crisis.

The event will mark an important milestone in Matt Lesser’s campaign for State Representative in the 100th District, as it falls on the 100th day before the election in November.

With no end in sight for the skyrocketing price of heating oil, something must be done to ensure that the elderly and other vulnerable groups receive the assistance they need to pay their bills this winter.

It’s time for the Governor to join Democrats in preventing the high price of heating oil from keeping us and our neighbors out in the cold.

Join Matt Lesser at the home of Mary Augustine, a Middletown senior citizen, as he and other elected officials urge Governor Rell to take action and kick off the Middletown petition drive.

Following the event, join up with other Matt Lesser volunteers as we go door-to-door in Middletown with the petition, raising awareness of this important issue and what Matt Lesser can do to help.

Directions from Middletown:

1. From Main Street, follow Route 66 (Washington Street) west for 0.3 miles

2. Turn left at High Street.

3. Follow High Street for 0.9 miles and continue on Highland Ave for 0.1 miles.

4. Turn right at Bretton Rd. and continue for 0.1 miles.

5. Turn left at Jacobs Terrace. The house will be on your left.

This is a crucial milestone for the campaign, but it is only the beginning!

Last Thursday, Matt Lesser did what no other candidate for the 100th District has done before. Reaching a critical milestone in the campaign, Matt cast aside the special interests and big money politics by applying for public financing under Connecticut’s new Citizens’ Election Program.  By our count, Matt is set to qualify and receive a $25,000 grant from the state to finance his campaign.  This means he won’t need to waste any time raising money, instead focusing all of his attention on meeting voters.

100th District Democrats are lucky to have a candidate who is simply a fantastic campaigner.  Every day, sometimes for more than 8 hours, Matt is out knocking on doors and meeting voters all across the district.  Meanwhile, volunteer efforts have already kicked into gear, with a steady stream of supporters coming in every week to make calls and help out on the campaign however they can.

As campaign manager, I will be joining Matt in keeping you all up to date as the campaign moves forward.  For now, I will tell you this: We are in great shape to take back the 100th District and bring effective leadership to Durham, Middlefield, and Middletown.

Thanks to Matt’s participation in the Citizens’ Election Program, money won’t matter in this race.  Instead, Matt is going to win because of our network of grassroots volunteers, and he would love to have your help.  Please sign up to volunteer on our web site by moving your mouse over the button labeled “Get Involved” and clicking “Volunteer”.

Sincerely,

Mike Pernick, Campaign Manager

The 100th District nominating convention will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, May 20 at 7pm. At the convention, I expect to receive the Democratic nomination for State Representative.

The convention will be held at the Middlefield Community Center, located at 405 Main Street in Middlefield. The entire community is welcome.
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I look forward to seeing you at the convention!

This is where news, thoughts and events relating to the campaign will be posted.

Right now, we’re in the exploratory phase as I work to test the waters, working as well to qualify for public financing. I will make a decision regarding the race by May 20, when the Democratic Party officially selects a candidate.

As we enter an economic recession, we need effective leadership in Hartford more than ever. I hope I can have your thoughts, ideas and support about how we can make government more effective, while lifting the burden on taxpayers.

If you would like to contact me, offer advice or invite me to an event, please email me at matt@mattlesser.com.