Secretary of the State Denise Merrill says state election law forbids her office from approving Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch as a candidate for the Job Creation Party, despite its endorsement of Finch for re-election after he lost the Democratic primary.
Merrill said Friday that while she strongly supports minor party access to the November ballot, Job Creation Party members missed a Sept. 2 deadline to send an official candidate endorsement to her office. Her office received a filing Friday, but reiterated it was too late.
Finch lost the primary to convicted felon and former Mayor Joe Ganim.
Finch announced Thursday that he won the minor party's endorsement. On Friday, he urged Merrill to reconsider her decision, which he called unfortunate. He said he and his campaign are exploring their options.
