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Larson Backs Segarra, Wooden

By Jenna Carlesso

July 20, 2011

Congressman John Larson has endorsed Mayor Pedro Segarra for the mayor's seat in the upcoming election, and former mayoral candidate Shawn Wooden for city council. Though there are nine seats on the body, Wooden appears to be the only one Larson has endorsed.

These endorsements come three weeks after Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said he would "get involved" in the city's mayoral and city council races.

Wooden, once considered Segarra's toughest opponent in the mayoral race, backed out three weeks ago in an agreement brokered by Malloy.

Larson's press releases are below:

Larson Endorses Pedro Segarra for Mayor

Hartford--Today, Congressman John Larson (CT-01) endorsed Pedro Segarra for Mayor in November's election.

"I am proud to support Pedro Segarra's campaign for Mayor. He is committed to the betterment of the City of Hartford through innovative initiatives such as the iQuilt project and all of the other sustainable living projects in One City, One Plan. The iQuilt has been recognized nationally as a plan with the potential to revitalize downtown Hartford, returning it to the dominant center of culture that the city once was," Larson said.

"Pedro knows that the only way to return Hartford to its former stature is by forging partnerships with the community, local and state leaders. He is a consensus builder and has developed a strong relationship with the Malloy administration so he can deliver for Hartford."

"In his year in office, Pedro has worked tirelessly to instill trust in his administration and change the mindset of Hartford citizens. During his short tenure, he attracted people to Bushnell Park during the holiday season to ice skate, opened Market 21 downtown, and put in place a balanced budget."

"Shawn Wooden recognized that Mayor Segarra was doing the right things for Hartford and decided to work with him, rather than against him, in this year's mayoral race. I am proud of Shawn for evaluating what Hartford really needs--unity--to solve the city's failed policies of the past. He has demonstrated real leadership by choosing to stand with Pedro in working together to solve these issues rather than going through a divisive, negative campaign."

"Mayor Segarra knows what Hartford needs to move forward. I'm impressed by Pedro's accomplishments as mayor; I look forward to seeing him elected in November."

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Larson Endorses Shawn Wooden for City Council

Hartford--Today, Congressman John Larson (CT-01) endorsed lifelong Hartford resident Shawn Wooden for City Council.

"I am proud to support Shawn Wooden's campaign for City Council. It took real leadership for Shawn to remove himself from the mayoral race to prevent divisive politics from tearing apart the City of Hartford this fall."

"Shawn so keenly recognized that running for Mayor wasn't about him, it was about the greater good of the City. I am proud of Shawn for evaluating what Hartford really needs--unity--to solve the city's failed policies of the past. He has demonstrated real leadership by choosing to stand with Mayor Segarra to work together to solve the issues facing Hartford rather than going through a divisive, negative campaign."

"By ending his mayoral bid and entering the City Council race, Shawn put his own ambition aside and put the greater good of the city ahead of all else. I'm proud to endorse him."

"I look forward to working with Shawn and Mayor Segarra to return the City of Hartford to its great stature."