CT Supreme Court affirms Bridgeport mayor’s re-election, but SEEC probe continues

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim”™s victory in that city’s Democratic primary has been affirmed by the state Supreme Court, just in time for the incumbent”™s swearing-in ceremony  today.

Nevertheless, an investigation into the Sept. 10 primary results by the State Elections Enforcement Commission is continuing.

The SEEC”™s action came in the wake of objections raised by Ganim”™s rival for the Democratic nomination, state Sen. Marilyn Moore, to what she saw as irregularities in the primary”™s absentee balloting. Although Moore defeated Ganim 4,721 to 4,337 at the polls, an absentee ballot tally of 967 to 313 pushed the sitting mayor to a 5,304 to 5,034 victory.

Trumbull attorney Prerna Rao filed a lawsuit on behalf of three individuals in state Superior Court to force a new primary election, alleging “irregularities and illegal conduct” involving the absentee ballots.

Moore ran as a write-in candidate on the Nov. 5 ballot, netting 29% of the vote, compared with 59% for Ganim and 9% for Republican challenger John Rodriguez.

In their decision, the Supreme Court justices affirmed an Oct. 31 Superior Court judge”™s opinion that the primary results should stand, writing that “the trial court correctly determined that the plaintiffs failed to establish that they were entitled to an order directing a new special primary election.”

Ganim ”“ who along with members of the Bridgeport City Council is scheduled to be sworn in today ”“ released a statement saying: “I”™m pleased to hear of the Supreme Court”™s unanimous final decision that reaffirms the trial court decision and the validity of the election. I thank the court for their time to review this case. I would be remiss if I didn”™t express my appreciation again for the continued and overwhelming support that I received from the voters.”