Greenwich resident Guy Smith drops gubernatorial bid

Retired Greenwich business executive Guy Smith”™s gubernatorial campaign has ended after he was unable to gather the necessary number of petitions to secure a place on the Aug. 14 ballot.

Needing signatures from two percent of the 15,548 registered Democrats in Connecticut, Smith ”“ a former executive vice president at Norwalk-based Diageo and a onetime special adviser to then-President Bill Clinton ”“ had garnered just 10,896 by June 25.

“It is with sadness that I announce the end of my campaign for governor of Connecticut,” Smith said. “Although this is disappointing, I am grateful for the support from friends, family and, in particular, my wife Marjorie, and the tens of thousands of Connecticut residents I have met over these many months. I want to express my profound thanks to my campaign team for all their dedication, and I know they share in my disappointment.”

The remaining contenders for the Democratic nomination are Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont, who received the party”™s endorsement at its recent convention, and Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, who collected enough signatures to be included.

The general election will take place on Nov. 6.