East Haven Democrats Open 2012 Campaign Headquarters

With both national political conventions now over, the race toward has shifted into high gear.

And East Haven Democrats launched their 2012 election campaign with the opening of their new campaign headquarters on Wednesday.

New Headquarters

The office, which sits in a small plaza at 164 Foxon Road, will be open Monday to Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., according to East Haven Democratic Town Committee Chairman .

Ruocco said residents can pick up campaign signs at the new HQ, as well as absentee ballots.

The committee is also looking for volunteers to work the campaign's phones, as well as help "knock on doors" as candidates canvass East Haven neighborhoods this fall.

Those interested in volunteering, can call Ruocco at 203-507-6435 or email the committee at DTCEastHaven@gmail.com.

Meet the Candidates

At Wednesday's opening, the committee introduced their candidates on the ballto this fall for the General Assembly.

The event — sponsored by the — featured incumbent State Representative (D-East Haven), seeking re-election in the 99th Assembly District, State Representative Roland Lemar (D-96th District), also running for re-election, and , a candidate for state senate in the 34th District.

The candidates met with supporters at the headquarters opening, and pledged to reach out to voters and to work together during the upcoming campaign.

'We're All in This Together'

Albis, an East Haven native who will face off against Republican challenger and fellow native in November, said the Democrats are ready to work together for a successful campaign.

“At the Democratic National Convention, former President Clinton said something that stuck with me: 'we're all in this together' is a far better philosophy than 'you're on your own,'" Albis said. “Steve Fontana, Roland Lemar and I will fight for the people of East Haven because 'we're all in this together' is a philosophy that we believe in and will carry with us to victory in November.”

'Excited to Work' for East Haven

Lemar — who is running unopposed in this fall's election — said, , he is excited for the opportunity to represent East Haven for the first time starting this fall.

"While I will be new to representing East Haven next year, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work hard on behalf of the community's neighbors and businesses, to fight for our schools, for job growth in our region and greater economic opportunity for all our residents," Lemar said. "I am excited to work with the East Haven DTC and with strong public servants like James Albis and Steve Fontana.”

'Working with them to Victory'

State Senate candidate Fontana thanked Ruocco and the town committee for making the East Haven headquarters available.

This fall Fontana, a North Haven resident, is seeking to unseat longtime Republican state .

 “Having a coordinated effort here will help get our message out to the voters," Fontana said. "I’m really pleased to be working with State Representatives Albis and Lemar and am looking forward to working with them to victory.”

'Terrific Candidates'

Ruocco welcomed the candidates and supporters to the headquarter’s opening.

“We have terrific candidates running for the General Assembly ready to meet the voters and answer their questions and listen to their concerns," Ruocco said. "I hope our residents will come and visit our headquarters and we welcome volunteers willing to support and help our fine candidates.”