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WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2002

Members of the Eastern Pequot Tribe were told by a political candidate seeking their vote on Tuesday that he opposes their bid for federal recognition.

Jeff Benedict, a Democrat hopeful for Connecticut's 2nd Congressional district, made his remarks to a panel of party leaders in the town of North Stonington. Three of the town's committee members happen to be tribal members.

Benedict acknowledged his campaign didn't reach out to the tribe's Democrats to a recent forum anyway. His campaign also admitted they erred in telling the media they tried to contact James Cunha, the town committee chairman, 70 times when in fact they meant 7.

Benedict is trying to stay in the race. Frontrunner Joe Courtney has enough delegates to secure the party nomination. Benedict's supporters are filing a lawsuit to challenge a delegate primary.

Get the Story:
Benedict meets with NS Dems after Cunha flap (The New London Day 5/8)
2nd District rivals taking fight to courtroom (The Norwich Bulletin 5/8)

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