Latino Leader Switches To Elicker

Joseph Rodriguez — a Latino leader and aide to U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal whom Mayor Toni Harp appointed to the Board of Education — has switched to back Justin Elicker in the Nov. 5 mayoral election.

Rodriguez announced his position Wednesday on his Facebook page.

Elicker defeated incumbent Harp by 58 – 42 percent in last week’s Democratic mayoral primary. Rodriguez worked for Harp in that primary in Fair Haven.

Harp is now weighing whether to proceed with a third-party run on the Working Families Party.

“I stand behind and with Justin Elicker this November Election,” Rodriguez wrote in the post.

“I appreciate and respect leaders who have worked tirelessly for our city — and no one can ever take that passion and record away from you. However, 58% of Democrats who voted this Primary Election voted for Elicker. It is now time to move forward as a ​“party”, as leaders, and unite for the betterment of our communities and most importantly our city. One of the hallmarks of our democracy is ensuring a smooth transition of government. Let’s begin this work now by coming together ‑united- for this November and beyond.”

Rodriguez, who heads the community group Puerto Ricans United, was asked why he decided to go public Wednesday on behalf of Elicker.

“I’m a loyal Democrat,” Rodriguez told the Independent.

“I looked at the election results as everyone else has. With the margin of victory, cash on hand —- I just think it’s a very steep hill to stage a third-party race in November. When you factor in the amount of independent voters, I think it’s a very difficult steep hill to run. If the results were a bit closer certainly more folks would be there, myself included perhaps. I don’t see a path of victory based upon my own knowledge and experience with campaigns.

“And as a longtime Democrat, I think it’s time for the party to unite and for leaders to unite and move forward with our Democratic candidate.”