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Three Write-In Candidates Join 6th House District Race

Two Democrats And A Republican Are Certified, And Are Challenging The Incumbent

Jenna Carlesso

October 29, 2010

Voters will have three additional choices for the 6th House District seat, with two Democrats and a Republican joining the race as certified write-in candidates.

Democrats Alyssa Peterson and Kathy Evans and Republican Michael Lupo will challenge incumbent state Rep. Hector Robles. Robles, a freshman legislator who is also a city police officer, is the subject of departmental charges for allegedly fabricating time cards to show he was on duty while working private jobs.

Lupo, a member of the Hartford Republican Town Committee, said he decided to run so voters would have another option.

"I noticed there were at least four races in Hartford going unopposed, which I couldn't stomach," he said. "And then the news about Hector came out."

Robles did not return calls Thursday seeking comment.

Lupo, who is unemployed, said he understands firsthand the challenges job hunters and small businesses face. Lupo, 54, was laid off from his job as a software instructor last year.

"I'm aware of what's going on out there and I think I can bring something to the state House to change it," he said.

If elected, Lupo said, he would work to increase support for small businesses, control taxes and spending and explore the idea of diverting money from the state's general fund to cover education.

Evans, a member of the Hartford Democratic Town Committee, said she also is running to give voters an alternative.

As a state representative, Evans, 57, said, she would focus on job growth and keeping the city's tax rate flat.

Though she decided only recently to run for the seat, Evans said she has been promoting herself through word-of-mouth and plans to show up at the polls.

Peterson, who ran unsuccessfully against Robles in the primary, said she is disappointed that Robles has not dropped out of the race.

Peterson filed a lawsuit alleging that Robles improperly filled out his endorsement form, thereby nullifying his nomination. The lawsuit also accused Robles of fraudulently misrepresenting the severity of the charges against him to Democratic town committee members who endorsed him. Superior Court Judge Antonio Robaina dismissed the lawsuit on Wednesday.

Peterson said she also plans to head to the polls on election night. In the meantime, she said, she will appeal the court ruling.

"I find it very frustrating," she said. "Something has to change."