March 30, 2004    Stamford Democrats showered a warm welcome upon Diane Farrell of Westport, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to run for Congress against Republican Christopher Shays. Farrell has been the First Selectwoman of Westport since 1997. On Tuesday March 30 Farrell came to Stamford to meet local Democratic activists and were treated to enthusiastic speeches from State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal,State Senator Andrew McDonald, City Committee Chairwoman,Ellen Camhi and Cathy Malloy.   Farrell said that Shays, representing Connecticut's Fourth District, has supported the conservative agenda of House Majority Leader Tom Delay. She   was critical of Shays for recently voting against important funding for key needs in Southwest Connecticut, voting lock step with the House leadership's agenda. Farrell noted, “After voting for some of the biggest spending increases in the history of our country over the last two sessions of congress, it is unfortunate that Congressman Shays has decided to short change the district this way.”

<<Left: Farrell addresses the crowd. >>Right: Senator Andrew McDonald

Farrell stated, “These important votes against the priorities of our district cannot go unnoticed. Our residents deserve an explanation as to why he's voting against our needs and simply taking orders

from House leadership.” Local Democrats have been impressed with Farrell's early energy, command of the issues and her fundraising ability. Farrell has already raised more than $370,000 and pledges to raise a total of $2 million to unseat Shays.A delegation of 50 Stamford Democrats will gather on Monday, May 10 to formally nominate the candidate to face Shays.