Campaign 2010: Green Party endorses Jason Ortiz as candidate for 54th District

Jason Ortiz is running for state representative for the 54th District, to fill the vacancy of Denise Merrill who is running for Secretary of the State. Photo courtesy of the Ortiz for State Rep campaign.

Jason Ortiz, candidate for state representative in the 54th Assembly District of Connecticut – serving the towns of Chaplin and Mansfield – has been endorsed by the Green Party.

Ortiz is running as an Independent candidate to fill the seat vacated by Denise Merrill, who is running for Secretary of the State.

Ortiz, a UConn student, announced his intent to run for state representative on June 28. His place on the ballot was officially confirmed at the end of August.

During a recent meeting of members of the Green Party, Ortiz discussed his ideas about education and empowering young people in Connecticut.

A long time supporter of the Green Party’s ideals of environmentalism and consumer advocacy, Ortiz expressed his excitement.

“The Green Party has been fighting for quality education for all of Connecticut and I am proud to have their support as I mobilize students to make education a priority again for the state of Connecticut,” said Ortiz. “I got my start in politics through the Cliff Thornton for governor race, so this endorsement has a personal significance as well.”

In addition to education, Ortiz’s campaign focuses on creating a sustainable economy, providing quality healthcare to everyone in Connecticut, and protecting the environment.

The endorsement shows his message is resonating with members from the Green Party of Connecticut.

“We’re excited to give Jason our support,” said Mike DeRosa, Party co-chair and candidate for Secretary of State. “We welcome more participation of candidates who know the two-party system is failing Connecticut and our country. People like Jason Ortiz and Ken Krayeske who just announced his campaign for Congress.”

Last week after addressing a crowd of supporters at Krayeske’s press conference in Hartford, Ortiz said, “I’m really excited about the momentum my campaign is gaining.

It’s great to have the Green Party’s endorsement and see the support of all of these wonderful folks working across the state. I look forward to meeting with the Green Party in Mansfield and Chaplin and their support through the campaign.”

For more information about Ortiz and his campaign visit http://ortizforstaterep.org.

For more information about the Green Party of Connecticut visit http://ct.greens.org.

Posted Sept. 14, 2010