Darien Times - October 3, 2008
By Joshua Fisher
U.S. Rep. Chris Shays will be the featured speaker at the Republican Club of Darien’s annual Soapbox Rally this Sunday, Oct. 5.
Traditionally a mixture of campaigning and socializing, the Soapbox is an event where guests have an opportunity to talk with the candidates and town officials, as well as debate issues with fellow Republicans.
Raised in Darien, Shays is seeking his 12th term as Congressman from the state’s Fourth District, which includes most of Fairfield County and part of New Haven County. He now lives with his wife in Bridgeport. He is being challenged this year by Democrat Jim Himes of Greenwich.
Joining Shays at the rally will be local Republican candidates Steve Papadakos, who is running for state Senate, and Terri Wood, who is running unopposed for the state House of Representatives. They will also address the gathering.
Papadakos is challenging Democrat state Sen. Bob Duff in the 25th District, which inlcudes most of Darien and all of Norwalk. Wood is running unopposed for the 141st District seat being vacated in January by state Rep. John J. Ryan. The district includes all of Darien and the Rowayton area of Norwalk.
After the candidates have had a chance to address the gathering, guests are invited to participate in the “soapbox” and speak on any subject they choose. Topics can be serious or humorous, of national interest or local interest. The Patrick Award will be presented in a spirit of fellowship and goodwill to that speaker felt to be the most engaging. Last year the award was given to Frank Penn.
The Soapbox Rally will be at the home of Wilder and Vanda Baker, 99 Nearwater Lane, from 5 to 7:30. Admission is $10 for Republican Club members and $15 for non-members. Parking will be on Nearwater Lane and the right-hand side of the Baker’s driveway. The club asks you to RSVP by calling either Carolyn Schoonmaker at 655-8455 or Peter Hovell at 202-9077.
Paid for and authorized by the Christopher Shays for Congress Committee, Ralph DePanfilis, Treasurer
Christopher Shays for Congress | 98 East Avenue | Norwalk, CT 06851
p: 203/853-7429 or 866/619-7429 (toll free) | f: 203/853-7403
© 2008 Shays for Congress
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