South Windsor Democratic Town Chairman Tony Duarte says he was surprised to see his committee on Merrick Alpert's list of DTCs that have denied him the right to speak.
Duarte, who has been chairman since March, says he has never spoken to Alpert or anyone associated with his U.S. Senate campaign. And neither had the former town chair.
"I would never deny any candidate who wants to meet with delegates the chance to come to a town committee meeting,'' Duarte said. "If he had asked, I definitely would have honored the request."
South Windsor Democrats have hosted a steady parade of candidates since last fall, Duarte said, "We've had three candidates a month come in.''
The town committee has not made a formal endorsement in the U.S. Senate race, but Duarte said he watched a dvd of the March debate between Alpert and Richard Blumenthal and he was impressed with Alpert's performance.
"I have nothing against the man...I thought he did a nice job,'' Duarte said of Alpert.