Newton, out of jail, seeks office

AP Modified

Updated: Jan 23, 2012 7:05 PM

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP/WTNH) — A former Connecticut state senator jailed on a corruption conviction says he's seeking to return to the General Assembly.

Ernest F. Newton III tells the Connecticut Post Bridgeport needs a leader and he intends to take on the responsibility.

Earlier this month Newton was seen side by side with Mayor Finch at a march against violence on the city's East Side.

The last time most people saw him in public was in 2005 when he pleaded guilty to accepting a $5,000 bribe, using campaign contributions for personal expenses and failing to report the improper income on his federal tax return. He was sentenced to five years in federal prison.

For the past year he has worked as a counselor at a detox center.

"Everybody deserves a second chance and I wish him the best of luck," said Carl Hinton, of Bridgeport, "God be with him."

"I can't let my past hinder my future and we all make mistakes, Mark," Newton said, "but one thing you know, our people had a voice when I was in Hartford."

When asked if the public could trust a man who extorted money from a community service agency, Bridgeport resident Michele Perry said, "I'm going to make no comment on that, but would I vote for him? Yeah, I believe he needs a second chance and I think he's a good guy."

"Everybody did something wrong in their life and (he) paid his dues," said Keith Williams, of Bridgeport, "so I have no problem with it."

"The message is...is that every sinner has a future and every saint has a past," Newton said, "and I represent people that understand forgiveness."

The 55-year old Newton must first win the Democratic Party nomination in what could be a stiff primary fight among several candidates.

Incumbent state Sen. Edwin A. Gomes is recuperating from heart surgery.

Newton says his platform will focus on job creation, establishing more vocational and technical schools and urban planning.

Newton will formally announce his comeback plans on Saturday.

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