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In a statement, a group of Democratic candidates for state office unanimously denounced Trump's candidacy as antithetical to Fairfield and the greater community.
“Fairfield is a strong and proud community built by some of our nation's first immigrants. We are a community that thrived by working together for the common good of all our citizens regardless of a person’s color, country of origin, sex, gender identity, or religious affiliation,” state Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey said in response to news of the visit.
“My lifelong work, as a mom, wife, social worker, volunteer, and elected representative has been to embrace all people, not to divide, deride, or demean anyone. Donald Trump does not speak for me or the great tradition of collaboration that built our town. Our experience tells us that when we work together for our town, state and nation we are a stronger and better America.”
Phil Dwyer, a candidate for State Senate, also denounced the Republican candidate. “The United States of America was founded on the highest ideals, values and principles; yet throughout his campaign, Mr. Trump has shown himself to be a destructive bully with the poorest judgment. I challenge all candidates running for public office in the 28th State Senate District to denounce him for his despicable behavior and hostile, divisive rhetoric. Our schools do not accept this type of conduct, neither should America.”
The Saturday stop in Fairfield is Trump's second visit to Fairfield County this election season. In April, he held a get-out-vote rally at the Klein in Bridgeport in the days before the Connecticut primary, which he won.
This weeks' rally will be at the William H. Pitt Center on the SHU campus at 5151 Park Ave. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. with the rally to begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are required — but are free by registering at the Trump campaign website.
Dru Georgiadis, a candidate for state representative in the 132nd District, also expressed her opinion on Trump holding a rally in his hometown.
“Fairfield Connecticut has always been, and will continue to be, proud of the people we elect to higher office. Saturday, Donald Trump will be holding a rally in our town. He embodies the worst of capitalism and individualism, two highly valued elements of our society. Those highly valued elements are best when tempered with empathy, kindness, tolerance and a respect for the truth. Politicians who neither respect nor practice these core American values and choose to undermine them at every turn, have not earned the support of our town or its citizens,” Georgiadis said.
Fred Garrity, candidate for state representative in the 134th District, said, “The Connecticut Republican Party, which includes Devlin, Kupchick and Hwang, unanimously endorsed Donald Trump as its candidate. Every day we witness Trump’s fear mongering and its negative effect on the fabric of the American society. This Saturday, Trump will bring his vitriol to Fairfield to garner support. I will stand in solidarity with Fairfield and fellow Democrats for inclusive representation, free speech and true American values.”
Trump's campaign has drawn criticism this week in Connecticut. Former U.S. Rep. Chris Shays, a Republican who represented the 4th District from 1987 to 2009, said he would be voting for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton .
"Donald Trump lost me a long time ago," Shays said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" show. "He does and says everything my mom and dad taught me never to say and do. He doesn't understand the basic requirements of being the president of the United States. And frankly, he's dangerous."
And U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) took to Twitter to criticize Trump for comments the Republican presidential nominee made that seemed to suggest "the Second Amendment people" could prevent Hillary Clinton from abolishing the Second Amendment.
The statement sparked controversy, with many interpreting it as a threat or encouragement of violence against Clinton.
"Was @realDonaldTrump suggesting his supporters shoot Hillary? Shoot her nominee? Who knows. It's all so disgusting and embarrassing and sad," Murphy said on twitter.
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