Lamont angry at Malloy for attack ads

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - Minority group leaders from around the state came to the defense of Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Ned Lamont Friday.

They are angry at Dan Malloy for implying in his print and television advertising that Lamont's company was sued back in 2002 for alleged racial discrimination, a case that was settled and sealed.

The implication of racism is always a very touchy subject, and for some of the African-American supporters of Ned Lamont, Dan Malloy has stepped over the line.

"Those are no more than a distortion of Ned's record," said Joe Suggs a Democrat in Bloomfield.

"This is obviously a smear tactic to kind of distract people from the main issues at hand," said Marcus Paca a Democrat from the New Haven Board of Alderman.

"All you see in the literature that's put out is that there was a charge, and that becomes a perception in people's minds and that becomes reality to them," said Democratic Sen. Ed Gomes of Bridgeport.

Malloy continued to defend his tactic, saying any complaints made against him during his 14-years as Mayor of Stamford are public record. "Somebody gets sued for a $1 million and the premise of their campaign is that they're a CEO and they feel that they shouldn't have to tell the public the result? It just doesn't fly in government and I'm sorry that Mr. Lamont doesn't get that, but that's reality," said Malloy Democratic Candidate for Governor.

Lamont was touring the Oak Hill School in Hartford Friday, but told News 8 he was grateful for the support from the African-American leaders. He says that Malloy doesn't understand how private business works. "He's dead wrong," said Lamont, a Democratic Candidate for Governor. "Often you have suits and then they're confidential to protect employees. This is standard operating procedure. If Dan had spent any time in the private sector, he'd know we work hard to protect our employees."

But this kind of advertising in a political campaign always raises questions in some people's minds. It is true that there was a lawsuit and that it was settled. However, the fact that Lamont can't reveal any of the details, because the case was sealed will probably will bother some voters.