McMahon campaign workers await payment

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- The election is over, but some campaign workers say the candidate they were 'working the polls' for hasn't paid them.

Linda McMahon lost the U.S. Senate race and now some of the folks she hired say, they're waiting for their paychecks.

Four New Haven residents say they worked for the McMahon Senate campaign, but while the wrestling executive spent millions in her failed bid, they claim her campaign owes them money.

"No money, nobody calls," said Cassandra Lowery, of New Haven.

So they called News 8, all telling a similar story. The campaign promised to pay them up to $800 at the end of election night for passing out pamphlets at the polls and encouraging people to vote for McMahon.

Sometimes asked why they were working for McMahon's election.

"Like why are you working for Linda McMahon, I said because I'm black and it pays good," Lowery said. "I need the money."

"Work all day 'til eight o'clock and get paid at the end of the night, get paid $500 at the end of the night," said Marvin McClendon, "that's what I did and I didn't receive no checks, nothing."

Twaine Don Gomes says he worked at the Lombard Street polling place.

"Called for the campaign personnel," said Gomes, "and they said that haven't you heard we lost, we're not paying another red cent."

Gomes showed News 8 checks from the campaign. He says it shows how he was always paid at the end of the day when going door-to-door.

Others say they too always got paid at the end of each day they worked.

News 8 went with them to a campaign field where staffers say the check for election night will be in mail.

"Are these folks going to get paid," asked News 8's Erin Cox. "They are looking for their money."

"Excuse me, you cannot hold the door," one staffer said.

"They are looking for their money," Cox repeated.

"You are going to get paid," the staffed replied.

"When," asked Twaine.

"I informed you it would be mail, please let go of this door," the staffer said.

News 8 did speak on the phone with Corry Bliss, manager of the McMahon for Senate Campaign. He tells us staff is now verifying actual work hours adding, "everyone who worked will get paid for the hours they worked."

"Do you think you are going to get a check in the mail," asked Cox.

"No, they are lying," Twaine said. "They are closing up house, you see that."