Cope: Stevens Launches False Attack.

Republican Fifth Congressional District frontrunner Clay Cope batted away a limp, clumsy attack by opponent Bill Stevens. Cope charges that an ugly email to delegates on the eve of today’s nominating convention from a furtive group calling itself “Connecticut Watch Dawg” is really from Stevens. The email alleges that Cope was arrested on a drug charge in Texas more than 30 years ago. A quick look at the law enforcement record provided shows that the primary name of the defendant was Timothy Cope–Clay Cope’s brother. Clay Cope is included among the many aliases Timothy used in his malfeasance.

An early version of the email claimed “Connecticut Watch Dawg”  was “(f)ounded in 2009” and “is the state’s preeminent non-partisan opposition research organization.” A subsequent version of the misfire omitted that claim.

Here is part of Cope’s statement:

It is inexcusable – and especially unfair to voters trying to make an informed decision — when candidates like Bill Stevens become so desperate to win an election that they knowingly spread untruths about an opponent.  There is no place for such vile smear tactics and character assassination in politics.  Bill Stevens should be ashamed.

I have no arrest record.  My identity was stolen and used as an alias by a criminal – who was also my younger brother and a drug addict.

Delegates will have an opportunity to give their verdict on the Stevens tactic this afternoon when they gather to call the roll. Daily Ructions understands that the Stevens campaign was told last week that the document it was brandishing in an attempt to defeat and humiliate Cope arose from the arrest and conviction of the Sherman first selectman’s brother.