Cope Sweeps Newtown Delegation, Hometown Candidates Suffer Embarrassing Shutout. 

Not a good day for 5th CD hopefuls and Newtown Republicans Matt Maxwell and Bill Stevens. Their 10-member hometown delegation to the congressional nominating convention will support Sherman First Selectman Clay Cope.

Maxwell and Stevens have struggled to raise money and snag delegates in the contest to face incumbent Democrat Elizabeth Esty. The Newtown rebuff won’t help the two ambitious locals. Cope has raised more than both and appears to be on course for a decisive first ballot win when delegates meet in May to select a nominee.

Credit popular Newtown First Selectwoman Pat Llodra with vouching for Cope’s virtues as a candidate and local leader.