Guy Smith Looks at Stallworth for Running Mate.

Democratic self-funder Guy Smith is close to an alliance with state Representative Charlie Stallworth (D-Bridgeport) to join Smith’s long shot bid for governor as his running mate. Stallworth is in his fourth term in the legislature. His life’s work has been as a minister.

A Stallworth candidacy at this weekend’s Democratic convention could add some complicated logistics. Smith will not qualify for the August primary ballot by winning 15% of the delegates on Saturday. Stallworth, however, could strike a chord with delegates eager to fulfill what they see as an implicit promise by likely nominee Ned Lamont to choose an African-American for lieutenant governor. Instead, Lamont chose Susan Bysiewicz for the sake of a quiet life.

The convention could become roiled over the selection of Bysiewicz, who may have bluffed her way onto the ticket from her sinking gubernatorial bid, and provide other hopefuls with the votes to force a primary.