Pablo Soto wins Republican nod in 83rd House District

Dan Brechlin | Posted: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 7:56 am

MERIDEN — Political newcomer Pablo Soto has been nominated to represent the Republican Party in the 83rd state House District race. Soto won all five delegates from Meriden and Berlin at Wednesday’s endorsement convention, held at the Four Points by Sheraton.

“Pablo represents the rejuvenation of the party and its core values,” said Meriden Republican Town Chairman Dan Brunet. “One party has greatly controlled the area for a while. … I think we are working toward a shift and more healthy government.”

Soto, 35, is not a prominent public figure and this is his first run for political office. Having joined the Republican Town Committee in August, Soto said he was inspired to run by what he sees as imbalance in Hartford.

“It had to do with the government and situation we are currently in with the state of Connecticut,” Soto explained. “It’s an unbalanced system in the state’s capital.”

Soto has lived in Meriden since 1994. He owns a small business called Connecting Bridges, which supplies personal management services.

He is also the founder of a Meriden-based nonprofit group, Next Generation Missionaries Academy. The group is a Christian youth ministry that operates within a “modified military structure,” according to its website.

Soto was nominated by Liz Whitney, vice chairwoman of the Meriden Republican Town Committee. Whitney said it has been a “privilege” working with Soto and getting to know him. She added that Soto would “whole-heartedly campaign” and represent the district.

Soto will likely run against Democratic incumbent Catherine F. Abercrombie, also of Meriden. Abercrombie has represented the 83rd District since 2005, when she won the seat in a special election.

Abercrombie said she did not know Soto, but welcomes the challenge. Abercrombie ran unopposed in 2010.

“I wish him the best of luck,” Abercrombie said. “I’m going to run a campaign like I normally do. … Competition is good; it keeps you fresh.”

Soto spoke optimistically about his chances to the crowd at the convention.

“I look forward to working with the committee and to represent the 83rd District with honor and integrity,” Soto said.

A nominating convention will be held by the Democrats on Friday at the Pine Loft Pizzeria & Cafe in Berlin. The Democrats are likely to endorse Abercrombie for the 83rd House District seat at the event.

dbrechlin@record-journal.com

(203) 317-2266

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