Fourth opponent for Dodd

CONNECTICUT — The number of possible challengers to Democratic Sen. Christopher Dodd increased to four this week, as Mystic Democrat Merrick Alpert officially threw his hat into the race for his party’s nomination for Dodd’s seat in 2010.

Alpert made his formal announcement Tuesday on the front steps of his home in Mystic, confirming that he had filed a statement of organization with the Federal Elections Commission that morning and was following up with a statement of candidacy. He also announced his Web site, merrickforachange.org.

An attorney and Air Force veteran who served as a delegate for Bill Clinton at the 1992 Democratic National Convention, Alpert was a member of Vice President Al Gore’s advance team from 1994 to 2000. He is currently a member of the Groton Democratic Town Committee.

Alpert’s challenge was preceded by an announcement in April by former Greenwich First Selectman Roger Pearson, who said he wishes to seek the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, former Congressman Rob Simmons has announced he intends to challenge Dodd, as does state Sen. Sam Caligiuri.

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