The Thin Line Between Policy, Politics

BRIDGEPORT - It was a Congressional event, one of more than 17 in 17 days that freshman U.S. Rep.Jim Himes, D-4th District, scheduled for the congressional recess. But the distance between policy and politics was as brief as his introduction Thursday.

"Please give your applause, and if I can say, your vote, to Congressman Jim Himes," said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, the top official in a city crucial to Himes' re-election. "He bleeds Bridgeport."

Illustrating the powers of incumbency, Himes was the central player at an event to announce a grant and promote a federal program intended to stabilize neighborhoods threatened by foreclosure, as well as Himes' efforts on behalf of the district's largest city.

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