Update–Fifth District: Roberti Ceases Public Campaign Activities

Update: At 6:41 p.m., the campaign said in a statement that Roberti’s mother, Kathleen Lenihan, has died. She was 60 years old.

With two whole days left before Democratic voters head to the polls in the Fifth District race, most of the candidates are out knocking on final doors, shaking the last hands and trying to get their message out in any way they can before Tuesday. But Dan Roberti’s camp said Saturday afternoon that he is stopping all public campaign appearances to be with his mother. His campaign manager, Erik Williams, released the following statement Saturday:

Roberti

Fifth District congressional candidate Dan Roberti has curtailed public campaigning in the final days of his mother’s nearly six-year battle with cancer. Dan has been at her bedside since Thursday evening. However, his campaign for the Democratic Party nomination continues.  Dan’s volunteers and staff are more dedicated than ever and committed to his success. He acknowledges that his family, friends and supporters have been a source of strength. In the last days of this primary, the campaign will continue to reach out to voters and bring them Dan’s message of change. Dan wishes to thank everyone for their support in this difficult time.

A spokeswoman for Roberti’s campaign said his mother had been in hospice care at the Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center in New Milford.