The Latest: Ganim complains Democratic ticket “too white”

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - The Latest on Democratic state convention (all times local):

9:20 p.m.

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim says he’s disappointed with the how the racial makeup of the Democratic ticket is shaping up.

The Democratic gubernatorial contender said Friday the potential lineup is “too white” and he says that’s “insulting to people of color.”

Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont, the front-runner for the Democratic endorsement for governor, has chosen former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, who also is white, to be his running mate. But Newtown labor negotiator Eva Bermudez Zimmerman, a Latina, is planning to challenge Bysiewicz for the lieutenant governor endorsement on Saturday.

Ganim hopes to win 15 percent of the delegates to qualify for the Aug. 14 primary. But he acknowledges he’s at a disadvantage and is optimistic he can collect roughly 15,500 signatures he needs to appear on the ballot.

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8:15 p.m.

Connecticut Democrats have nominated U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy to a second, six-year term.

Party delegates on Friday night - the first day of the two-day state convention - endorsed the 44-year-old on a voice vote. There was no opposition.

Murphy had a tough battle against former professional wrestling executive Linda McMahon in 2012, but he faces a lesser known, less-funded Republican in November. The GOP last weekend endorsed Hartford business owner Matthew Corey to run for Senate.

Murphy has amassed about $7.7 million while Corey has $13,336 in cash on hand, but a $3,000 debt.

Murphy reminded delegates about what they stand for, including reproductive rights, worker protections and mandatory background checks for guns. He says those should rally Democrats, encouraging them to prevent the GOP from winning in Connecticut.

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7 p.m.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy is predicting members of Congress with top ratings from the National Rifle Association will be voted out of office this year, as frustration mounts over mass shootings.

Democrat was reacting Friday to the mass shooting at a Texas high school, where 10 people were killed and 10 injured.

Murphy is expected to receive the state endorsement from Connecticut Democrats on Friday night for a second six-year term. Murphy says he understands “people are frustrated” that Congress hasn’t passed “a meaningful change in our gun laws at the federal level” since the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.

But he says a political movement is being built and it will eventually be stronger than the gun lobby, adding that the 2018 election is crucial.

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6:10 p.m.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy is predicting members of Congress with top ratings from the National Rifle Association will be voted out of office this year, as frustration mounts over mass shootings.

Democrat was reacting Friday to the mass shooting at a Texas high school, where 10 people were killed and 10 injured.

Murphy is expected to receive the state endorsement from Connecticut Democrats on Friday night for a second six-year term. Murphy says he understands “people are frustrated” that Congress hasn’t passed “a meaningful change in our gun laws at the federal level” since the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.

But he says a political movement is being built and it will eventually be stronger than the gun lobby, adding that the 2018 election is crucial.

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2:50 p.m.

Delegates are gathering for the first day of the Connecticut Democratic Party’s political convention.

They’re expected to bid farewell Friday night to two-term Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, who are not seeking re-election. They’re also expected to endorse Sen. Chris Murphy, a rising star in the national party, for a second term.

Much of the drama is expected Saturday, when candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, attorney general and comptroller will be endorsed. With various incumbents not seeking re-election, there are multiple candidates for some seats, creating a strong possibility for primaries.

Supporters for Eva Bermudez Zimmerman, a union negotiator from Sandy Hook, are rallying outside the Hartford Convention Center. She’s expected to challenge former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz for the lieutenant governor endorsement.