Rick Torres Returns to Republican Race.

Bridgeport Republican Rick Torres has re-entered the race to lead the Republican State Central Committee. He was the first of the contenders to withdraw and endorse William Aniskovich, whose withdrawal a week ago has roiled the race.

Torres, who describes himself as a conservative, owns and operates Harborview Market in Bridgeport. He ran for mayor in 2003, endorsed Democrat Christopher Caruso four years later, and has served as the local town committee chairman. He said in a telephone interview this morning that he has the support of the 3 state central members from Bridgeport. Remarkable that of the 72 members of the state central committee three are from Bridgeport, where Tom Foley won 4,099 votes and Linda McMahon collected 4,030.

Torres told state central members and others in an email Wednesday, “As of today, I am back in the race. I beg your forgiveness for my exit and hope you will reconsider my candidacy from this point forward. I will return the questionnaire post haste. Thank you in advance for your indulgence.”

Since last Thursday, Norwalk’s Art Scialabba also returned to the race and Jerry Labriola, Jr., entered it for the first time.

Members and proxy holders will cast ballots Monday.