Bernie Sanders inquires about New Haven campaign stop on the Green

Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during a campaign rally in Erie, Pa., Tuesday. Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during a campaign rally in Erie, Pa., Tuesday. Photo: Mary Altaffer — The ASSOCIATED PRESS Photo: Mary Altaffer — The ASSOCIATED PRESS Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Bernie Sanders inquires about New Haven campaign stop on the Green 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

NEW HAVEN >> A presidential candidate is interested in making a campaign stop in the Elm City ahead of the state’s primary.

Mayoral spokesman Laurence Grotheer said Tuesday that the campaign for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders has inquired about the availability of the city Green for an event April 24.

“The city replied to the inquiry to say the Green is available,” Grotheer said. “The city provided additional information about costs and other logistics, and that’s where it stands.”

As of Tuesday, no permits had been issued, Grotheer said. The site is being considered among other sites in the city.

While the Bernie Sanders Connecticut Team spokesman did not return a call or email for comment, the campaign’s Twitter account said Sanders will be at the New Haven City Green on April 24 at 7 p.m. City Parks Director Rebecca Bombero confirmed that Sanders’ campaign had asked about hosting an event at the same time. The space is available at the time, according to Bombero.

“Come see the next POTUS,” the Sanders campaign tweet said, referring to the acronym for president of the United States.

New Haven Democratic Town Committee Chairman Vincent Mauro said he’s heard rumors of a Sanders campaign stop, but hasn’t been able to confirm anything. “It’s a nice testament to the city that a presidential candidate is planning on coming to the City of New Haven,” Mauro said.

Mayor Toni Harp endorsed Sanders’ rival and current party frontrunner Hillary Clinton last year and held a press conference April 15 to promote Clinton, according to a release.

Connecticut’s state primary is April 26.

Reach Esteban L. Hernandez at 203-680-9901.