New London - George Potts Jr., one of two city police officers running for the City Council, announced Saturday he is ending his candidacy.

In a news release issued at about 3 p.m., Potts said, "In compliance with a request by the Office of Special Counsel for the Hatch Act Unit, I am regretfully withdrawing my name as a council candidate."

The Hatch Act is a federal law that prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan politics. According to the website of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, it also applies to state and local government employees "who work in connection with programs financed in whole or in part by federal loans or grants."

The website offers examples of the types of programs that frequently receive financial assistance from the federal government. The list includes public health, public welfare, housing, urban renewal and area redevelopment, employment security, labor and industry training, public works, conservation, agricultural, civil defense, transportation, anti-poverty and law enforcement programs.

The ballot for the Nov. 8 election lists both Potts and Anthony Nolan, another city police officer, as Democratic candidates for the council. Democratic Councilor Michael Passero, a city firefighter, is seeking re-election and also appears on the ballot.

Nolan, reached late Saturday night, said he has called the U.S. Office of Special Counsel to inquire about the Hatch Act's bearing on his candidacy but had not yet received a reply.

He said would contact the agency again Monday.

"My plan is to run unless I receive something informing me that I shouldn't," Nolan said.

Neither Potts nor Passero could be reached Saturday night. Democratic Town Chairman Bill Satti also could not be reached.

In a Sept. 30 column, David Collins of The Day questioned whether the Hatch Act would prohibit municipal employees from running for partisan elective office.

He requested an expedited opinion on the matter from the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.

Potts, in his release, also said, "I wish Mike Buscetto and the Democratic Team good luck in this historic election. I would like to thank my supporters and especially my family for their time and efforts on my behalf."

Buscetto, a Democratic councilor, is waging a write-in campaign for mayor, having lost the party's endorsement for the post to Daryl Finizio.

b.hallenbeck@theday.com