Hackett on Politics

28 days and counting...

2010-10-05T09:10:00.003-05:00

Last night's U.S. Senate debate between Richard Blumenthal and Linda McMahon was more of draw than awin for either -- but with the slight advantage going to Blumenthal. Neither caniddate hurt themselves, and clearly Blumenthal was far more aggressive then he has been -- which was important for him. So int erms of expectations — and there were a lot riding on Blumenthal's back — point to Blumenthal.

Where McMahon may have lost points was in her inability to answer questions, but quite frankly I'm not convinced that many people cared, so no points lost there. She got in a few jabs, and so did he, so that was a draw.

Quite frankly, the most disappointing part of the debate had nothing to do with the candidates, but more to do with the questioning -- and those asking the questions. Chris Keating from the Courant did a good job, but his fellow panelists from Fox61 were lacking.

Tonight, the two gubernatorial candidates go at it. Same time, same place.

29 days and counting...

2010-10-04T10:08:00.001-05:00

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon this morning canceled her scheduled interview with the Norwich Bulletin's editorial board that was set for tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.) claiming they have no record of that meeting on their calendar.

The McMahon camp originally asked us to reschedule the Sept. 21 meeting due to a conflict in scheduling, and it was the McMahon camp that picked the Oct. 5 date and time to reschedule, which we agreed to. Now they claim they have no record of that.I assured them it was not a case of "misspeak." (I did save the originally e-mail where tehy set that date and forwarded to them.)

Now they say they'll check to see if they can find a date to reschedule. I hope so, because right now Richard Blumenthal's meeting with us is posted on our web page as is John Merten's interview (he's the Senate candidate on the CT for Lieberman party line) and by Wednesday Warren Mosher's interview (he's the Independent Party candidate for Senate) will be posted.

The only one MIA is McMahon.

Williams....

2010-09-17T16:33:00.001-05:00

Our editorial board meeting this afternoon with state Sen. President Don Williams, D-Brooklyn, was certainly lively, but -- in my opinion -- not very informative. Much of what we heard today is the same we've heard for the past two years....

But don't take my word on that...see and hear for yourself. The entire interview -- unedited -- is (or will soon) be posted on our web page....www.norwichbulletin.com.

49 days and counting....

2010-09-15T16:32:00.003-05:00

Our displeasure with the Democratic leadership of the General Assembly , and their handling of the state's budget crisis is well documented.

On Friday, 1 pm., state Seate Presdient Don Williams, D-Brooklyn, will be coming in for his editioral board intereview. The interviewed with be lived-streamed on www.norwichbulletin.com. And it will be videotaped and posted in its entirety on the web page later that night and avaialbe for anyone to watch at any time....unedited.

It should be quite discussion...

Day 50 and still counting....

2010-09-14T15:10:00.002-05:00

Janet Peckingpaugh, the Republican challenger in the 2nd Congressional District race, was in this morning for her editorial board interview. The incumbent, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, had his interview last week. And Dan Reale, the Libertarian candidate in the four-way contest was in on Monday. All three interviews were broadcast live on www.norwichbulletin.com — and they were videotaped. Those interviews, complete and unedited, are now on our web page, giving voters the opportunity to watch and listen to each candidate talk about the issues in their own words....a chance to compare and contrast each.

We wrap up the 2nd District race on Thursday at noon with Green Party candidate G. Scott Deshefy— and that, too, will be broadcast live as it happens and later posted on our web page.

By the end of the week, all four will be available to you

53 days and counting...

2010-09-10T10:08:00.002-05:00

Unlike other elections years, I doubt that we'll see many of the big name visitors to Connecticut stumping for candidates -- but there are two marque names on their way to the state to lend a little star power to two of the high profile candidates on this year's ballot.

President Barack Obama has agreed to come to the state (if you consider a fundraising in Stamford coming to Connecticut) on behalf of Democratic Senatorial candidate Dick Blumenthal. Exact date and time yet to be announced, but sometime near the end of the month.

And former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney was in Connecticut yesterday lending his support to Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley. That event took part in Greenwich.

It seems that most of these kinds of events are held in Fairfield County, and the obvious reason is that's where the money is. Although Foley, a millionaire, is self-funding his campaign, he is collecting contributions as well...and much of his own money being pumped into this campaign is being done as loans, not direct contributions...meaning he's hoping at some point to recoup the investment he is making.

More so than any past election that I can remember, money is playing a major role. Which is why we very rarely see any of the marque names here in Eastern Connecticut for that very reason.

54 days and still counting....

2010-09-09T08:53:00.002-05:00

Have you noticed that the tone of the campaigns have been turned down a notch or two lately. Sure, the candidates are still snipping at each other, but the attacks ads on television have been replaced with testimonials.

In this past week I've discovered that Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon is an optimistic person who loves to laugh and has a great sense of humor.

I've also lerned that Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley is a heck of friend , there for everyone who needs him.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy has returned to the old neighborhood where he grow up with his siblings, a more joyous time in his life that has motivated him to work day and night so that none of us have to work night and day.

And most surprising, I've discovered that Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dick Blumenthal doesn't always slick back his hair and isn't afraid to be seen in public not wearing a tie.

55 days and counting....

2010-09-08T08:58:00.002-05:00

Rob Simmons and Daria Novak are no longer actively involved in this year's election, but that doesn't mean they're laying low. Both are remaining active in support of Republican candidates, such as appearing at a local GOP fundraising event in Canterbury on Sunday.

That event feature sseveral candidates, including 2nd District Republican challlenger Janet Peckinpaugh (who defeated Novak in the Aug. 11 primary), Lt. Gov. candidate Mark Boughton, state Rep. ChrisCoutu, R-Norwich, and John Hallbergh, the petitioning candidate challenging Senate President Don Williams, D-Brooklyn.

But then...there's also Rob and Daria. And that has caused a few folks to say, what's up with that?

It's an easy to understand why the organizers of the event, the Canterbury Republican Town Committee, would invite both. Rob is still one of the most popular Republicans in Eastern Connecticut, and Daria -- who had the support of many of the town committee's membership -- also remains quite popular.

For Novak, it's a mater of staying active. She obviously has plans for the future and is attempting to build a grassroots organization within the 2nd Congressional District of conservative-minded Republicans for possibly some future campaign.

For Simmons, it is a pledge he made during the primary campaign that if he lost the party's nomination in his US Senate bid, he continue to work on behalf of Republicans statewide in the general election. Does Rob have any future plans? I'm not sure he knows yet....but clearly he's a not ready to hang it up.

Might there be another Senate bid in two years (if U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., opt not to seek re-election?), or might be considering a possible state position in the Foley Administration if Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley wins in November. Foley did tap Simmons to be his "advisor" on military matters, particularly the issue of the sub base if threatened with another BRAC round.

There could be several spots where Simmons could be quite effective....like maybe commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs if Commissioner Linda Schwartz decides not to stay on, or maybe the Office of Military Affairs.

Fifty-five days before the election....lots of things happening; lots more to develop over that time. Stay tuned.

Reynolds rocky bid..

2010-05-22T14:03:00.002-05:00

No winner on the first ballot for secretary of the state, so a second round is now under way, allowiong state Rep. Tom Reynolds, D-Ledyard, a bit more tine to round up a few extra votes in his bid for the state comptroller's race.

But Reynolds is running into a major brick wall -- labor.

The unions are not happy with Reynolds and they, too, are working the delegates inthe hopes of not just denying Reynolds the endorsement, but also blocking any chance of qualifying for a primary.

The comptroller's race is up right after the secretary of the state's count is completed.

And it goes on...

2010-05-22T12:09:00.002-05:00

Geoerge Jepsen was noinated for attorney general by acclamation...the only Democrat in that race since Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz was ruled unqualified to hold the position by the state Supreme Court earlier this week.

The race for secretary of the state is now up in front of the delegates. The nominations are being made and the roll call vote to follow.

Then, it's the state Comptroller position to replace Wyman, and Ledyard Democratic state Rep. Tom Reynolds bid for that slot. It is expected that Reynolds will fall short of winning the convention endorsement. The question is, will he qualify for a primary -- and if so, will he force one?

And the winner is...

2010-05-22T11:32:00.002-05:00

For lieutenant governor....Nancy Wyman, Dan Malloy's running mate.

As for Ned Lamont's chosen running mate, Simsbury First Selectwoman Mary Glassman...she did qualify for the primary.

Now for a little drama..

2010-05-22T10:58:00.002-05:00

The roll call vote for lieutenant governor is now under way, and the question is...will Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman earn the 15 percent to qualify for a primary.

Glassman is Ned Lamont's running mate, and considering the overwhelming victory of Dan Malloy over Lamont -- better than 2 to 1 -- will delegates line up behind state Comptroller Nancy Wyman, Malloy's running mate, in such large numbers that Glassman doesn's get the votes to qualify.

Gubernatorial primary..

2010-05-22T10:34:00.002-05:00

No surprise,Ned Lamont just told us that he will primary endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate an Malloy for the nomination. He was also quick to note that history shows that winning the endorsement is not a guarantee of a primary win.

That's true...

Foyur years ago, Malloy won the endorsement for governor and lost the primary to John DeStefano...

And, four years ago, U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman won the Democratic Party's endorsement...and then lost the primary to Lamont.

And the winner is...

2010-05-22T10:16:00.001-05:00

Dan Malloy...by a huge margin....over 1,200 for Malloy and 580 for Lamont.

And the counting goes on...

2010-05-22T09:57:00.002-05:00

The roll call vote of the state's 169 town is proceeding...slowly...in the gubernatorial race between Ned Lamont and Dan Malloy. The podium is just completing the tally of 2nd District towns.

Although way too early to say, it appears Malloy is running stronger at this point, especially in Eastern Connecticut. Norwich gave all of its 17 votes to Malloy, as did Voluntown with its two votes. Lamont, meanwhile picked up two votes to Malloy's one fron Woodstock.

State Rep. Mae Flexer, D-Killingly, delivered the main nominating speech placing Lamont's name in nomination.

The roll call has now moved into the 3rd Congressional District.

Gubernatorial nominations...

2010-05-22T08:58:00.001-05:00

The nomination for governor is now getting underway...

Bysiewicz's future...

2010-05-22T08:39:00.003-05:00

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz was the lead off speaker at the Democratic convention this morning, receiving a loud, standing ovation from delegates when she took to the podium.

She made a few jokes about her "tough week," first asking delegates how they're week was going, and then suggesting that she can now take the state Supreme Court Justices off her Christmas card list.

As for her own future, she repeated what she has said, that she intends on workinbg as hard as she can to elect Democrats this fall.

And....although she said nothing about it, it is highly expected that Bysiewicz's "early retirement" from public office will be short lived. It is anticipated Bysiewicz will early next year declare her canidacy for U.S. Senate seekinbg the seat now held by Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, I-Conn., in 2012.

Simmons stays in...

2010-05-22T07:26:00.002-05:00

Despite repeatedly saying he would drop of the Senate race if he failed to win the Republican convention endorsement, shortly after midnight Friday, the Simmons camp issued a press release saying he had decided to stay in and go for the primary challenge against endorsed GOP candidate Linda McMahon.

I ran into Rob and his wife Heidi this morning as they were checking out of the Marriott next to the Hartford Convention Center shortly before 8 a.m. and asked him what changed.
His response, "Let me get back to you on that."

And off they went in search of the car with Gung Ho license plates.

It's Saturday morning now, and we've changed locations and have moved over to the Hartford Expo Center for today's Democratic convention.

I find it interesting

2010-05-21T20:32:00.002-05:00

The last time there was a contested race in the 2nd Congressional District Republiucan convention was in 1996 -- Ed Munster of East Haddam vs. Andy NOrton of colchester. Munster won the endorsement and the primary.

Friday night, Munster and Norton were players again. It was Munster who nominated Janet Peckinpaugh -- and Norton who seconded the nomination.

Peckinpaugh finsihed third, but got enough votes to qualify for the primary.

Meanwhile. we're still in the first round of voting in the U.S. Senate race. It's hard to say at this point who's ahead.

Peter Schiff is doing better than many thought, but it is clearly a head-to-head contest between Rob Simmons and Linda McMahon...and although McMahon appears to be ahead at the moment, Simmons is holding his own.

The 2nd District has't voted yet....it will be last....and it is expected to go heavily in in Simmons favor. But there is no clear indication at this point if opne round of voting will produce a winner...of if a second round will be necessary.

Breaking news...exclusive

2010-05-21T19:47:00.002-05:00

Former State Rep. Lenny Winkler, R-Groton, will have her name submitted inb nomination for lieutenant governor at Saturday's session of the Republican state convention.

Winkler conformed for the Norwich Bulletin just moments ago that she has agreed to let her name be put in contention. She is the third Repunblican to seek the number tqo spot on the ticket, facing Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, Lt. Gov. ichael Fedsele's choicw as a running mate, and Lisa Wison-Foley.

Winkl;er also confirmed that gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley "encouraged" her to run for trhe office, but is not asking her to run as his running mate.

Eastern Connecticut now has two locals vying for state office, Winkler on the Republican ticket and Ledyard Democratic State Rep. Tom Reynolds vying for the Democratic nod in the state comptroller's race.

It's Novak in the 2nd

2010-05-21T19:23:00.002-05:00

Daria Novak emerged as the winner of the 2nd Congressional district convention, winning the endorsement - but facing her two chief GOP rivals in an Aughust primary. Doug Dubitsky, who finished second, and Jane Peckinpaugh, third, qualified for the primary and both said, when asked if they would primary, "Absolutely."

THe action now turns to the main convention ballroom. We're in the process of the nomination speeches, which few appear to actually be listening to. Supporters of the candidate being nomninated are lisrtening -- everyone else is enbgage in roaming the roam and carrying on their own conversations withg friends.

At this point, the nominations have now ended...and ahortly, the vote in the Republican race for U.S. Senate will begin.

GOP Senate race vote delayed

2010-05-21T17:09:00.002-05:00

Delegates to the 2nd Congressional District convention have yet to choose a nominee. Two rounds of ballotoing have not yet produced a winner, Daria Novak of Madison led both rounds. A third round will held shortly. Inthe meantime, the main event of the evening, the US Senate race, is being delayed until a final outcome in the 2nd District race. That should happen after the next round.

Meanwhile,..an update on the rumor of gubernatorial candidate Tomn Foley pursuing former state Rep. Lenny Winkler of Groton (not Ledyard)....Foley told me about an hour ago, there is no truth to that at all.

Convention time

2010-05-21T14:14:00.002-05:00

I'm ver at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford as del3egates to the Republican 2nd District convention gather and begin the process of endorsing a candidate for this year's election. All four candidates and their suppoerts are here. We should know the results in abvout an hour and a half.

Meanwhiloe....the latest rumor is that gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley has had discussions with former state Rep. Lenny Winkler of Ledyard as a possible lt. gov. candidate with him. If so, that should be the surprise of tomorrow's GOP convention.

And as for the Bulletin's Dear Governor project in today's paper. Copies were personally handed to Foley, Oz Griuebel and Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele, with the suggestion that not only do theyread what the people of Connecticut want to tell them...but maybve go visit some of the folks and hear it for themselves.

MOre later after the votoing in the 2nd District ends...

Johnston vs. Williams in the 29th?

2010-05-14T07:43:00.002-05:00

Republicans in the 29th State Senatorial District reportedly endorsed State Rep. Shawn Johnston, a Democrat from Thompson who earlier this month announced he would not seek re-election this year, as their candiate to challenge incumbent Senate President Pro Tem Don Williams, D-Brooklyn in this year's General Assembly elections.

No word yet on whether Johnston will accept the nomination.

If he does, it probably the most interesting and fascinating General Assembly race of the year.

Tuesday shakeups....

2010-05-11T07:30:00.002-05:00

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy will announce later today that he has chosen State Comptroller Nancy Wyman has his running mate. A fascinating choice that certainly bolsters his candidacy for governor, but could also prove a plus for his rival, Democrat Ned Lamont. If there is a primary....and there appears that will happen, the gubernatorial and lieutenant governor candidates run independently of each other....which means that Wyman could end up as the liuetentant govenror candidate for whomever wins the match-up between Malloy and Lamont.

In either case, she is an asset to the ticket come November....

On another front, Janet Peckenpaugh makes it official today with a tour of the 2nd Distrcit announcing her entrance into the Republican contest to challenger Democratic incumbent Congressman Joe Courtney (unanimously endorsed for re-election at last night's convention in Colchester.

And speaking of last night's convention....there was little intrigue within the auditorium, but lots of politicking going on outside in the hallway....

Monday things...

2010-05-10T15:34:00.002-05:00

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy has scheduled apress conference for tomorrow to make a "major announcement" regarding his campaign. Sounds like he's made his choice for a running mate and will announce that decision....

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney will be annointed by Democratis for another term at tonight's Democratric 2nd District convention in Colchester...he faces no Democratic chalenge, but lots of challengers from the GOP, Green and Libertarian parties.

And Janet Peckinpaugh's arrival into the 2nd District race as one of those GOP challengers is not being well-received -- by the two GOP candidates who have been in the race the longest, Matt Daly and Daira Novak. . They're not happy...in fact, Daly issued a press release claiming her arrival to the contest was nothing but a cheap ploy by Courtney and Democrats to distract Republicans and thus ensure Courtney's re-election.

The 2nd District race....

2010-05-07T12:02:00.002-05:00

Despite three Republican challengers, a Green party candidate (Scott Deshefy) and a Libertarian (Dan Reale), in the hunt to challenge two-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, Eastern Connecticut's congressional race this year has been lackluster...at least up until now.

The arrival of Connecticut former TV anchor Janet Peckipaugh — a recent Republican — into the fray has sudden elevated the contest to the level of "interest." Even the Republican National Congressional Committee — noticeably and uncharacteristically quiet these past few months — has arisen from its winter hibernation with a new awareness that maybe something might finally be happending in what has traditionally been a targeted race. (Neither the Republicans or Democrats have the 2nd District listed as a targeted race this year -- the first time in more than two decades It was initially listed as a targeted race in 2008, but fell off the list in the summer months leading up to November.)

The national committee came out with a nifty "spin" on her recent conversion to Republican circles by noting that when Rob Simmons held the seat he was considered the top Republican representing the most Democratic congressional district in the U.S. They credited his appeal among independents for his success, and they now note that Peckinpaugh appears to have those same traits that will likely appeal to the independently-thinking 2nd District voters.

Just what kind of long-range impact Peckinpaugh's candidacy will have on the race is unclear. But what she does bring to the contest immediately is name recognition -- something that has been woefully lacking thus far. And she brings some excitement, at least initially, that's also been lacking -- especially from the GOP side.

Neither Matt Daly nor Daria Novak have energized the GOP base -- the main reason why GOP members went searching out Peckinpaugh in the first place, and the national committee went into hibernation. After more than a year in the race, both still suffer a lack of name recognition, as does the third GOP challenger Doug Dubitsky, who only recently jumped into the contest himself after seeing and sensing a void.

How this plays out at the May 21 state convention when the party regulars vote for a nominee should prove more than just interesting.

Bysiewicz follow up...

2010-05-06T07:52:00.002-05:00

As noted yesterday, a Superior Court judge has ruled that Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz does meet the state requirment of having 10 years of active legal practice to qualify her to run for the dffice of attorney general. Republican State Party Chairman Chris Healy, although disappointed -- a mil way of saying that -- said he has not yet decided to appeal.

So.,..at this point, the legal question has been answered, it's time to move on. Democratic delegates to the state convention will now decide whether they wish to have Bysiewicz as their endorsed candidate, a primary will determine the eventual party nominee...and voters wil ultimately decide who will be attorney general.

Personally, there are other questions that I think still need to be answered.

1. Why did she drop out of the governor's race? I understand Tom Foley dropping out of the Senate race to run for governor -- he was a distant third in the polls and being outspent. But Bysiewicz was leading in he polls, and I'm not convinced at this point that the attorney general's position is really that more attractive than being governor....so why?

2. Why pledge to abide by the state's public financing rules while running for governor, and then suddenly switch and declare you won't participate in the public financing program while making a run for attorney general? There are millionaires running for governor....none running for attorney general. Why the switch?

Personally, I find these questions to be more important than the legal question. But that's just me.

Peckinpaugh is in the race

2010-05-05T14:54:00.002-05:00

Former Connecticut TV news reporter Janet Peckinpaugh filed papers this week with the Federal Elections Commimssion and will seek the Republican nomination for Congress in Connecticut's 2nd Congressional District -- challenging U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney.

Peckingpaugh is now the third Republican in the contest -- that also features a Green and Libertarian candidate -- and the most well known among the GOP field.

Suddenly....this race just got interesting.

Her formal announcement of her candidacy comes next week.

Bysiewicz wins....

2010-05-05T12:10:00.002-05:00

A superior court judge has ruled that Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz does meet the state requirement of 10-years of "active" legal practice to qualify to run for Attorney General. The judge did not rule on the second part of her complaint that the law requiring the 10 yers is unconstitutional.

Bysiewciz now gets to advance to the state convention on May 21-22 in her battle to win the party's nomination. Delegates will now decide if she's qualified. to run as the party's nominee, and votrers ultimately if she is elected.

And whether the issue is finally put to rest depends upon whther today's court ruling is appealed. Stay tuned.

The first Monday of May...

2010-05-03T13:26:00.002-05:00

A decision on the Susan Bysiewicz eligiblity hearing is expected to be issued this week. Where we go from there depends on what the ruling is...and who might appeal it.

It's the Lamont/Glassman ticket. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ned Lamont tapped former Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate Mary Glassman as his running mate, the first of the many gubernatorial candidates (Democrats and Republicans) to announce a pairing. Not a bad choice...the only woman in the race and someone who has proven to be a good vote getter.

Democratic rival Dan Malloy announced over the weekend he has reached the benchmark to qualify for public financing for his gubernatorial bid, opning up the possibility of close to $8 million — $1.5 million immedidately after the convention, another $3 million after the August primary -- and more if any opponent not participating starts to outspend him. But the bigger problem is....will there be any money for Malloy?

The state's public financing law is still unde a cloud awaiting a court decision on its constiutionality, and inthe meantime, Democrats and Republicans in Hartford have slowly been robbing the fund to pay off the state's debt. Malloy could find himself the first-ever candiate to qualify for public financing -- and get nothing out of it except that distinction of being the first to...

On the Republican side, the McMahon campaign announced yet another defection of a former Rob Simmons supporter to her camp. That's three in the last week....and just less than three weeks to go before the convention.

Bysiewicz hearing

2010-04-19T13:01:00.002-05:00

Lawyers are scheduled to give final arguments in the Susan Bysiewicz hearing to determine if she qualifies -- under state alw -- to hold the position of attorney general. The law requires 10 years of "active practice" as a lawyer to qualify. Bysiewicz maintains her role sa secretary of the state meets that qualifications. (However, I'm not sure how you consider a press conference in August 2006 to demonstrate the new voting machines qualifies as the "active" practice of law -- yet that was one of the examples Bysiewicz cited duriing her day and a half onthe witness stand last week.

Anyway, a decision is expected to be rendered by the end of the month -- then we'll see if there will be an appeal which could drag this out at least up until the state conventions next month, and probably longer.

The AG race....

2010-04-14T08:10:00.002-05:00

Big Day today for Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz. The Superior Court hearing on her qualifications to serve as attorney general gets under way, and it is expected that Bysiewicz will take the stand for questioning. Personally, I think she'll need to do better today than she did during the depositions....otherwise her best bet for staying in the race may be her second option...having the judge declare the law requiring 10-years of "active practice" unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, the Bysiewicz camp released its fundraising totals for the first quarter, and she did very -- very -- well, raising $214,000....and now giving her $345,000 cash on hand for her campaign -- more than 10 times that of her two Democratic rivals.

The governor's race....

2010-04-13T13:46:00.002-05:00

With polls, and delegates to next month's state conventions, indicating that it is still a pretty wide open race for the Democratic and Republican nominations for governor, I want to make you aware of an upcoming debate featuring many -- if not most -- of the contenders.

The Connecticut Daily Newspaper Assocaition and the University of Connecticut will host two debates on April 21 in the Reading Room of the William F. Starr Hall on the UConn Law School campus in Hartford. By a flip of a coin held earlier today at the Capitol, the Republican candidates for governor will go first (3:30-4:15 p.m.) and after a break, Democratic candidates take the stage (from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m)

So far...Republicans Lawrence Denardis, Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele, Tom Foley, R. Nelson "Oz" Griebel and Thomas Nash have accepted the invitation to participate.

On the Democratic side, Juan Figueroa, Mary Glassman, Ned Lamont, Dan Malloy and Rudy Marconi have agreed..

On the offense or making a last stand?

2010-04-13T07:59:00.002-05:00

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rob Simmons held a press conference in Hartford Monday to blast his chief rival, former WWE CEO Linda McMahon, over allegations that she tipped off a doctor under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department, and sought to distance the WWE from him.A McMahon memo written years ago at the height of the investigation is the smoking gun -- but the question is, will this help his campaign for the GOP nomination. So far, the allegations of drug use within the WWE have not seemed to make a difference among voters in terms of how they view her candidacy.

Simmons, who was the early front-runner in the race, is now trailing McMahon in polls heading into the May conventions -- a critical point in thyi campaign since Simmons is on the record as saying that he doesn't win the convention endorsement, he's dropping out of the race and will not force a primary against McMahon. In the last Quinnipiac poll, McMahon surged to the front of the pack, and holds a 10-point lead over Simmons among likely Republican voters.

Simmons' candidacy did receive a bit of boost yesterday with a new poll shoing that he fares better against presumptive Democratic nominee Richard Blumenthal compared to the other GOP hopefuls, but still trails in a head-to-head matchup with the attorney general.

East meets West...

2010-04-09T11:38:00.002-05:00

It seems Eastern Connecticut is becoming a popular place for political candidates these days, especially those from the Fairfield County area (which is most of them).

Last week, Tom Foley, Republican candidate for govenror, was here at the Buletin for an informal editorial board meeting and mentioned that he plans on spending more time in Eastrern Connecticut over the next month.

Today, Ned Lamont, Democratic candidate for governor, is Stonington touring flood damaged buildings , businesses and areas.

Tomorrow, Dan Malloy, Democratic candidate for govenror, and Linda McMahon, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, will be in the area. Malloy will stop in at an education fourm on regionalization efforts hosted by the Norwich Board of Education and McMahon is attending a Griswold Republican Town Committee forum to discuss her candidacy and recently released jobs plan. (Griswold RTC Chairman Theresa Madonna invited McMahon to one of her fundraisers last year when she was running for first selectman, and now Madonna is returning the favor.)

Next week....Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic is hosting a candidates forum on April 14 that will bring others from the west. Nearly two dozen candidates involved in different races will be attending, including, but not limited to, Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele (GOP candidate for governor) and Vinny Forras (GOP candidate for U.S. Senate) -- both from Fairfield County.

A strange election year indeed...

2010-04-08T14:43:00.001-05:00

Near the end of the taping of a cable television show last week I was asked if I found this year’s election to be the most exciting one I’ve ever seen. I admitted it is certainly the most interesting, primarily because of the wide cast of characters seeking elected office.

But then, just when I thought that I’ve seen it all, along came a press release later in the week that showed me something new.

The press release was from Lisa Wilson-Foley of Simsbury, announcing her plans to seek the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor, and to primary for the number two spot on the GOP ticket.
In the 22 years I've been at the Bulletin, I don't ever recall anyone doing anything like that. First, the Lt. Governor's job is a thankless position — ask anyone who's held it — and I've never seen anyone voluntarily seek it out on their own.

Secondly, Lt. Governor candidates are usually“announced”by gubernatorial candidates who hand pick the individual they’d like to have as their running mates — usually selected because they bring the potential of more general election votes to the ticket. Wilson-Foley has no such affiliation with any of the Republican gubernatorial candidates and is apparently making an independent bid on her own to secure the number two spot.

That should make for interesting primary as she challenges the “preferred” pick(s) of Republican candidates seeking the number one spot.

Not that it can't be done. Four years ago, Mary Glassman, who is now seeking the Democratic nomination for governor, won the Lt. Governor's nomination in a primary. But Glassman was Dan Malloy's pick as his running mate and ended up running with John DeStefano when Democratic voters decided to split their votes in the primary.

Senate Race -- GOP side

2010-04-07T15:02:00.002-05:00

The Connecticut Tea Party Patriots are holding a forum for Republican candidates running for U.S. Senate. All GOP candidates have been invited, and all have accepted -- excpet for Linda McMahon, the current front-runner for the GOP nomination.

McMahon declined the invitation and there is some speculation that the format -- allowing folks in the audience to ask questions -- was the reason.

Personally, I think he decision to decline was based on more practical reasons.

First: It's pretty clear that Peter Schiff is the more likely contender to win the support of the Tea Party Patriots, so McMahon has almost nothing to gain at this point in trying to win their support. Obviously, if she were to become the nominee, things will be different -- but right now they aren't.

Second: Tea Party Patriots members are not likely to be a major force at the state convention next month, so there is no benefit to her in that regard. It is to her benefit to focus on convention delegates, not the Tea Party Patriots, few of whom will be delegates.

Third: Why put yourself out as a potential target to your opponents if you don't have to -- and she doesn't. If the majority of Tea Party Patriots are more in tune with Schiff, why would she want to take questions that might allow him to gain publicity and an advantage.

The polls indicate McMahon has the momentum, and she certainly has the resources she needs to win the GOP nomination. The Tea Party Patriots are not likely tovote for the Democrat in the race, so until she is the GOP nominee, it isn't in her best interest to compete for their support at this point.

Still steady in Norwich..

2009-11-03T12:03:00.002-05:00

At the Knights of Columbus Hall in Taftville, Precincts 1 and 3, turnout was running in the upper 200s each at noon.

"Every vote counts," said Nelkson French as he climbed on his bike after casting his vote. French said today's election didn't personally present any conflicts for him, the choices were "simple."

"Republican..." he said, "local, state and federal."

But that doesn't mean he doesn't appreciate today's choices on the ballot. "What I appreciate are the people who serve, no mattrer what side they're on. I don't think a lot of people do appreciate that. It's a tough job being an elected official."

It's noon now, and I have a meeting at the office, so we'll suspend the tour of polling paces for a couple of hours and head back on the road a bit later.

Not every problem is a bad one...

2009-11-03T11:28:00.003-05:00

At the polling place nexgt to the Pachaug Fire Station in Griswold, there is a bit of a problem -- parking. The site has roughly 13 parking spaces, with more than 3,000registered voters in the district, so parking is at a premium. And turnout is heavy. By 10:30 this morning, more than 450 voters had already cast ballots.

At Town Hall, the second voting poll in town, better than 10 percent had turned out by 11 a.m.

"It's a good turnout," said Town Hall moderator Joe Lussier, a 15-year veteran of town elections. "It's been very good."

And that is a good sign for what should prove to be an interesting race for first selectman today.

Now ity's time to head back into Norwich, make a quick stop in Taftville and then into the office for meeting before hitting the road again later this aft3ernoon.

Variety is the spice of life...

2009-11-03T11:02:00.003-05:00

That's how Jaquline Picard described today's first selectman's race in Lisbon. For the first tme in eight years, incumbent First Selectman Tom Sparkman is facing a challenger, the town's senior coordinator Judy Jencks.

Turnout has been steady since the polling place at Town Hall this morning wi8th better than 10 percent of eligible voters havinbg cast ballots by 11 a.m., 316 out of 2,658 registere3d viters.

"It is interesting," Megan Izbicki said of the first selectman's race. "Judy could brung a lot of different things, and Ton's dne a good job."

Izbecki deckined to say who she voted for, but did confess thge main draw for her was her mother -- who serves as town tax collector. "I'm here rooting for my mom."

In the Land of Steady Habits...steady is the word

2009-11-03T10:21:00.002-05:00

"Steady, no down time, but no rush, either."

That's how Precinct 2B moderator Bob Schmidt described turnout at the Rose City Senior Center where voters in Norwich's Precincts 2A and @b were casting ballots today.

"It's nice to have multiple options," Michelle Kenny, 22, said after casting her vote in today's municipal election, a reference to the various choices available dfor voters.

For Kenny, the four-way race for mayor is the major attraction -- but not necessarily a difficult choice. "Obviously, there are two strong candidate, and two others. I vote for the person I know, a good guy."

Time to continue the travels...back on I-395 and heading north...

What's the attraction...

2009-11-03T09:44:00.002-05:00

It's hard to say at this point what the final turnout in today's election will be, but it does seem clear that the four-way race for mayor in Norwich is the main draw bringing people out to the polls today.

"Honestly, I don't care if it's right, wrong or indifferent," said Bob Pirie aftrer castring his vote at Veterans Memorial Schoo, "as long as we shake things up."

Pirie didn't want to say who he voted for, but conceded that there were "three or four names" on the ballot that he came to vote for...and those were the candidates that he did vote for.

The stream of voters continues, no great opnslught, but steady. I suspect that turnout might be a bit higher than typical for a local election, but not a recoerd a turnout.

A new stop...

2009-11-03T09:26:00.002-05:00

Normally my next stop is the American Legion Hall on Laurel Hill, but this morning I find myself sitting in the gym at Veterans Memorial School -- the "new" voting pollng place for Norwich residents living in Precincts 5, 6 and 7.

Outside, at the entrance of the school, City Council candidate Jackie Caron sat on the tunk of her car waving to vorers as they arrive. Mayoral candidate Bob Zarnetske took the opportunity to do a little waving himself ae he arrived, a short respite s he shuttles voters to polling places today.

Inside, the3re is a slow, but steady stream of voters arriving..."nothing overwhelming," election officials say with a reference to last year's long, long lines. Clearly, at thisw moment, the number of poll workers greatly outnumber of voters.

Steady as you go...

2009-11-03T08:48:00.002-05:00

Sitting in the conferencre room at Preston Town Hall, one cannot escaqpe the thud and vibrations coming every 20 seconds or so as the metal door to the basement slams. There are no lines extending out the dorway this year like there were a year ago, but a fairly steady stream of voters nonetheless. At 8:30, 183 voters had caqst ballots.

"We're not going to break any records," election official Merrill Gerber told me.

But then again, Preston voters have become accustomesd to referendums, probably having participated in more over the past three years then voters in any of the other surrounding towns. And that's because of the Norwich State Hospital property -- the single issue in this year's municipal election.

In my opinion, Preston is probably the most exciting of all of today's elections.

"I would tend to agree with you on that," Parke Spicer Sr. told me as I stopped and talked with him after breakfast this morning at Parke's Place. Parke's son, Parke Jr. now runs the diner. The elder Parke, a former first selectman in Pfreston, is now the registrar of voters.

The Preston election for first selectman this year centers solely on the issue of developing the hospital property. Republican incumbent Robert Congdon and his Democratic challenger Tim Bowles have very different ideas of how the property should be developed...and today's vote could be an "unofficial" on ideas as much as it is a vote for the individual -- which is not bad at all.

And the slamming of the metal door suggests voters might agree with that.

Traditions...

2009-11-03T08:02:00.002-05:00

I"ve been doing these Election Day tours for a number of years now, and it never fails....as I cross over the bridge from Montville to Preston, my car slips into automatic drive aqnd turns right on Route 12, and then left into the parking lot at Parke's Place.

Parke's is one of the diners were locals gather to dicuss the "news" of the day. The conversation around the counter this morning is the recent Mashantucket Pequot elections....and some good natured ribbing of a patron who had forgotten that today was Election Day...or for that matter, that it was even Tuesday.

But the main reason for stopping here is....breakfast. Stopping by once a year doesn't make me a regular, but has become a regular stop for me. So...after breakfast, we'll head over Preston Town Hall and see how things are going over there.

It's a family affair...

2009-11-03T07:44:00.003-05:00

It's a family tradition in the Remodi household, every election Lisa Remodi briungs at least two, sometimes three of her four chiodren to the polls with her...not to vote, but to work. It's something that she has been doing since the kids were in high school, and this year is no exception. Her twp 19-year-old daughters are working today, one at Fair Oaks School and the other with her at the Mohegan Fire Station where Lisa is working as the poll's election official.

"they should learn about this," Lisa told me. "They'll be the ones who will be doing this in the future."

Activity at the fire station is a bit more brisj than at Town Halll. Sixty-three voters have cast ballots un the first two hours.

Now...off to Preston....

Big issue, but a small turnout...

2009-11-03T07:19:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, Montville Town Hall is typically the slowest in tersm of voter turnout. According to election officials, only about a dozen voters had shown up in the first hour. A bit surprising considering the big issue is the potential change in the way local government will be structured.

"It is a big issue," Helen Karney told me after casting her vote, but declining to say how she voted on the proposal to change from a mayoral-council form of government to a town manager-council form. "I rather not," she said when I asked. "I'm afraid a lot of my friends voted the other way."

Next stop, the Mohegan Fire House where I suspect activity might be a little higher.

Status quo or something different...

2009-11-03T07:00:00.002-05:00

The town council race in Montville is interesting, but it's the proposed charter change that will likely draw much of the attention today in Montville. On the ballot is a question asking voters if they want to do away with the mayoral-council form of government and adopt instead a town manager-council form of government.

Doting the landscape approaching Town Hall are signs in favor of both -- red and white signs that read "Just say no," and yellow signs with the word "Yes," if you want "good government."

Town Hall is one of three poling places, and typically the slowest. And so it is this morning as less than half doZen voters have entered since I sat down and fired up the computer.

I voted...

2009-11-03T06:33:00.002-05:00

The sun had barely topped the treesw and the full moon was still visible in the sky at the comunity center. Candidates running in this year's election, aqnd a handful of their supporters were outside in the parking lot greeting residents as they arrived. No long lines this morning, but a steady stream ofr voters anyway.

Well, now that I've done my civic duty, it's time to start my work day. It's uip I-395 to Montville...my first satop on my morning loop of voting places.

Polls are open....

2009-11-03T05:13:00.003-05:00

It's just about 6 a.m. and the start of my day today. First stop this morning will be the East Lyme Community Center. Now East Lyme is not in our general readership area, but it is where I vote...and if I don't do that now, then I won't get a chance later.

Not much of a contest here this year. Republican First Selectman Paul Formica is facing only a write-in challenge...so I'm guessing this is a pretty easy one to handicap. However, there are a number of referendum questions on the ballot -- the main reason for me to go to the polls today.

Election Day...

2009-11-02T10:37:00.002-05:00

It's tomorrow....and as is my usual routine on Election Day, I will be hitting the polling places shortly after polls open at 6 a.m., and then reporting all day from various polling locations throughout Eastern Connecticut with updates on turnout and how things seem to be going. I invite you all to join me here tomorrow on the Blog to get a sense of what might be developing in the various races being contested in this year's municipal elections.

In case you missed it....

2009-06-08T08:36:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it — and I don’t how you could unless you haven’t turned on your TV over the last week — President Barack Obama gave a “shout out” to U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd for championing the credit card tax reform bill that he recently signed into law.
The TV commercial — which, by the way, doesn’t mention the language about carrying loaded guns in national parks — of Obama signing the legislation has been running consistently on local TV channels for a week now. The campaign ads are being paid for by Dodd’s re-election committee.
Coincidentally, a “non-partisan” group is also running a television ad campaign praising Dodd for his efforts to secure health care coverage for working families. It’s one of those...”call Chris Dodd and thank him”...commercials.
I find this all a bit amusing because when the senator was in to see us in late March at the height of the AIG bonus problem, he was rather adamant that he had no intention of running an 18-month re-election campaign. It was too early to start that, he said.
Four days after that meeting, he hired a campaign manager. And now, I guess, a 17-month campaign is okay. Hey, why let all that campaign cash just sit there. If you got, spend it.
Of course all this “non-campaigning” comes as the senator is facing challenges from both inside the party as well outside.
At the same time, his potential Democratic primary challenger, Merrick Alpert of Groton, was soundly rebuffed two weeks ago by his own town committee. The Groton Town Committee adopted a resolution praising Dodd for all he’s done, and “condemning” anyone who would dare repeat the “trumped up” charges being leveled at the incumbent. The resolution didn’t mention Alpert by name, but reportedly all eyes were on him in the room as that passage of the resolution was being read.
Obviously the Groton Town Committee membership didn’t get the memo on the Democratic Party’s cardinal rule #1: Never speak badly about a fellow Democrat — at least not in public, and certainly, not to his face.
Groton Democratic leaders went even further by claiming the resolution was not an endorsement of Dodd’s re-election — saying, “it’s too soon for something like that.” Of course, stapling the invitation to a fundraiser next month to benefit Dodd’s re-election to the resolution before it was handed out to those attendence shouldn’t be construed as anything remotely looking like an endorsement — not this early in the campaign, anyway.
Republicans may be known as the Grand Old Party, but honestly, if it wasn’t Democrats, politics would never be this much fun.
Because it gets better.
Where do you think Dodd was when news of the Groton incident broke?
He was in Hollywood, California with his two new best friends — President Obama and “Democratic” Sen. Arlene Specter — hobknobbing with Hollywood’s elite and famous — and rich, too.
And what were they doing in Hollywood? You guessed it, attending fundraising events for the Democratic National Committee and the personal re-election campaigns of Dodd and Specter. And they apparently did rather well.
It may be a wee bit too early to being the 2010 Senatorial election, but It’s never too early to raise the moneyfor it. And once you got, spend it. There’s always more out there.

yeah...it's been a while...

2009-06-05T10:46:00.003-05:00

Some quick updates on the U.S. Senate race.

By now you've probably heard that the field of potential Republican challengers to Chris Dodd has grown with the announcement of former Irish Ambassador Tom Foley's decision to get into the race. I find the timing a bit odd....there's just over three weeks left in this quarter before campaign finance reports have to be filed...not a lot of time to raise money.

Foley was a major fundraiser for George Bush, thus the expectations of his fundraising abilities for his own campaign will be high. He might be able to slide this fist reporting cycle, but a lot that will depend on how well his two Republican rivals do...former Congressman Rob Simmons and state Sen. Sam Caligiuri.

My guess is that Foley's entrance into the contest, and a respectable first filing, will hasten Caligirui's departure from the race.

On the Democratic side....Democratic primary challenger Merrick Alpert and his wife Alex have a new addition to the family. Merrick sent me the following e-mail this morning:

Alex and I wanted to share the good news with you. Our son, Wyatt Mateo Alpert, was born at 12:56PM today at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London. He is 7 pounds, 5 ounces and 19.5 inches long. Mother and son are resting comfortably.

Bright lights in the big city....

2009-05-01T15:02:00.001-05:00

I'm heding down to Washington next week. I'll be in the office Monday but thenout for the rest of the week. I'll post on Monday, but just wanted you to know it will be a week before anything new is posted.

Have a good weekend.

A big switch....

2009-04-28T13:03:00.003-05:00

Just wondering if Democrats here in Connecticut are feeling differently now that Republican Sen. Arlen Specter has decided to swtich parties -- different in the sense that they are relieved that efforts to strip Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman of his decision to continue to caucus with Democrats and his chairmanship in the Senate didn't succeed last year?

With Specter's switch, and assuming that Democrat Al Franken emerges victorious in the Minnesota Senate battle against Republican Norm Coleman, Democrats will now have the 60 votes in the Senate to end debate and block filibusters -- thanks to Lieberman's decision to continue caucusing with Democrats.

Speaking of Lieberman....this is what he had to say about Specter's decision to jump parties:

“I enthusiastically welcome my good friend Arlen Specter into the Democratic caucus. It will be very good to have the company of yet another independent minded Democrat in the caucus!

“I have always admired Arlen as a man of deep principle who has been a bridge builder to get things done in the Senate. Arlen understands that we get things accomplished when we listen to the vital center of American politics. I know that Arlen will continue to make a major contribution to the Senate and the nation as an effective independent leader and problem solver.”

Election time....

2009-04-27T10:08:00.004-05:00

There's a special City Council election in Norwich tomorrow to fill a vacancy on the council. Next week, there are borough elections being held across the state. It's localelection time, so I thought, for anyone who might have missed it, it would be worthwhile to post a copy of my column from yesterday's Norwich Bulletin.

I've discussed this particular issue in the past, but it’s worth repeating this morning.

Question: When was the last time the President of the United States wanted to rezone property in your neighborhood for a commercial development?

Or ordered the extension of a sewer line down your street — and you get the bill whether you wanted it or not?

Or decided to eliminate three police officer positions while at the same time approving the construction of a new $30 million police headquarters — that you’ll pay for over the next 20 years?

Answer: Never.

That’s because those are local issues decided by local government. And yet, every four years 80 percent of the registered voters in our communities vote in presidential elections while every two years we’re lucky to see 30 percent turnout for municipal elections. And it’s those municipal contests that have the most immediate impact on our lives.

There’s a special election being held in Norwich Tuesday to fill a vacancy on the Norwich City Council. The expectation is that maybe 10 percent of the city’s registered voters will participate — if we’re lucky. At a candidates forum Wednesday night, only 15 residents came to hear what the two candidates had to say.

This special election is not attracting a lot of interest or generating much excitement. Part of the reason for that are the two candidates themselves.

To put it bluntly, neither is a ball of fire.

If they were interviewing for a job as a motivational speaker, neither would be hired. I do applaud their willingness to serve, but I have to admit, at the candidates’ forum Wednesday there wasn’t a moment where I suddenly had any urge to leap to my feet and applaud.

But that’s not the point, and it certainly isn’t a reason not to be concerned or ignore the contest.
Because they’re not interviewing for a job to be a motivation speaker.

What they hope to claim Tuesday is the position of local policy maker. They want to have the authority to decide what neighborhood will be rezoned to allow commercial development, what streets will get that new sewer line and whether it’s three police officers or three teachers who will be laid off next year.
They want to be part of that very select group of seven whose every decision potentially affects your life.

And one of them will win that right on Tuesday. The question is, which one?

Anyone who has read this column in the past is already aware of my feelings towards giving voters a choice at election time. Too often, voters have no choice. Two years ago in the city’s municipal election, nine candidates ran for the Board of Education. None of them could lose. Each one was guaranteed victory. It was the same situation two years earlier. Your vote didn’t count.

Four years ago, two Republicans ran for City Council. They couldn’t lose. Their election was guaranteed. It didn’t matter what you thought.

That’s not the case this time. There is a choice.

On Tuesday, one will win and join the City Council — and one will not.

The choice of who wins is a decision to be made by Norwich voters. The question is, are you going to make it, or will you be satisfied to let someone else make it for you?

Twittering....

2009-04-24T14:19:00.003-05:00

I've been told that I am now twittering. I'm not 100 percent sure exactly what that mean (Remember I still use dial-up at home with Windows 98), but apparently each time I add to this blog, somehow those who sign up to follow me on Twitter (why?) will be notified. Okay...

There's a special election in Norwich Tuesday to fill a vacancy on the City Council, the unexpired term of state Rep. Christopher Coutu. Because of minority representation, no Democrat is eligible to run (Dems already hold five of the seven seats). Former state rep and alderman Peter Nystrom is the Republican in the contest and unaffiliated voter Jay Gelfond, a petitioning candidate are vying for the spot. Neither is one that might be described as a ball of fire, and as such, the election isn't generating any excitement or interest. Too bad....too often the races in the city offer no choice to voters, and finally one with a choice comes along and most voters will likely miss it.

On Wednesday, President Barak Obama will hold another televised news conference....his 100th day in office. I picked this up from the PoliticWite Web page....Obama by the numbers:

President Obama will hold his 11th news conference of his presidency on Wednesday and the third one televised in prime time. NBC News notes the only modern presidents who have conducted more press conferences in their first 100 days than Obama are Harry Truman (14) and Bill Clinton (13).

By Wednesday, Obama will have given at least 10 major speeches, held eight town halls and made 14 different trips -- most of them to battleground states.

Since taking office he has signed 13 bills into law and signed 19 executive orders.

Meanwhile, Politifact says Obama has kept 27 campaign promises, broken six, and compromised on seven others.

Have a good weekend....it's going to be beautiful.

And this just in....

2009-04-20T11:06:00.002-05:00

The Simmons for Senate campaign has hired former John McCain New Hamsphire state campaign director Jim Barrett to be campaign manager. Barrett is credited with resuscitating McCain's presidential bid at a time when it appeared the Arizona Senator was down for the count. McCain won the New Hampshire primary, and ultimately the GOP nomination.

Finally....

2009-04-20T10:49:00.002-05:00

The governor and Democratic legisaltive leaders are finally sitting down to begin -- yes begin -- budfget negotiations to addres the state's fiscal problem. It's about time.

When the legislature convened in January, the projected shortfall in revenue for the current fiscalyear was $385 million. Today, it is projected at $600 million -- at least, if not higher. (Twice as high)

When the legislature convened in January, the projected revenue shortfall for the next two years was $6 billion. Today, that projection is between $8 billion and $9 billion. (One-third higher)

There are only six weeks remaining in the legislative session. There are just 10 weeks remaining before the start of the new fiscal year.

We have word this morning that union leaders have agreed to the proposed union concessions. That deal now goes to rank and file members next week for their approval.

That's a start....but that's no where near what still needs to be done....and time is slipping away.

But what's frustrating is this sense that no one sees any need for urgency. They're all working on legislative time ... where reality is checked at the door before entering.

Sen. Dodd -- good and bad news today

2009-04-17T09:48:00.002-05:00

Two interesting news reports today regarding U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd.

In this morning's Boston Globe, a story about Dodd's troubles and the challenge it poses to his re-election bid. Included in the story is a rather strong endrosement....from the President of the United States. From the Globe story:

"I can't say it any clearer: I will be helping Chris Dodd because he deserves the help," Obama told the Globe yesterday in a phone interview from Air Force One, as he flew to Mexico on a diplomatic trip.

"Chris is going through a rough patch," Obama said. "He just has an extraordinary record of accomplishment, and I think the people in Connecticut will come to recognize that. . . . He always has his constituencies at heart, and he's somebody I'm going to be relying on and working very closely with to shepherd through the types of regulatory reforms we need."

On the not-so-good news front, the Connecticut Post has a story this morning about Dodd's recently released campaign finance report where the incumbent reported about $1 million raised during the first three months of the year -- with little of it coming from within Connecticut's borders.

According to the Post story: "The five-term incumbent reported raising just $4,250 from five Connecticut residents during the first three months of the year while raking in $604,745 from nearly 400 individuals living outside the state."

The remaining $437,000 collected came from Political Action Committees, only two of which has Connecticut roots.

Tea parties and TV

2009-04-15T12:12:00.002-05:00

A busy schedule today. I'm taping a cable TV show this afternoon (Take Back Sheila Horvitz that airs on ComCast tomorrow night I believe) before heading over the marina area to catch the Norwich Tea Party.

Then tomorrow, I'll be the guest on Murray Renshaw's cable show on MetroCast at 8 p.m. That's live....and there are phone lines. I'd love to hear from you....ask me anything.

It worked....

2009-04-14T14:10:00.000-05:00

Okay....a couple ofquick updates....

Shortly after my Sunday column ran regarding the 2nd Congressinal District race, Matthew Daly, one of two Republican challengers to U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, sent me an e-mail advising me that Richard Foley is "no longer" associated with his campaign. That after Daly loaned his committee $10,000 of which $8,000 was paid to Foley. (At least he got off cheaper than Sean Sullivan who spent $37,000 on Foley before cutting ties with him.)

Tomorrow is the "tea party" day, a national grassroots effort protesting taxes -- and commandeer by Republicans. I doubt you'll see any local Democratic legisaltors attending any of the events in the state, especially considering they're proposing a $3.3 billion increase in state taxes.

Daria Kovak, the other GOP contender in the 2nd District, is supposedly attending the tea party in Norwich. I don't much about her other than she teaches at Eastern and served as an appointee to the state department in the Reagan administration. A good opportunity to find out more about her.

Updating....

2009-04-14T14:06:00.000-05:00

I've never claimed to be a computer whiz. In fact, I still use dial up service and Windows 98 on my home computer. It works...no need to change. So...you might imaginemy surprise recently when I got a notice that this blog was potentially a "spam site" and my acess was locked until a review could be conducted to make sure that I wasn't a spammer -- like I even know how to do that.

Anyway....the review is supposedly under way, and allegedly I can't post anything until it's completed. But yet here I am....and I'm going to try and post this to see what happens. If it works....we'll resume our postings. If not....I'll find one of the IT guys (or a six year old) to see if they can help.

It didn't take long.....

2009-03-17T13:12:00.003-05:00

Any doubts that a possible Simmons/Dodd match up wouldn't be hard hitting have been dashed already.

Yesterday, somebody registered a Web site www.RobSimmons2010.com.

The problem is, if you go to it, you get a page from U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney's old campaign site (from 2006) with a press release about "tainted" campaign contributions Simmons had received from members of Congress (Republican of course) who were having a bit of trouble with the law -- like facing jail time.

The Web page was created by someone under the name Godaddy.com,. and put up through Domains by Proxy based in Scottsdale, AZ.

And we still have a good 19 months to go before this is over....

Impressions from Saturday's event

2009-03-16T13:49:00.002-05:00

The three Democratic candidates for governor were at the Groton City municipal building Saturday morning, the first forum featuring all three side-by-side. About 70 people turned out...an impressive showing at this early stage for a election that is still more than 20 months away.

It was your typical Democratic lovefest with the appropriate measure of Republican governor bashing....the three candidates playing to the choir of Democrats in attendance.

I think its fair to say that Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy made the best impression. He may only be in the exploratory stage, but he is definitely running. He's already announced that he will not seek re-election as mayor this year, and he was definitely in "campaign mode" on Saturday. The best line, when they were all asked about property taxes, "If you want to solve that, elect a mayor."

Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz looked "content" ...and that's not a good sign. She mentioned how recent polls have her as the front-runner, and that's a mistake to think at this stage. Right now, it's all about potential delegates to the state convention next year (which Malloy won three years ago), and how well you're doing in the polls (or rather how known you are by non-convention delegates) is meaningless.

Former House Speaker Jim Amann, I think, missed an opportunity by not really focusing on his efforts to bring the Hollywood East tax credits to the state -- and the fact that they are the "only" new jobs being created in Connecticut right now. It would have been the perfect environment since Sonalyst Studios are located here in Southeastern Connecticut -- a good chance for him to connect with potential Democratic supporters who don't know a lot about him right now.

The surprise, however, was Comptroller Nancy Wyman, who isn't a candidate for governor, but told me she'd like to be....and maybe she might....but not now, and not unless the state's financial crisis gets resolved.

And then of course, the big news of the weekend was Rob Simmons entry into the 2010 Senate contest.

I remarked to Malloy about how he and John DeStefano complained three years ago about the lack of press converage they were receiving in the race (a result of the Lamont/Lieberman race sucking all the air out)...and suggested to him if he thought that was bad....wait until the Simmons/Dodd race heats up...there will be no air left in the room.

And the race is on....

2009-03-10T13:43:00.002-05:00

There not exactly being billed as debates, but the first two showdowns of the three Democratic candidates running for governor in 2010 will be held here in Eastern Connecticut this month.

Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy and former Speaker of the House Jim Amann have agreed to take part in two "leadership" forums to discuss the problems facing the state and how they, if elected governor, would address them.

The first forum, just announced today, will be held in Groton this Saturday, 10 a.m. at the City of Groton Municipal Building , 295 Meridian Street.

The second forum will be at the Vanilla Bean Cafe in Pomfret Tuesday, March 24, 7 p.m.

Should be interesting.

Somtimes you just shake you head and wonder...

2009-03-03T15:47:00.002-05:00

On the same day that state Sen. Andrea Stillman, D-Waterford, plays host to a press conference with the CT Partnership on Problem Gambling, her legislative committee -- the public safety and security committee -- is holding a public hearing on a proposal to create a new lottery game offering a "big jackpot."

The thinking here is that a larger jackpot will entice more players, thus resulting in more revenue for the state.. Yeah, those problem gamblers will really love the bigger jackpots.

That's as bad an idea as the Republican proposal of allowing 24-hour liquor service at the casinos in the hopes gamblers will stay longer at the slot machines and the state can gain from their sloppy play.

The General Assembly is starting to look like an addicted gambler, rolling the dice to try and hit the big one.

Have we lost all shame?

Small steps....

2009-03-02T14:22:00.002-05:00

Here on the blog, in my column and ineditorials in the paper, I've stated that Democrats in Hartford, and in particular, the Democratic leadership, has not shown much of a willingness to make the tough budget cutting decisions that need to be made -- paerticularly in terms of reducing state spending.

I think it's fair criticism -- they haven't.

However, I also like to be fair. Today, Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams, D-Brooklyn, announced that the Senate Democratic caucus was returning $400,000 of its funding allocation to the General Treasury in response to the ongoing state budget crisis. It's a small amount in terms of the $4.7 million the caucus has to run its operation -- but it's a start. It's the first real reduction in spending the Democratic leadership has made.

Some might argue it's a token gesture. It is, but no more so that the governor suggesting she's take a day off without pay (in order words work, but not the paycheck for that day) and asking her commissioners to do the same. Those "small' gestures won't make a dent in the revenue shortfall. But they are at least an acknowledgement of the problem -- something members of the General Assembly haven't cleary demonstrated up to this pont that they get. Maybe, they're now starting to get it.

That would be nice, because time is runing out and there's still a lot more work that needs to be done -- and it needs to be done sooner rather than later.

Williams said that the caucus is continuing to look for other cost saving measures, and hopes to return a full 10 percent to the general fund....that's would be $470,000.

That would be nice....but the deficits we're facing are in the billions....and Williams and the other Democrats need to start looking more seriously on where those savings are going to come from.

Big week coming up...

2009-02-23T11:49:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is a busy day...

Preston voters will again be heading to the polls to voice their opinions on what to do about the Norwich State Hospital property -- eithre proceed with the purchase or give it back to the state. It's a tough call, with risks associated with both choices.

President Obama delivers his first State of the Union address tomorrow night. He supposedly will outline -- although briefly -- his plans for the next big project: Health carae reform.

On Wednesday, the General Assembly wil again try and tackle the current year's $1 billion revenue deficit.

And...did you happen to catch Rob Simmons on Channel 3 Sunday morning. He certainly looked and sounded like a canddiate. Although I've had my doubts about whether he would jump in and challenge Chris Dodd in the 2010 Senate race....I think he's going to do it. A decision is coming in three weeks.

Which is sinking faster....

2009-02-20T13:45:00.003-05:00

The economy, or U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, D-CT, ?

Dodd's latest problem is the disclose of campaign contributions from the Stanford Financial Group, whose founer is the latest player accussed of bilking investors out of billions of dollars. When asked about it, Dodd said he is donating the $27,500 he received from individsuals related to the firm to charity -- and ardently denied he was 'too friendly" with banking and investment interests.

Meanwhile, the efforts to draft former Ron Paul economic advisor Peter Schiff to challenge Dodd in next year's election is holding a "moneybomb" event this Saturday -- that's an Internet fundraising effort to collect large sums in a single day. It seems the effort is coming out of San Diego, California and spearheaded by six tech-savvy Libertarians. It is, however, gaining some attention from like-minded folks nationwidd. For his part, Schiff is saying he's not really interested and doubts that he could be convinced to run -- but not comletely rulingit out.

And eleswhere, former Republican Congressman Rob Simmons is telling folks he'll make his mind up about a possible Senate run against Dodd by mid-March. I still have doubts about whether he'll jump back in to the political arena -- but then again, a six-year term is a lot easier to deal with then having to mount a campaign every two years....so, who knows.

As for this Sunday's Hackett on Politics column in the paper, it's all about the money and the very strange way the numbers are adding up. Have a good weekend.

Same day voting....

2009-02-18T14:45:00.002-05:00

That was one of the highlights up at the Capitol today, a prosed bill that would allow people to register to vote at the polls on Election Day. It seems like a fairly easy concept to get your arms around -- and I am confused as to why anyone would think that's a bad idea.

I'm originally from Rhode Island. There, you can even register for one of the political parties at the poll on Primary Day. As an independent, I use to go to the poll, register as a Democrat or Republican, vote in the primary of my choosing, go back to the table after voting and re-register as an independent. It was fast, easy and I think, encourage better turnouts.

Same day registeration is a good idea. During this past election, as I was making my way around eastern Connecticut to various polling places and town clerk's office, I ran into a small number of people who said they registered at either DMV or through the mail, but somehow their registration cards were never forwarded to their hometowns. They were stuck using the presidential ballot only

What a surprise....

2009-02-17T10:05:00.002-05:00

There I was last night, sitting on the couch and watching ABC News -- like I do every night. Late in to the newscast, they show a series of photographs released by the White House of President Obama's "photo album" of the economic recovery week. The first photo shown is a picture of Obama serving cookies to his guests at the White House Super Bowl party....

And I couldn't believe what I saw....

Who's he serving cookies to? None other than Jimmy Sullivan of Norwich, CT....the former City Council member, Board of Public Utilities Commissioner and unsuceessful (2004) candidate for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District.

Dodd....

2009-02-13T14:50:00.002-05:00

this from the political wire:

Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) is writing a book on the congressional bailout of the financial services industry, titled Thirteen Days: How the Financial Crisis Changed the Politics of Washington. It will be published in June.

According to Publishers Weekly, the book "will provide an intimate look at how, over the course of 13 days last September, a financial crisis led to panic and meltdown. Dodd, the chair of the Senate banking committee, will also describe how he and others acted swiftly to try to save the American economy."

The book is obviously modeled on Robert F. Kennedy's Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

I'm not sure this actually helps Connecticut's senior senator who is not as highly regarded among voters here than he once was. In fact, not a lot of folks feel like he can be believed, and I don't think this book is going to change people's minds.

The big question is....who will the Republicans throw against him in the 2010 campaign. Well..it's seems one well-known Republican has been meeting with the head of the Republican National Senate Committee and is thinking about it. (More on that in this Sunday's newpaper column Hackett on Politics.

Have a good weekend.

Stimulus breakdown

2009-02-12T11:29:00.000-05:00

Here's the latest breakdown for Connecticut in terms of what the federal economic stimulus package does:

It aims to provide or save 41,000 jobs over the next two years.
It provides a tax cut of up to $800 for 1.3 million workers and their families.
It has a college tax credit of $2,500 for four years.
Offers an additional $100 per month inunemployment insurance benefits to the 278,000 residents now out of work.
And provides funding to modernize at least 80 schools.

The state will now receive $2.8 billion in federal stimulus money, slightly higher than the $2.1 billion the governor had used in her budget proposal.

It's far from an immediate fix and the results, unclear as they may be now, will not be immediate. It is a start, however.

Budget fallout

2009-02-06T14:11:00.001-05:00

My e-mail is flooded with press releases from just about every organization one can think of criticizing Gov. m. Jodi Rell's proposed state budget. As promised, the governor served up a proposal that would be filled with enough for everyone to find something to hate....and they have.

What few are offering, however, is an alternative -- except that we need to raise taxes.

I agree that a tax increase is necessary, but only in context with spending cuts. Personally, a one-tenth of 1 percent cut in overall state spending (the first year of her budget, followed by a 3.5 percent increase in spending the second year) doesn't come close to what needed to be done toshrinkthe size of government.

However, there are parts of her proposal that I find do atempt to address the problem

I'm most impressed with her plan to cancel $400 million in approved bonding projects -- most of them earmarks for pet projects of legislators. It was a bold move on her part to send legislation to the General Assembly to formally cancel those authorizations. She didn't have to do that because, as head of the state bonding commission, she controls the agenda and could have simply refused to put any of those projects on the agenda. But she decided to force the legislature hand, saying it is unfair to let folks "think" the funding might be coming -- cause it isn't.

More and more of the details of her proposal will surface as we dig deeper into her budget. And opposition to it will continue to grow each time another new detail is uncovered.

It will be interesting to see what kind of alternative plan the Democrats come up with.

Rell budget

2009-02-03T16:31:00.002-05:00

In a meeting with Gov. Rell last week, she acknowledge that she's heard the criticism of not taking advantage of her political capitol and using it to push forward programs and ideas. She then reached over and grabbed her notes on her two-year budget proposal and said, "This is all my political capital."

Rell is anticipating a difficult budge battle with Democrats...and she took the airwaves Monday night to speak directly to the citizens of Connecticut in what is obviously her attempt to use her popularity to force Democrats to deal.

Tomorrow at noon, she releases her budget....

Then the dealing begins....

Dodd controversy

2009-02-02T13:00:00.002-05:00

I just got back from Hartford where I, and a dozen other reporters, met with U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd and his wife Jackie. and they released the long-awaited loan documents related to the refinancing of their two homes back in 2003.

Dodd conceded that much of the controversy, most of it, surrounding the refinancing is own doing. That he could have -- should have -- made the documents public sooner. He then allowed reporterss to review the more than 100-pages. There was no smoking gun to be found.

He also distributed an independent review of his mortgage comission in response to questions raised by the Senate Ethics Committee. The independent auditors reviewed his mortgages and the mortgage marketplace in 2003 and determined the Dodds received no special rate that was not available to anyone else who met their same mortgage qualifications -- and the rate they did receive was compatible to what other lending institutions wer offering at that time.

Jackie acknowledge that she conducted the majority of the negotiations over the refinancing -- not surprising since she is a former banker -- and that she dealt only with loan officers and none in person.

And then the senator apologized to the people of Connecticut for not handling the matter better.

Friday wrap up

2009-01-30T09:21:00.002-05:00

Gov. Rell has reaffirmed her pledge not to increase any taxes in the proposed budget that she'll submit to the legislature Wednesday. I met with her for about 90 minutes yesterday. Not including any new tax or tax increase on existing taxes means she will likely follow through on her other promise from the state-of-the-state address earlier this month, that every program, every service in every state agency is on the table in terms of tax cuts.

She's described her budget proposal as "not pretty."

And this legislative session is not going to be very pretty, either. Democrats, special interests and municipal leaders are not going to like her proposal....and there will no doubt be more than a few lines in the sand drawn. Wednesday is going to be a very interesting day.

A little tease for you to ponder over the weekend....

What do nuclear weapons, the Electoral College and spear fishing have in common? The answer (another shameless promotion) is in my Hackett on Politics column in this Sunday's newspaper.

And while I'm at it -- shameless promotion #2 -- every Monday morning I make a guest appearance on the Lee Elci radio show....WXLM-FM, 104.7, between 7:35 and 8 a.m.

Off to the capitol

2009-01-29T10:55:00.001-05:00

Making a rare break from the confines of the office today for atrip to Hartford to see what's going on up there. More later this afternoon when I get back.

A snowly Wednesday

2009-01-28T09:07:00.002-05:00

It's not pretty on the highways this morning.

In Washington today, the House of Representatives is expected to take up the president's economic stimulus package. It will pass....but probably not with enough Republican votes for any claim of bipartisan actio, although I do think President Obama deserves some credit for the steps he's taken to reach out a hand to Republicans. Unfortunately, the Democratic leadership in the House isn't quite as out-reaching.

It's expected the real compromise will come out of the Senate.

George Will, the Washington Post columnists, a few weeks ago on one of the Sunday morning TV shows made the comment that what made Lincoln a great president was in some small part possible because of Stephen Douglas. It was Douglas who challenged Lincoln, forcing him to defend his ideas. Will went on to say, what Obama needs for his presidency is a "Douglas."

I think what we're seeing with the Republicans in Washington is the "Douglas" that Will was referring to. I think the combination of Republicans questioning and forcing Obama to defend his position, and Obama's willingness to include them in the discussion is healthy....and will likely bring about a real change in the way Washington operates in the long run.

What do you think?

Lots to think about....

2009-01-27T10:03:00.002-05:00

It's official, the switch to digital TV has been delayed. The Senate voted today to push off the Feb. 17 start date because too many people are apparently not ready yet.

The legislature seems poised to expand the state bottle bill, and increase the nickel deposit to 10-cents. That's been discussed in Hartford for years, but never got off the groun -- at least not before now. It's seen as a way of increasing state revenues, and in the gradn scheme of things, it's not abad idea. The cost to consumers affects only those who choose not to redeem the empty containers -- so it's hard to oppose the plan since it is an individual choice to pay more if you want.

I'm not so sure I like one of the other proposals being offered, a 5-cent charge for the plastic bags at grocery stories and other places. Hey....they're perfect for garbage...and I'm not sure I want to go out and actually have to buy garbage bags.

My column in Sunday's paper regarding some of the legislative bills being submitted drew quite the response from readers. More bills are being posted on the legislature's Web page daily....there might be a second installment next Sunday.

So...what's up with you folks today?

What are they thinking....

2009-01-23T12:21:00.002-05:00

Scanning the bills that have been filed in the General Assembly by local lawmakers, will leave you wondering if any of them realize the state's in a fiscal crisis.

Is it really a priority to bond $15 million for improvements at the Garde Art Center in New London? Apparently some of our legislators think so.

How about $700,000 for the LymanArt Museum in Old Lyme? It looks that way.

And let's not forget the lobster restoration program. Granted, an argument could be made that putting our lobster fishermen out of work doesn't help the economy...but it does raise the question that I've asked over and over....where are the priorities?

Right now...it appears everyone is taking cover, trying to protect their own from the budget spending cuts that will have to be made. So...if it's not this....than what does get sacrificed?

(Shameless self promotion....more on this subject in Sunday's Hackett on Politics column. Have a good weekend.)

This just in...

2009-01-22T12:50:00.002-05:00

Apparently Caroline Kennedy has withdrawn her name from consideration to replace Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate....

Elsewhere...Gov. Rell is proposing a Connecticut Economic Stimulus Packgage of its own...a $525 million package of various statewide infrastructure projects to be approved at next week's state Bond Commission meeting.

According to the release from here office...."This bond agenda is all business -- no frills, no earmarks. It addresses real and immediate needs for the entire state."

It's about time we got rid of the frills and earmarks.

A feel good day

2009-01-21T08:59:00.003-05:00

Barack Obama is a hard act to follow....even for himself.

I thought his inaugural address was very good, hitting the right notes with the right tone. I particularly enjoyed his theme of returning to the core values that made this country great and using those values to make this country great again. I think one of the problems he faces is that after every speech he delivers, the expectations for the next one rise substantially. I don't think ysterday's speech disappointed....but maybe it didn't quite make it up all the way to the expectation -- real or unreal as they might have been.

I was also impressed wth the crowds. I recalled to some here in the office that I was there for the dedication of the World War II memorial, when about half the mall was filled and large TV screens were needed for the overflow to watch the ceremonies. That was a tough day making you way through the crowds. I can't imagine what it was like yesterday, (but I should be getting some insight from my daughter, a sophomore at American University, who was there.)

As our editorial noted this morning...it's been a long time since the American spirit and pride was so brillantely on display as it was yesterday....and that was a nice feel good day.

History being made today

2009-01-20T08:57:00.003-05:00

I've been asked a lot over the last several weeks if I was going to Washington today for the inauguration. The answer is no. Not that I wouldn't mind being there and seeing history made, but it just doesn't work with the schedule. So I'm content today to watch it unfold on the TV...and wait for President Obama to make his first visit to southeastern Connecticut.

No one knows for sure yet when that will be....but he's coming -- they all do.

The president delivers the commencement address at each of the nation's four military academies once in his term. That means between this year and the next three, President Obama will deliver the commencement address at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London.

It will mark the fifth president that I've seen there. I was there for both of Ronald Reagans visits, George Bush Sr., the two Clinton visits and the two by George W.

But today, all eyes are on Washington with the much anticipated (and highly-hyped) inauguration address to be delivered shortly after noon. Let me know what you thought of his speech.

A new week

2009-01-19T10:29:00.002-05:00

Something other than more talk about the state budget or tomorrow's inauguration...

As you probably are aware, (How could you not be with all the TV ads), on Feb. 17 television, as we know it, will change. It's going digital....and if you're not prepared, you won't be getting a signal anymore.

Or will you?

There's a push in Congress, supported by the incoming Obama Administration, to delay the conversion of digital TV until June. It seems not enough people are ready for the switch...the federal Commerce Department doesn't have anymore coupons to give out to folks to help offset the cost of buying the converter boxes. in fact, the latest information was that there were more than 100,000 on a waiting list for coupons -- but those coupons won't bcome available until the ones already handed out expire and not used. (There's no plan to print up anymore coupons. We can print money to bailout corporate executives who ran companies into the ground, but we cannot bailout the public who, by the way, own the airwaves?)

No decision's been made on whether it will be delayed.

Odds and ends...

2009-01-16T14:03:00.002-05:00

A few things going on as we head into the weekend.

Word out of Hartford is that state budget folks will likely announce early next week that the deficit has now reached $1 billion -- not including any of the savings that have already been implemented thus far from two special sessions and a long list of individual actions taken by the governor.

I hate to sound like a broken record, but this is getting serious and it's time lawmakers in Hartford got serious about it. The problem is, they want to wait and let the governor drop the first shoe so they don't have to look like (or decide) they're not supporting their favorite special interest group. So...as much as I hate to admit it, nothing serious starts to happen until Feb. 4.

Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy is throwing the gloves down on Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. Malloy says he's giving Blumenthal until Jan. 31 to say whether he's in or out in terms of the 2010 gubernatorial race. Malloy, who won the Democratic endorsement in 2006, but lost the nomination to New Haven Mayor John DeStefano in a primary, is eager to get his campaign off the ground -- provided that Blumenthal isn't running. But Malloy isn't waiting, either.

And former Speaker of the House Jim Amann will officially announce his candidcy for governor at the end of the month.

Monday's a holiday for some, MLK Day, but not for me. Have a good weekend and we'll talk again Monday.

Budgets shortfalls and bottle deposits

2009-01-15T15:01:00.002-05:00

The Democratic led General Assembly came up short again yesterday in addressing the full scope of the state's budget crisis...knocking another $133 million off the books, but leaving more red ink to be dealt with later. Of course by the time they get around to that, the deficit is expected to be higher than the $350 million that was projected going into Wednesday's action.

The legisalture did, however, finally acted on i the bottle bill deposit issue, enacting a measure that will enable the state to now collect the 5-cent deposits that consumers don't collect. It's estimated that will bring in an additional $25 million this fiscal year. That same issue was part of hte governor's proposal during the November special session which, at that time, the Democratic majority opted not to act.

Using that as a track record of sorts, then it seems like a pretty good bet that those issues the legislature doesn't want to address today may very well be on the table the next time it acts on the budget deficit.

The legislature's failure to take more dramatic action in erasing the revenue shortfall in the current year's spending plan could result in the governor sending them a proposed two-year budget on Feb. 4 with a serious case of sticker shock.

All eyes on Hartford

2009-01-14T09:06:00.003-05:00

The governor's second mitigation plan to address the current (and that is used loosely) deficit will come up for debate and "action" at the General Assembly today. I use the word current deficit because within 24 hours, the projected shortfall in the current fiscal year's spending plan will balloon....making whatever actions taken today almost nothing since the "size" of the deficit tomorrow will be as large as today -- if not bigger.

That's because no one, as some of you have pointed out, has actually put forth any significant proposal to serious reduce spending. It's a political game of chicken, both the Democratic leadership and the governor's office waiting to see who blinks first.

The governor, to her credit, has at least made some proposals and has taken some steps. But it's piecemeal at this point. The "major" steps come Feb. 4 when she presents her two-year spending plan. The Democratic legislative leadership is content with that, waiting to see what she proposes before doing anything on their own.

But what is missing, and something I've been saying for some time, is the lack of priorities. Here's the bottom line: The legislature and governor will, when all is said and done, adopt a state budget in the neighborhood of $17 billion (yes, Billion) for each of the next two years. I've asked lawmakers and the governor, what will the money be spent on? What are the priorities that will be funded? Where will the $17 billion go?

I'm still waiting for an answer.

My guess is that they'll "do something" today, but will not adopt the governor's full proposal...and the state's fiscal position will be no better tomorrow as we wait until Feb. 4 before anyone gets serious about this.

(Just for the record, there was no post yesterday because I took the day off to celebrate an anniversary with someone very special....I have my priorities.)

Cost cutting measures

2009-01-12T15:13:00.002-05:00

Gov. M. Joid Rell on Friday issed an executive order to trim the state's motor vehicle fleet. Only those state employees who travel more than 700 miles will be issued state vehicles.

The governor took the budget axe out again today, ordering state contracts for goods and services to be canceled or reduced....and the phasing out of deputy commissioner positions in state agencies.

On Wednesday, the Democratic leadership in the General Assembly wil get its chance to act on the state budget crisis. They'll take up the governor's to address the current $343 million (and climbing) deficit in this year's budget. Democrats have yet to put any plan of thier own to address revenue shortfalls.

Actions vs. words

2009-01-09T12:36:00.002-05:00

Democratic legislative leaders have taken exception when I have suggested they lack the willingness to make the difficult decisions to address the state budget crisis....but I find their actions to bemore telling then their words. Take for example the latest issue revolving around a new contract for Department of Corrections Officers.

An arbitrator awarded the union a contract based on the state's last best offer, however, Gov. Joid Rell is now calling on the legislature to reject the contract, claiming the state can't afford the $86 million in payraises.The state's offer was made last May, well before anyone knew of the real impact of the economic meltdown.

The Democratic response to the governor's call was...expected. Senate President Pro Tem. Don Williams, D-Brooklyn, dismissed the idea of rejecting the contract because it might hamper the state's ability to win union concessions later. Newly elected House Speaker Chris Donovan, a union activists by trade, said it wasn't the unions who caused our financial problems -- kind suggesting that they shouldn't have to be penalized because of it

Yet...these same two legislative leaders are also "heard" echoing the governor's mantra that there are no sacred cows during this year's budget deliberations, and everything is on the table in terms of spending cuts.

The legislature can vote to accept the union contract -- or do nothing and just let it take effect by default in 30 days. It would take a two-thirds vote in either chamber to reject the contract. I don't see a vote being called for because that would result in lawmakers actually having to go on record of doing something . Doing nothing seems to be the easy path.

Just an idea....but how about rejecting the contract and suggesting to the union that the pay freeze they'll get will be counted as the union concession later. That is, of course, if there truly are no sacred cows.

It's official....

2009-01-08T14:22:00.002-05:00

A joint session of Congress met today to count the Electorial College vote. Obama won, 365 to 173.

Now...it's on to 2010 where things will be just as interesting. How interesting? (Shameless self-promotion) Check out this week's Hackett on Politics in Sunday's edition of the Norwich Bulletin.

Doing the math....

2009-01-08T13:37:00.002-05:00

Late last month, Gov. M. Jodi Rel sent legislative leaders a mitigation plan to address the state's current fiscal year's projected $343 million deficit. She also wanted the lame-duck legislatue to return to Hartford last Friday to act on her plan.

The Democratic leadership passed on the opportunity to make another trip to Hartford, especially since the new legislative session would begin five days after the date she picked. So they instead decided to act on her plan next week....Wednesday, Jan. 14.

That's an interesting date, because the following day, Thursday, Jan. 15, is the deadline for fourth quarter tax payments. That means, when the lawmakers take up the governor's proposal -- that deals with addressing the projected $343 million shortfall -- they won't know exactly what the latest figures on projected income tax revenues are (because that won't be known until the day after.)

The fourth quarter income tax filings will reflect the major collapse of Wall Stret investsments that took place in October....when the market hit those all-time lows. Most economists suggest that it's likely those numbers (the Jan. 15 filings) will be bad -- and could result in boosting the projected deficit higher than the current $343 million thinking.

If that's true....then what happens in Hartford next week is this:

The legislature looks over the governor's plan, adopts a good portion of it -- but probably not all of it -- so there will still be a deficit in currently year spending when all is said and done Wednesday. Then on Thursday, new numbers will be released (and if economists are corect) the deficit will grow -- whose knows, maybe back up to $434 million again (despite the actions taken the day before.) So...by the end week, although some action was taken, the progress made is zip...zero...none. We're still in the same boat.

And we still haven't begun dealing with the next two years, and the $6 billion projected shortfall over that period.

Tell me something I didn't know...II

2009-01-07T14:58:00.002-05:00

Gov. Rell, battling a cold, cut her State of the State adress short -- a mere 17 minutes. The focus of her address was the difficult challenges the state is facing...emphasizing that point by using the word "challenges" 17 times — almost once a minute.

But we already know that.

There was little "news" to the governor's address. She basically repeated what she has been saying for months -- that her proposed two-year budget will inclue "deep cuts" affecting "every state agency, state program and state service offered."

I didn't expect that she would get into details, but I had hoped that she might have been a bit more insightful in providing some specifics of just what "painful and not easy" choices are being made. Looks like we'll have to wait until Feb. 4 to hear the devil that lies within the details.

She did, however, strike the right note in saying that "government must shrink." There is no question the size of state government, in terms of people and programs, have grown over the last decade -- and now is the time to cut back.

But I'm not convinced that she can fully offset the impact of a projected $6 billion shortfall in revenues over the next two years through spending cuts alone. There's a difference between cutting back, and cutting off.

Tell me something I don'tknow...

2009-01-07T10:56:00.003-05:00

Gov. Rell is scheduled to deliver her opening remarks to the 2009 General Assembly convening in Hartford this morning. The governor is schedule to make those comments in about an hour. I'll jump back on after herspeech and comment more directly on what she had to say after the fact.

But there was another "interesting" development in terms of the state's budget problem that came out of Hartford yesterday. Senate President Pro Tem Don Williams, D-Brooklyn, was quoted as saying that any proposal submitted by lawmakers this year that costs money, and doesn't pay for itself, is for all practical purposes....dead on arrival.

That's a rather bold statement. I'll be looking forward to see if that really happens.

More later...

Hartford getting ready to go for 2009

2009-01-06T12:24:00.002-05:00

The 2009 legislative session is scheduled to begin tomorrow. But there's also forecast for what appears to be a rather nasty storm tonight and into tomorrow morning which could make the commute to the Capitol tricky. I'm wondering, if in the interest of public (not to mention personal) safety if the opening session will be canceled.

There was, however, some encouraging news from the Capitol today. Incoming Speaker of the House Chris Donovan said he is asking the two main legislative committees (Appropriations and Revenue) to begin working on the budget sooner rather than later. Traditionally, neither group begins the real heavy lifting until later in the session. Of course, not much can be done on the new budget until next month when Gov. Rell delivers her proposal to the General Assembly.

And if tomorrow's session is held, I do hope the governor will be a bit more frank in her opening remarks with some clear indications of what she intends to present in terms of a two-year spending plan. She hasrepeatedly said she wants to avoid tax increases and layoffs of state workers -- but I don't know how you cut $6 billion over two years without some increase in taxes and some layoffs or major union concessions.

And a new year begins

2009-01-05T11:47:00.003-05:00

My column in Sunday's paper about Caroline Kennedy's bid for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat drew a few responses from readers. Most felt she didn't deserve it, and a few commented on her "lack of perfect political appearance...suggesting that unless she improves greatly, she's unlikely to be very successful in the Senate. one reader suggested she needed to "look" more Kennedy-like in order to gain people's confidence.

Personally, I don't have a problem with her making a bid for the seat. What I do have a problem with is the way these things are handled. I'm not a fan of having Senate seats filled by governor's who get to appoint whoever they want. That's not how it's done in the House of Representatives. A vacancy in the lower chamber is filled by special election.

If you think about it, does it makes sense that a two-year office is filled by special election, but a six-year term is filled by appointment? It doesn't to me.

There will likely be legisaltion submitted in Hartford this year calling for a change in the way vacancies are filled -- and having them filled through a special election. I hope it gets a hearing and is then brought out for a vote.

New Years resolution...

2008-12-31T13:56:00.002-05:00

I don't make them....but I am making an exception this year.

My attention to the blog has fallen off in the waning months of 2008. And I hope to rectify that in the coming year....

Therefore....

I resolve to make at least one new post to the blog each workday morning beginning Monday, Jan. 5. (or at least I'll do my best to do so.)

Have a safe, happy and healthy NewYear.

The Obama Administration...

2008-11-21T14:23:00.002-05:00

Lots of talk of who's in, and who's not....but there may be a Connecticut connection being forged. Not in one of the high profile spots that everyone is talking about.

Ned Lamont, in a conversation I had with him just days before the election, told me he would be going down to Washington this month to see if there might be a spot in the Obama Administration for himself. Lamont was co-chair of Obama's Connecticut campaign. He said he didn't have anything specific in mind, but was interested in seeing if there might be something that could interest him.

While on the subject, I asked if his inerests in seeking elected office has waned since the 2006 Senate campaign. It hasn't....but that shouldn't be translated into speculation that he might make another Senate run in 2012, he said. Although not commiting to anything specific, he didn't rule out the possibility of making a run in 2010....but not for U.S. Senate. More like Hartford, and not in the General Assembly.

If you want to speculate on Democratic cotenders for governor....add Lamont's name to the list of maybes.