Here's what Gov. Rell had to say to WTNH on Friday:
WTNH: "So you're up for a statewide campaign?"
RELL: (Laughs) "So am I up for a statewide... we still have a little time to make that decision, but, as you ask me that Mark, I have to tell you, we are giving it more and more talk time, shall we say, within the family."
link to interview
Cagey. But it sounds like she's given it some thought, and she's ruling out nothing. Of course, she's had a pretty good couple of weeks. Her approval numbers are through the roof following Rowland's sentencing and incarceration, she has the Democrats over a barrel on the budget and she came through a potentially devestating fight over civil unions with flying colors (liberals are happy she signed the thing, conservatives are happy she was able to pressure the House to stick that definition of marriage in there).
Statewide prospects for Republicans don't look good for 2006, and a Rell candidacy might be the only bright spot in an otherwise dismal year for them. I do expect a few GOP pickups in both houses of the General Assembly, which right now is tilted absurdly in favor of Democrats, but the Republicans will come nowhere near a majority. The only statewide office they can win will be the governorship--all other offices (attorney general, sec'y of the state, treasurer, etc.) will in all likelihood be retained by Democrats. Republicans are also in serious danger of losing two of their three congressional seats (Shays and Simmons) without the chance of picking up a win over either DeLauro, Larson or Lieberman.
Republicans who want to see a government that isn't controlled entirely by the opposite party should be breathing a bit easier.
Source
Davis, Mark. Interview with Gov. M. Jodi Rell 29 April, 2005.
2 comments:
Scott,
Agreed about the gov's race, for the most part. Rell, if she's in, will be tough to beat. She's demonstrated a remarkable amount of political savvy for someone who wasn't supposed to have any.
CT will lean Democrat for the foreseeable future, but that doesn't mean that the party won't suffer a few losses. Republicans running as fiscal conservatives could make some inroads in the wilds of Windham, Tolland, Litchfield and New London counties, while Fairfield County and the Farmington Valley will remain in their hands. I think they'll pick up 6 or 7 in the House and maybe one in the Senate, especially if Rell does well.
Might be too early to bury Shays and Simmons yet, although Shays is shaky and Simmons will go down quickly if the base is closed.
Municipal elections this week might give us some clue as to which way things are going.
Blumenthal is her only real competition for governor and the current "No Child Left Behind" issue will provide some insights. If she backs the Bush policy, withdrawing support for a legal challenge she will have to explain the increases in millions of dollars in local costs across the state and not run. If she supports Blumenthal's challenge, she fights for local control and runs.
Rell's taking a similiar position on Indian recognition, backing Blumenthal's positions in her May 11 appearance before Sen. McCain's hearing.
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