Republican Gov. Rell's camp appears to be settling on former state legislator Michael Fedele. Fedele has three advantages. One: He's from Stamford, just like Democratic candidate Dan Malloy, so if Malloy ends up being the nominee, Fedele "can drive him nuts," as one knowledgeable Republican put it. Two: Fedele is Italian-American, just like the other possible Democratic nominee, John DeStefano. Third: He's rich. (Bass)
All good qualities.
What I know about Fedele could fill a thimble. I know he was a state representative from Stamford, and I know he lost to Andrew McDonald in a bid to replace outgoing Sen. George Jepsen, who was foolishly running for Lt. Governor at the time. Fedele was first elected in 1992, and had served as the CEO of a computer sales company in Stamford before then.
Either Stewart or Kalinowski would have brought more to the ticket, I feel, but then again I know very little about Fedele. Is he someone who can pick up the GOP banner in four years? Can he help bring money and possibly votes to the ticket?
One nice thing about him is that he appears to have no baggage. His record in the General Assembly seems uneventful, from a quick scan of newspaper articles, but there's nothing bad lurking in there.
We'll see if Fedele is her choice or not by the end of the week. In the meantime, I'd like to know more about the guy.
Source
Bass, Paul. "Ward, Fasano Out; Fedele Tops List." New Haven Independent 15 May, 2006.
Update 10:02
Confirmed, or close to it, in the Danbury News-Times:
Former State Rep. Michael Fedele of Stamford will be the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, The News-Times has learned.
The matter is not official yet, but Gov. M. Jodi Rell is expected to make the formal announcement at a press conference Thursday.
...
Being from Stamford is also helpful, said Rep. John Frey, R-Ridgefield, who said Fedele’s name has been the buzz in the capitol on Monday.
"It’s great to have someone from lower Fairfield County who will understand the transportation needs," Frey said. "Maybe the governor would use him as the transportation czar." (Lucas)
That is apparently that.
More to come, I'm sure.
Source
Lucas, Fred. "Rell to choose Stamford businessman as running mate." Danbury News-Times 15 May, 2006.
4 comments:
Danbury News Times Piece On Fedele....
Former State Rep. Michael Fedele of Stamford will be the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, The News-Times has learned.
The matter is not official yet, but Gov. M. Jodi Rell is expected to make the formal announcement at a press conference Thursday.
Two high ranking Republican officials, who requested that their names not be used, said members of the Rell campaign staff told them Rell made her final decision late last week.
Further, former state GOP chairman Richard Foley told The News-Times reports of Rell’s decision were solid.
"It’s as much a certainty as there can be in politics," Foley said. "If you want guarantees in politics, buy a refrigerator. I had a conversation with someone of significance involved with the campaign this morning about it."
Fedele couldn’t be reached for comment Monday.
Fedele was elected to the state House of Representative in 1992, and served until 2002. That year he ran unsuccessfully for an open state senate seat against Andrew McDonald.
He is the CEO of the Pinnacle Group, a computer sales and leasing company based in Stamford.
Losing his last campaign shouldn’t’ be a liability, Foley, the GOP chairman, said.
"He is a very bright guy and well spoken, intelligent and a refreshing new face," Foley said.
Being from Stamford is also helpful, said Rep. John Frey, R-Ridgefield, who said Fedele’s name has been the buzz in the capitol on Monday.
"It’s great to have someone from lower Fairfield County who will understand the transportation needs," Frey said. "Maybe the governor would use him as the transportation czar."
One thing we know for sure is it isn't going to be Brian Mattiello!
Whomever Rell picks has to know when Lisa Moody says "this meeting never took place" they are not to testify it did.
I've lived in Stamford since Fedele was first elected. I was less involved in politics back then, however, other than his loss to McDonald, I don't remember much about him. My guess is that he might swing a few Stamford Republicans, but that is about it.
By the sounds of it, Malloy and DeStefano are set to name LG candidates that will help their tickets much more than Fedele will help Rell's ticket.
Are we so gaga about Kevin O'Connor because of money?
He comes off personally as a big wooden indian.
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