I end every year exhausted, it seems, and lately I’ve found myself always hoping for a better year than the one that’s gone by.
I’ve had a lot of good things happen to me this year. I got a new job with the college I’ve grown to love over the past two years, and I find that my career as a librarian is starting, slowly, to take off. My wonderful wife and I are happier together then we’ve ever been.
This site has opened doors for me, too. I’ve been lucky. I’ve met with all kinds of fascinating people, from candidates to newspaper and television reporters to the (magnificent) other bloggers in this state, and I’ve been present for history several times.
And yet, I saw so much hate, division and blindness. I still see it, every day, and sometimes I feel like it’s pulling me apart. It seems that what divides us grows deeper and deeper with every year that passes, while the things that unite us lie forgotten. I worry for my country: are we so lost that we’ll never find our way back again?
But, since I sometimes tend to get carried away with my own melancholy, this is a note to myself, and to all of you, to have faith. Yes, we are lost. But we still blunder forward, blind and stupid, and some day we’ll emerge on the other side of whatever this is. History is neither an endless loop, where we pass by ourselves over and over again while going nowhere, nor a straight line from one point to another, but a spiral. There are cycles and patterns that can be discerned, and we do seem to travel in circles, but on each pass we are at a different point than we were before.
Maybe it’s easier to say that nothing is forever. 2006 is over and done—we won’t see it again. So let’s begin 2007 with hope—hope that this year will be better than the last, and faith that we are still moving ever higher, into the unknown.
Happy New Year, everyone. May we all know peace, understanding and joy.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Predictions for 2007
The new year is almost upon us. So what do you think is going to happen over the next twelve months?
Here are a couple of my own predictions, for what it's worth:
So what are your predictions?
Here are a couple of my own predictions, for what it's worth:
- Gov. Rell will end 2007 with significantly lower popularity than she currently enjoys.
- The legislature will pass some sort of universal health care plan in the waning hours of the 2007 session. It will be nothing like Rell's proposal.
- Rob Simmons will announce that he's running again for Congress.
- A primary between two no-name Republicans will start shaping up in the 5th District.
- The most interesting mayoral race will be in Waterbury, again.
- Republicans will make small but significant gains in municipal elections.
- The legislature will not override a single veto of Rell's.
- Joe Lieberman will make himself as big a pain in the ass as possible for everyone.
- American troops will begin leaving Iraq by next December.
- Chris Dodd will withdraw from the presidential race late in the year.
- The race for the Democratic nomination will shape up as a battle between Obama and Edwards. Hillary Clinton will be a distant third.
- The Republican field will be a contest between McCain and someone who is acting as the anti-McCain: maybe Gingrich or possibly Romney.
- Michael Bloomberg will run for president as an independent candidate. Joe Lieberman will publicly support him, and probably end up as his running mate.
So what are your predictions?
Friday, December 29, 2006
Year in Review: 2006 (part two)
A continuation of part one of the year in review.
July
7/3 - Joe Lieberman, sensing doom, starts collecting signatures for an independent run.
7/6 - The first debate between Lieberman and Lamont. Lieberman comes off as grouchy and combative. Lamont looks like a deer in the headlights. Lamont, however, scores enough points for a win, although he fails to knock Lieberman out. The debate is broadcast live on national news networks. National and international interest in the primary swells.
7/10 - Lieberman comes up with a new party name. It is silly.
7/11 - Then-Republican Diana Urban thinks about jumping into the Senate race. She doesn't collect enough signatures.
7/12 - Questions about gambling nearly force Alan Schlesinger from the race. A lot of the "outrage" seems to be driven by either the governor or Kevin Rennie. Schlesinger hangs in there, but his candidacy is permanently crippled.
7/18 - Malloy and DeStefano debate in New London. Few watch. Malloy does a little better, but the real star of the debate is a refreshingly crusty Mark Davis, who needs to moderate more debates.
7/20 - Lamont pulls ahead with two weeks to go.
7/24 - Bill Clinton comes to Waterbury. Spazeboy has trouble getting in to see him.
7/27 - Nancy Johnson releases an attack ad against Chris Murphy. In July. No wonder she lost.
7/27 - Joe Lieberman announces a bus tour of diners. It doesn't go well.
August
The conventional wisdom entering August was that Lamont was going to crush Lieberman. Polls showed him ahead by ten points or more. The Malloy campaign claimed to be inching closer and closer to DeStefano. What really mattered, however, came on August 8th:
8/8 - Primary Day. The world comes to Connecticut. I've never seen anything like it.
The day begins with an attack on the Lieberman website. Well, it's called an attack. Lamont's campaign and supporters slowly debunk it throughout the day, but the Lieberman campaign keeps claiming an attack and blames pro-Lamont forces.
Turnout is very high--43% of Dems vote. That's the highest turnout ever for a statewide primary.
Lamont does win by 52%-48%, but Joe Lieberman vows to run as an independent. He promptly fires his staff, and hires old hands.
John DeStefano wins against Dan Malloy in a squeaker--only a few thousand votes separate them.
Oddly, Malloy's running mate Mary Glassman absolutely wrecks Scott Slifka, as Democratic voters send a clear message about having a woman on the ticket. DeStefano orders new lawn signs.
8/13 - Lamont's campaign begins the general election campaign on the wrong foot. Never say bad things about Waterbury. It's not worth it.
8/14 - Jim Amann backs Joe Lieberman, earning him the enmity of pro-Lamont bloggers and others.
8/16 - Garfield's off the hook in Moodygate. Which is still going on.
8/17 - A Quinnipiac Poll shows Lieberman leading Lamont by about 10%, and Rell crushing DeStefano. Which, despite a few wavers here and there, is exactly where it all ends up.
8/25 - Chris Shays endorses a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq, neatly stealing Diane Farrell's thunder. A decisive moment for Shays.
September
I spent September waiting for things to get interesting. They didn't.
9/1 - Three major House races in Connecticut are among those nationally targeted.
9/5 - It's revealed that the White House is funneling money to Lieberman. Surprise.
9/13 - The SOTS releases the list of towns which will use optical scan machines.
9/15 - Lieberman remembers why people liked him in the first place.
9/18 - Nancy Johnson suggests that a vote for Murphy is a vote for terrorists killing adorable children. Whew!
9/19 - Courtney and Simmons debate.
9/22 - Rell and DeStefano agree to two one-on-one debates, infuriating Cliff Thornton of the Green Party.
9/25 - Remember this guy?
9/28 - The House passes the so-called "torture bill." Shays, Simmons and Johnson vote yes. Later, my wife and I will listen to Simmons defend that vote... but he's lost ours because of it.
October
Yard sign month! I love October--usually. This October, however, seemed like one, long, ceaseless slog through the mud. By the end of the month, I just wanted it all to stop.
10/1 - 1-84 problems.
10/2 - Tax attacks!
10/3 - Lamont donates a ton of money.
10/4 - General Assembly commercials.
10/5 - Farrell/Shays debate.
10/6 - Rell dips into slush funds, Ruth Fahrbach benefits.
10/8 - People notice that Lamont is stuck in neutral.
10/9 - Gubernatorial debate #1. DeStefano does well, but Rell stays on her feet.
10/10 - Simmons and Courtney in Enfield. Other local candidates, too.
10/11 - Foley follies. Ew.
10/13 - Shays loses his mind on Abu Graib. A "sex ring"? Kinky.
10/16 - Let's have a debate in the middle of the afternoon. Lamont/Lieberman/Schlesinger. Schlesinger makes a great showing.
10/18 - A stealth senate debate, then a live gubernatorial one.
10/21 - The Courant endorses all the Democrats in Congressional races.
10/22 - Petty cash.
10/23 - Final U.S. Senate debate. I spend the afternoon talking to foreign journalists, then watch the debate live. Schlesinger impresses again--especially his response to hecklers sent by LaRouche to bug Lieberman.
10/26 - Johnson releases the drug dealer ad, which shows Chris Murphy being welcomed into the home of a drug dealer. Ouch!
10/27 - Glassman and Fedele debate on the radio. Nice.
10/28 - Lieberman and Bloomberg are friends.
The Courant endorses Lieberman, DeStefano. The New York Times endorses Lamont.
10/30 - NOW endorses DeStefano-Glassman.
November
At last! Election month.
11/1 - A ton of new voters this year. People are interested.
11/3 - Enfield. Center of the political universe.
11/7 - Election Day!
Rell, Lieberman, Murphy win by a lot. Shays wins by a little. Courtney wins by a very small number, the recount begins.
And that's that.
Democrats gain a supermajority in both chambers of the General Assembly.
11/15 - Simmons concedes after the recount upholds Courtney's win.
11/16 - Larson elected vice caucus chair.
11/21 - Diana Urban leaves the GOP.
11/26 - George Gallo makes ready to step down as head of the state GOP.
December
It's been quiet around here this month. Expect things to pick up again in January.
12/4 - Newton sentence under review.
12/5 - Simmons thinks about running again.
12/7 - Squabbles over rate hikes.
12/12 - Courtney and Murphy get their committee assignments.
12/14 - More Moodygate. Just what I always wanted!
12/16 - Rell appoints a panel to investigate the State Police after a damning report is released.
12/20 - An investigation finds that Lamont supporters had nothing to do with Lieberman's website troubles.
12/21 - Rell fires people.
12/28 - Rell proposes a health care plan. As usual, I like it but everyone else thinks I'm nuts. Oh, well.
Happy New Year, everyone!!! Here's to another crazy year in Connecticut.
July
7/3 - Joe Lieberman, sensing doom, starts collecting signatures for an independent run.
7/6 - The first debate between Lieberman and Lamont. Lieberman comes off as grouchy and combative. Lamont looks like a deer in the headlights. Lamont, however, scores enough points for a win, although he fails to knock Lieberman out. The debate is broadcast live on national news networks. National and international interest in the primary swells.
7/10 - Lieberman comes up with a new party name. It is silly.
7/11 - Then-Republican Diana Urban thinks about jumping into the Senate race. She doesn't collect enough signatures.
7/12 - Questions about gambling nearly force Alan Schlesinger from the race. A lot of the "outrage" seems to be driven by either the governor or Kevin Rennie. Schlesinger hangs in there, but his candidacy is permanently crippled.
7/18 - Malloy and DeStefano debate in New London. Few watch. Malloy does a little better, but the real star of the debate is a refreshingly crusty Mark Davis, who needs to moderate more debates.
7/20 - Lamont pulls ahead with two weeks to go.
7/24 - Bill Clinton comes to Waterbury. Spazeboy has trouble getting in to see him.
7/27 - Nancy Johnson releases an attack ad against Chris Murphy. In July. No wonder she lost.
7/27 - Joe Lieberman announces a bus tour of diners. It doesn't go well.
August
The conventional wisdom entering August was that Lamont was going to crush Lieberman. Polls showed him ahead by ten points or more. The Malloy campaign claimed to be inching closer and closer to DeStefano. What really mattered, however, came on August 8th:
8/8 - Primary Day. The world comes to Connecticut. I've never seen anything like it.
The day begins with an attack on the Lieberman website. Well, it's called an attack. Lamont's campaign and supporters slowly debunk it throughout the day, but the Lieberman campaign keeps claiming an attack and blames pro-Lamont forces.
Turnout is very high--43% of Dems vote. That's the highest turnout ever for a statewide primary.
Lamont does win by 52%-48%, but Joe Lieberman vows to run as an independent. He promptly fires his staff, and hires old hands.
John DeStefano wins against Dan Malloy in a squeaker--only a few thousand votes separate them.
Oddly, Malloy's running mate Mary Glassman absolutely wrecks Scott Slifka, as Democratic voters send a clear message about having a woman on the ticket. DeStefano orders new lawn signs.
8/13 - Lamont's campaign begins the general election campaign on the wrong foot. Never say bad things about Waterbury. It's not worth it.
8/14 - Jim Amann backs Joe Lieberman, earning him the enmity of pro-Lamont bloggers and others.
8/16 - Garfield's off the hook in Moodygate. Which is still going on.
8/17 - A Quinnipiac Poll shows Lieberman leading Lamont by about 10%, and Rell crushing DeStefano. Which, despite a few wavers here and there, is exactly where it all ends up.
8/25 - Chris Shays endorses a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq, neatly stealing Diane Farrell's thunder. A decisive moment for Shays.
September
I spent September waiting for things to get interesting. They didn't.
9/1 - Three major House races in Connecticut are among those nationally targeted.
9/5 - It's revealed that the White House is funneling money to Lieberman. Surprise.
9/13 - The SOTS releases the list of towns which will use optical scan machines.
9/15 - Lieberman remembers why people liked him in the first place.
9/18 - Nancy Johnson suggests that a vote for Murphy is a vote for terrorists killing adorable children. Whew!
9/19 - Courtney and Simmons debate.
9/22 - Rell and DeStefano agree to two one-on-one debates, infuriating Cliff Thornton of the Green Party.
9/25 - Remember this guy?
9/28 - The House passes the so-called "torture bill." Shays, Simmons and Johnson vote yes. Later, my wife and I will listen to Simmons defend that vote... but he's lost ours because of it.
October
Yard sign month! I love October--usually. This October, however, seemed like one, long, ceaseless slog through the mud. By the end of the month, I just wanted it all to stop.
10/1 - 1-84 problems.
10/2 - Tax attacks!
10/3 - Lamont donates a ton of money.
10/4 - General Assembly commercials.
10/5 - Farrell/Shays debate.
10/6 - Rell dips into slush funds, Ruth Fahrbach benefits.
10/8 - People notice that Lamont is stuck in neutral.
10/9 - Gubernatorial debate #1. DeStefano does well, but Rell stays on her feet.
10/10 - Simmons and Courtney in Enfield. Other local candidates, too.
10/11 - Foley follies. Ew.
10/13 - Shays loses his mind on Abu Graib. A "sex ring"? Kinky.
10/16 - Let's have a debate in the middle of the afternoon. Lamont/Lieberman/Schlesinger. Schlesinger makes a great showing.
10/18 - A stealth senate debate, then a live gubernatorial one.
10/21 - The Courant endorses all the Democrats in Congressional races.
10/22 - Petty cash.
10/23 - Final U.S. Senate debate. I spend the afternoon talking to foreign journalists, then watch the debate live. Schlesinger impresses again--especially his response to hecklers sent by LaRouche to bug Lieberman.
10/26 - Johnson releases the drug dealer ad, which shows Chris Murphy being welcomed into the home of a drug dealer. Ouch!
10/27 - Glassman and Fedele debate on the radio. Nice.
10/28 - Lieberman and Bloomberg are friends.
The Courant endorses Lieberman, DeStefano. The New York Times endorses Lamont.
10/30 - NOW endorses DeStefano-Glassman.
November
At last! Election month.
11/1 - A ton of new voters this year. People are interested.
11/3 - Enfield. Center of the political universe.
11/7 - Election Day!
Rell, Lieberman, Murphy win by a lot. Shays wins by a little. Courtney wins by a very small number, the recount begins.
And that's that.
Democrats gain a supermajority in both chambers of the General Assembly.
11/15 - Simmons concedes after the recount upholds Courtney's win.
11/16 - Larson elected vice caucus chair.
11/21 - Diana Urban leaves the GOP.
11/26 - George Gallo makes ready to step down as head of the state GOP.
December
It's been quiet around here this month. Expect things to pick up again in January.
12/4 - Newton sentence under review.
12/5 - Simmons thinks about running again.
12/7 - Squabbles over rate hikes.
12/12 - Courtney and Murphy get their committee assignments.
12/14 - More Moodygate. Just what I always wanted!
12/16 - Rell appoints a panel to investigate the State Police after a damning report is released.
12/20 - An investigation finds that Lamont supporters had nothing to do with Lieberman's website troubles.
12/21 - Rell fires people.
12/28 - Rell proposes a health care plan. As usual, I like it but everyone else thinks I'm nuts. Oh, well.
Happy New Year, everyone!!! Here's to another crazy year in Connecticut.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Year in Review: 2006 (part one)
This was a hectic, wild and unpredictable year in many ways. Much of the excitement this year centered around Ned Lamont's insurgent campaign against Sen. Joe Lieberman, but there were a lot of other stories that made living in Connecticut interesting. This is a very basic chronology of some of the major stories in Connecticut during 2006.
If you're looking for a more complete timeline of the Lieberman-Lamont primary, check here.
I'll provide links to CTLP stories about these topics, as newspaper stories disappear from the web quickly. As you have no doubt noticed, most CTLP posts cite sources, making it easy for the researcher to find the news articles we originally linked to.
January
1/6 - News of Ned Lamont's possible candidacy leaks out. The media starts getting very excited.
1/11 - Lieberman first suggests he will run as an independent should he lose a primary.
1/23 - Dan Malloy capitalizes on discontent with John DeStefano in New Haven.
February
2/2 - Ernest Newton gets five years for accepting a bribe and other charges. An immediate comparison between Newton's five years and John Rowland's one is drawn.
2/6 - It was learned that Lisa Moody wouldn't be charged with any crimes for her role in a campaign finance scandal. Moodygate itself dragged on for months after--and still continues.
2/8 - Gov. Rell delivers the State of the State speech, and proposes eliminating the property tax on cars.
2/10 - Rowland goes free.
2/17 - Several polls show Joe Lieberman with a huge lead over Ned Lamont among Democrats. That would change.
2/21 - Paul Vance of Waterbury withdraws from the 5th District congressional race, clearing the field for Chris Murphy.
2/28 - Chris Shays lets slip that the GOP is considering endorsing Lieberman. Republicans deny it, but a massive storm is kicked up.
March
3/2 - Minority Leader Robert Ward announces his retirement after long service in the legislature. He will later be reincarnated as head of the DMV.
3/8 - The elections enforcement commission fines sixteen commissioners for their role in the Marco Polo fundraising scandal. Lisa Moody is not fined.
3/13 - Ned Lamont announces his candidacy. I suggest it's going to get ugly, which is does.
3/16 - Alan Schlesinger expresses interest in the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate. I'm less than impressed, but I end up voting for the guy. How did that happen? Strange year.
3/17 - It's revealed that Rell's campaign manager was kept in the know about what elections enforcement commissioner Jeffrey Garfield was going to do about Moodygate. Both Moody and Garfield still have the jobs. Amazing.
3/20 - Immigration foe and local nut Paul Streitz announces his intention to challenge Lieberman. His campaign raises little money and ends in utter defeat.
3/30 - Joe Lieberman gets booed at the Jefferson-Jackson-Bailey dinner.
April
4/3 - Striking teamsters at Sikorsky go back to work, although they don't really get what they want.
4/3 - John DeStefano names a new campaign manager as panic about the upcoming convention sets in.
4/4 - Sen. Dodd says he has an "itch" to run for president in 2008, leading to all sorts of "itch" jokes.
4/15 - Challengers outraise incumbents.
4/25 - Peter Zarella withdraws his nomination after it's learned that former Chief Justice William Sullivan delayed the release of a controversial case to help him.
4/26 - Compromise is reached on a major transportation bill.
4/29 - Rell gets slammed as her tax repeals are scrapped by Democrats.
May
5/1 - Kristine Regaglia gets put out to pasture.
5/4 - A quick fix for campaign finance reform is passed. At the last minute.
5/7 - It's learned that Kos of Daily Kos will briefly appear in a Lamont commercial. A very stupid firestorm ensues, which no one who isn't an online political junkie notices.
5/15 - Jodi Rell picks Michael Fedele, who is unknown outside of Fairfield County, as her running mate.
5/18 - Pony up, czarina. John DeStefano never got to use that one.
5/19 - Mary Glassman is selected as Dan Malloy's running mate. Be on the lookout for weirdness involving her later on!
5/19 - Lamont wins an impressive 34% of the vote at the Democratic convention. I see Wolf Blitzer in the convention hall. Excitement!
5/20 - Dan Malloy is endorsed after a long, nasty process. DeStefano names Scott Slifka as his running mate after the vote is done.
5/23 - There's a fistfight at a nominating convention in Bristol. Politics is fun!
5/26 - The judicial openness task force gets underway.
June
6/1 - Someone siccs the FBI on us. I poop my pants, but all turns out well. What the heck happened to Bruce, anyway? I miss the guy.
Most of June - Primary rancor is the order of the day. I'm shocked by how negative and, well, petty the Lieberman campaign is. I felt dirty whenever I read one of their press releases. Hey, I still have 'em all saved--just ask and I'll send you one!
6/16 - Lieberman drags out the bear ad again. Everyone groans and covers their eyes. The pain!
6/18 - Lieberman has a bad week. Or a bad month. Or a bad couple of months. The disintegration of the Lieberman campaign is a marvel.
6/19 - Trouble for Fabrizi in Bridgeport as it's learned he used cocaine while in office.
6/21 - It turns out Moodygate wasn't done. Jeffrey Garfield apparently "forgot" to include some material in his report to the General Assembly. Why does he still have a job? Someone tell me.
6/22 - The Judiciary Committee subpoenas former Chief Justice Sullivan.
6/30 - The last two holdouts in Fort Trumbull pack it in. Still no eminent domain reform.
Look for more in the coming days
If you're looking for a more complete timeline of the Lieberman-Lamont primary, check here.
I'll provide links to CTLP stories about these topics, as newspaper stories disappear from the web quickly. As you have no doubt noticed, most CTLP posts cite sources, making it easy for the researcher to find the news articles we originally linked to.
January
1/6 - News of Ned Lamont's possible candidacy leaks out. The media starts getting very excited.
1/11 - Lieberman first suggests he will run as an independent should he lose a primary.
1/23 - Dan Malloy capitalizes on discontent with John DeStefano in New Haven.
February
2/2 - Ernest Newton gets five years for accepting a bribe and other charges. An immediate comparison between Newton's five years and John Rowland's one is drawn.
2/6 - It was learned that Lisa Moody wouldn't be charged with any crimes for her role in a campaign finance scandal. Moodygate itself dragged on for months after--and still continues.
2/8 - Gov. Rell delivers the State of the State speech, and proposes eliminating the property tax on cars.
2/10 - Rowland goes free.
2/17 - Several polls show Joe Lieberman with a huge lead over Ned Lamont among Democrats. That would change.
2/21 - Paul Vance of Waterbury withdraws from the 5th District congressional race, clearing the field for Chris Murphy.
2/28 - Chris Shays lets slip that the GOP is considering endorsing Lieberman. Republicans deny it, but a massive storm is kicked up.
March
3/2 - Minority Leader Robert Ward announces his retirement after long service in the legislature. He will later be reincarnated as head of the DMV.
3/8 - The elections enforcement commission fines sixteen commissioners for their role in the Marco Polo fundraising scandal. Lisa Moody is not fined.
3/13 - Ned Lamont announces his candidacy. I suggest it's going to get ugly, which is does.
3/16 - Alan Schlesinger expresses interest in the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate. I'm less than impressed, but I end up voting for the guy. How did that happen? Strange year.
3/17 - It's revealed that Rell's campaign manager was kept in the know about what elections enforcement commissioner Jeffrey Garfield was going to do about Moodygate. Both Moody and Garfield still have the jobs. Amazing.
3/20 - Immigration foe and local nut Paul Streitz announces his intention to challenge Lieberman. His campaign raises little money and ends in utter defeat.
3/30 - Joe Lieberman gets booed at the Jefferson-Jackson-Bailey dinner.
April
4/3 - Striking teamsters at Sikorsky go back to work, although they don't really get what they want.
4/3 - John DeStefano names a new campaign manager as panic about the upcoming convention sets in.
4/4 - Sen. Dodd says he has an "itch" to run for president in 2008, leading to all sorts of "itch" jokes.
4/15 - Challengers outraise incumbents.
4/25 - Peter Zarella withdraws his nomination after it's learned that former Chief Justice William Sullivan delayed the release of a controversial case to help him.
4/26 - Compromise is reached on a major transportation bill.
4/29 - Rell gets slammed as her tax repeals are scrapped by Democrats.
May
5/1 - Kristine Regaglia gets put out to pasture.
5/4 - A quick fix for campaign finance reform is passed. At the last minute.
5/7 - It's learned that Kos of Daily Kos will briefly appear in a Lamont commercial. A very stupid firestorm ensues, which no one who isn't an online political junkie notices.
5/15 - Jodi Rell picks Michael Fedele, who is unknown outside of Fairfield County, as her running mate.
5/18 - Pony up, czarina. John DeStefano never got to use that one.
5/19 - Mary Glassman is selected as Dan Malloy's running mate. Be on the lookout for weirdness involving her later on!
5/19 - Lamont wins an impressive 34% of the vote at the Democratic convention. I see Wolf Blitzer in the convention hall. Excitement!
5/20 - Dan Malloy is endorsed after a long, nasty process. DeStefano names Scott Slifka as his running mate after the vote is done.
5/23 - There's a fistfight at a nominating convention in Bristol. Politics is fun!
5/26 - The judicial openness task force gets underway.
June
6/1 - Someone siccs the FBI on us. I poop my pants, but all turns out well. What the heck happened to Bruce, anyway? I miss the guy.
Most of June - Primary rancor is the order of the day. I'm shocked by how negative and, well, petty the Lieberman campaign is. I felt dirty whenever I read one of their press releases. Hey, I still have 'em all saved--just ask and I'll send you one!
6/16 - Lieberman drags out the bear ad again. Everyone groans and covers their eyes. The pain!
6/18 - Lieberman has a bad week. Or a bad month. Or a bad couple of months. The disintegration of the Lieberman campaign is a marvel.
6/19 - Trouble for Fabrizi in Bridgeport as it's learned he used cocaine while in office.
6/21 - It turns out Moodygate wasn't done. Jeffrey Garfield apparently "forgot" to include some material in his report to the General Assembly. Why does he still have a job? Someone tell me.
6/22 - The Judiciary Committee subpoenas former Chief Justice Sullivan.
6/30 - The last two holdouts in Fort Trumbull pack it in. Still no eminent domain reform.
Look for more in the coming days
Rell Proposes Health Care Plan
The vision thing is on the move. Gov. Rell has proposed a health care plan for uninsured adults called the Charter Oak Health Care Plan. From the Courant:
Long quote, I know. But there's a lot to talk about, here. The idea is that the state wouldn't actually pay for the plan, but promote it. Insurance companies (and subscribers) would pay for it. Apparently, insurance companies are interested in offering it.
If it works, and it's affordable (although $250/month might be a bit steep for some), it's definitely worth considering over more traditional universal health care schemes.
I'm very interested to see what people have to say.
Source
"Rell Unveils Health Care Plan For Uninsured Adults." Associated Press 27 December, 2006.
The initiative, called the Charter Oak Health Plan, would be open to adults of all incomes and cost each participant about $250 a month in premiums.
[...]
The Charter Oak Health Plan would offer a full prescription drug package with copays ranging from $10 to $15. Enrollees with pre-existing medical conditions would not be restricted from coverage.
There would be no maximum annual benefits, but there would be a lifetime maximum of $1 million of coverage. Laboratory and X-ray services would require a 20 percent copay while copays for prenatal, postnatal and preventive care would be lower than regular office visits to encourage people to receive that care.
The plan also would discourage costly visits to emergency rooms by requiring customers to pay for a portion of the visit if it's a non-emergency situation.
[...]
Rell said her proposal is not a "big government program." Rather, it encourages insurance companies to offer The Charter Oak Health Plan as an affordable choice in their offering of health care plans to reach people who otherwise can't afford coverage.
Senate President Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn, said he's pleased Rell offered the proposal, but said the state will have to spend more money on health care.
Long quote, I know. But there's a lot to talk about, here. The idea is that the state wouldn't actually pay for the plan, but promote it. Insurance companies (and subscribers) would pay for it. Apparently, insurance companies are interested in offering it.
If it works, and it's affordable (although $250/month might be a bit steep for some), it's definitely worth considering over more traditional universal health care schemes.
I'm very interested to see what people have to say.
Source
"Rell Unveils Health Care Plan For Uninsured Adults." Associated Press 27 December, 2006.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Larson Becoming More Powerful
Apologies for light posting during the holiday week
A piece about the increasing influence of Rep. John Larson ran in the Courant today:
Let's face it--unless Larson runs for governor (he tried in 1994), U.S. Senator or some other office, he'll be a Congressman for as long as he wants. He has plenty of time to amass power and influence. We may see him rise farther up in the ranks if the Democrats are successful this term--or even if they aren't.
Source
Lightman, David. "Larson Powers Up His Career." Hartford Courant 27 December, 2006.
A piece about the increasing influence of Rep. John Larson ran in the Courant today:
The man has friends. A lot of them, and it's why, as Democrats take control of the House next week, Larson begins 2007 as a major power broker.
[...]
Larson is a Pelosi loyalist.
"We're not joined at the hip," he says, "but I'm one of the top 10 she calls for advice, and that's a good thing."
Let's face it--unless Larson runs for governor (he tried in 1994), U.S. Senator or some other office, he'll be a Congressman for as long as he wants. He has plenty of time to amass power and influence. We may see him rise farther up in the ranks if the Democrats are successful this term--or even if they aren't.
Source
Lightman, David. "Larson Powers Up His Career." Hartford Courant 27 December, 2006.
President Gerald Ford Dies
CNN (and many others) are reporting that President Gerald Ford has died at the age of 93.
I have a lot of admiration for Ford. Despite the heat he took over his pardon of President Nixon, I believe that history will recall Ford fondly, as a straightforward man who steered America out of a dark time. The nation is less for losing him.
I have a lot of admiration for Ford. Despite the heat he took over his pardon of President Nixon, I believe that history will recall Ford fondly, as a straightforward man who steered America out of a dark time. The nation is less for losing him.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
2007 Poll #1
I think we may have done this one before, but here it is again.
Once again, if I've left something important out, leave it in the comments. Remember that these are issues you would like to see explored in some way, not necessarily specific bills you'd like passed.
Once again, if I've left something important out, leave it in the comments. Remember that these are issues you would like to see explored in some way, not necessarily specific bills you'd like passed.
Ward to head DMV
Anne Gnazzo Picked for Administrative Services
Retiring Minority Leader Robert Ward has been tapped to lead the DMV, according to the Associated Press:
Gnazzo is deputy secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. Rell seems to be making as many moves as she can before her inauguration--and the start of the session--on January 3rd.
Source
"Rell appoints Ward to head Department of Motor Vehicles." Associated Press 26 December, 2006.
Retiring Minority Leader Robert Ward has been tapped to lead the DMV, according to the Associated Press:
Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Tuesday tapped veteran Republican lawmaker Robert Ward to run the state's motor vehicle department.
Rell, a Republican, appointed the outgoing House minority leader as her new commissioner.
[...]
Rell also announced she is appointing Anne Gnazzo as the next commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services, which handles state purchasing and human resource management.
Gnazzo is deputy secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. Rell seems to be making as many moves as she can before her inauguration--and the start of the session--on January 3rd.
Source
"Rell appoints Ward to head Department of Motor Vehicles." Associated Press 26 December, 2006.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Holidays
It's been a peaceful couple of days. It's been nice to have a breather from work, and from politics, and to spend time at home with my wife. The only thing missing is the snow--which hasn't fallen at all this year.
2006--a tumultuous year, to be sure--is coming to a close. The coming week will be a good time to reflect on the year that is ending, and the new year to come. We'll do lots of that, don't worry.
For now, though, enjoy the holidays, and forget about politics for a little while.
...
Or, if like me, you just can't forget about politics, read an interview with Rell by Associated Press writer Susan Haigh. Rell is promising to bring back the elimination of the car tax, and to be a "voice of reason." She and the legislature are promising action on energy issues, including letting NU and UI back into the generating business. An interesting read.
2006--a tumultuous year, to be sure--is coming to a close. The coming week will be a good time to reflect on the year that is ending, and the new year to come. We'll do lots of that, don't worry.
For now, though, enjoy the holidays, and forget about politics for a little while.
...
Or, if like me, you just can't forget about politics, read an interview with Rell by Associated Press writer Susan Haigh. Rell is promising to bring back the elimination of the car tax, and to be a "voice of reason." She and the legislature are promising action on energy issues, including letting NU and UI back into the generating business. An interesting read.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Long Island: Blumenthal a Pain
There is little love for AG Richard Blumenthal on Long Island these days:
We tend to forget that Long Island Sound isn't entirely ours, and I think we tend to dismiss their take on things. However, suggesting that the Connecticut coast is filled with nothing but the idle rich is inaccurate, at best. And why would Blumenthal need to curry that much favor with the super-rich? They probably all voted for Bob Farr anyway.
It's sometimes difficult to figure out whether Blumenthal is making a principled stand or going for media attention. Maybe the real issues here are whether the environmental concerns are actually justified, and whether Connecticut is appropriately compensated for a project that will not benefit us in the slightest.
Source
Clancy, Ambrose. "Why does this man hate us?" Long Island Business Journal 22 December, 2006.
Be careful about getting Steve Levy started on Blumenthal. The Suffolk County executive blasted the AG as a politician who, rather than fostering cooperation between the Island and Connecticut, prefers to muddy pools with an “’us vs. them’ mentality.”
He’s not done – Levy just paused to reload on his fellow Democrat. Blumenthal, at the expense of middle-class Long Islanders, is “out to make cheap political points for some rich folks who live on the coast of Connecticut,” Levy said. And don’t forget, Blumenthal is “parochial” and his actions “lack common sense.”
[...]
Republican Brookhaven Town Board member Kevin McCarrick piled on – he champions the idea of “appealing to U.S and state senators to get Blumenthal to behave” – and even Rep. Tim Bishop, D-Southampton, joined in. According to Bishop, by blocking the proposed Islander East natural gas pipeline from Connecticut to Long Island, Blumenthal is providing aid and ammunition to Broadwater Energy’s plans for a floating natural gas plant in the Sound.
In his protracted legal fight against the pipeline, Blumenthal is allowing Broadwater – which, publicly, the AG passionately opposes – to ride to the rescue by convincing ratepayers it’s the only natural gas alternative, Bishop said. (Clancy)
We tend to forget that Long Island Sound isn't entirely ours, and I think we tend to dismiss their take on things. However, suggesting that the Connecticut coast is filled with nothing but the idle rich is inaccurate, at best. And why would Blumenthal need to curry that much favor with the super-rich? They probably all voted for Bob Farr anyway.
It's sometimes difficult to figure out whether Blumenthal is making a principled stand or going for media attention. Maybe the real issues here are whether the environmental concerns are actually justified, and whether Connecticut is appropriately compensated for a project that will not benefit us in the slightest.
Source
Clancy, Ambrose. "Why does this man hate us?" Long Island Business Journal 22 December, 2006.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Dodd Signs Sought After Kerry Aide
Senator Dodd signed former Kerry campaign manager Jim Jordan as a top advisor. Jordan was formerly working with Mark Warner until he decided not to run.
While Jordan was fired when Kerry floundered in November 2003, the article points out that he was largely thought to be a scapegoat and still had many of the 2008 Democratic contenders drooling after his services.
Contrary to the CW on this blog and elsewhere, Jordan believes that Dodd is viable.
Also in Dodd's favor is the goodwill that he has built up over 20 years or so of raising money and campaigning for candidates all over the country.
I'm not ready to jump on the viability bandwagon yet, but Dodd has just posted a big win in the all-important talent primary (the one that comes before the all-important money primary, which comes before the all-important, you know, actual primaries).
H/T to CTBob.
Update: The Journal Inquirer weighs in on the money Dodd has spent to support other candidates, coincidently I'm sure, in New Hampshire, Iowa, Nevada, South Carolina, and Missouri:
Dodd plans to decide next month on a White House bid, but by adding Jordan to his team, sends a strong signal he is seriously leaning toward a bid.
Jordan said he is joining the Dodd team because "He's easily, of all the potential candidates, the one who's most qualified to do the job. He's also one of the most interesting and charming people in politics."
While Jordan was fired when Kerry floundered in November 2003, the article points out that he was largely thought to be a scapegoat and still had many of the 2008 Democratic contenders drooling after his services.
Contrary to the CW on this blog and elsewhere, Jordan believes that Dodd is viable.
Jordan insisted Dodd has a good shot. "I'm very optimistic about his chances," he said. Asked why, in such a crowded field, Jordan said, "Because of his qualifications and political skills--he's what voters will be looking for."
...
Dodd has been making all the types of moves a potential candidate would make. He visited key early primary and caucus states this fall, donated more than $1 million to Democratic candidates around the country this election cycle, and has about $2 million on hand. And he is seen as able to raise plenty of money, particularly since he was the Democratic party's general chairman in the mid-1990s and is slated to become Senate Banking Committee chairman next month.
Also in Dodd's favor is the goodwill that he has built up over 20 years or so of raising money and campaigning for candidates all over the country.
I'm not ready to jump on the viability bandwagon yet, but Dodd has just posted a big win in the all-important talent primary (the one that comes before the all-important money primary, which comes before the all-important, you know, actual primaries).
H/T to CTBob.
Update: The Journal Inquirer weighs in on the money Dodd has spent to support other candidates, coincidently I'm sure, in New Hampshire, Iowa, Nevada, South Carolina, and Missouri:
The latest FEC filing from Citizens for Hope Responsibility Independence and Service PAC, also known as ChrisPAC, reveals that between Oct. 19 and Nov. 27 it sent $89,500 in contributions to Democratic Party committees and candidates in Iowa, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.
The single-biggest contribution - $13,000 - was dispatched on Nov 2 to the New Hampshire Democratic State Committee, which got another $5,000 four days later.
Another $20,000 was split evenly between four party panels in three states: the Iowa House Truman Fund, Iowa Senate Majority Fund, Missouri Democratic State Committee, and the Democratic Party of South Carolina.
ChrisPAC had made $65,000 in similar contributions over the previous three months, bringing its total investment in the venues at the top of the list of 2008's early presidential showdowns to $154,500.
Seven Commissioners Out
From the Courant:
Consumer protection commissioner Edwin Rodriguez announced his resignation yesterday.
Housecleaning. Way, way overdue.
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she has accepted the resignations of the following six state agency commissioners:
• Commissioner Darlene Dunbar of the Department of Children and Families;
• Commissioner James Abromaitis of the Department of Economic and Community Development;
• Commissioner Susan Cogswell of the Department of Insurance.
• Commissioner (Acting) William Ramirez of the Department of Motor Vehicles;
• Commissioner Patricia Wilson-Coker of the Department of Social Services;
• Jennifer Aniskovich, Executive Director of the Connecticut Commission on Arts and Tourism.
Consumer protection commissioner Edwin Rodriguez announced his resignation yesterday.
Housecleaning. Way, way overdue.
House Republicans Plan for Session
From the AP wire:
The idea of a first-time home buyers fund for college grads who stay in Connecticut is intriguing.
Source
"Small House GOP caucus vows to be heard next session." Associated Press 21 December, 2006.
There may only be 44 of them, but members of the state's House Republican caucus said Thursday that they'll make their presence known when the legislature meets in January.
[...]
The group plans to push for a bill to create a new first-time home buyers fund. The state income taxes of recent college graduates who remain in Connecticut would be put in investment accounts that could be tapped to buy homes.
House Republicans also hope to exempt senior citizens' pensions from the state income tax and create new portable health care plans that workers can take from job to job.
The idea of a first-time home buyers fund for college grads who stay in Connecticut is intriguing.
Source
"Small House GOP caucus vows to be heard next session." Associated Press 21 December, 2006.
Lieberman Leaves Centrist Coalition
Founds Social Club
From Political Wire:
Lieberman's group will be bringing senators together in social settings, according to a letter published in a Tennessee newspaper.
Snowe and Landrieu will be working on reaching out to "non-ideological" centrists, according to the Roll Call article. I assume that Lieberman is not one of these?
Sources
Centrist Split in the Senate. Political Wire. http://politicalwire.com/archives/2006/12/21/centrist_split_in_the_senate.html
Lieberman, Alexander Organize Bipartisan Members Group." The Chattanoogan 20 December, 2006.
From Political Wire:
Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) "has relinquished his position as co-chairman of the Senate Centrist Coalition, halting talks with co-chairwoman Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) over the future of the organization in favor of creating his own bipartisan group with Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN)," according to Roll Call."
Lieberman's group will be bringing senators together in social settings, according to a letter published in a Tennessee newspaper.
The purpose of the group is to create an opportunity for Senators to know one another better across party lines so that we can identify common interests and work on issues that are important to our country.
Snowe and Landrieu will be working on reaching out to "non-ideological" centrists, according to the Roll Call article. I assume that Lieberman is not one of these?
Sources
Centrist Split in the Senate. Political Wire. http://politicalwire.com/archives/2006/12/21/centrist_split_in_the_senate.html
Lieberman, Alexander Organize Bipartisan Members Group." The Chattanoogan 20 December, 2006.
Hartford Mayoral Race in the Works
I wanted to point out this Stan Simpson column on the upcoming Hartford mayoral race. Simpson mentions a few potentials, but suggests that none of them are quite up to challenging Eddie Perez:
Simpson mentions possibilities like Kevin Henry, State Rep. Kevin Roldan and Republican Corey Brinson as possibilities for 2007. One person Simpson leaves off his list is state Treasurer Denise Nappier, who has been rumored to be interested in Perez's job for a while, now. Is she no longer a potential candidate?
I suspect that there will be some sort of meaningful challenge to Perez regardless. He's made a lot of enemies, and Hartford has not made much in the way of tangible progress during his term. A lot of the hope people felt about Perez when he first took office has since disappeared.
Source
Simpson, Stan. "Political Change Is Brewing." Hartford Courant 20 December, 2006.
But the cast of early potential rivals - former state Sen. Frank Barrows, state Rep. Art Feltman; onetime Deputy Mayor I. Charles Mathews and state Rep. Minnie Gonzalez - may be more distraction than real challenge to the mayor.
The next mayor, after Perez, must be one who can raise significant cash and connect with corporate Hartford while still having the credibility to mingle in its multi-ethnic neighborhoods.(Simpson)
Simpson mentions possibilities like Kevin Henry, State Rep. Kevin Roldan and Republican Corey Brinson as possibilities for 2007. One person Simpson leaves off his list is state Treasurer Denise Nappier, who has been rumored to be interested in Perez's job for a while, now. Is she no longer a potential candidate?
I suspect that there will be some sort of meaningful challenge to Perez regardless. He's made a lot of enemies, and Hartford has not made much in the way of tangible progress during his term. A lot of the hope people felt about Perez when he first took office has since disappeared.
Source
Simpson, Stan. "Political Change Is Brewing." Hartford Courant 20 December, 2006.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Republicans to Introduce Bill to Ban Trans Fats
From the AP wire:
"Connecticut lawmakers hope to ban trans fats in restaurants." Associated Press 20 December, 2006.
Two weeks after the New York City Board of Health voted to make the Big Apple the first city in the nation to ban artificial trans fats in restaurant food, two Republican state senators in Connecticut proposed similar legislation Wednesday.Source
[...]
"By forcing some of the world's largest food chains and restaurateurs to use healthier alternatives in their food preparation, New York City has paved the way for what I hope will be a national movement to improve the health quality of the food we eat in restaurants," said Sen. John McKinney, R-Fairfield.
Sen. Andrew Roraback, R-Goshen, ranking Republican on the legislature's Public Health Committee, co-sponsored the bill. (AP)
"Connecticut lawmakers hope to ban trans fats in restaurants." Associated Press 20 December, 2006.
Lamont, Supporters Cleared in Lieberman Web Fiasco
Remember when Joe Lieberman's website went down on Primary Day, and his campaign basically dumped responsibility on the Lamont campaign's evil blog-ish supporters? Guess what:
So I wonder what actually did happen to Lieberman's website? As you might remember, it was down for weeks thereafter. I do remember the Lieberman campaign being very, very outraged about the whole thing, and it was clear that they blamed overzealous Lamont supporters.
Source
Lockhart, Brian. "Lamont camp cleared in hacking of Lieberman Web site." Stamford Advocate 20 December, 2006.
The U.S. attorney's office and state attorney general have cleared former U.S. Senate candidate Ned Lamont and his supporters of any role in the crash of U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman's campaign Web site hours before last summer's Democratic primary.
"The investigation has revealed no evidence the problems the Web site experienced were the result of criminal conduct," said Tom Carson, spokesman for U.S. Attorney Kevin O'Connor.
State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal confirmed the joint investigation "found no evidence of tampering or sabotage warranting civil action by my office." Both men declined to provide additional information, such as what might have happened to the site. (Lockhart)
So I wonder what actually did happen to Lieberman's website? As you might remember, it was down for weeks thereafter. I do remember the Lieberman campaign being very, very outraged about the whole thing, and it was clear that they blamed overzealous Lamont supporters.
Source
Lockhart, Brian. "Lamont camp cleared in hacking of Lieberman Web site." Stamford Advocate 20 December, 2006.
Rell Not Ruling Out Running in 2010
From the New Haven Register (subscription):
The rest of the interview is basically puff, but that idea is interesting. The conventional wisdom has always been that Rell would not be running in 2010--indeed, that she might be planning to leave office before then.
Puts a damper on plans for Fedele '10... if only for a little while.
Source
Hladky, Gregory. "Rell eyes inauguration, running for 2nd full term." New Haven Register 20 December, 2006.
As she prepares to be sworn in for her first full term as governor, Republican M. Jodi Rell said Tuesday that she isn’t ruling out running again four years from now.
"I’m not going to discount that at all," said Rell. "I know some people have said right away, ‘Oh, she’ll never run again.’ Well, you never say never." (Hladky)
The rest of the interview is basically puff, but that idea is interesting. The conventional wisdom has always been that Rell would not be running in 2010--indeed, that she might be planning to leave office before then.
Puts a damper on plans for Fedele '10... if only for a little while.
Source
Hladky, Gregory. "Rell eyes inauguration, running for 2nd full term." New Haven Register 20 December, 2006.
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