Connecticut's Republican Governor Under Fire

[JailBush]

Hey, isn't Connecticut George W. Bush's home state? And don't this Governor's crimes seem trivial compared to Bush's?

I'm not saying they ARE trivial; on the contrary, America is in dire need of ACCOUNTABILITY. But after reading about George Bush's crimes all day long, just about anything short of mass murder fails to impress me.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/13/nyregion/13ANAL.html?ex=1071982800&en=2a7193eae03357cf&ei=5062&partner=GOOGLE

[Throckmorton]

1. The Connecticut Repuke Leadership is major screwed up

Lets see, Governor two times ethics violator, former mayor of largest city in jail for corruption, former mayor of 4th largest city, and former repuke challenger for Joe Leibermans senate seat in jail for child molestation and corruption. The GOP in Connecticut is a perfect example of what is in store for the national party in a few years.

[NewJeffCT]

2. The Dems are screwed up, too

Nobody really challenged Rowland on his ethical violations or the impending budget crisis in his last election. The Dems were pretty meek in challenging them and kind of left Dem gubanatorial nominee Bill Curry hung out to dry.

Rowland has had violation after violation for years now and the Dems have basically rolled over for him.

[izzie]

3. Is this coming from the WH? That is what we heard for 8 years.

We were going bad in our morals because of the morals in the WH. Must be the same now. Comes from the top. Right?

[Cappadonna]

5. Absolutely, Rowland is the GW of Connecticut, he's only in power because..

......"the loyal opposition" are in such disarray that they couldn't amount a counterattack with two nukes and a fleet of Sherman Tanks. Rowland is a lame duck waiting to be roasted with an orange-honey glaze.


So, we have our own personal Bunnypants in the Constitution State, a corrupt Repuke prick waiting for someone, anyone, to kick his ass back to Waterbury (Where last Republican mayor joined the ranks of Catholic Priests, R Kelly and Micheal Jackson in famous child molestors hall of shame).

To all of the CT Dems (I won't even mention the Greens because God forbid WE actually monkey around and some no-name loser and let Rowland sit in power for another 4 years) who looks like the top dog out of the Democratic heap right now? Dick Blumenthal could easily take the nomination, the only people who are actually pissed with the guy right now are indian casino tribes.

There's also the reigning mayor of the Elm City, the 6 time champ, Mayor John Destefano. Yeah, big city mayors rarely rise to the occassion to be governor in Connecticut, but John Destafano has some pull now thanks to his League of Cities Presidency (and the fact that he's the ONLY big city mayor in Connecticut without mutliple warrants or ethics violations).

As a life long New Havener (and Yale Grad) I personally think JohnD bends over backwards for Old Blue too often, and is a loudmouth punk more concerned with lining his buddies pockets than making New Haven better. But, New Haven is on a major upswing compared to other Connecticut cities. so I guess he has a shot. Also, Sec. of State Sue Bysiewicz might run, although you REALLY have to know state politics to know who the hell she is.

Up for grabs kids, who takes home th big prize. Respond or flame away.

- Cappa

[NewJeffCT]

6. A few Dems that could win

I'm pretty sure Rowland won't run next time... will it be Jody Rell to follow him for the bad guys?

Maloney might be able to run if he stays in the public eye after his loss to Johnson. John Larson is fairly popular. DiStefano is a possibility.

Obviously, Blumenthal could easily take it - but, then he could have beaten (or challenged) Rowland last time around if he had intra-party support.

My question is - Lieberman and Dodd are both getting on in years... any young state reps that look promising to replace them?

[Cappadonna]

7. Hmm.....haven't thought about that....

Personally, if Holy Joe gets his ass handed to him (again) he'll probably run for governor and knock everyone out the box (Shudder). As for replacements, there none that come to mind. As any CT lifer knows, the state reps and state senators aren't known to do more than be a bunch of weaked-kneed party hacks who are virtually invisible to the average voter. First of all, like their DC counterparts, they cave at any sign of a real fight. Even one their most "progressive" leaders, Bill Dyson, voted for that crap ass budget Roland spewed out that protects his rich buddies while throwing the poor out in the street.

Also, state reps tend to be the most invisible of politicians. They're so above everyday local concerns that you probably don't know them (unlike, say, a city councilman or the mayor) and aren't big dog enough to warrant any real attention (like Smirk or Governor Smack-My-wife Rowland).

Any thoughts?

- Cappa

[NewJeffCT]

8. Lieberman

I think he's a bit too old to run for governor... he'll be what? mid 60s in 2006?

[Cappadonna]

9. Maybe, but thats the problem in politics, its dominated by old white guys:

Yeah, Lieberman will be eligable for social security in 2006, and really should step aside and let someone with newer and fresher ideas step up to the plate. But, CT residents are more likely to vote for the trusted "Grampie Joe" then look for new leadership. Come on, up until recently, most of our Presidents were in their mid fifties. And lets not forget Red Ink was around since God was a teenager, and we elected him!!

The problem is that there are too many long in the tooth baby boomers and WWII generation pols who are almost always clinging to power with their fingernails, keeping newcomers out of the process. Not to say that we do "logan's run" style house cleaning in Congress, that would just be plain stupid-- as most Gen-Xers are even more apathetic and clueless than their parents. But you have to admit, people are more likely to vote for someone who is older and more establish than some young buck. Look at how the media almost ignores John Edwards, he's smart and built his life fighting for the little guy (Ralph Nader with an actual life and personality) but because he's younger than most of his opponents' underwear (He's only 42, Sharpton is 44) he's virtually ignore as the smart young Ken Doll.

Its a shame, really, as we need new blood in Connecticut politics.

- Cappa

[Tuttle]

4. Actually, "former mayor of largest city"...

Joe Ganim, was a Democrat -- as most news accounts were quick to point out.

It seems that if the media DOESN'T mention any politcal affiliation, then they're repukes.

Tut-tut