WASHINGTON – Congressional lawmakers on Wednesday were urged to take additional security precautions following reports that the U.S. Secret Service intercepted explosive devices sent to former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and other high-profile Democrats. No member of the Connecticut congressional delegation was targeted in the attack, which Sen. Chris Murphy called “a coordinated assassination attempt against Democrats.”
Ana Radelat
Ana has written about politics and policy in Washington, D.C.. for Gannett, Thompson Reuters and UPI. She was a special correspondent for the Miami Herald, and a regular contributor to The New York TImes, Advertising Age and several other publications. She has also worked in broadcast journalism, for CNN and several local NPR stations. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Journalism.
Posted inPolitics
Blue wave could propel Conn. Democrats into powerful jobs
WASHINGTON — A blue wave that wrests control of the U.S. House from the GOP would propel Connecticut’s Democratic House members — who are favored to win another term — out of a political wilderness and into positions of power. But while they may be able to advance their political agendas, the prospects of a continued GOP-controlled Senate would limit their new power.
Posted inNews, Politics
Saudi role in journalist’s alleged murder threatens CT defense contracts
WASHINGTON – Sikorsky and other U.S. defense contractors are in a tough spot because of the alleged murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who disappeared in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul 17 days ago.
Posted inNews
GOP congressional challengers facing the power of incumbency
When she went to the state Republican Party convention in May as a delegate from Manchester, Jennifer Nye had no plans to challenge John Larson, who has represented the Hartford-area 1st Congressional District since 1999. But now Nye belongs to an exclusive club. She’s one of several underfunded GOP candidates vying for Congress in Connecticut this year.
Posted inNews
Hayes, Santos debate highlights sharply different philosophies and approaches
Democrat Jahana Hayes doubled down on the importance of education, while her Republican rival Manny Santos burnished his conservative credentials at a debate before an audience of college students Wednesday night.
Posted inPolitics
Himes uses war chest to help other Dems, Arora raises less than $9k over summer
WASHINGTON – Democratic Rep. Jim Himes is spending more money on the races of other Democratic candidates than he is on his own, while his Republican challenger Harry Arora, raised less than $9,000 in campaign cash this summer. Himes donated to the campaigns of more than 70 House Democrats in the last quarter, the latest filings with the Federal Election Commission show.
Posted inPolitics
Hayes raises about $1.3 million in her quest for congressional seat
WASHINGTON – Jahana Hayes, a political newcomer vying for the 5th District congressional seat, has pulled in nearly $1.3 million in campaign donations since she announced her candidacy in May. Some of that money came from political action committees representing special interests and from those Hayes hopes to call colleagues after the Nov. 6 elections, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
Posted inPolitics
Retiring Esty gives more than $100k to DCCC, still has large war chest
WASHINGTON — Retiring Rep. Elizabeth Esty has given more than $100,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and spent thousands more polling her constituents and posting digital ads that tout her work in Congress, according to her latest filing with the Federal Elections Commission.
Posted inNews, Politics
Bill to address racial disparities at Coast Guard Academy proposed as investigation continues
WASHINGTON – An investigation into the Coast Guard Academy’s treatment of minority cadets continues months after members of the U.S. House and Senate pressed the service for more information about racial disparities. The Coast Guard Academy’s poor rates of minority enrollment and graduation have prompted a lawmaker to introduce legislation that would change its admission policies and “culture” regarding minority cadets.
Posted inPolitics
Voter registration continues to surge in Conn., especially among young adults
Following a national trend, voter registration continues to soar in Connecticut, especially among young voters, who traditionally have weak participation in elections. “It’s tremendous,” said Connecticut Secretary of State Denise Merrill. “I feel like I’ve been waiting all my life for young people to turn out and now they have.”
Posted inPolitics
Blumenthal seeks FTC probe of Google
WASHINGTON – Sen. Richard Blumenthal on Wednesday asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Google over revelations that the company not only exposed private data of Google+ users to outside developers, but also failed to disclose the data leak for months.
Posted inHealth
Justice Department approves CVS-Aetna merger, with conditions
WASHINGTON –The Justice Department on Wednesday cleared CVS Health Corp.’s planned $69 billion merger with Aetna Inc. after the companies agreed to divest a Medicare prescription drug plan sold by the Hartford-based health insurer. Consumer groups, however, continue to oppose the deal.
Posted inPolitics
Immigrant-turned-millionaire Arora challenges Himes
WASHINGTON– The race for the 4th District congressional seat pits political novice Harry Arora, a Republican who says he backs most of Donald Trump’s agenda, against a Democratic incumbent, Rep. Jim Himes, who has the political winds at his back.
Posted inJustice, Politics
Senate confirms Kavanaugh to Supreme Court
WASHINGTON – Judge Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed by a narrow vote in the Senate Saturday after a bitter and partisan battle over his nomination that included allegations of sexual misconduct. The 50-48 largely party-line vote was expected after several undecided senators, including Sen. Susan Collins R-Maine, declared on Friday they would support the nominee.
Posted inJustice
Senate advances Kavanaugh nomination, confirmation likely to follow
WASHINGTON – Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s quest to become the next member of the Supreme Court received several crucial boosts Friday, making his confirmation all but certain.