While Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has embraced a more inclusive approach to judicial nominations, he has not turned away the well-connected: His latest nominees include two former Democratic lawmakers, Eric D. Coleman and James F. Spallone, and the 35-year-old brother-in-law of House Majority Leader Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, and the 39-year-old daughter of John F. Droney Jr., the former Democratic state chairman.
Politics
Stories about CT politicians, elections, state legislation, the state’s congressional delegation and the impact of federal legislation on Connecticut.
Posted inPolitics
Malloy: GOP candidates are undermining judicial independence
The unwillingness of Republican gubernatorial candidates to commit to Connecticut’s longstanding tradition of reappointing judges, absent serious ethical or performance issues, undermines the judiciary, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Thursday.
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Conservative watchdog seeks ethics probe of Esty
WASHINGTON — A conservative watchdog group, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, filed a complaint Thursday with the Office of Congressional Ethics requesting an immediate investigation into Rep. Elizabeth Esty’s handling of a former chief of staff accused of abusive and threatening behavior.
Posted inMoney
Finance panel OK’s sports betting measure
The legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee approved a bill Thursday that could launch Connecticut’s own sports betting industry — provided the U.S. Supreme Court gives the green light to such activity.
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National Indian group urges Zinke to act on CT tribes’ casino issue
WASHINGTON — The National Congress of American Indians came to the support of Connecticut’s Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes Thursday, urging Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to approve a change in their gaming compacts that would clear the way for the tribes to operate a new casino in East Windsor.
Posted inMoney
Wall Street firm applauds CT debt aid to Hartford
A major Wall Street credit-rating agency, Moody’s Financial Services, has upgraded Hartford’s bond rating in response to a new state plan to retire the capital city’s bonded debt.
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GOP candidates promise a shift in reappointing judges
The failed confirmation of Justice Andrew J. McDonald as chief justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court became a focal point for Republican candidates battling for governor Wednesday, as they answered whether they would uphold the longstanding custom of reappointing judges to new terms regardless of their judicial philosophy or political affiliation.
Posted inMoney
Budget panel won’t pass spending plan — again
For the second consecutive year, the legislature’s Appropriations Committee will not recommend a new budget before its deadline. But Democratic and Republican leaders from the House and Senate said lawmakers will continue working between now and the session’s end on May 9 to close a projected shortfall in the fiscal year that begins July 1.
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List of Republicans eyeing Esty’s seat grows as Petit considers race
WASHINGTON — The list of Republicans eyeing Rep. Elizabeth Esty’s seat in Congress grew longer Wednesday. J.R. Romano, the head of the Connecticut Republican Party said William Petit is considering a run for the seat.
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Courtney draws ‘Quiet Corner’ challenger
WASHINGTON – Dan Postemski, an Iraq War veteran and chairman of the Hampton Republican Town Committee, said on Wednesday that he plans to challenge Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District.
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WNPR: Esty used personal email address for severance agreement
U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty used her personal email address in a confidential severance agreement with former Chief of Staff Tony Baker, Connecticut public radio station WNPR reported Wednesday.
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Lawmakers advance bills banning bump stocks, ‘ghost guns’
Connecticut lawmakers on both sides of the aisle voted Tuesday to move forward legislation that would ban bump stocks and untraceable firearms called “ghost guns.” The measures, passed by the Judiciary Committee, will now move to the floor of the legislature.
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Blumenthal’s son running for Tong’s House seat
Matthew S. Blumenthal, the oldest son of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, has opened a candidate committee to run for the state House of Representatives from the 147th District of Stamford and Darien.
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Bysiewicz ends exploration, commits to race for governor
Former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz opened a gubernatorial campaign committee Tuesday, ending an exploratory campaign that began as a precursor to a run for state Senate and quickly grew more ambitious.
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Esty seat not a toss-up, but fierce race expected
Publicity over the scandal that embroiled Rep. Elizabeth Esty and the rarity of an open seat in an especially hot midterm election will make the contest for Connecticut’s 5th District a nationally watched race.