With a Quinnipiac University poll due out Wednesday, the conservative Yankee Institute released a survey today that found voters giving Gov. Dannel P. Malloy a job-approval rating of 42 percent. The one-day poll of 500 voters by Pulse Opinion Research was conducted June 9, the day after the General Assembly session ended with a closing […]
Politics
Stories about elections, formation of government, congressional delegation, state legislation, and the impact of federal legislation on Connecticut.
Posted inPolitics
Murphy camp touts UAW nod, says more labor support to come
Chris Murphy’s bid for the U.S. Senate got a boost Monday with the endorsement from the United Auto Workers. Murphy’s campaign announced that the UAW Region 9A would back his campaign to succeed retiring Sen. Joseph Lieberman. “They become the first statewide organized labor union to endorse in the 2012 CT-SEN race,” Kenny Curran, Murphy’s […]
Posted inMoney, Politics
Woody Allen, the debt ceiling, and the congressional schedule
When discussing this year’s odd congressional schedule recently, Rep. Joe Courtney quoted Woody Allen’s famous phrase: “80 percent of success is showing up.” “At some point,” Courtney said, “in trying to get things done you have to have people here.” Hard to argue with that. By Courtney’s measure (or Woody Allen’s) it’s not clear how […]
Posted inHealth, Money, Politics
Lieberman outlines major Medicare proposal
Sen. Joseph Lieberman, a Connecticut independent, stepped into the fray over Medicare today, outlining a proposal to dramatically change the government health care program for the elderly. “Medicare is hurtling toward its demise – our government is approaching a cataclysmic fiscal tipping point – while Washington is busy posturing for the next election,” Lieberman writes […]
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Brian Hill for Senate, again
Brian K. Hill of Windsor, a lawyer and former JAG officer, announced his candidacy today as a Republican for U.S. Senate in 2012. He announced a previous effort as an independent in 2010 that promised to be a “history making Write-In campaign for real change in Connecticut!” If history was made, it was done very, […]
Posted inMoney, Politics
Delegation plans “Weekend Retreat” (i.e. fundraiser) at Foxwoods
Connecticut’s congressional delegation is planning a big get-together. The impetus? Raising campaign cash. All 5 of the state’s U.S. House members will be heading to the Foxwoods Resort Casino July 8th to 10th for a “Weekend Retreat.” The beneficiary of the event is Rep. Joe Courtney, according to the invitation, but there are ten “special […]
Posted inEnergy & Environment, Politics
Last-day legislative drama centers on Haddam land swap
With no major legislation remaining, the General Assembly was free today to mull and eventually approve the contentious Haddam land swap, one of the intensely personal issues, favors and grievances that add drama to the frenetic last day of every annual session. Bills are held to the last day for myriad reasons, often having nothing […]
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WWE jump-starts lobbying in D.C., this time for literacy programs
World Wrestling Entertainment has recently revived its moribund lobbying activities in Washington-working this time to promote literacy programs, instead of to kill tighter entertainment marketing regulations. WWE has long employed an advocacy firm in the nation’s capital. But for most of 2010, APCO Worldwide reported no activity on behalf of WWE. In its most recent […]
Posted inPolitics
At the JJB: Donovan for Congress
He has yet to announce, but House Speaker Christoper G. Donovan’s congressional ambitions are on display tonight at the Jefferson Jackson Bailey dinner. Diners are being offered a Donovan for Congress sticker as they enter the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford for the Democratic Party’s annual fundraising dinner.
Posted inPolitics
Tong announces for U.S. Senate
State Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford, announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate today on WFSB’s “Face the State” and via an emailed statement. “After overwhelming support and encouragement from my family,constituents, State Democratic Leaders, and friends from aroundConnecticut, I’ve decided to run for the United States Senate,” Tong said. He enters the race for the Democratic […]
Posted inPolitics
Death penalty repeal poses key decision for freshman
Theresa Gerratana sat unnoticed Monday night at the end of a bank of desks in a hearing room, a freshman senator overlooked by witnesses for or against the death penalty. Whether Connecticut keeps capital punishment is largely up to her. Elected three weeks ago in a special election, Gerratana would be the 18th senator to […]
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At the State Capitol, a Tea Party of one
As the only avowed Tea Party adherent to win election in Connecticut, Joe Markley is a curiously laid-back representative of a movement known for its anger and frustration with government spending and policies. “I’ve not the hard-driving sort,” said Markley, who has degrees in English from Amherst and Columbia. “I’m a very relaxed firebrand.” Markley’s […]
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Sharkey takes over, facing expectations and challenges
The job requires the toughness of a traffic cop, the warmth of a den mother and tact of a diplomat. On January 5, the first day of the 2011 legislative session, it will belong to Rep. J. Brendan Sharkey, D-Hamden. Sharkey, 48, a five-term legislator best-known as an advocate of “smart growth” and regionalism, becomes […]
Posted inHealth, Politics
Stem cells, law and politics at Yale
NEW HAVEN — Science and politics met awkwardly Thursday afternoon at a Yale forum on stem cell research promoted by Attorney General Richard Blumenthal’s campaign for U.S. Senate. Blumenthal told scientists and research advocates that he would do whatever he could as attorney general and a potential senator to reverse a judge’s ruling that halts […]
Posted inMoney, Politics
Foley tackles long odds to balance budget without tax hikes
Tom Foley insists he can eliminate what effectively amounts to the largest state budget deficit in Connecticut history without raising taxes.