God Bless the Gazelles...and the little hippopotami

A brief delude into the maniacal jocularities of the Connecticut House Democratic Caucus, courtesy of House Rules. And we wonder why we don't have a budget...

CT Dems: Serving up Election Fraud on a Silver Platter

So while our state faces at least a $7 billion deficit (which still boggles my mind that you can't agree on a deficit number- never known a lot of nuances in math), the Democrats on the state Government Administration and Elections Committee offered a bill that would allow Election Day Registration in our state- and open the door to unprecedented election fraud.

With a significant number of Democrats crossing over from the dark side to support democracy, the House still managed to pass a bill that would allow people to register to vote and vote on the same day. No time to check if the person is already registered. No time to check whether or not the person is forging their documents. No way to know if a person voted by absentee ballot and is lying about not being registered. And ultimately- the votes are counted.



Above is a video of Rep. Sean Williams (R-68) speaking against the bill- and in favor of preserving our democratic values here in Connecticut.


Representative Williams page can be seen at http://www.repwilliams.com/

Video Credit to ElectionJournal.org

Vote on National Popular Vote Passes Because it Failed

Oh how I love irony in Hartford. Really, I do. Which is a good thing, considering the tremendous amount of irony there is up there.

A bill recently came up in the State House of Representatives, which would enter Connecticut into an interstate compact to elect the President by National Popular Vote. Basically, if this was to become a compact with enough states, when Connecticut's elector's go to the Electoral College to cast their votes for President, they will not be casting their votes for the candidate who won the most votes in Connecticut. Rather, they will be voting for whomever got the most votes NATIONALLY.

So, in 2004, when Connecticut overwhelmingly voted for Sen. John Kerry, our electoral votes would have gone to President George Bush. Every single resident who voted for John Kerry would have their votes thrown out. As State Rep. David Labriola (R-Naugatuck) during his speech on the House floor, "How undemocratic is that?". As Rep. Labriola said, "It's really just sour grapes about the 2000 election."

But really, the fun part here is in the leadership of the Democratic caucus. When the machine was closed, the vote totals on the top of the machine read: Yea: 72. No:73. The Bill failed.

But did it? No.

Thanks to the brow beating of House Speaker (and former "Community Organizer"/Union Rep....hmm shocking) Chris Donovan and other leaders in the Democratic Caucus, which was called a conversation he wished others had heard by Deputy Speaker Robert Godfrey, Godfrey asked to have his vote changed to yes. Followed by Deputy Speaker Buddy Altobello, and Democratic veterans Peggy Sayers and Peter Tercyak.

Amid jeers and "boos" from colleagues, 4 Democratic leaders were allowed to change their vote on a bill that complained about an election where someone really won, but then lost.

A bill that's dead in the Senate. Certainly a veto by Governor Rell. And yet the Democratic leadership made sure it passed it the House. Surely, time would be much better spent whittling down an $8 billon deficit. But when that vote is over, who knows who will change their minds. With the Democratic leadership we have in Hartford, it is really a wonder anything gets done.

Competitve Markets hold Bipartisan Support in Hartford

Maybe Washington could learn a thing or two.

Energy Committee Ranking Member Sean Williams today joined with Sen. John Fonfara (D-1),the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and residential consumers at a Hartford press conference opposing legislation seeking to re-regulate our state’s electricity market.

Representative Williams noted that more than 140,000 Connecticut rate-payers have signed up with competetive electricity suplliers, finding savings of more than 10% over the regulated utility rate. Williams and company stressed that customers wanted CHOICES when purchasing electricity, rather than state government deciding for them pointing to a stack of more than 800 consumer emails generated through the website http://www.nomoremonopoliesct.com/.

What does all this mean? Well it means that capitalism needs to remain alive and kicking here in Connecticut. It means that you know how to spend your money better than the government does. It means that we cannot allow the government to control our lives, even a miniscule amount more than they are now.

It means that market freedoms are essential freedoms- and when those disappear, so does the American dream.

In a time when the Beltway is tightening regulations that force consumers into government controlled entities, it is good to know that at least some sensible minds in Hartford are trying to protect the important choices of the residents of Connecticut.


Sean Williams website can be seen here.

Tough Loss in 15th Special

After a full day of phone calls and an uphill battle, Republican Candidate has lost his bid to fill the open seat in the 15th District Special Election, 55%-39%. It was a good fight, but in the end the chips didn't fall in our favor. Thanks to all who helped.

There's a Strange Wind Blowing in Hartford

For people who don't intend on doing a lot of harm, Connecticut Democrats are sure having a heck of a week. A State Representative the last person to see a friend alive- and no one is still sure what happened. Two senior legislators attacking the Catholic Church and undermining the Constitution. A caucus driving our state into an $8 billion deficit- then refusing to make the tough decisions to get out of it.

Contrary to popular opinion, I am not a vindictive, mean-spirited person. I am willing to give a lot of room to Representative James O'Rourke. For those of you unaware- here's the quick version of the story. O'Rourke was at a bar, as was state employee Carol Sinisgalli. He offered to bring her home. They got into a fight on the way. She got out, he left thinking she was very near her house. She wasn't. And she was found dead in the snow hours later, dead from the freezing cold.

Now, I am of the opinion that this may have been an honest mistake by Rep. O'Rourke. However, there are questions to be answered. Regardless of any kind of altercation, he took the responsibility of brining Sinisgalli home. He should have made sure she got there. In the mean time, Rep. O'Rourke owes it to his constituents to answer their questions- whatever they may be.

Co-Chairs of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Andrew McDonald and Representative Michael Lawlor made the mistake of trying to take on the Catholic Church this past week with S.B. 1098. The bill seeked to reorganize the administrative, financial, and legal structure of the church- via state law. Needless to say, the proposition of the bill caused enormous uproar, not only in the Catholic Community in Connecticut, but in anyone who has ever read the Constitution as well. I am aware that laws concerning the Catholic Church exist already, but I don't agree with those either. As for the parishoner who sought the bill, obviously he is not a devout enough Catholic himself, or he would have sought to solve the issue within the church hierarchy itself.

Senator McDonald said on wednesday, "It was never my attention to offend anyone of faith" (Hartford Courant- Capitol Watch 3/11/09). For something that it was never your intention of doing, you did an awesome job, Senator. Next time someone comes to you with a concern about a private organization, don't try to overtake the organization yourself with legislation- how about a meeting with the concerned constituent and organizational leaders? Or is that too logical for you to do? I would also like to not with astonishment, Representative Lawlor's noticeable silence since the bill was pulled on Tuesday afternoon. Can take responsibility for defiling the Constitution, but can't apologize when he's called out on it.

While all of this has been going on, nothing significant going on about the deficit. Connecticut Republican Leader Larry Cafero made a key move by placing freshman and recent victor Rosa Rebimbas on the budget writing Appropriations committee. As someone who has spent years proving fiscal conservativism and tough decision making on her hometown of Naugatuck's Finance Board, it is one more signal that Cafero and the Republicans are putting more faith in the power of action to get rid of this mounting deficit.

We all have bad weeks, so don't feel too bad, Democrats. There is still plenty of session left to make up the blunders and follies that have plagued you this week. Your intentions may be good, but intentions don't translate into actions. Here's a tip from that old, dusty, politician's handbook- Listen to your constituents and do what they ask. Thank God its Friday.

ROSA REBIMBAS WINS IN NAUGATUCK!!!!

In a nervewracking and exciting special election day, filled with snow, phones, and nervous waiting, I am so happy to announce that fellow Young Republican Rosa Rebimbas has won her race and is the next State Representative from Naugatuck's 70th District!!!

It was a very close vote, 1043-965 and with the blizzard that pounded us last night and into the early afternoon, it was a crazy day. But major, major kudos to Chris Fryxell, John Healey, Bryan Sundie, Len Greene Jr., and all the guys at the House Republicans who put so much time and effort into this race. They ran a pheonomenal campaign and I was so proud to be a part of their team.

Thank you to everyone who helped, whether physically, or through your thoughts, prayers, and good wishes. It all went into good use, and finally SUCCESS! Days like this make me proud to be a Republican and even more proud to be a memeber of Connecticut Young Republicans.

We are strong, we are capable, and we are ready to win!

Congratulations Rosa!!!

YRs for Rosa Rebimbas!

Today in Naugatuck, State Rep. Candidate Rosa Rebimbas had multi state support in her quest to fill Kevin DelGobbo's shoes as the next State Representative from Naugatuck's 70th District. CTYR Chairman Jerry Schwab and I were honored to be joined by Maine YR State Chair, and current YRNF Regional Vice-Chair Candidate Kerry Sullivan, as well as New York YR Vice Chair Lynn Krogh and New York YR past State Chair Jason Weingartner.

It was an awesome day for all, as we were joined by this dedicated group of individuals from our region, as well as Young Republicans from across the state, current State Reps. Dave Labriola and Tony Hwang, CTOGP Chairman Chris Healy, and a group of dedicated local volunteers all with one intention- PUT ANOTHER REPUBLICAN IN HARTFORD!

Simply put, this is the most basic objective of the Young Republicans - making sure Republicans hold elected office in our towns, in our states, and in out country. CTYRs were so excited to host Jason, Lynn, and Kerry as they showed their dedication beyond their state, striving to renew the Republican party and the Young Republicans.

No questions asked, we need to get back to the basics. Educate and Elect, and all will fall into place. Thank you NYYRs and MYRs for your support!

CT Democrats Want Change...From Your Pocket

A month into this year's legislative session. Millions added to the current deficit. And the Connecticut Democrats still don't seem like they want to do anything about it. For a while, I have been worried about a more socialist driven agenda coming from the federal government. I'll be honest, it doesn't seem like it is going to be that bad. Our own state, however, now thats a communist of a different color.

Governor Rell has been wise, if not down right daring, in her attempts to trim the budget deficit over the coming fiscal years. In this time when Connecticut families are feeling the crunch of hard economic times, the Governor is doing her best to make sure that the State Government is not living a life of lavish style while its residents are stumbling and struggling to get by.

Let's take a look at those families for a minute. They need more money in the bank. There are two solutions to achieve that: bring in more money, or put out less. Well, these days companies are nowhere near the ballpark of providing raises, in fact many are imposing raise holds on their employees. So no extra money coming in. That means that output needs to go down. It is a lesson that the Connecticut Democrats need to learn.

In a time when many residents are trying to scrape up money to pay rising bill costs and pay down debts so they can stay in their home, they hardly have extra money to throw around for higher taxes. But that is exactly how the Connecticut Democrats want to trim the deficit. They are selfish, and care more about their own positions in the State Government than the people they serve.

If Connecticut residents are sending more of their money to Hartford, that is less of their money they can use to spend in Connecticut businesses. That is less of their money that is being injected into the American economy, at a time when families and businesses all across the country are feeling the economic impact.

Business creates jobs. Business stimulates the economy. And the Democrats don't care. They are stuck in a tax-you-back-to-the-stone-age mantra. They don't mind killing business, rising unemployment, and stealing money from the residents of Connecticut, as long as they still have $30,000 to tell them Asian Americans live in Connecticut.

We need to decrease the size of the government, not the size of our bank account. As Ronald Reagan once said, "Government is not the solution to the problem, government is the problem." It is time the Connecticut Democrats began keeping money in their constiutents pockets, rather than spend it for them. We need efficiency. We need to taper the size of our government. And the Connecticut Democrats need to stop being selfish.

Fiscal Irresponsibility: Now Showing at a State Government Near You!

It would seem that across the country, we see states in financial crisis, running up deficits equal to in some cases close to 20% of their operating budgets. At a time when families and citizens are tightening their belts and spending less, the governments across the country are doing nothing of the sort. Only a handful of state legislatures have taken steps to trim down the gross deficits of the recent and immediately forthcoming fiscal years.

In this country there are 27 state legislatures controlled by Democrats, 14 by Republicans, 8 are split between the houses, and 1 declared non-partisan. Of the 25 governments where party control is the same between the governor's office and the state legislature, 17 are Democratic.

Perhaps even more shocking, of the 37 states who face deficits 22 are increasing spending in 2009. Of those 22, 17 are controlled completely by Democratic legislatures. Only 3 are controlled completely by Republicans and 2 are split. In the two split states, Ohio and Pennsylvania, the House of Representatives, wher in most cases budget processes begin, are controlled by Democrats.

There is a simple explanation for this seemingly striking phenominon. President-Elect Obama. All of these state governments are waiting for a bailout package from President Obama that they believe will save them. But even if they do get a bailout package, how much is that honestly going to help? They will just use it to run up another deficit one, two, three years down the road.

Here in Connecticut, all of the bipartisanship and "roll up your sleeves for the sandbags" from new Speaker Chris Donovan has stopped. It seems to be just that: sand bagging. Governor Rell has already made it clear that cuts have to be made and she has started herself. Just the other day, she announced that Connecticut will begin to rollback its state vehicle fleet. She also announced looking into the necessity of junior level staff and commission jobs throughout the government. It is the price you pay when a do nothing legislature is in control.

Today was supposed to be the hearings in the State House for Governor Rell's required deficit mitigation plan. $300 MILLION were offered as cuts by Governor Rell. Only $134 Million were accepted by the Dems. We cannot sit back and let our legislatures take our money and then waste it!

The House Republicans offered an amendment that called for a 5% pay cut for the state legislators. AND ONLY ONE DEMOCRAT SUPPORTED IT! Here, in the simplest most obvious way for legislators to show they are serious about being fiscally responsible. And that is what it wall comes down to. The IRRESPONSIBILITY of Connecticut Democrats to do a single thing to stop wasting the money of Connecticut Taxpayers.

I don't mind paying some taxes and helping people out. I really don't. But the money needs to be going somewhere for good. But we need to find a way to KEEP money in the pockets of Americans, rather than put it there. We need to find a way, not to allow government to get control of us, but for us to get control of government.

But until we find legislators willing to do what is hard, not what is best for them we will never see that day. As long as democrats across the country expect President Obama to bail them out completely while doing nothing to mitigate the circumstances, we will see wasteful government spending and a ticking clock before we see our towns, our states, and our country run out of money.

Time is Running On, and Money is Running Out

Genius is a rare quality these days, but the CT Senate Republicans have managed to find it again. On a flat screen tv hooked up to a laptop in the State Capitol, the Senate Republicans have posted a deficit clock. Rising at $10.14 per second, it will reach $320 million by the end of June 30, based on the latest projections from November.

The Democrats have rejected this as a gimmick. That's probably just because they are scared, now that they realize their secret ain't a secret no more. They thought they could hide behind the government cloak and not really do anything about shaving the deficit. But those days are over. Welcome, Speaker Donovan to the transparency in government you talked about yesterday. Or was that just rethoric?


CT State Budget Deficit

Radicalism, Finger Sandwiches, and Doing the Impossible

Opening day 2009. No, I'm not talking about baseball. I'm talking about a legislative session that may very well be more detrimental to good government in the state of Connecticut than has ever been seen before. It has been said many times throughout the course of history, that radical ideas will always have their seat a the polticial table. Well, beginning tomorrow, radicalism will have the throne in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

The incoming speaker, Christopher Donovan, is a die hard unionist, who is about as liberal as they come. A staunch, near socialist liberal is fine as a majority leader or a majority whip, but as a Speaker, it is counterintuitive to any course of public debate known to man. Donovan objected last year to the Republican alternative budget being debated and voted on, because he said it had nothing to do with the budget.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that a State house was a place where democracy and debate take place, in an effort to do what is best for the inhabitants of the state. Maybe someone should explain that to the Democratic party of Connecticut, who would rather sit around all day drinking tea and eating little finger sandwiches than actually put forth real effort into solving the problems of the day.

The Republicans in the Connecticut General Assembly have a long and winding road ahead of them. It won't be easy. As they always have in the past with their hard work and sensible solutions, Minority Leaders John McKinney (S) and Larry Cafero (R) have to do their best to make sure that the voice of the Republican party, and ultimately a vast amount of people in the state of Connecticut is heard.

For thirty years we have watched the Connecticut Democrats mismanage this state. They always complain about a Republican Governor. Great amount of good a governor can do when a Democratic legislature overrides her vetos. And yet people, although indiscriminately angered by the Hartford Circus, continue to send Democrats to Hartford. But they wonder why things don't get done.

The Republican Party has some things to look forward to, however. With four new Senators, Sen. Kevin Witkos, Sen. Mike McLachlan, Sen. Toni Boucher, and Sen. Scott Frantz, and six new House members, Tony Hwang, Christopher Coutu, Fred Camillo, Tim LeGeyt, Terrie Wood, and John Rigby, the GOP has some hope in its eyes. These ten members of the Connecticut General Assembly won seats in a year that was exponentially difficult for Republican candidates. And they did it on the promise of hard work, real actions, and true results. Hey, I guess it's kind of fun to do the impossible.

Apparently, the Deficit Is a Myth

I have to admit, I wasn't planning on resuming Deficit Patrol posts until the session started a week from today. And it also looks like the Dem's weren't planning on resuming Deficit Ignorance for another week after that. The Day reported today that Democratic Leadership in the General Assembly will not begin working on the deficit until January 14. (http://tinyurl.com/6wh5hj).

Results will not come from inactivity, they won't just fly down out of the sky and say "Hey, I'm a surplus and I'm here to help!" Discussion, debates, ACTION need to happen and they need to happen sooner, not later. Delays will only allow the deficit to grow and become even more embedded in our already troubled economic times. There is no time for complacency in the mounting financial problem that looms over our heads.

Now, I understand some of the qualms about the special session that the Dems balked at for Friday. It comes only five days before a new session begins, and exerting influence after voters have elected some legislators out of office is an ethically grey area for me. So take the special session and use it for debate. A session does not have to come out with a vote, only a possible solution. But how can anyone talk, how can anyone debate if they are not in the same room? A solution will only be accepted when it is presented. And it cannot be presented there is no way to do it.

For 30 years, we have sat back and watched as the Democrats in Hartford have sat back and watched the world unfold without doing anything about it. We've had an income tax rammed down our throats. And now an unbalanced budget projecting a $6 billion dollar deficit 3 years out. A Balanced Republican alternative shot down as not germane. That's right, the incoming Speaker of the House objected to discussion on alternative budget saying that it has nothing to do with a budget. I guess he just wanted to save himself from doing any work.

One More Race

On behalf of the Connecticut Young Republicans, we would like to extend our congratulations to State Rep. Kevin DelGobbo (R-70), who will be taking on a job as commisioner at the Department of Public Utilities. Kevin has been a leading voice in utility, technology, and environmental control for a long time, and we all know he will do great work in his new position.

However, this means that we have another race on our hands. On January 7th, 2009, Kevin will not take his oath of office for the CT General Assembly. Governor Rell will then declare a vacancy in the seat and a special election will be held around the end of February.

You can bet your life on the fact that the Democratic party in Naugatuck is going to put a strong candidate up to take the seat from the Republicans. We cannot sit idly by and allow this to happen.

The State Party is already down in its numbers, and we need to make sure we do not drop another seat. This has been our seat for a long time, and we need to keep it.

As we get more information on who will be running, etc. we will let you know. In the mean time, please gear up for just one more race. The CTYRs have the opportunity to play a huge role, and I know we will. Republicans are good at special elections. Very good. Let's help keep up the streak.

Deficit Patrol...Day 2

In the spirit of the CTGOP and EverydayRepublican's "Dodd Watch," The CT Young Republican is now on what we like to call "Deficit Patrol." You saw yesterday's post with the Democrats in the State Legislature shelving, and effectively denying, Gov. Rell's proposal to reclaim the $25 million in bottle deposits to shave the deficit. But wait, there's more.

At a time when the Connecticut budget deficit really needs an axe murderer, today the Legislative Dems have decided to use a butter knife. They started on the right track today, they almost had a good day cutting $71 million from the budget. But just when it looked like things were going to go well, it all came to a screeching halt.

The real irony is the confidence in the Democrats have in cutting necessary positions, like when they considered Former Congressman Rob Simmons' job as the state Business Advocate (fear not though, Rob lives to work another day, just rolled into the DECD, rather than an independent agency). Strangely, they don't have the same confidence in not adding essentially useless jobs.

House Republicans offered an amendment to combine six independent state agencies that represent women, children, the elderly, African-Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans. I know, it seems callous to think that each of these does not deserve their own agency, but its a bereaucracy, so surely there is some redundancy built in somewhere. (CTGOP Chairman Chris Healy said it best when referring to a $25000 Commission on Asian American Affairs to do, "little more than tell us there are Asian Americans living in Connecticut.")

Couple the $71 million with the $25 million we possibly could have gotten from the bottle deposits, and in 2 days, there is a third of the deficit taken care of. $157 million will be coming in from the federal government as a settlement for Medicaid funding, plus another $40 million in tax amnesty payments. The math adds up. $25 million would have gone a long way.

At any rate, it is an up hill battle ahead to cut a budget that should have never gotten out of control in the first place. But then again, what can you do facing the overwhelming majority we do now? Not to mention the even more daunting majority that will take office in the 2009 session. All that's left to say is Beware what you wish for.

Take your legislative agenda and shove it

Once again it seems as though the Connecticut Democrats have little intent to really do some serious work on the tremendous deficit we are facing, even with a viable option right in front of them. It looks as though the Legislative Dems have shot down Gov. Rell's proposal to take in the $25 million in unclaimed bottle deposits faster than a Saudi aircraft interfering in the Iraqi no fly zone.

$391 million deficit in the current fiscal year alone. A real possibility of hitting $6 billion in the next two years. These are huge numbers, and one cannot help but think that in the current fiscal times, $25 million can go a long way in shaving down the deficit tragedy.

All 44 of the House Republicans have stood up and said it is time to do something and unanimously supported the measure. The House Democrats have sat down and said its time to have some coffee and decided to shelve the issue for another day. But fear not, because even the Senate President Pro Tempore has said that the issue will live to be struck down another day, come January.

It is amazing to think that Connecticut can run a deficit with a fiscally conservative Democratic legislature. But wait, I forgot. The federal surplus in the Clinton administration came from a Republican Congress. Stupid me.