Well, it didn't take long for DeStefano to start throwing the mud

Wow, that was pretty quick!

Seems like New Haven Mayor John DeStefano didn't waste much time in attacking Gov Rell. DeStefano mailed 2,000 DVDs last week to donors which has a video linking Gov. Rell to the John Rowland scandal. With Rell's approval rating at a high rate, DeStefano knows that the sooner he can establish a link between Gov. Rell and the disgraceful Rowland, the better his chances are in winning the Democratic nomination and possibly the election. Gov. Rell should expect more of the same from all the other challengers as the campaign season slowly moves into high gear (oh yes, this election cycle will start early and you can bet it will get ugly).

From the Hartford Courant:

New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, the leading fund-raiser in the Democratic race to unseat Rell next year, mailed 2,000 campaign DVDs to potential donors last week, linking Rell to the corruption that plagued former Gov. John G. Rowland's administration.

"John Rowland may be in jail, but the same old leadership with the same old policies are still in charge," a voice says as a black-and-white image of Rowland and his inmate number fades slowly into a picture of Rell.

Ouch, that's harsh. I gotta get a copy of that video. If anyone has the DVD, please email me.

Republicans called DeStefano's campaign comparison unfair, but conceded they expect more of the same if Rell decides to run.

A Quinnipiac University poll in April showed Rell with an 80 percent approval rating, the higest ever in the poll for a statewide leader. If Rell's poll numbers remain high, political analysts say the move could backfire.

"DeStefano doesn't run much risk in backlash right now because these are people who want to see a tough campaign and who are prepared to think the worst of Republicans," said Howard L. Reiter, a political scientist at the University of Connecticut. "Whether they could sustain that attack in a general election? I think it's risky."

Hey, the stakes are high and you gotta take risks if you challenging someone with a popularity rating of 80 percent. Not that I'm endorsing anyone, but I can see DeStefano's logic and it makes sound sense. In any case, bewen the 2nd, 4th, 5th districts and the run for governor this campaign season is going to be fun to watch.