Saturday night with The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Oh yeah!

InauguRELLgate scandal picks up speed

Wow, who knew the governor was so hardcore?

For those of you who need to get up to speed on the latest Gov. Rell scandal, please click here.

I can't explain how seriousness of this case is folks. Does the governor have a list of political activists and freelance journalists (i.e., bloggers) that she is monitoring? To give you an idea of how damaging this story could become for the governor, read this from today's Hartford Courant.

A Hartford police report released Friday by Krayeske says that state police had given them photographs of activists who might be "possible threats" to Rell, including Krayeske, a free-lance journalist and anti-war protester who managed the Green Party's gubernatorial campaign.

[...]

"Are there little circles of law-enforcement officers who have lists of who is naughty and who is nice?" asked Krayeske's lawyer, Norm Pattis. "What is the criteria for inclusion?"

Lt. J. Paul Vance, a spokesman for the state police, declined to comment on how Krayeske came to the attention of the state police intelligence unit or a regional police clearinghouse mentioned in the report, the Connecticut Intelligence Center.

"We share intelligence. We share information," Vance said.

Nancy Mulroy, a Hartford police spokeswoman, played down the list, saying Krayeske was arrested for his actions.

"List or no list, if you rush off a bike and start charging toward the governor during a processional parade, you are going to be arrested," Mulroy said. "In this day and age, when security is a very serious matter, you cannot expect to act like that and not have to face the consequences. Our job was to protect the governor, and we took it seriously."

But one witness to the arrest, Eliot Streim, contradicted the police account.

Streim, a Hartford lawyer who was watching the parade with a colleague, said police did not intercept Krayeske as he ran into the parade route. On the contrary, Krayeske photographed the governor without incident and was detained by police only after Rell had passed by, Streim said.

You can take a look at the photos Krayeske took as well as the timestamp on the images at his site. You can even look at the timestamp on his images as well as take a look at the police report

Something is not making sense.

Here's what WTIC talk show host and blogger Colin McEnroe had to say.

Paz's story today was very helpful, and certainly the emergence of a witness who contradicts the police version of events is a major development. I'm really kind of horrified by Nancy Mulroy's statements, which seem at best baseless and at worst a lie. They don't even square with the arrest report by her own department. There is no mention there of Krayeske "charging" at the parade. An odd thing: the police report also does not mention the fact that Krayeske took a photograph, even though they were obviously watching him the whole time. And he did take a photograph. And that would explain his riding his bike very fast to get in position and also taking a step toward the parade. (I want to know who the guy in the hat is. He's a lot more scary-looking than Krayeske is. Which probably means he's heat.)

Now, I offer some suggestions to the person in the best position to do something about this mess, Gov. M. Jodi Rell. Interrupt the calm of this weekend by calling Commissioner of Public Safety Len Boyle to your office or your home. Tell him to bring every scrap of politics-releated intel that his department has collected. Tell him to bring with him any other state police official who can shed light on this. Stay in the room with them until you have seen everything and have a solid understanding of what has been done. And then, on Monday or Tuesday, call a press conference featuring you and Boyle. Field every question. You may not be able to answer every question but don't stop taking questions about this until there aren't any more. You may not be able to comment on every aspect of Krayeske's case, but you can certainly explain to us what the State Police and Connecticut Intelligence Center have been up to in this regard and what you intend to do about it.

It's odd. We have just been through a long stretch of Connecticut history that marked us as one of the most politically corrupt states in the nation -- a reputation in stark contrast to what had come before. I thought it was over, and perhaps it is. But it would be a bitter irony indeed if we replaced that with a reputation for Nixonian surveillance and repression.

The nicest way to look at this is that our politicians have developed an effete distaste for the rough and tumble of public life in a democracy. Lieberman doesn't want bloggers talking to him, and somebody is protecting Rell from ...what? A shouted question, perhaps.

As I stated before, this story is picking up speed with various newspapers in the state as well as the AP are covering this from different angles. Comments and posts from bloggers (here, here, and here) are coming in pretty fast. Here's what Spazeboy had to say:

So not only is there an enemies list being used to detain Connecticut citizens who are known to disagree with Rell, apparently the internet postings of people on the list are being carefully monitored...unfuckingbelievable.

Genghis from CTLP has some questions...

Here's what I'd like to know: Why was Krayeske on CTIC's list? Who else is on that list? How much did the Rell Administration know about that list? Why was bond set so high?

CTBob:

Governor Jodi "Ma" Rell (aka the "Big Bad Biddy") on her very first day as an elected governor, has asserted her authoriTAY by putting out an "all-points bulletin" on people she deemed "security risks".

Which resulted in a man at the Governor's inaugural parade being arrested for "breach of peace" and held briefly in lieu of $75,000 bail.

It also resulted in the revelation that a branch of the state police called the "Connecticut Intelligence Center" had been provided a list with pictures of known activists to be arrested on sight if seen in the vicinity of the Governor's parade.

Aldon writes to the head of the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Andrew McDonald, about the matter:

Sen. McDonald,

I am not sure if you are aware of the issue surrounding the arrest of Ken Krayeske, a freelance journalist who was photographing the inauguration parade of Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

The arrest raises many important questions concerning our freedoms of press. Perhaps the most important are concerning the Connecticut Intelligence Center. Does the Judicial Committee conduct oversight of this center? Is the center properly protecting us from terrorism, or is it squandering resources by thwarting legitimate political dissent? Who is on the list of possible threats? Does it include other journalists or political activists? Is the list being properly reviewed by an oversight committee?

Another important issue is why was bail set excessively high? Why was he released at 1 AM? Was the fact that the inauguration ball was over make Ken some how less of a threat of not showing up for his hearing?

This entire situation is so bizzare that I'm at a loss for words. I'm frantically attempting to collect more information so stay tuned and/or check out the other sites listed in this post for more details.

UPDATE: The story has spread to The New London Day, New York Newsday, and the Boston Globe. This WILL be frontpage news tomorrow.

UPDATE 2: Story is now picking up national blogger speed as the DailyKos does a great write up on the matter.

The CTLauryn project: Week 7

(click to enlarge)
She's so cool...

Joe Lieberman and historical parallels

I'll let the videoclip speak for itself.
Joe Lieberman: a party of one...a disgrace to Connecticut.

PoliticsTV was on the scene and interviewed members of MoveON.org who protested Lieberman outrageous speech in Washington today.

FREELANCE JOURNALIST ARRESTED

This is nuts!

A freelance journalist, who has worked on political campaigns, was arrested by Hartford Police Wednesday as he took photos of Gov. M. Jodi Rell's inaugural parade in downtown Hartford.

Ken Krayeske, who worked on Green Party candidate Cliff Thornton's campaign for governor against Rell, was near the corner of Ford and Pearl Street photographing Rell's inaugural parade when, according to the police report, he was identified as a "political activist" and a threat to the governor. Krayeske was arrested and charged with breach of peace and interfering with an officer.

Norman A. Pattis, one of the state's best known criminal defense and civil rights attorney, called the charges "ridiculous." Pattis entered an appearance on Krayeske's behalf Friday in Hartford Community Court where Krayeske was arraigned and entered a “not guilty” plea.

Now the case will automatically be transferred to Hartford Superior Court. Where "we expect it will be nollied or dismissed," Pattis said.

According to the police report, plainclothes Hartford Police Officers recognized Krayeske from a photo they were given by the State Police Central Intelligence Unit that "briefed us on possible threats to Gov. Rell by a political activist."

Krayeske was working as a freelance photojournalist at the time of the arrest Wednesday. He was previously arrested in 2003 for demonstrating against the war. In 2004 Krayeske worked on Ralph Nader’s presidential campaign and in 2005 he traveled to Syria to report on the war. He has also contributed stories and photos to CTNews Junkie.

After he was in custody Wednesday, he was taken to police headquarters where he was put in an interrogation room. Hartford Police Sgt. Andrew Weaver read Krayeske his rights then attempted to interview him.

"The accused refused to be interviewed and asked for his lawyer, so he was taken to booking and charged with breach of peace and interfering with an officer," the report states. Krayeske was given an eyebrow raising $75,000 bond and taken to state lockup on Lafayette Street.

Krayeske didn't make bond, but nonetheless was released at 1 a.m. on a promise to appear in court Friday.

This is complete B.S. If it happened to him, it can happen to any member of People-Powered Media.

Drunk Liebercrat busted for DWI

Oh, how nice. I knew this photo would come in handy one day...

Do you remember the "simple question" I asked Connecticut lawmakers regarding whether or not they will support the winner of the Democratic primary back during the summer?

Well, there were two closet Libercrats who continously dodged the answering the simple question: our favorite State Senator Bill "the liar" Finch and 92nd State Rep. and Assistant Majority Leader Pat "Kiss me, I'm Irish" Dillon.

Why do I bring this up you ask? Well, it seems like the proud Irish Liebercrat had a bit too much to drink and got into trouble.

New Haven State Rep. Patricia A. Dillon has issued an apology for her recent drunken driving arrest.

Dillon, an assistant Democratic majority leader, was charged Wednesday night with driving under the influence and driving fast on Derby Avenue near the West Haven/Orange town line, police said.

She was released on a promise to appear in court.

Now, I've never heard a police officer say this about someone who was drunk driving...

"She was over the legal (blood-alcohol content) limit, but she wasn't blind drunk or anything like that," said police spokesman Officer Angelo Moscato.

Hmm, I always thouht drunk driving mean...drunk driving. Anyway, lets see what Dillon had to say for herself.

"I am profoundly sorry for the lack of judgment and good sense which led to my recent arrest for DWI," Dillon said Friday.

Dillon said her arrest is her first offense in 40 years of driving, but "it is a warning sign that must be taken seriously."

Dillon said that she intends to participate in an alcohol education program provided by the courts.

Getting your first offense in 40 years doesn't mean it's the first time you got behind a wheel drunk...it's probably just the first time you were caught.

Bloggers crash Joe's party

PPM baby!

Upon entering, there was a sign welcoming us to the Stuck with Joe Sticking with Joe Victory Celebration honoring supporters of the Senator for sticking with Joe, followed by a list of corporate sponsors (Aetna was the only one I saw) and what I can only assume was either nuclear secrets or damaging photographs - I suggested that CGG take a picture of the sign so people would believe that we actually got inside, when an aide, overhearing me, whisked the sign away!

Too bad to already have the invitation card which list his corporate sponsors huh?

We also witnessed the Senator visibly recognizing CGG, motioning an aide over, and the aide trying to stay between us and the handshakes. While the aide was a lovely dance partner (call me!), after a few persistent minutes of the handshake soft-shoe, I was finally face to face with the Senator.

I greeted him with "Hi Senator, my name is Gabe and I am with the Law School Democrats. I just wanted to let you know that, while we don't agree on everything, I really appreciate your decision to continue to caucus with the Democrats." The moment the words "Law School Democrats" was out of my mouth (or was it the word "Gabe"?), he gave me a withering look and turned his back to me to greet other well wishers (we hosted an event for a certain Mr. Lamont of Greenwich), pausing only to turn back around for more dagger looks when I said that I didn't agree with him on everything.

Deciding to go for broke, I reminded him of the letter that the Law School sent him inviting him to speak, and asked him if we could host him next semester. Half smirk solidly in place he shook his head no, turned his back again and maneuvered an aide between us. Senator Lieberman (D ID PCotCfLl - CT), gracious in victory.

They're lucky I couldn't make the trip...I'd LOVE to have a chit-chat with DANGERStein or DINOBoy. My first (and only) question would center around the 387,000 in COLD HARD petty cash Joe's campaign dished out on the streets days before the August primary.

...oh, don't think the petty cash story is going away anytime soon.

Ellison meets Goode

Congressman Keith Ellison is a real class act. For Ellison to go out of his way and meet that shameless bigot Virgil Goode speaks volumes about the man's good character.

MSNBC picked up the video of the encounter...

There's a new sheriff in town...

and his name is Congressman Chris Murphy!

History made up north

Historic day indeed!

With his hand on a Bible once owned by John Quincy Adams, Deval Patrick was sworn in Thursday as Massachusetts' 71st governor and only the second black elected governor in U.S. history.

Connecticut for Lieberman under new management

Sweet!

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz has recognized Fairfield University professor John Orman's takeover of the Connecticut for Lieberman Party and its bylaws limiting membership to critics of the senator and anyone named Lieberman.

"If someone wanted to challenge it, they'd have to go to court," said Ted Bromley, a state elections attorney for Bysiewicz's office.

Lieberman formed the party in August after he lost the state's Democratic primary to Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont. Lieberman went on to win the general election against Lamont and Republican Alan Schlesinger with nearly 50 percent of the vote and gained a spot on the ballot for his newly formed party when his term expires in 2012.

Bromley said the secretary of the state's office has determined it is not responsible for ruling whether Orman is the party's legitimate chairman. Bromley said Connecticut for Lieberman is a minor party, by virtue of Lieberman's November victory, and the secretary of the state will keep Orman's rules on file.

Orman said he plans to use his position as party chairman to hold Lieberman accountable.

"It's a watchdog, accountability party with a line guaranteed in the next Senate race," Orman said.

[...]

Since Lieberman remained a member of the Democratic Party, Orman is the Connecticut for Lieberman Party's sole member. But, he hopes to change that soon.

Orman plans to hold a meeting later this month to bolster the party's ranks.

"I'll send an e-mail to critics, bloggers, opponents (of the senator's) and maybe anyone named Lieberman," Orman said.

Hey John, you can email me anytime.

Lets get this party started!

The Kiss II

Gov Rell receives the political kiss of death from the Party of One.

I guess a governor who gives a no-substance speech should receive a kiss from a no-substance senator.

Gov. Rell's oath of office and inaugural speech

From yesterday, here's video of Gov. Rell's oath of office and speech. Comments on her speech are still coming in from the traditional and online media. I'll give you my two cents and let you know what people are saying about the speech later.



Governor M. Jodi Rell's Inaugural Address
January 3, 2007

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, members of the Executive Branch, the Legislature, and the Judicial Branch. Thank you for joining Lt. Governor Fedele and me on this special occasion.

To the people of Connecticut, thank you for the honor you have bestowed upon me, in electing me to serve as your Governor. It is an honor that I hold deeply within my heart.

And to my fellow Constitutional Officers, who also begin new terms today -- Dick, Susan, Nancy and Denise -- I offer my congratulations.

This is a day of new beginnings, new promise and renewed commitment.

It is a day marked by pageantry and purpose - a day of high spirits and higher expectations.

For it is on this day that those of us honored by holding public office proudly and humbly affirm our acceptance of the public trust.

It is a trust that has been passed down by generations - indeed over three centuries.

A trust that requires us, as the guardians of government, to toil with genuineness of spirit and intention.

The people of Connecticut look to us for understanding and compassion.

They look to us for reasoned action and responsive governing. They look to us for leadership and inspiration: leadership borne of a desire to make things right, to truly make a difference...

And inspiration that flows from the purity of purpose and integrity.

As the people of Connecticut look to us, we must look within ourselves so that we never lose sight of or waver from our purpose: our sincere reason for public service.

Public service is an incredible blessing - and a burden of immense weight: a blessing of great rewards for helping those in need; and a burden of sometimes unrealistic expectations.

But it is a burden made light if we accept our challenge of leadership, mindful that we will be measured by our actions not our words, by our policies not our politics, and by the resoluteness of our commitment.

In many ways, as we begin a new year, a new administration, and a new General Assembly term, we are at a crossroads in Connecticut - a crossroads of needed economic, social, cultural and educational change. A crossroads crying out for our leadership and our inspiration.

Sometimes though, crossroads are met in personal journeys. The day I first decided to run for office - a seat in the state House of Representatives - I was at a personal crossroads.

I had been asked to run and I agonized over my decision. My children were young, my family needs were many. Candidly, I asked myself if I was up to the job of running and serving in the legislature.

I hesitated, but one day as my husband Lou and I were returning home from
a trip, we crossed the Tappan Zee Bridge. It was during the crossing of that long span that Lou convinced me that I could do it - and should do it.

And he committed to helping me, in ways large and small, so that I would do it.

I was fortunate to have someone in my life who enabled me to embrace a new opportunity, to take a new direction. Someone who stood at the crossroads with me, and in this case, who literally helped me cross the bridge to a new future.

All these years later, after serving in the state House and as Lieutenant Governor and now having taken the oath of office as Governor in my own right, I believe that we stand once again at a crossroads.

It will be up to us - those of us who hold the public trust, who share in the blessings and burdens of public service - to help the people of our state cross the bridge to a new future.

But as we stand at our crossroads, we must also recognize that there is a great yearning in our state.

A yearning for change, for improvement and also for greater equality.

And yet there is a yearning for stability for preserving the history, the tradition and the uniqueness of Connecticut. A yearning: a conflict between change and constancy.

A restlessness to address disparities, meet unmet needs and chart a new course.
Yet, a reluctance to let go of aspects of our heritage we have always known.

Yes, we are at a crossroads of great importance and inspiration. This is our call to leadership. This is our time to dream of a Connecticut that is yet to be.

For the responsibility is ours - beginning anew today – as we take the oath of office, to shape the Connecticut that we seek, but is yet to be.

The challenges we will face along our journey will be many. For change, improvement and greater equality are rarely easily won. And the deep-seated problems confronting us in education, energy, health care, taxation and job creation are not easily solved.

There will be many voices and many visions. The din of democracy,
though sweet, is often deafening.

As your Governor, I will forcefully lend my voice, freely share my vision, and help to shape a Connecticut that is yet to be.

I will seek to lead and to inspire. I will guard the public’s trust and continue to do honor to public service. And I will stand hand-in-hand with the people of Connecticut as we embrace new opportunities and take new directions.

For if we are to accomplish anything, we must work together in this time of
great change and great challenge.

And I commit myself to creating that Connecticut that is yet to be -
a Connecticut that must be - a place of opportunity where every person has the chance to chart their own course, by the integrity of their own heart.

Thank you and God bless the Great State of Connecticut.

Keith Olbermann's comment on Bush/Lieberman/McCain surge plan

Is he serious!?!

US President George W Bush intends to reveal a new Iraq strategy within days, the BBC has learnt.

The speech will reveal a plan to send more US troops to Iraq to focus on ways of bringing greater security, rather than training Iraqi forces.

The move comes with figures from Iraqi ministries suggesting that deaths among civilians are at record highs.

The US president arrived back in Washington on Monday after a week-long holiday at his ranch in Texas.

The BBC was told by a senior administration source that the speech setting out changes in Mr Bush's Iraq policy is likely to come in the middle of next week.

Its central theme will be sacrifice.

Sacrifice? Sacrifice! Is this man out of his mind?!? This delusional President wants to increase the number of troops in Iraq, a place where even the Iraqi PM wants out of his job!

God bless Keith Olbermann for comments like this!
NEWSFLASH DEMOCRATS: The public has casted their vote and WE WANT OUT OF THIS GOD-AWFUL STUPID SENSELESS WAR! Hold the damn hearings, grow a spine, and hold this President and this idiotic administration, and the rubberstamp Republicans who followed their piped-piper accountable for their actions.

The public doesn't care how far the rabbit hole goes...just get to work and get it over with.

As for Lieberman, at least as a voter, I can sleep well at night since I voted for this guy.

Opening day

Connecticut politics is back to business in the State Capitol. From the opening day of the State House of Representatives and State Senate, to the inauguration of Gov. Rell, you can catch all the festivities today on CT-N.

I'll bring to you highlights from Gov Rell's speech later today.

Will immigration be a factor in Danbury's mayoral election?

(here's a crosspost from HatCityBLOG)

The Danbury News-Times goes out with a bang with their last series of articles on immigration focusing on health care and politics. I encourage everyone to head over to the site and give the reports a read.

I read today's immigration article on Mayor Boughton and noticed something that caught my attention. The article stated that his stance on immigration assisted Boughton's re-election win in the last election.

As someone who watched the 2005 election with interest, I'll offer my two cents and say that the mayor's win in 2005 was more due to a Democratic candidate who simply didn't campaign full-time and a Democratic Party which was bitterly divided at the time.

If you recall, more people thought Democratic Town Clerk nominee Lori Kaback was running for mayor than the actual Democratic candidate Dean Esposito simply because she campaigned harder. The Democratic nominee for mayor ran a terrible campaign and never got his message out to the public. The ineffective campaign of Esposito was mentioned on this site several times in 2005 and I went so far as to conduct several polls asking people on the street if they knew they knew who was the Democratic nominee for mayor was.

Now if you take a close look at the final numbers from 2005's election you'll notice that Kaback (a person who was RUNNING FOR TOWN CLERK) came close to beating Boughton in terms of total votes. She even beat Boughton in the second, fourth, and fifth ward (all areas where Boughton beat Esposito).

Now, I'll beat the house many people don't know the difference between Town Clerk and City Clerk yet, Kaback was able to collect the second highest number of votes and crushed her Republican challenger.

Here's the numbers from 2005. Boughton and Kaback's names are in bold.

	Total	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	Abs.
MAYOR
*Mark D. Boughton (R)	7615	1397	759	1383	722	760	902	1142	550
Dean E. Esposito (D)	5714	854	724	989	710	724	687	757	269
TREASURER
*Daniel P. Jowdy (R)	6719	1321	632	1225	653	632	754	995	507
Mike McGetrick(D)	5781	835	744	1013	662	744	721	779	283
CITY CLERK
*Jean Y. Natale (R)	6124	1183	598	1061	576	624	692	899	491
Eileen S. Coladarci (D)	5921	869	716	1092	700	716	724	800	304
TOWN CLERK
Joseph L. Scozzafava(R)	5414	1007	499	1021	509	499	612	815	452
*Lori A. Kaback (D)	7025	1110	873	1205	796	873	858	973	337
Robert G. Oravetz (I)	143	23	20	16	21	20	15	17	11
	Total	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	Abs.
COUNCILMEN AT LARGE
*Robert T. Riley (R)	5395	1009	524	1008	499	521	620	840	374
*Ted A. Cutsumpas (R)	5707	1051	572	1075	522	572	633	866	416
*Pauline Repko Basso (R)	6053	1131	600	1146	550	600	674	883	469
*Gregg W. Seabury (R)	6136	1129	629	1105	590	629	674	930	450
Shailesh Nagarsheth (R)	4975	1018	484	873	460	484	568	763	325
*Mary G. Saracino (R)	5438	1023	524	1037	501	524	606	802	421
*Colleen A. Stanley (R)	5487	1032	550	1014	500	550	638	804	399
Alfred E. Cipriani (D)	N/A	834	676	972	667	676	675	755	319
Renata DaSilva Amaral(D)	4975	732	618	853	618	618	630	662	244
Sherri Neptune (D)	4960	711	616	851	597	616	630	684	255
Ingred A. Espinosa (D)	4884	687	575	845	733	575	632	639	198
*Lynn H. Taborsak (D)	6254	938	737	1179	711	737	726	862	364
Adolfo Pena (D)	4909	757	600	849	598	600	609	663	233
Patricia Matta-Wrobel (D)	4766	692	589	811	585	589	598	640	262
Richard J. Leinert (I)	215	23	23	33	27	23	28	33	25
Gary J. Driscoll (I)	457	63	38	87	50	38	51	71	59
John L. Dietter (I)	231	24	20	35	27	20	27	52	26
Margaret A. Dyer (I)	556	78	53	97	67	53	63	80	65
Kevin G. Nolan (I)	519	72	50	85	68	50	48	76	70
Marcia M. Ennis (I)	279	28	31	48	24	31	35	48	34

Councilmen
First Ward
*Louise P. McMahon (R)	1081
*Vincent P. Nolan, Jr. (R)	1207
Jack G. Gillotte (D)	918
Lawrence J. Jansons (D)	739
Second Ward
*James H. Johnson (R)	N/A
*Charles J. Trombetta (R)	N/A
Henrique Antonio (D)	N/A
Zachary S. Rapp (D)	N/A
Third Ward
*Joe Cavo (R)	1153
*Michael J. Calandrino (R)	1108
James M. Kelly (D)	1072
Donald R. Hensley (D)	876
Fourth Ward
Mary M. Cronin (R)	429
William Cortese, Jr. (R)	471
*Thomas J. Saadi (D)	909
*John J. Esposito (D)	761
Fifth Ward
Scott L. Demuth (R)	505
Linda J. Ossenfort (R)	563
*Frederick Visconti, Jr. (D)	881
*Duane E. Perkins (D)	761
Sixth Ward
Christopher A. Sanzeni(R)	617
Joel Urice (R)	637
*Paul T. Rotello (D)	770
*Benjamin Chianese (D)	727
Seventh Ward
*Mary Teicholz (R)	N/A
*N. Jane Diggs (R)	N/A
Ellen K. VanDyke Bell (D)	N/A
Christine L. Halfar (D)	N/A
Board of Education
Sandra Garcia (R)	4991
*Joel P. Garofalo (R)	5510
Walter Perkowski (R)	4787
*Eileen W. Alberts (R)	5652
Scott A. Clayton (R)	5071
*Kathleen M. Molinaro (D)	6077
*Joan W. Hodge (D)	5465
*Robert J. Taborsak (D)	6270
Catherine V. DiBuono (I)	421
Dustin A. Ziegler (I)	403
Beverly A. Nickerson (I)	442
Rudi Grolich (I)	379
Dawn Christine Nolan (I)	700
Zoning Commission
*Donald E. Kennedy (R)	5234
*Ted Farah (R)	4975
Gary A. Dufel (R)	4552
*Helen Hoffstaetter (R)	5018
Christine E. Cuhsnick (R)	4872
Patrick G. Johnston (R)	4725
*Jack H. Knapp, Jr. (R)	5184
*Robert C. Melillo (R)	5310
Kurt M. Kleis (R)	4601
Juan A. Sanchez (D)	4307
*Theodore Haddad, Jr. (D)	5543
*Anthony G. DiCaprio (D)	5367
Richard Roos, Jr. (D)	4808
*Theresa A. Buzaid (D)	5687
*Richard P. Jowdy (D)	5785
Petros K. Filippakos (I)	335
K.T. Shartouni (I)	295
Michael C. Romano (I)	575
Calvin R. Dow (I)	373
Donald W. Grandieri (I)	468
Michael F. VanTassel (I)	408
Lenore H. Scott (I)	484
George Lubus (I)	497
Winton C. Nickerson (I)	437
Zoning Comm. Alternates
Robert P. Urban (R)	4767
*Victoria A. Hickey (R)	5153
*Joseph Notaro, Jr. (R)	5321
Steven P. Miller (D)	4482
*Jean M. Anderson (D)	4858
Wilton A. Nickerson (I)	357
Ivy B. Handsman (I)	510
Gary Grandieri (I)	483
Constables
Michael Safranek (R)	4699
*Dianne C. Zielinski (R)	5057
Robert E. Zarbock (R)	4358
Francis J. Kieras (D)	4710
*Paul D. Estefan (D)	5109
*Michael J. Esposito (D)	5699
Richard J. Gillich (I)	333
Paul W. Woods (I)	486
Question 1
*Yes	3645
No	1726
Question 2
*Yes	N/A
No	N/A
Question 3
*Yes	N/A
No	N/A
Question 4
*Yes	4444
No	1346

I think based on the fact that Esposito didn't offer a credible challenge, the jury is still out on whether or not immigration played a role in the mayor's win in 2005 simply because the Democratic nominee was basically a no-show.

Now, lets jump to 2006 and the Democratic victories in the area with Chris Murphy, Bob Godfrey, and Joe Taborsak winning their races. In the congressional race, one of Republican Nancy Johnson's campaign topics, which she and the RNC used against Murphy, was illegal immigration. If you were one of the lucky person's to receive a RNC robocall (every other day), you'll recall that one of those annoying calls was an attack on Murphy's stance on immigration. Johnson was relentless on her immigration attacks on Murphy and the Congresswoman made a big deal earlier this year by meeting with groups on both sides of the immigration issue (which was noting more than a campaign photo-op).

Even with all of Johnson's campaigning on illegal immigration in the area, she still lost to Murphy on every voting machine in Danbury.

In the State Rep race, both Greg Seabury and Pauline Basso jumped on the illegal immigration bandwagon launching attack after attack against Democrats Godfrey and Taborsak. Even with all the attacks (and money poured into the race by State GOP chair George Gallo to Seabury's campaign), Taborsak and Godfrey won their races without a problem based primarily on running a positive issue-oriented campaign and knowing the concerns of the people in their district. Here's what the News-Times had to say when they endorsed the Democratic nominees

On Taborsak:

Democrat Lewis Wallace decided to retire this year after four terms serving this Danbury district that includes the Candlewood Lake area.

He will be a hard act to follow, and neither of the candidates seeking to succeed him measure up to Wallace's standard -- at least at the moment.

The Republican candidate is Gregg Seabury, a teacher at Danbury High School and a member of the Danbury Common Council. Until recently, Seabury lived in another part of Danbury and has previously run unsuccessfully for the legislature from the 110th Assembly District against state Rep. Bob Godfrey.

The Democratic candidate this year in the 109th is Joseph Taborsak. He grew up in the 109th District and is an attorney. His mother, Lynn, represented the 109th for many years.

Seabury makes a point of claiming he is more qualified for this legislative seat because he is older than Taborsak and has held elective office.

But Taborsak actually seems to know more about the district, given his long residency there. And Seabury has made several inaccurate claims about current laws pertaining to immigration and even what the Common Council is allowed to discuss, which shows a lack of preparation.

Joseph Taborsak is the better choice for the 109th District.

On Basso:

Democrat Bob Godfrey has served this district in central Danbury since 1989.

Republican Pauline Basso, a member of the Danbury Common Council, is running against him this year.

Basso is known for her constituent service on the council. But, in running for the legislature, she has made little effort to learn the legislative process.

She has made no case for replacing Godfrey.

Godfrey is a valuable asset for Danbury and the region in the legislature.

He is one of the leaders of the Democratic majority in the House, and uses that influence in a bipartisan manner to benefit his district, his city and western Connecticut.

He is a lawyer and a former employee of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, bringing those experiences to his work in Hartford.

Bob Godfrey has earned re-election.

Here's my interview of Godfrey and Taborsak on election night.
Taborsak:

Godfrey:


The Democrats won not because their stance on illegal immigration, but because of several factors centering around an effective Democratic get-out-the-vote campaign and a sense among a majority of the public that there was a need for change. Here's a video report from election night from Democratic headquarters.



Now you know the Democratic Party are looking at the results from the 2005 and 2006 elections and are drafting battleplans for a more effective mayoral campaign. In a city where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans, there is reason for the mayor to be worried if the Democrats present a credible candidate who knows the concerns of the public. WSCU political science professor offers the warning sign for those who think illegal immigration will play a significant role in this year's election.

But it likely will be voters who do not represent either extreme that will determine Boughton's political future this year, said Chris Kukk, an associate professor of political science at Western Connecticut State University.

"Boughton is riding the fence, and I don't know if (middle-of-the-road) voters sanction what he's done or what he's doing. But they know that something needs to be done, and they don't know what. They see some action being taken," Kukk said.

The election winner will be the person who really understanding the concerns of the voters and makes a connection with the public. For a three-term mayor who has a record to defend, this could be a easy or hard task and Boughton will be in for a hard fought re-election if the Democrats can get their act together (as in 2006) and provide a candidate who will put in the hard work necessary to win the race.

Rep-elect Virgil Goode...

is still a bigot.

That thing about Waterbury...

After the silliness of 2005, who didn't see this coming in Waterbury.

Oh, this should be very interesting. Since Mike Jarjura won in 2005 as a write-in candidate, many pundits forcasted that Waterbury is basically up for grabs. TOday, we should hear that Democrat Paul Vance in throwing his hat into the race while Republicans State Rep. Selim Noujaim (74th) and State Rep. Anthony J. D'Amelio (71st) might jump into the circus also.

There are other people thinking about the race but since it's still pretty early in the campaign season so we'll have to wait and see what happens. If anything, it's REALLY rare to have a Republican primary as they usually get things worked out to avoid things like that while Democrats usually shed blood before a general election.

The Brass City is one of three cities to keep an eye on this year. You'll have to wait a bit until I comment about the other two (it's only January 2nd).

We will remember

Here's a video from the great Ava highlighting the great Republican moments from 2006.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year

It's 2007? Oh, I'm getting old. Happy New Year!

3,000

Not the way anyone wanted to end the year...

The death of a Texas soldier, announced Sunday by the Pentagon, raised the number of U.S. military deaths in Iraq to at least 3,000 since the war began, according to an Associated Press count.

People-Powered Media takes videoblogging to the next level

Wow, check out the great job Guerrilla vlogger did covering the John Edwards' town hall meeting in New Hampshire. I encourage everyone to check out the Kos diary on the event.

The more I'm looking into Edwards' campaign, the more I'm impressed by his online operation and the bloggers who are following Edwards around the country.

Seems like some people learned a thing or two from Lamont's campaign and the Connecticut bloggers...



The Guerrilla vlogger was in New Haven when Edwards stumped for Lamont and interviewed bloggers from My Left Nutmeg as well as CTKeith, CGG from Connecticut Local Politics, and Spazeboy.



That Guerrilla vlogger is raising the bar...time to step up my game.

Saddam hanging video leaked to internet (WARNING: VERY GRAPHIC!!!!)

I debated a long time whether or not I would post the actual footage of Saddam's hanging. I'm not the biggest fan of graphic content so instead of embedding the video, I'll just provide a link to the footage and give a transcript of what was said.

It seems like this clip was taken with a cellphone so I'm sure there will be more videos of this hanging popping up on the internet soon.

UPDATE: The Sun has more details into the execution.

According to Yahoo, this is what happens when the people are yelling.....

Guard: "You have destroyed us! You have killed us! You have made us live in destitution!"

Saddam: "I have saved you from destitution and misery and destroyed your enemies, the Persian and Americans."

Guard: "Goddamn you."

Saddam: "Goddamn you."

-Saddam, smiling, taunts the guards by saying "they were not showing manhood"-

Saddam: "I testify that there is no God but Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. I testify that there is no God but Allah, and I testify that Muhammad-"

-The floor drops when Saddam is mid way through the his second recitation of the Muslim prayer "Shahada"-

Guard: "The tyrant has fallen!"

Now, if they can only find those weapons of mass destruction.

Youtube honors

What a nice way to end the year.

I'm currently ranked 90th in most viewed directors videos for one day on Youtube and its not even noon yet.

Thanks to all my readers! Being ranked 90th out of the thousands upon thousands of directors who post videos on Youtube is a great honor.

All hail People-Powered Media!


UPDATE 9:20 PM: Moved up the charts to number 64 in most viewed director videos for today. Wow, going out with a bang!