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Plumbers and Pipefitters endorse Bysiewicz

As she explores running for governor in 2010, Connecticut Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz has picked up the key endorsement of Local 777 of the United Association of Plumbers and
Pipefitters, representing over 3,200 apprentices, journeypersons, and retired plumbers and pipefitters throughout the state. Bysiewicz had previously been endorsed by locals 1150 and 443 of the International
Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing over 7,000 Connecticut working men and women.
“Our economy is clearly in need of a serious recovery,” said Bysiewicz. “Should I have the privilege to serve as Connecticut’s next governor, my goal will be to create thousands of new jobs in the
type of residential and commercial construction projects that will need the high skills and experience that the plumbers and pipefitters bring to the table. I am humbled to have the support of these proud,
hard working men and women who form the backbone of our economic vitality in Connecticut.”
Hubert Barnes, Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 777 said, “Local 777 has endorsed Susan because we would like to see her run for Governor.  She is a hard
working leader who knows what it will take to get our state back onthe right track, she understands the challenges that our members face, and she has been a long time and tireless advocate for workers in
Connecticut.”

Barnes continued, “Our trade jurisdiction encompasses the entire State of Connecticut where our members work on residential, commercial, educational and industrial projects from small renovation
jobs to billion dollar construction projects.In addition, we also work on all types of fuel cell energy, nuclear, co-gen and fossil fuel plants. We look forward to working with Susan as she puts Connecticut
back to work.”

Oliphant: Park City will provide national clue to turnout on election night

By ROB SULLIVAN

The stage is set for a national election of historic proportions, (see the Bridgeport Banner presidential endorsement on page 4) but locally there are also some contests that fall into the “too close to call category.”

And according to a well-known political columnist, the eyes of the nation mae be focused on Bridgeport as a barometer for the success of Barack Obama’s campaign for the presidency.

Tom Oliphant of the Boston Globe and National Public radio was a guest on the “Imus in the Morning” radio program Thursday morning, and discussed the importance Bridgeport

could have as an indicator for national trends Tuesday night.

Oliphant noted that the polls close early at 8 p.m. in Connecticut. He suggested if the turnout is high here because of Obama supporters, that would probably signal a national trend concerning minority voters and young voters. Oliphant also pointed to the fourth district congressional race between Republican incumbent Christopher Shays and Democratic challenger Jim Himes, noting that it could be a long night for Shays if Bridgeport Obama voters also vote for Himes.

Oliphant told Imus, "Shays can be in trouble if there is a large African-American turnout in Bridgeport. Bridgeport can contribute to the national conversation by providing the first clue about turnout."

In any event, the Shays/Himes race will be one of the most closely watched in the country and could spell trouble nationally for John McCain if Shays is ousted from office.

Although most of the Bridgeport state legislative delegation should return to their seats in Hartford, (or in the case of Auden Grogins and Ezequiel Santiago, win their first run for the House) there are two spirited contests for the state Senate in the city as Democrat Ed Gomes is being challenged by Milton Johnson in the 23^rd District and Republican Rob Russo is being opposed by Trumbull Town Attorney Anthony Musto in the 22^nd District.

“I don’t take anything for granted in politics, but I’m pretty certain that I’m going to win,” Gomes said. “Our biggest concerns are good jobs for our district, affordable health care and affordable housing and attracting businesses to the district so we can have some property tax relief.”

Gomes took exception to a full page ad Johnson ran in the Connecticut Post, essentially accusing Gomes of abandoning the district on a number of votes.”

“My opponent tried to say that these were votes, but in actuality they were amendments to bills, and those bills were not in the best interest of my constituents,” said Gomes, whose district includes parts of Bridgeport and Stratford. “This was taken out of context and very misleading.”

The race between incumbent Russo and Musto should be quite compelling. Russo, who twice lost to Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch in the 22^nd District, won a special election for the seat after Finch resigned from the Senate and became full-time mayor of the city. Musto has long been active in Trumbull Democratic politics and is the Trumbull Town Attorney.This race has the added dynamic of a Bridgeport Republican in Russo, taking on a Trumbull Democrat in Musto. Those demographics are usually reversed in a district rhat winds it way through Black Rock and the North End, and also encompasses all of Trumbull and parts of Monroe.

Small Business Backs Joseph Mioli for State House

STAFF REPORTS

Connecticut’s leading small business association, the National Federation of Independent Business, has endorsed Joseph Mioli for the 136th district House seat.

“Joe Mioli will be a steadfast ally and solid vote for small business,” said NFIB regional public policy director Tim Goodrich. “Joe has experience working with small business and understands how important it is for Connecticut to improve its economic climate in order to attract new jobs and investment.  He will oppose job-killing mandates and stand up for entrepreneurs and free enterprise. Joe Mioli is the right choice for small business and Connecticut.”

Himes surpasses $800K

Despite facing one of the most disastrous economic climates in recent memory, the Himes campaign raised over $800,000 dollars in the third financial quarter. With the final numbers still being tallied, it is clear that the Himes campaign has had one of the most successful fundraising quarters of any congressional challenger in the country - and the most successful quarter ever posted by a challenger to Chris Shays. The Himes campaign issued the following statement:

"These totals show how much Connecticut voters want change in Washington," said Dana Houle, Jim Himes' campaign manager. "The fact that voters set aside their own financial concerns to make sure Jim wins this race is just one more indicator of how much people of the Fourth District want change. Chris Shays sat idly by while Wall Street got out of control. In Congress, Jim will get our economy back on track by delivering a tax cut to the middle class, a stimulus for our economy, and putting in place smart regulations that will make Wall Street work for all of us."

Shays campaign scolds Himes

Recently, Congressman Christopher Shays' challenger has attempted to misrepresent Shays' record on Social Security reform, accusing Shays of wanting to privatize the program entirely.

Since 2005, when he held seven forums on Social Security solvency, Shays has consistently stated any private accounts such as Personal Social Security Savings Accounts (PSSSAs) should be added to, but not replace, the existing Social Security program.

Given that the ratio of workers to retirees is expected to fall to 2 to 1 by 2040, the facts clearly show the insolvency of the current program must be addressed.  Since 1981, four commissions have recommended a variety of reforms to the system to ensure its ongoing solvency.

"Christopher is focused on solving problems, not misrepresenting the facts to score political points at seniors' expense," said Michael Sohn, Shays’ campaign manager.

Shays campaign steps up attacks on Himes

STAFF REPORTS

In a press conference outside of the Stamford Government Center, Congressman Christopher Shays’ challenger inaccurately claimed Shays “didn’t speak out in Washington while serving on the Financial Services Committee” when referring to the financial challenges facing Fannie Mac and Freddie Mac. His claims are demonstrably untrue and reveal an emerging and troubling pattern misrepresenting Shays’ record.

Shays was among the earliest and strongest advocates in Congress for stronger regulation of the government sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that buy, hold, guarantee, package and sell mortgages. He has repeatedly noted that improved oversight and transparency of these GSEs could have avoided the need for a takeover.

Himes faults Shays on economy

Yesterday, the U.S. Census Bureau released data documenting the lack of real growth in household income since 2001. Democratic candidate for Congress Jim Himes issued the following statement in response:

"This data provides further proof that Chris Shays' economic approach has failed," said Himes. "On Chris Shays' watch, our deficit ballooned, home values fell, and wages in the middle got stuck. In Congress, I'll give the middle class a tax cut and get our economy back on track."

"Connecticut's families literally cannot afford more of Chris Shays' failed policies," said Michael Sachse, Himes' spokesman. "A pension for a 21-year Congressman is a lot cheaper than more Bush-Shays economic policies."

Background:

-According to an analysis of the Census data released by Connecticut Voices for Children, the median household income in Connecticut, adjusted for inflation, decreased from $66,041 to $65,967 from 2001 to 2007.

Keeley crushed

By ROB SULLIVAN

In one of the most stunning upsets in Bridgeport political history, Bob Keeley, the legislator with the longest tenure in Connecticut, was ousted by challenger Auden Grogins. Grogins carried the day by a 53% to 47% margin.

Keeley had predicted an 8-to-1 margin of victory and planned on winning both Longfellow and Black Rock Schools, and then remaking the Black Rock Democratic party in his image. Grogins' win represents a huge victory for Black Rock District leader Danny Roach.

In other races, Chris Caruso pummeled Carlos Silva, Ezequiel Santiago won the 130th District, nondescript state Rep. Andres Ayala was re-elected and Anthony Musto has won the right to challenge Rob Russo in the November race for state Senator.

A few words from Lee Whitnum

Editors note: The following is a press release and rambling diatribe from Fourth District Congressional candidate Lee Whitnum in response to her condemnation by Stamford Dan Malloy. The attacks, misstatements of facts and spelling errors are hers, not mine.

By LEE WHITNUM

I encourage voters and Americans to do some research on the Internet. Look up AIPAC, look up neoconservative. Americans are so lazy they won’t spend ten minutes to learn the truth.

Our politicians appease AIPAC for fear that they will be Percyized (Washington term used to describe former Senator Charles Percy of Illinois who felt he lost his reelection because AIPAC funded his pro-Israel rival.), no one stands up to Israel and for that reason. That is why the Settlements continue and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict never gets resolved and that is why anti-American sentiment will continue to grow.

I am not anti-Israel; I am for taking a tough-love stand with Israel fro the good of the United States and Israel. I am not anti-Semitic just anti-AIPAC and AIPAC’S control on our Members of Congress.

Bridgeport Beat: The primary is today and Snooky is ready

By ROB SULLIVAN

Being quite aware that the lifeblood of Bridgeport is politics, I was not the least bit surprised to discover there will be a few hotly contested primary contests that will dominate the city’s political scene in the coming weeks.

The Park City’s political scene is like a never-ending carousel ride, complete with show ponies. Just take a look at the last several months of elections and intrigue.

A contentious, as well as litigious, mayoral Democratic primary evolved into a yawner of a general election, which led to the ensuing poor turnout. Next up was the fight to lead the Democratic Town Committee, which resulted in the repudiation of DTC Chairman John Stafstrom and Mayor Bill Finch, and the triumphant return of Mario Testa.

'It's decision time in Connecticut'

STAFF REPORTS

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz has announced that today, August 12, 2008 is primary day in Connecticut and the polls are open.  Registered party members in 47 cities and towns will have a chance to head to the polls today to choose their party's candidate for the November 4^th general election. 

"It is decision time in Connecticut," said Bysiewicz.  "From West Haven to Windham, Old Lyme to New Britain, Democrats and Republicans will head to the polls today to choose their party's candidate for the November 4^th general election.  I urge voters across Connecticut to cast a ballot and make their voices heard."

Mayor, Registrar, anticipate no problems at Tuesday's primaries

STAFF REPORTS

Mayor Bill Finch today said that Bridgeport’s schools – even those with ongoing construction – are ready to receive voters in tomorrow’s Democratic primaries.

He noted that he has met with Santa Ayala, Democratic registrar of voters, and the custodians of the Board of Education to ensure that the schools are ready to be transformed into polling places. Specifically, he wanted to make sure the schools will open on time, before the polls are scheduled to receive the first voters at 6 a.m., and that voters will have access to even the schools such as Central High School where construction is underway.

Democratic elections are today

By ROB SULLIVAN

The shouting and the tumult is almost over as Bridgeport Democrats go to the polls Tuesday to determine their candidates for the state legislature. Turnout will be a factor in the races, but Bridgeport primary turnout has been small in recent years, despite the voracious appetite for politics that most Bridgeporters possess.

Keeley vs. Grogins

The primary attracting most of the spotlight in the city is the race for state representative in the 129th District, which encompasses Black Rock, Brooklawn, and parts of both the West End and North End.

Bysiewicz: Vote in the primaries

STAFF REPORTS

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz is encouraging voters today to make sure they are registered to vote for August 12^th primaries in Connecticut .  Voters have one week from today, until August 11^th at noon to register for the primaries in person at their town offices.  Registration forms sent by mail must be postmarked no later than August 7^th in order to be processed in time for the primaries.  In addition, registration forms delivered to town offices by anyone other than the voter must be turned in no later than August 7^th in order to be eligible to vote in the primaries.

Whitnum will primary Himes in Fourth District

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz has verified that Congressional candidate Lee Whitnum, has the signatures required to qualify for a spot on the August 12^th Democratic primary ballot against endorsed party candidate Jim Himes.

“Lee Whitnum has collected enough signatures of registered Democrats in the 4^th Congressional District to force a primary,” said Bysiewicz.  “In just 55 days Democrats in Fairfield County will head to the polls to choose their nominee.”