Democrats are taking aim at Republican state House contender Jill Fitzgerald’s decision to leave her party affiliation off her political mailings and campaign signs that dot the 77th District.
“We’re talking the Republican Party, the party of George Bush and Dick Cheney. If I were part of that party, I might not want to advertise it either,” said Chris Wright, the Democrat taking her on for the open northeastern Bristol seat.
But Fizgerald said that political parties aren’t what counts.
“I have found the good people of Bristol overwhelmingly interested in the person, not the party and this is what it is going to take to solve the problems we face,” Fitzgerald said.
“If Chris wants to focus on his party, that is his choice,” she said.
“ I want to focus on the people and the true reason why I am running for this seat and that is to represent all of the people of this community whether they are Republican, Democrat, or unaffiliated.”
Wright said that Fitzgerald knows that Republicans only make up about 15 percent of the voters in the district “so she has to appeal to other parties, which I’m trying to do as well.”
Elliott Nelson, who chairs the city’s Democratic Party, said he’s glad Wright is running for office “as a proud Democrat, while his opponent appears to be running away from her Republican Party.”
Fitzgerald said she understands that the GOP isn’t particularly popular these days.
But, she said, she stands by its traditional goals and is proud of its heritage.
“Philosophically, my core beliefs do align with the principals that were historically held by the Republican Party,” Fitzgerald said.
Nelson said that "with the state of the national economy under George Bush being what it is and with the anti-worker record of Republicans in the state House being what it is,” he can understand why a GOP candidate for the state House would shy away from letting voters know she’s a Republican.
He pointed to the GOP’s opposition to a minimum wage increase and its stance against a plan to expand health care options for small businesses, nonprofits and municipal workers as proof that that the GOP isn’t looking out in the legislature for “the middle class and working people.”
“Could those two anti-worker and anti-middle class votes by Republicans in the state House, be a reason why Chris Wright’s opponent is not waving the Republican banner,” Nelson said. “Voters can judge for themselves.”
Fitzgerald said she has “a real connection to this community and that includes the working people, the business owners, the medical professionals, the students, our police force, firefighters, and so on. I see these people on a daily basis and I want to be able to look each person in the eye, knowing that I am working toward a balance that will ultimately benefit all of us.”
“These difficult economic times call for innovative ideas, common sense, compassion and bipartisanship working together for the good of the people,” she said.
“I’m so tired of politics being about the politicians and not about the people,” Fitzgerald said.
Wright and Fitzgerald are vying for the seat that incumbent Republican Ron Burns is giving up this year after a single term in the House. The election is Nov. 4.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
49 comments:
This would have made a good Seinfeld storyline...it's all about nothing. Let's hear how you're going to cut taxes, Chris, never mind what's on your opponent's sign.
Could Wright be any more clueless???? This is not his father's generation's election.
Mrs. Fitgerald's response to this issue is extremely dignified. I am ashamed of the response given by my party's leadership (term used very loosely).
What's the matter Chrissie? Are you afraid that Jill might win? Oh you think you should be guaranteed victory because it's supposed to be a bad year for Republicans huh?
Well first of all, Mrs. Fitzgerald is NOT anything like Bush or Cheney and even a moron like you is smart enough to know that.
Here's some advice. In the future get a volunteer to do your dirty work. You said in the beginning of this campaign that your father (the tax-Gardener) said not to do anything that might hurt your name (like it's worth much anyway...not). But you are not taking his advice. You are a fool and an insult to the democratic (small "d") process.
Going negative huh Chrissie? What's the matter punk, afraid you're losing...you loser?
Looks like that hack they got to help Wright is hurting the campaign more than helping.
"Nelson said that '...and with the anti-worker record of Republicans in the state House being what it is,'...
---This sounds like something from the Communist Manifesto. Bristol Democrats: Where did you get this guy? Are you serious? Oh I know, if you oppose the agenda of AFL-CIO you're anti-worker. Well I've been a worker all of my adult life and I believe all the unions have done is drive job opportunities out of Connecticut.
8:05am - talk about frustrated, sounds as though mommy must have taken away your teddy bear before you were 30.
The problem is that BOTH Town committees have come up with candidates that have not been involved in the community, are basically not aware of the issues.
Owning a business is all the more reaason to be involved in other ways, Jill apparently wasn't. Chris, having a father that was involved, should have known better too.
Jill is listening to the people in Hartford, I don't have any idea who Chris is listening to.
But it ain't the people.
Both are controlled by Hartford.
Taxes are ging up, we have a huge budget deficit, healthcare is a problem, education costs are out of control and the burning issue for Chris Wright is Jill FitzGerald soesn't have Republican on her sign.
This guy wants to represent us. God help the City of Brstol.
What an immature little runt.
I believe all the unions have done is drive job opportunities out of Connecticut.
October 11, 2008 8:18 AM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Did you forget ????
........
The city has a massive abundance of "workers" thanks to the unions .
October 11, 2008 8:24 AM:
This is about Wright, his mindless comments about Republicans, the issue of gay marriage (which he obviously associates with sodomy and law against such an act), his disrespect for his opponent and how pathetic it is that such an idiot (Wright) would be representing us ALL in Hartford. It's not about tit-for-tat comments, OK?
October 11, 2008 8:24 AM:
But daddy assured little Chrissie that he'd win no matter what, and now he's getting nervous...and negative.
So Chris -- this is the issue you decide to take a stand on?
The last time I looked (yesterday) my 401 K and college savings was down over 35%. Costs are going through the roof. And this is what you as a politian pick as an issue to focus. Are you kidding me!
You continue to demonstrate just how out of touch you are?
It's time to speak about how you will make a difference for the voters not something so stupid.
Wake up it is not about D or R's it's about us -- the voters.
Chris you just lost my vote.
Chrissie...
Did you notice that John Larson's signs (like the one on the corner of 72 and 229) don't say democrat. By your logic, what does this mean?
Man up already and discuss how you will be a better candidate. What you bring to the table? Why should we care about you?
Show some class.
quite easy to understand the reasons that voters think ill of the local republican party - you are all sickos.
I'd like to see Wright debate Mrs. Fitzgerald.
Will that happen?
Please before Chrissy debates Mrs. FitzGerald have him do something with his nasal problem.
He has a constant whine.
Aren't there more important things going on right now in this state? Do we really need more democrats in Hartford? We need a balanced legislature to deal with this crisis. Lets talk about the issues here and begin working towards solutions for the betterment of all Connecticut, not what will help one party retain control over the other. We are all Americans and need to act as one to face the worst threat to our way of life in generations. Jill sees that and Chris doesn't based on this statement. She has my vote!!!!
I think I saw Chris out on Stafford Avenue the other day apparently going door to door... Looked tired ..and lost!
October 12, 2008 11:16 AM:
I doubt he's "lost". He has good backing and is the favorite. But Fitzgerald is giving him a good run (in my opinion) and it appears Wright is getting nervous.
Fitzgerald supporters must work really hard the next few weeks in order for them to have a chance at obtaining an upset.
10:52 - you are playing right by the republican party commands, as you have all been told to do - good doggie, now sit.
1:17
The way he spends, everyone knows that Larson is a DEMOCRAT!
I wouln't tell anyone that I was a republican either. You can see what they are like on here!
They're really is some nice republicans but they're not on here! :)
To all you phony bloodsucking republicans . Now that you pissed all the taxpayers money away and got fat on it what are you going to cry about now? Nomore taxpayers money to spend on the stock market ?
Bokus - Murphy - Larson none of them have Democrat on thier signs - Little Chrissy.
Get with the program. Talk about the issues that are effecting the residents of this town, and what you are doing to help solve them.
Really, Chrissy is this a burning issue???? Is this going to reduce my taxes? Is this going to halt run-away spending? Is this going to provide healthcare?
Chrissy you are out of touch with the main stream people of Bristol who are hurting.
If you can't tackle these issues as a candidate, Chrissy how are you going to do it as a State Representative?
Really, Chrissy. Tackle the issues that are facing the people of Bristol, not what a candidate puts on thier signs.
I would love to see Milhouse debate Fitzgerald. Once people saw and heard this guy, there would be no chance. He is super liberal and would show no restraint when it comes to spending. He is completely wrong for Bristol especially in these tough economic times.
I laugh when I read people supposedly speaking fact here - when it is actually false, or just their opinion.
Let me set a few things straight here about Jill.
1. She has been involved serving and volunteering here in Bristol for about 18 years. She believes that public office is service - service to the people. So whoever said that she has never been involved really doesn't know her.
2. Jill is a real person and will listen to advice and then make her own decisions based on her life experience and what she thinks is right. She will do what is right for the good people of Bristol and doesn't owe anyone or any special interest group anything. There again, if any of you "supposed" Jill experts really knew her, you know that. She is a woman of integrity.
She would represent the fine people of Bristol well.
What you really mean is that she'll listen to you! Of course you and you're lackeys are always right !
Where and When has she been involved?
I don't remember ever seeing her at any activity, in any organization.
Could you provide some examples?
9:48pm definately would lead one to think "political sound-bite"
7:02am. All you need to do is go to her website and you will see in her bio everything she is and has been involved in. She's a parent, a homeowner, a business owner, active in the schools, etc..... she has far more personal connection to the voters and their issues at the State and local level than Wright does. He has no children, isn't married, lives at his father's house and works at the admissions desk of St Francis. Before that he work at the check in desk of the Radisson.
How much do you have in common with him and will he be able to relate to issues that you are affected by?
He has powder blue signs. What does that mean.....
Jill Fitzgerald...really
Hartford doesn't need another drama queen.
9:16
Why should I have to go look for all that information?
As you outlined it, it was very vague.
I can't recall seeing her a t Chamber function, a city meeting, any fundraiser etc etc.
Of course, except in the past 3 months.
I would not say going to a website is all that hard and besides what has Chris Wright done and been involved in? Why doesn't he have a website? What has he been involved in? I actually went looking for some info on Mr Wright and found nothing on him??
I think being a parent, home owner, business owner and seeing as she was Kevin McCauley's treasurer shows she doesn't go by just the party line. Don't we need more real people in Hartford of both political parties?
being linked to mccauley isn't necessarily viewed as a positive thing.
What political philosophy does she supprt, democrat (McCauley), or Republican (Hers)??
Does she know?
Is she wavering?
Or does she let friendship determine her position (dangerous)?
October 14, 2008 10:15 AM:
What's your point?!? The alternative is neo-socialist Chris Wright!
Does Wright let his union endorsement influence his decisions? OF COURSE!
And who influences Fitzgerald's opinion: Schaffrick, Mocabee and Barnes.
Of Course!!
Art Macobee has no influence on the Bristol Republicans. They are glad that he is gone. When he speaks no one listens....
Jill is her own person and should be judged as such. Her action speak for themselves.
But the damage that Art did remains!!
And Schaffrick is no better, only more insidious.
He sucks up to Hartford so as to keep his job, at Bristol's expense.
Art Macobee has no influence on the Bristol Republicans. They are glad that he is gone. When he speaks no one listens....
Jill is her own person and should be judged as such. Her action speak for themselves.
October 14, 2008 4:26 PM
Now you're picking on poor Mocabe? He's just like you !
"...local republican party - you are all sickos.
October 11, 2008 3:52 PM"
Sooo trueeeeee
What are you "Phonies" going to do when you have to register? Oops I forgot Halloween is coming , all you ghouls are out !
October 13, 2008 9:16 AM
I think you need to get your facts straight about Chris before you say anything about him too. Anyone that knows Chris knows that he is also a homeowner and in fact does not live at his father’s house. He is well known and very active within his church as Fitzgerald is, but his is actually within the district unlike her mega church in Avon. And what are you saying by putting down the fact that he works at the admissions desk at St. Francis and used to work at the Radisson? How much closer to the people of Bristol and voters can you get by working jobs like that? Next thing you know you’ll be putting down Community Organiz… oh wait…
Oh and as for Fitzgerald not going by the party line, every release she has had in the paper so far has been her siding with whatever vote the Republicans had most recently cast. Show me where she goes against the party line? Her most recent article is yet another party aligned release, straight from Hartford.
When did Mocabee go?
How do we get rid of Schafrick?
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