OK, here's something unpredictable in the world of Bristol politics...

Susan Bysiewicz

There is a possibility that Democrats may opt for an astonishing switcheroo in their quest to win the area’s state Senate seat in the wake of labor leader Dave Roche’s surprise resignation from the race Monday.

Eyeing the prospect of jumping into the contest is Susan Bysiewicz, a former secretary of state with a checkered political past that includes an unsuccessful primary bid for U.S. Senate in 2012 and a judicial ruling in 2010 that barred her from continuing to seek election as attorney general.

What makes Bysiewicz’s interest in the state Senate seat most stunning is that she’s a longtime Middletown resident with no roots in the 31^st District.

Since the CT Mirror broke the story late Tuesday, reaction in Bristol has been fierce.

“Always expect the unexpected in Bristol politics,” said former Mayor Art Ward, a Democrat. He said it “never ceases to amaze.”  Read the full story here.

Copyright 2014 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Bysiewicz on short end of unanimous court ruling

Susan Bysiewicz got a unanimous thumbs down from the state Supreme Court today in her bid to run for attorney general.
That's probably the end of the line for her campaign.
Bysiewicz put out this statement:
"I am tremendously disappointed with the court’s decision overturning Judge Sheldon’s ruling and I strongly disagree with the decision both on the eligibility and the constitutionality issue. However, I do respect the rule of law and will abide by it."
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

More reporters needed in Hartford, Bysiewicz says

Press release issued today by Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz:

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz says the public should be concerned about the reduction in the size of the state capitol press corps. With fewer reporters covering the day-to-day business of the state government, the secretary is troubled that the citizens of our state will be less informed about the decisions being made that affect their lives.

“A vibrant democracy is dependent on its citizens having access to information,” said Bysiewicz. “Our citizens rely on independent investigative journalists as a powerful force in keeping government honest. Today, as a result of a layoffs and cutbacks, with fewer eyes keeping watch, the public and electorate will be less well informed. As I push for ethics reform this session and think of the string of politicians that have betrayed the public trust, I cannot help but feel the people of Connecticut would be better served by the consistent daily coverage of a large capitol press corps.”

After suffering declines in print circulation and advertising in recent years, buyouts and layoffs are being imposed at newspapers all over the country.

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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com