For three decades, U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd has been a force in Congress, a man who didn't hesitate to present his views forcefully and to push his agenda forward, often with success. Like him or hate him, Connecticut's senior senator made his mark in the nation's capital.
At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, he'll give his farewell address in the Senate. It's bound to be interesting.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Showing posts with label Dodd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dodd. Show all posts
November 29, 2010
May 24, 2010
Dodd fielding questions in Hartford
U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, top and left, with Associated Press reporter Susan Haigh in Hartford today.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
April 26, 2010
High speed rail could boost Central Connecticut's fortunes
Central Connecticut could get a big economic boost if plans to create high speed rail between New Haven and Springfield, Mass. by 2016 come to fruition, officials said Monday.
Creating the high speed corridor would lead to more investments in the region that are bound to lead to more jobs and growth, said state Sen. Donald DeFronzo, the New Britain Democrat who is co-chair of the transportation committee.
DeFronzo said it would mean a lot to the area if residents could get on a train and be in New York City in a couple of hours for a reasonable fee.
State leaders, including DeFronzo, met behind closed doors Monday morning with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to discuss the prospects for snagging federal money to boost the high speed rail line that would run through Berlin and Newington.
“This is one issue that we are all together on,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, a Democrat who’s retiring this year.
Dodd said that if the state meets the required timetables for studies and other work along the way, construction could begin in 2014 and the entire project could be finished in 2016. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY
*******Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Dodd hopes for bipartisan financial bill
During a stopover at the state Capitol this morning, U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd said there is "a very strong likelihood we'll have a bipartisan bill" to regulate the financial industry.
Dodd said there will be a vote later today on whether to begin debate on the issue. He said he hopes there are 60 votes to let the discussions get underway.
Dodd, who is meeting with Republican counterpart Richard Shelby at 1:30 this afternoon, said that clamping down on the excess of financiers "shouldn't be a partisan issue."
Dodd said that 18 months ago, when Wall Street imploded, the government was left with no option except for the controversial bailouts begun under President George W. Bush.
If it happened again today, he said, the results would be the same.
"We have not changed a thing," Dodd said.
But the regulations proposed in Dodd's bill would change everything, the senator said.
Dodd, the senior Democrat from Connecticut, said that once the measure becomes law, there will be no more bailouts.
"If you fail, you fail" under the new proposed rules, Dodd said.
The regulations set rules for exotic financial transactions such as derivatives swaps, he said.
Dodd said that if the Senate agrees to take up the bill, "then we begin the slog through the legislative process" to fine-tune the measure.
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Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Dodd said there will be a vote later today on whether to begin debate on the issue. He said he hopes there are 60 votes to let the discussions get underway.
Dodd, who is meeting with Republican counterpart Richard Shelby at 1:30 this afternoon, said that clamping down on the excess of financiers "shouldn't be a partisan issue."
Dodd said that 18 months ago, when Wall Street imploded, the government was left with no option except for the controversial bailouts begun under President George W. Bush.
If it happened again today, he said, the results would be the same.
"We have not changed a thing," Dodd said.
But the regulations proposed in Dodd's bill would change everything, the senator said.
Dodd, the senior Democrat from Connecticut, said that once the measure becomes law, there will be no more bailouts.
"If you fail, you fail" under the new proposed rules, Dodd said.
The regulations set rules for exotic financial transactions such as derivatives swaps, he said.
Dodd said that if the Senate agrees to take up the bill, "then we begin the slog through the legislative process" to fine-tune the measure.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
January 6, 2010
No Dodd, no high speed rail for Connecticut?
U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd laid it all out pretty clearly the other day: there's $8 billion in federal stimulus funding available to help spur high speed rail. There are $140 billion in potential high speed rail projects, he said.
It doesn't take a genius to see the odds aren't too good.
But what everyone was counting on is that as long as Connecticut got the paperwork done to request the cash, Dodd could find a way to push its case to the top of the list. The Democrats' desire to see him reelected in a tough race would, of course, be the reason to lend him a hand.
Now Dodd's gone and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal doesn't have the same kind of clout in Washington -- not yet anyway.
So the chances of getting that rail money look longer than ever.
Does that matter to Bristol's dreams of commuter rail? I'm not sure.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
It doesn't take a genius to see the odds aren't too good.
But what everyone was counting on is that as long as Connecticut got the paperwork done to request the cash, Dodd could find a way to push its case to the top of the list. The Democrats' desire to see him reelected in a tough race would, of course, be the reason to lend him a hand.
Now Dodd's gone and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal doesn't have the same kind of clout in Washington -- not yet anyway.
So the chances of getting that rail money look longer than ever.
Does that matter to Bristol's dreams of commuter rail? I'm not sure.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Alpert says he'll keep walking toward a Democratic primary
Merrick Alpert, the long-shot Democratic challenger who took aim at U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd last year, didn’t skip a step on his trudge through
In the midst of his 90-mile “Hurting in Connecticut ” walk from Enfield to New Haven Riverside Avenue
Dodd’s decision not to seek a sixth term as senator and state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal’s announcement that he would jump into the race didn’t rattle Alpert.
“The players may change but the issues don’t,” said the Mystic businessman whose bid to snatch Democratic backing from the embattled Dodd helped undermine the senator’s support within the party.
Though polls show Blumenthal is the most popular politician in the state, Alpert said he’s going to stay in the fray.
He said that Blumenthal is “a good fellow” and welcomed him to race.
“The more, the better,” he said. “I want a vigorous primary process.”
“People are really hungry for change,” Alpert said, and ready to back an outsider who will fight the “game show hosts” in Washington
As he clomped through the ice along Bristol ’s downtown streets, Alpert said he’s noticed a lot while walking through Connecticut
Pointing to a closed shop, Alpert said he’s seen way too many little stores that haven’t been able to keep their doors open.
“Think of all the hopes and dreams and plans they had,” he said quietly. “It’s crushing.”
Alpert said that people are desperate for political leaders who will hear their concerns and push for programs and policies that will improve the lives of working Americans.
He said several times that he favors private sector job creation, clean government and pulling out of Afghanistan
“I want to invest in Connecticut , not Kabul
Touring the St. Vincent DePaul Mission’s homeless shelter on Jacobs Street Merrick said leaders have “to bring focus on people who have lost jobs, lost homes and are hungry.”
Father Joseph DiSciacca, pastor of St. Joseph Church and president of the board for the mission, told Merrick everyone has recognize the problem.
“We help one another and that’s the way we get out of these difficult situations,” the pastor said.
Inside the shelter, Merrick stood speechless as he eyed the toys in one homeless family’s quarters. They were the same ones his two children have, he said.
“That’s a huge impact,” he said. Children shouldn’t have to grow up in such places, he added.
Even so, Merrick said he’s feels lifted up whenever he sees the volunteers and workers at the shelters, soup kitchens and other agencies that help those who are struggling.
Those are among the forgotten people he wants to represent in the nation’s capital, Alpert said.
“I walk the walk, not just talk the talk,” he said as he headed off toward the big hill on Wolcott Street
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Dodd says 'none of us are irreplaceable' as he announces his retirement from the Senate
Remarks by U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd at his East Haddam home today:
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Every six years over the past three decades, I have invited you to join me at our home to share in my decision to seek election and re-election to the United States Senate.
On each of these occasions I have begun my remarks by observing that every important journey in life begins and ends at home. Today is no exception.
What is different about today, however, is not to announce the beginning of yet another campaign for the Senate, but rather to announce that after 35 years of representing the people of Connecticut in the United States Congress, I will not be a candidate for re-election this November.
I want to begin these brief remarks by expressing my deepest gratitude to the people of Connecticut for the remarkable privilege of being elected eight times over the past four decades to our national assembly.
On each of these occasions I have begun my remarks by observing that every important journey in life begins and ends at home. Today is no exception.
What is different about today, however, is not to announce the beginning of yet another campaign for the Senate, but rather to announce that after 35 years of representing the people of Connecticut in the United States Congress, I will not be a candidate for re-election this November.
I want to begin these brief remarks by expressing my deepest gratitude to the people of Connecticut for the remarkable privilege of being elected eight times over the past four decades to our national assembly.
You have honored me beyond words with your confidence. Let me quickly add that there have been times when my positions and actions have caused some of you to question that confidence.
I regret that, but it is equally important that you know I never wavered in my determination to do the best job for our state and nation. I love my job as your Senator, I always have, and still do. However, this past year has raised some challenges that insisted I take stock of my life.
Over the past 12 months, I have managed four major pieces of legislation through Congress; served as Chair and acting Chair of two major Senate Committees, placing me at the center of the two most importance issues of our time – health care and reform of financial services; lost a beloved sister in July and in August – Ted Kennedy; battled cancer over the summer; and in the midst of all this, found myself in the toughest political shape of my career.
Now let me be clear, I am very aware of my present political standing here at home; but it is equally clear that any certain prediction about an election victory or defeat nearly a year from now, would be absurd.
Strange as it may sound, I’m not confident I would be standing here today making this announcement if these situations had not occurred. None of these events or circumstances either individually or collectively is the cause of my decision not to seek re-election.
Yet together these challenges have given me pause, and to take stock, and ask the question that too few of us in elected public life ever do – why am I running?
On a cold morning two weeks ago tomorrow I asked myself that very question.
On the early frigid dawn of December 24th, Christmas Eve, with snow piled high along the streets of our nation’s Capitol, I cast one of the most important, if not the most important votes of my years in the Senate – a bill to fundamentally reform the health care system of our country.
An hour later I was standing on the Virginia hillside at Arlington Cemetery, where Ted Kennedy rests, along with his brothers in eternity, as he is in history, wishing I could have seen the look in Teddy’s eyes as the Senate took that historic step only an hour before.
I thought about the dozens of fine public servants, Democrats and Republicans, who have joined me in serving Connecticut over the course of my career at the local, state and national level.
I thought about the countless Connecticut families – ordinary people with extraordinary courage and spirit, whose lives have touched me, and whose stories have profoundly affected my decisions in the Senate.
I thought about the dozens of patriotic Senators with whom I have had the privilege of serving in an institution I dearly love.
I have been a Connecticut Senator for 30 years. I'm proud of the job I've done and the results delivered.
But none of us are irreplaceable. None of us are indispensible. Those who think otherwise are dangerous.
The work to make our nation a more perfect union began long before I was elected to the Senate, and it will go on long after I'm gone.
Our country is a work in progress. And I am confident it always will be. That is what I thought about as I stood on that hillside in Arlington on Christmas Eve morning. That is what I've talked about with Jackie over this holiday season.
And that is how I came to the conclusion that, in the long sweep of American history, there are moments for each elected public servant to step aside and let someone else step up.
This is my moment to step aside. There will be time to reflect in more detail on the years I've spent in public service.
There will be time to celebrate victories, mourn setbacks, share laughs and memories, and to thank profusely the talented, tireless, and numerous staffers, many of whom are here today, who have made my Senate work possible.
But that time is not now. My service is not over. I still have one year left on my contract with the people of Connecticut.
One year from this week, our state will have a new Senator. In the meantime, we have important work to do.
A few closing thoughts. I believe in bipartisan solutions, but I also believe you only achieve those results with vibrant, robust, and civil partisan debate.
I am a Democrat and very proud of my party’s contributions to the vitality and strength of America.
I would never have had the opportunity to serve in the Congress had I not had the support and backing of my political party over the years.
I appreciate the passionate party activists who have never faltered in their support of my efforts.
I want to say thank you to my family for their tolerance of yet another generation of our family in the political arena.
I am especially indebted to Jackie for her fierce loyalty, unyielding commitment to fairness, and her unlimited capacity of empathy for the needs of others. She has been my anchor to windward in these stormy political waters.
Now there is nothing more pathetic than a politician who announces they are only leaving public life to spend more time with their family. The result of this announcement today will, I hope, create that opportunity – but it is not the reason for my decision.
I am a very late arrival to fatherhood, and I am told repeatedly how rapidly these young children – Grace who is 8 and Christina who is 4 – will grow up. So while these young ladies are not the reason for my decision – they will be an incredible benefit of my choice.
On this, the 6th of January, the Epiphany, 2010, I am still driven by the same passions that motivated me to try my hand at politics so many years ago. Just as I've encouraged the people of Connecticut, I am looking to the future with a spirit of optimism and confidence.
Finally, once again, thank you for the opportunity you've given me to serve.
I regret that, but it is equally important that you know I never wavered in my determination to do the best job for our state and nation. I love my job as your Senator, I always have, and still do. However, this past year has raised some challenges that insisted I take stock of my life.
Over the past 12 months, I have managed four major pieces of legislation through Congress; served as Chair and acting Chair of two major Senate Committees, placing me at the center of the two most importance issues of our time – health care and reform of financial services; lost a beloved sister in July and in August – Ted Kennedy; battled cancer over the summer; and in the midst of all this, found myself in the toughest political shape of my career.
Now let me be clear, I am very aware of my present political standing here at home; but it is equally clear that any certain prediction about an election victory or defeat nearly a year from now, would be absurd.
Strange as it may sound, I’m not confident I would be standing here today making this announcement if these situations had not occurred. None of these events or circumstances either individually or collectively is the cause of my decision not to seek re-election.
Yet together these challenges have given me pause, and to take stock, and ask the question that too few of us in elected public life ever do – why am I running?
On a cold morning two weeks ago tomorrow I asked myself that very question.
On the early frigid dawn of December 24th, Christmas Eve, with snow piled high along the streets of our nation’s Capitol, I cast one of the most important, if not the most important votes of my years in the Senate – a bill to fundamentally reform the health care system of our country.
An hour later I was standing on the Virginia hillside at Arlington Cemetery, where Ted Kennedy rests, along with his brothers in eternity, as he is in history, wishing I could have seen the look in Teddy’s eyes as the Senate took that historic step only an hour before.
I thought about the dozens of fine public servants, Democrats and Republicans, who have joined me in serving Connecticut over the course of my career at the local, state and national level.
I thought about the countless Connecticut families – ordinary people with extraordinary courage and spirit, whose lives have touched me, and whose stories have profoundly affected my decisions in the Senate.
I thought about the dozens of patriotic Senators with whom I have had the privilege of serving in an institution I dearly love.
I have been a Connecticut Senator for 30 years. I'm proud of the job I've done and the results delivered.
But none of us are irreplaceable. None of us are indispensible. Those who think otherwise are dangerous.
The work to make our nation a more perfect union began long before I was elected to the Senate, and it will go on long after I'm gone.
Our country is a work in progress. And I am confident it always will be. That is what I thought about as I stood on that hillside in Arlington on Christmas Eve morning. That is what I've talked about with Jackie over this holiday season.
And that is how I came to the conclusion that, in the long sweep of American history, there are moments for each elected public servant to step aside and let someone else step up.
This is my moment to step aside. There will be time to reflect in more detail on the years I've spent in public service.
There will be time to celebrate victories, mourn setbacks, share laughs and memories, and to thank profusely the talented, tireless, and numerous staffers, many of whom are here today, who have made my Senate work possible.
But that time is not now. My service is not over. I still have one year left on my contract with the people of Connecticut.
One year from this week, our state will have a new Senator. In the meantime, we have important work to do.
A few closing thoughts. I believe in bipartisan solutions, but I also believe you only achieve those results with vibrant, robust, and civil partisan debate.
I am a Democrat and very proud of my party’s contributions to the vitality and strength of America.
I would never have had the opportunity to serve in the Congress had I not had the support and backing of my political party over the years.
I appreciate the passionate party activists who have never faltered in their support of my efforts.
I want to say thank you to my family for their tolerance of yet another generation of our family in the political arena.
I am especially indebted to Jackie for her fierce loyalty, unyielding commitment to fairness, and her unlimited capacity of empathy for the needs of others. She has been my anchor to windward in these stormy political waters.
Now there is nothing more pathetic than a politician who announces they are only leaving public life to spend more time with their family. The result of this announcement today will, I hope, create that opportunity – but it is not the reason for my decision.
I am a very late arrival to fatherhood, and I am told repeatedly how rapidly these young children – Grace who is 8 and Christina who is 4 – will grow up. So while these young ladies are not the reason for my decision – they will be an incredible benefit of my choice.
On this, the 6th of January, the Epiphany, 2010, I am still driven by the same passions that motivated me to try my hand at politics so many years ago. Just as I've encouraged the people of Connecticut, I am looking to the future with a spirit of optimism and confidence.
Finally, once again, thank you for the opportunity you've given me to serve.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Bristol Dems happy with Blumenthal instead of Dodd
Bristol Democrats are happy that Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is ready to leap into the U.S. Senate race now that embattled incumbent Chris Dodd is giving up on reelection.
Blumenthal “will make an outstanding U.S. senator,” said state Rep. Frank Nicastro, a Bristol Democrat. “He will do the state of Connecticut proud.”
The departure of Dodd from the race, which the senator plans to announce formally at noon at his East Haddam home, clears the way for Blumenthal to go after the seat he’s long sought.
City Councilor Kevin Fuller, a Democrat, said that Blumenthal’s “background and love for the state of Connecticut” will help him win “and bring respect back to the position.”
Mayor Art Ward said that Blumenthal’s entry into the contest “represents our greatest opportunity to forge ahead with positive representation in the United States Senate and will receive my absolute support.”
Fuller said, “It is time to make our Senate delegation positions of honor and respect, which I feel has been lost in the last few years.”
He said that Dodd made the right choice given “all the controversy surrounding him.”
Nicastro said that Dodd obviously “realized it was time to make the decision and he made it.”
He said that when he saw Dodd in Bristol on Monday, the senator “was not the vibrant man I remember from years ago. He looked very, very, very tired.”
Nicastro said that Blumenthal has the capacity to bring the state together, to attract voters from across the political spectrum.
“I believe you’re going to see everybody come together and get behind Dick Blumenthal,” Nicastro said.
Ward said Dodd “has always been a staunch supporter of and advocate for the city of Bristol, the state of Connecticut and the nation” that he has “served with distinction” for years.
Dodd’s “bipartisan approach to the issues has resulted in decision which will benefit future generations, both nationally and globally,” the mayor said.
Blumenthal told the Associated Press he would announce his candidacy at Democratic headquarters in Hartford right after Dodd addresses the press.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Dodd to announce decision at noon
U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd plans to make "a major announcement" at noon today at his East Haddam home.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Dodd's Democratic challenger in Bristol today
Merrick Alpert, who is taking on U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd for the Democratic nomination, is walking through Central Connecticut this week. He'll be in Bristol today, in case anyone wants to say hey to him.
His plans call for him to walk past the Asbury United Methodist Church at 11:10 a.m. and to tour the St. Vincent DePaul Mission on Jacobs Street at noon.
I'm sure I won't be the only one traipsing along with the guy today of all days.
*******
Copyright 20109. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
His plans call for him to walk past the Asbury United Methodist Church at 11:10 a.m. and to tour the St. Vincent DePaul Mission on Jacobs Street at noon.
I'm sure I won't be the only one traipsing along with the guy today of all days.
*******
Copyright 20109. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Dodd pulling out of Senate race?
After seeing a confused and ashen U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd in Bristol Monday -- something I was going to write about today -- I'm not a bit surprised that the veteran Democrat is pulling out of the race.
For political junkies like me, this year is getting ever more interesting.
I know a lot of people, including many Democrats, are disgusted with what they perceive as Dodd's failings as a financial regulator in recent years. It's not unfair to pin at least some of the blame for the fiscal mess on him, of course, since he headed the Senate Banking Committee.
But let's remember today that he has had a long and distinguished career during which most people in Connecticut were glad to reelect him time and again.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
For political junkies like me, this year is getting ever more interesting.
I know a lot of people, including many Democrats, are disgusted with what they perceive as Dodd's failings as a financial regulator in recent years. It's not unfair to pin at least some of the blame for the fiscal mess on him, of course, since he headed the Senate Banking Committee.
But let's remember today that he has had a long and distinguished career during which most people in Connecticut were glad to reelect him time and again.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
January 4, 2010
Dodd seeks to preserve jobs
Read my story here about U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd's tour of a Bristol factory Tuesday.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Dodd backs rail and busway, which may be an impossible choice
As U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd headed for the door of a local spring company on his way to Berlin, someone asked how long it would take to get there.
“It would only take 20 minutes by train,” piped up Mike Nicastro, president of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce.
Dodd laughed.
The senator said that New Britain is pushing for completion of a busway between the Hardware City and Hartford while Bristol
“We ought to be able to have multiple choices,” Dodd said, with both options chugging forward to help improve the region’s transportation infrastructure.
But it doesn’t appear possible to have both the busway and a revived passenger rail service.
A stretch of track between New Britain and Newington
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 30, 2009
Foley sounds like a gubernatorial candidate
Speaking to the city's Republican Town Committee tonight, former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Tom Foley sounded every bit like he's made up his mind to run for governor next year.
Foley said he "can make more of a difference" as a governor than he can as a U.S. senator.
Though he declared he would announce this week whether he'll drop his Senate candidacy in favor of seeking the governorship, Foley left everyone with little doubt he'd already made up his mind.
As an outsider, Foley said, he could "come in and shake it up" in Hartford and "knock down the status quo" that has the state teetering on the brink of financial collapse.
"I can make a difference," Foley said.
Foley is one of three millionaires vying for the right to represent the GOP in the 2010 Senate race against vulnerable Democratic incumbent Chris Dodd. One of the others, Linda McMahon, also spoke to the GOP committee this evening.
Foley said if he drops out of the Senate race, he's sure that McMahon or former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons can beat Dodd. Peter Schiff is also in the running.
"He probably can't win unless something changes dramatically in the world," Foley said, because so many people are angry at his alleged ethical lapses, his absence during the presidential race and his lack of oversight over the bankers and financiers whose greed helped trigger the recession.
At this point, Foley said, he hopes Dodd "will stay in the race" so the GOP can win a crucial Senate seat.
Foley said he began to think of switching races after Gov. Jodi Rell announced she would not seek reelection next year.
He said if he'd known that six months ago, he would have set his sights on succeeding Rell from day one.
Now, he said, he's getting strong support for making the gubernatorial run. The other major contender on the Republican side is Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele.
A number of Democrats are also eyeing the governor's mansion, including Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, state Sen. Gary LeBeau, former House Speaker James Amann, former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, state Healthcare Advocate Kevin Lembo and former U.S. Senate hopeful Ned Lamont.
Electing a Democrat as governor, Foley said, would send Connecticut "off a financial cliff" because the majority party has proven itself unable to control costs or hold government accountable.
It's shaping up to be a fascinating political year in 2010.
Really, though, after being ambassador to Ireland, isn't everything else downhill?
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Foley said he "can make more of a difference" as a governor than he can as a U.S. senator.
Though he declared he would announce this week whether he'll drop his Senate candidacy in favor of seeking the governorship, Foley left everyone with little doubt he'd already made up his mind.
As an outsider, Foley said, he could "come in and shake it up" in Hartford and "knock down the status quo" that has the state teetering on the brink of financial collapse.
"I can make a difference," Foley said.
Foley is one of three millionaires vying for the right to represent the GOP in the 2010 Senate race against vulnerable Democratic incumbent Chris Dodd. One of the others, Linda McMahon, also spoke to the GOP committee this evening.
Foley said if he drops out of the Senate race, he's sure that McMahon or former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons can beat Dodd. Peter Schiff is also in the running.
"He probably can't win unless something changes dramatically in the world," Foley said, because so many people are angry at his alleged ethical lapses, his absence during the presidential race and his lack of oversight over the bankers and financiers whose greed helped trigger the recession.
At this point, Foley said, he hopes Dodd "will stay in the race" so the GOP can win a crucial Senate seat.
Foley said he began to think of switching races after Gov. Jodi Rell announced she would not seek reelection next year.
He said if he'd known that six months ago, he would have set his sights on succeeding Rell from day one.
Now, he said, he's getting strong support for making the gubernatorial run. The other major contender on the Republican side is Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele.
A number of Democrats are also eyeing the governor's mansion, including Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, state Sen. Gary LeBeau, former House Speaker James Amann, former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, state Healthcare Advocate Kevin Lembo and former U.S. Senate hopeful Ned Lamont.
Electing a Democrat as governor, Foley said, would send Connecticut "off a financial cliff" because the majority party has proven itself unable to control costs or hold government accountable.
It's shaping up to be a fascinating political year in 2010.
Really, though, after being ambassador to Ireland, isn't everything else downhill?
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
June 13, 2009
Simmons isn't the only one taking on Dodd
Connecticut Local Politics has a good overview here.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 11, 2009
A Texas billionaire and Rob Simmons
Former Republican congressional candidate Joe Visconti said that he was talking to U.S. Senate hopeful Rob Simmons recently about the difficulty of raising money for a campaign in Connecticut.
Visconti said it's hard to raise money for the GOP in the Nutmeg State "because nobody thinks we can win" against incumbent Democrats.
He said that he and Simmons both recognized the need to raise money in Red States where Republicans hold sway.
In fact, Visconti said, Simmons told him he "was flying to Texas to get money from a billionaire" to help unseat Dodd.
I guess Dodd's allies on Wall Street, who have lavished campaign contributions on Connecticut's senior senator, aren't the only ones with big bucks.
Not sure who our Simmons is talking to down in Texas, but it could be this guy.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Visconti said it's hard to raise money for the GOP in the Nutmeg State "because nobody thinks we can win" against incumbent Democrats.
He said that he and Simmons both recognized the need to raise money in Red States where Republicans hold sway.
In fact, Visconti said, Simmons told him he "was flying to Texas to get money from a billionaire" to help unseat Dodd.
I guess Dodd's allies on Wall Street, who have lavished campaign contributions on Connecticut's senior senator, aren't the only ones with big bucks.
Not sure who our Simmons is talking to down in Texas, but it could be this guy.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
March 20, 2009
Simmons takes aim at Dodd in Bristol speech
A former congressman who is taking aim at U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd told Bristol Republicans Friday that his opponent “used his office for personal gain.”
Rob Simmons, the likely GOP candidate in 2010 for the Senate seat held by Dodd, said that Connecticut’s senior senator has taken sweetheart deals from mortgage companies he regulates, made money off an Irish cottage deal he made with a former felon and failed to oversee the housing and financial markets that his banking committee has responsibility for keeping an eye on.
Dodd “flip-flopped” this week on the question of whether he approved a bill that allowed AIG executives to receive large bonuses after receiving billions in taxpayer aid, Simmons said, and ultimately said he merely took orders from the treasury secretary.
“Since when does the powerful chairman of the Senate banking and housing committee take secret orders from the administration to protect millions of dollars of bonuses for bailed out executives?” Simmons asked.
Dodd said in a statement this week that “reports that I changed my position on this issue are simply untrue” and that he has always been a leader in fighting against excessive executive compensation.
Simmons is the only declared Republican senatorial candidate. He announced his intention to run on Sunday, making his foray to
Among the other potential Republican contenders is state Sen. Sam Caligiuri of
Simmons told about 60 GOP leaders at Nuchies that he is “proud to be a Republican” and that he is determined to help bring “real change” to
Emphasizing his commitment to free enterprise and small business, Simmons said that government’s role is to help those who can’t help themselves, not “a way of helping ourselves.”
“We need more good private sector jobs, not public sector bureaucrats,” he said. “We need to grow the economy, not the government.”
Pointing to his background as a U.S. Army officer, Simmons said, “I did not spend four years in
Bristol Republicans at the annual Lincoln Day dinner said they were impressed with the former congressman who served southeastern
“He’s spot on,” said former state House Minority Leader Edward Krawiecki, Jr who once recruited Simmons to run for the state legislature.
Simmons “is a great guy with a wealth of knowledge. He’s bright. He’s talented. He understands how
“I think I could beat Dodd,” said Rimcoski, a veteran Republican councilor.
Republicans honored candidates
As part of their yearly Lincoln Day dinner, the city’s GOP honored its candidates for 2008, including state Rep. Bill Hamzy, a Plymouth Republican whose 78th District includes part of
They also honored unsuccessful 77th District contender Jill Fitzgerald and had a moment of silence for both men who ran in the 79th District, Derek Jerome and David Norton, each of whom died.
The party added former city Republican Chairman Whit Betts to its auxiliary to honor his long record of support for the GOP in
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
March 17, 2009
Simmons coming to Bristol Friday
Former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, who announced this week he intends to run for senator, is slated to make one of his first campaign stops in Bristol Friday for the Republicans’ Lincoln Day fundraising dinner.
Simmons is taking aim at longtime U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, a Democrat who could be vulnerable in the 2010 race.
Bristol GOP Chairman T.J. Barnes said Tuesday that Simmons is one of the few people in his party in Connecticut with the stature to take on Dodd – and perhaps win.
The Lincoln Day dinner is typically the major fundraiser for the city’s Republican Party each year. Barnes said he expects at least 60 people to attend the dinner at Nuchie’s.
Simmons, who lives in Stonington, is in a dead heat with Dodd, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released last week.
The poll’s director, Douglas Schwartz, said the results “have to worry” Dodd since Simmons “is not well known outside his district, yet he is running neck and neck with Dodd at this point,” according to a Quinnipiac press release.
Simmons represented southeastern Connecticut in Congress from 2000 until 2006, when he was ousted by U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney in a razor-thin election.
The city GOP dinner, which costs $50 a person, is slated to begin with cocktails at 5:30 p.m., a meal at 6:30 and an address by Simmons at 7:30.
For more information or to buy tickets, contact Barnes at (860) 314-0423.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
February 23, 2009
Senator's Dodd's Irish getaway
Image of Inishnee island on the isolated west coast of Ireland
If you haven't read Kevin Rennie's piece on U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd's Irish cottage, do. It's hard to imagine how it could all be on the strict up-and-up, though I'm open to more information.
Meantime, though, let's see what kind of place Inishnee island in Ireland is. From the looks of it, I can see why Dodd likes it. I know I wouldn't mind a few weeks there in the summer.
According to Wikipedia, "Inishnee (Gaelic: Inis NÃ), is a small island off the shore of Ireland, in Roundstone Bay near the village of Roundstone in Connemara in County Galway. The island is equipped with a lighthouse. As of 2006, it had a population of 28." I don't think that counts Dodd.
But here is a picture of Dodd over there that recently ran in the Connemara View. Look just above the O'Dowd's Bar advertisement on the right.
These show the island's lighthouse:
Here's the view from another cottage on the island:
Here's one of the cottages on the island:
PS: Just to make it clear: I couldn't find a picture clearly identified as the cottage Dodd owns.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
February 10, 2009
Dodd's coming to seem like a dud
From the new Quinnipiac poll...
A total of 42 percent of voters say they "definitely" or "probably" will vote to reelect Sen. Dodd in 2010, while 51 percent say the "probably won't" or "definitely won't" vote for him.
By a 54 - 24 percent margin, Connecticut voters say they are not satisfied with Sen. Dodd's explanation of allegations that he received preferential mortgage treatment and 56 percent of voters say they are less likely to vote for him because of this controversy.
"Sen. Dodd is vulnerable. His approval has sunk to a new low. More voters disapprove than approve of the job he is doing for the first time in 15 years of polling," Schwartz said. "The mortgage controversy has taken a toll on his approval rating. Most voters are not satisfied with Dodd's explanation and say they are less likely to vote for him next year because of it."
Since Dodd rarely shows up in Bristol, I rarely write about him.
But as an interested observer, I think the man is screwing up badly on this whole Countryside mortgage thing. More than anything else, Dodd acts like he's guilty of something.
If I were him, I'd put all the documents I could find on this fiasco online and let my enemies and the press pick them apart. We all suspect he got a better deal than we would have in the same position. Whether he knew he was getting a better deal is another issue.
But whatever the truth of the whole thing is, it's incomprehensible why Dodd just keeps letting it fester. There's no way that his popularity won't continue to sink as long as it looks like he's hiding something.
Come clean, senator. Release everything. Once and for all, put every document out there for everyone to study and then let's deal with the resulting questions instead of wondering what all the mystery is about.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
A total of 42 percent of voters say they "definitely" or "probably" will vote to reelect Sen. Dodd in 2010, while 51 percent say the "probably won't" or "definitely won't" vote for him.
By a 54 - 24 percent margin, Connecticut voters say they are not satisfied with Sen. Dodd's explanation of allegations that he received preferential mortgage treatment and 56 percent of voters say they are less likely to vote for him because of this controversy.
"Sen. Dodd is vulnerable. His approval has sunk to a new low. More voters disapprove than approve of the job he is doing for the first time in 15 years of polling," Schwartz said. "The mortgage controversy has taken a toll on his approval rating. Most voters are not satisfied with Dodd's explanation and say they are less likely to vote for him next year because of it."
Since Dodd rarely shows up in Bristol, I rarely write about him.
But as an interested observer, I think the man is screwing up badly on this whole Countryside mortgage thing. More than anything else, Dodd acts like he's guilty of something.
If I were him, I'd put all the documents I could find on this fiasco online and let my enemies and the press pick them apart. We all suspect he got a better deal than we would have in the same position. Whether he knew he was getting a better deal is another issue.
But whatever the truth of the whole thing is, it's incomprehensible why Dodd just keeps letting it fester. There's no way that his popularity won't continue to sink as long as it looks like he's hiding something.
Come clean, senator. Release everything. Once and for all, put every document out there for everyone to study and then let's deal with the resulting questions instead of wondering what all the mystery is about.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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