When the new Republican Town Committee takes office in March, the GOP's city chairman, TJ Barnes, won't be at the helm. He has long vowed to step down this year after leading his party from an era of near total defeat to capture City Hall, the Board of Education and even the city's sole state Senate seat.
Showing posts with label GOP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GOP. Show all posts
February 23, 2014
New city GOP chairman in the wings
When the new Republican Town Committee takes office in March, the GOP's city chairman, TJ Barnes, won't be at the helm. He has long vowed to step down this year after leading his party from an era of near total defeat to capture City Hall, the Board of Education and even the city's sole state Senate seat.
December 30, 2013
Want to join the GOP's town committee? This is your chance.
Press release:
The Bristol Republican Town Committee will hold a caucus on January7, 2014 to elect 42 members to the 2014-2016 Bristol Republican Town Committee. The caucus will be held at the Bristol Board of Education Auditorium at 7pm.
A snow date has been set for January 9th at the same time and location.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Bristol Republican Town Committee is asked to call T.J. Barnes at 860-314-0423 or Gary Schaffrick at 860-806-0609.
Only registered Republicans are allowed to participate in the caucus.December 16, 2013
Bristol Republicans in driver's seat for first time ever
For the first time in the city’s history, the GOP controls both City Hall and the Board of Education.
It’s a stunning reversal for Democrats who have traditionally held power and never before been so completely shut out.
Political insiders point to a series of reasons for the shift in control that include a bitter rift in Democratic ranks and an aggressive and professional Republican effort to capture ground.
But some of them also see something potentially more profound for the long run: a change in the political attitudes of city voters, who had lined up with the unions and the Democrats for generations but may be backing away from them in search of lower taxes.
Democrat Allen Marko, who lost two City Council races, said that Bristol “for the most part does not embrace Democratic Party ideals, viewing them as too liberal.” For full story, follow this link.
Frank Kramer, an independent who ran unsuccessfully for a City Council seat, weighed in with a much fuller explanation of his view of what happened than I could include. Here it is:
1. In-fighting in the democratic party yielding a spectacularly unsuitable mayoralty candidate chosen by an acutely and politically instinct deficient DTC leadership ( and you know who " they is "---and it ain't a she ). This also yielded a garbled, bland, and diffuse message at best.
2. The above drama unfolding in a year when the Republican message was focused ( low, low taxes and blight, blight, blight--and that's it--what else do you need to know? ) and their party unified. You also had a stronger Republican mayoralty candidate that despite what some thought of his politics and style, they were attuned to the fact that what you saw was what you got -- to the extent you can with any politician.
3. Money. That is a dynamic little talked of when and if you get the final tallies in. Just look at the mailings ( frequency and individual pieces ), campaign signs especially for mayor and 2nd district candidates ( just sayin' and not because it was my contest--I was amazed at how many signs Henri told me he already had and had coming while at the Rotary breakfast ) though, admittedly you had two well known candidates there with one sporting an already decent track record, imo. In addition to it being the strongest Repub. district despite the statistics. And, oh yeah, one Dem. candidate who didn't show up.
4. I think the reason the Dems did as well as they did, council-wise, was because they won against the weakest of the Republican lot. And if I recollect, Derick didn't lose by that big of a spread. And Albert might have won if he came in sooner.
5. So going forward, the Republicans with their mayor being able to engineer the agenda, it looks like : I have no idea.
One more thing. The economy and Bristol population''s struggle to keep their heads above water ( not to put to fine a point to it but we are one of but 8 towns in CT where 25%+ of us go to bed with the fear of hunger on our minds ), those who would naturally vote Democratic were too busy surviving to pay attention to the election. This struggle naturally puts politics on the back burner when you're out of work, finding money to pay the rent or save your home, or keep the lights on. When those with the most to lose and the most to gain have the leisure and wherewithal to put politics into their forward thrusters.
Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
It’s a stunning reversal for Democrats who have traditionally held power and never before been so completely shut out.
Political insiders point to a series of reasons for the shift in control that include a bitter rift in Democratic ranks and an aggressive and professional Republican effort to capture ground.
But some of them also see something potentially more profound for the long run: a change in the political attitudes of city voters, who had lined up with the unions and the Democrats for generations but may be backing away from them in search of lower taxes.
Democrat Allen Marko, who lost two City Council races, said that Bristol “for the most part does not embrace Democratic Party ideals, viewing them as too liberal.” For full story, follow this link.
Frank Kramer, an independent who ran unsuccessfully for a City Council seat, weighed in with a much fuller explanation of his view of what happened than I could include. Here it is:
1. In-fighting in the democratic party yielding a spectacularly unsuitable mayoralty candidate chosen by an acutely and politically instinct deficient DTC leadership ( and you know who " they is "---and it ain't a she ). This also yielded a garbled, bland, and diffuse message at best.
2. The above drama unfolding in a year when the Republican message was focused ( low, low taxes and blight, blight, blight--and that's it--what else do you need to know? ) and their party unified. You also had a stronger Republican mayoralty candidate that despite what some thought of his politics and style, they were attuned to the fact that what you saw was what you got -- to the extent you can with any politician.
3. Money. That is a dynamic little talked of when and if you get the final tallies in. Just look at the mailings ( frequency and individual pieces ), campaign signs especially for mayor and 2nd district candidates ( just sayin' and not because it was my contest--I was amazed at how many signs Henri told me he already had and had coming while at the Rotary breakfast ) though, admittedly you had two well known candidates there with one sporting an already decent track record, imo. In addition to it being the strongest Repub. district despite the statistics. And, oh yeah, one Dem. candidate who didn't show up.
4. I think the reason the Dems did as well as they did, council-wise, was because they won against the weakest of the Republican lot. And if I recollect, Derick didn't lose by that big of a spread. And Albert might have won if he came in sooner.
5. So going forward, the Republicans with their mayor being able to engineer the agenda, it looks like : I have no idea.
One more thing. The economy and Bristol population''s struggle to keep their heads above water ( not to put to fine a point to it but we are one of but 8 towns in CT where 25%+ of us go to bed with the fear of hunger on our minds ), those who would naturally vote Democratic were too busy surviving to pay attention to the election. This struggle naturally puts politics on the back burner when you're out of work, finding money to pay the rent or save your home, or keep the lights on. When those with the most to lose and the most to gain have the leisure and wherewithal to put politics into their forward thrusters.
November 26, 2012
Cockayne: 'The right person at the right time'
Here are the prepared remarks that city Councilor Ken Cockayne spoke to the Republican Town Committee tonight:
Today I am announcing that I
am running for Mayor of Bristol in 2013.
I am asking for your support in this endeavor and feel I am the right
person at the right time for this job.
I am the senior member of the
Council and have spent the last five years fighting for change and fighting for
you, the taxpayers of Bristol. We are on
the precipice of significant change and new leadership for Bristol. In the last local election, the people of
Bristol spoke and elected leaders to fight for them. Leaders, who are truly, fiscally
conservative, who understand that voters are not ATMs. The sitting Mayor controls the agenda, so
while the voters spoke, loudly and clearly, there is one more crucial
step. We need a mayor that will listen
to the people of Bristol and set an agenda that puts their interests first. We
need a true leader to drive the change that must occur and I believe I am that
type of leader.
I believe I am the right
person at the right time for Bristol. These
will be challenging times. We need someone
who can lead from the front. I have
spent the last five years doing just this.
I have never hid from an issue or avoided one. I have worked steadfastly for the people of
Bristol, even when it met that I stood alone. When we needed change in leadership
with our Police Department, I was the only elected official willing to attach
his name when asking for this change. When
our community was in danger of having no say in group homes for troubled
adolescents moving into established residential neighborhoods, I stepped up
immediately to fight. We wanted a voice for Bristol, and I was that
voice that brought this practice to light.
At times I have been the lone voice of dissent when voting on contracts,
for I refused to be a part of a rubber stamp council. I was voice for the West End, an often
overlooked section of our community, and called for increased police presence
and was an advocate for the formation of the West End Association.
I believe that I am not only
a person who leads from the front, but also the person with the right
experience to do the job well. In the
last five years, I have served on 21 separate boards, including the Bristol
Development Authority, the Bristol Downtown Development Corporation, the Board
of Public Works and the Salary Committee.
I have fought the tough battles and have an intimate understanding of
our municipal government.
These last five years have
been arduous, but the foundation is in place.
The current City Council is ready to work for responsible change to benefit
you, the taxpayer. The next step is to
put a person in the Mayor’s Office who will set an agenda to facilitate this
change. With my willingness to take on
challenges and embrace the fights that need to occur, coupled with my
experience as your senior councilman, I believe I am the right person at the
right time. I humbly as for your
support.
I may have a video to add sometime Tuesday for those who want to see it all in high def.
March 27, 2012
Kilbourne is new city Democratic chief
September 28, 2010
Republicans upbeat with a month to go
Linda McMahon at the Mum Parade, via McMahon's Facebook page.
He said that Bristol residents -- who tend to be blue-collar and Democratic -- showed real support for the former wrestling executive as she hoofed it for a few hours Sunday during Bristol's Mum Parade.
Whit Betts, the GOP candidate for the 78th District state House seat, said that after watching McMahon at the parade he thinks she has "a legitimate shot at being able to win Bristol" on Election Day.
"She's inspired a lot of people" with her personal story of rising from bankruptcy to riches, he said, while keeping that common touch.
The GOP's city chair, T.J. Barnes, said he sees "a new energy" in the party that is going to translate into victories at the polls that would not have seemed possible a few years ago.
"We're going to do something very special here in Bristol," Barnes said.
A McMahon victory in Bristol would be a big step toward a statewide win for the Senate seat that Democrat Chris Dodd is giving up.
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the Democratic hopeful, has been steadily sinking in the polls, unable so far to combat McMahon's millions or find the key to secure support from voters who once backed him routinely.
Barnes said that it's even more encouraging that his party has such strong local candidates, running for the state legislature, that they can not only win themselves, they can help pull in votes for Republicans seeking statewide office.
These are dark days for Democrats.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 9, 2010
Lots of politicians slated to appear at city GOP HQ opening on Saturday
Press release from the city's GOP:
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Bristol Republican Town Committee
T.J. Barnes – Chairman
Invites you to the Grand Opening of its Headquarters
Date: Saturday, September 11th, 2010
Place: 255 North Main Street, Bristol, CT
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
The following candidates will be in attendance:
Linda McMahon Candidate -U.S. Senate
Mark Boughton Candidate - Lieutenant Governor
Martha Dean Candidate - Attorney General
Jerry Farrell Candidate - Secretary of State
Ann Brickley Candidate -1st. Congressional District
And
Jason Welch Candidate – 31st State Senatorial
Jill Fitzgerald Candidate – 77th State Representative
Whit Betts Candidate – 78th State Representative
Peter DelMastro Candidate – 79th State Representative
Please join us and meet and greet the candidates.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Bristol Republican Town Committee
T.J. Barnes – Chairman
Invites you to the Grand Opening of its Headquarters
Date: Saturday, September 11th, 2010
Place: 255 North Main Street, Bristol, CT
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
The following candidates will be in attendance:
Linda McMahon Candidate -U.S. Senate
Mark Boughton Candidate - Lieutenant Governor
Martha Dean Candidate - Attorney General
Jerry Farrell Candidate - Secretary of State
Ann Brickley Candidate -1st. Congressional District
And
Jason Welch Candidate – 31st State Senatorial
Jill Fitzgerald Candidate – 77th State Representative
Whit Betts Candidate – 78th State Representative
Peter DelMastro Candidate – 79th State Representative
Please join us and meet and greet the candidates.
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 21, 2010
On hand at the Republican convention
For local delegates, it helps to have someone from Bristol planning the state convention.
Bristol's delegation is sitting directly in front of the podium, in the second and third rows, with only Barkhamsted and Berlin grabbing closer views.
It doesn't get much better.
The city's GOP delegates are excited about the imminent start of the convention.
"It's going to be a good one," said T.J. Barnes, the city Republican leader. "When was the last time the Republicans had this? It's a new feeling for us."
Tonight, both parties will pick U.S. Senate candidates at their respective conventions in Hartford. The GOP is at the Hartford Convention Center while the Democrats are at the Connecticut Exposition Center a couple of miles to the south.
The Democrats are almost certain to nominate Attorney General Richard Blumenthal for Senate, despite his travails this week. The Republicans are trying to pick from among three contenders - Linda McMahon, Rob Simmons and Peter Schiff
"Linda will squeak it out," predicted Brock Weber, the youngest GOP delegate from Bristol. This is his first time attending a state convention as a delegate.
Barnes said the Democrats' choice is "all hype, no action" since Blumenthal has it in the bag.
Weber said the weekend is going to be exciting.
Tomorrow, both parties will pick their state candidate slates.
For Weber, the tough one to decide about is the governor's race.
He said that until a week ago, he backed former Ambassador Tom Foley for the state's top job. But now he's thinkinig he may support businessman Oz Griebel, who carries the endorsement of Wally Barnes, the city's most senior delegate.
Weber said he likes Griebel's views on privatizing some state functions. He said he plans to ask Foley later tonight what he thinks about the idea.
"Right now, I'm 50-50," Weber said.
Here are Wally Barnes and former mayoral contender Mary Alford inside the convention hall:
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Bristol's delegation is sitting directly in front of the podium, in the second and third rows, with only Barkhamsted and Berlin grabbing closer views.
It doesn't get much better.
The city's GOP delegates are excited about the imminent start of the convention.
"It's going to be a good one," said T.J. Barnes, the city Republican leader. "When was the last time the Republicans had this? It's a new feeling for us."
Tonight, both parties will pick U.S. Senate candidates at their respective conventions in Hartford. The GOP is at the Hartford Convention Center while the Democrats are at the Connecticut Exposition Center a couple of miles to the south.
The Democrats are almost certain to nominate Attorney General Richard Blumenthal for Senate, despite his travails this week. The Republicans are trying to pick from among three contenders - Linda McMahon, Rob Simmons and Peter Schiff
"Linda will squeak it out," predicted Brock Weber, the youngest GOP delegate from Bristol. This is his first time attending a state convention as a delegate.
Barnes said the Democrats' choice is "all hype, no action" since Blumenthal has it in the bag.
Weber said the weekend is going to be exciting.
Tomorrow, both parties will pick their state candidate slates.
For Weber, the tough one to decide about is the governor's race.
He said that until a week ago, he backed former Ambassador Tom Foley for the state's top job. But now he's thinkinig he may support businessman Oz Griebel, who carries the endorsement of Wally Barnes, the city's most senior delegate.
Weber said he likes Griebel's views on privatizing some state functions. He said he plans to ask Foley later tonight what he thinks about the idea.
"Right now, I'm 50-50," Weber said.
Here are Wally Barnes and former mayoral contender Mary Alford inside the convention hall:
So how did Bristol get so close? Gary Schaffrick, a former city GOP chair, was the primary planner for the state convention. He works now for the state Republican Party.
Update at 7 p.m. -- Schaffrick said he had nothing to do with the seating arrangements.
*******Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
April 7, 2010
Republican delegates to the GOP state convention in May
Meant to get these in last week, but better late than never.... These are the delegates picked last week by the Republican Town Committee:
Wally Barnes
Barbara Franklin
Ellie Klapatch
Jan Bevivino
Sharon Krawiecki
Edward Krawieck, Jr
T.J. Barnes
Mary Alford
Ken Cockayne
Henry Raymond
Stacey Raymond
Jill Fitzgerald
Whit Betts
Brock Weber
Bob Casar
Louise Melluzzo
Here are the Democratic delegates.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Wally Barnes
Barbara Franklin
Ellie Klapatch
Jan Bevivino
Sharon Krawiecki
Edward Krawieck, Jr
T.J. Barnes
Mary Alford
Ken Cockayne
Henry Raymond
Stacey Raymond
Jill Fitzgerald
Whit Betts
Brock Weber
Bob Casar
Louise Melluzzo
Here are the Democratic delegates.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
January 1, 2010
Colapietro denies violating election law
Shortly after November’s city election, state Sen. Tom Colapietro declared that he would continue to see reelection “as long as those Republicans keep calling me names.”
Colapietro’s comment to The Bristol Press, which came during a long discussion of the budget situation, was reported within months on the Bristol Blog and later in a piece in the newspaper.
But that wasn’t the end of the story.
Last month, the chair of the city Republican Party, T.J. Barnes filed an election law complaint against the longtime senator for allegedly failing to establish a campaign committee within 10 days of his declaration of an intent to seek reelection.
Barnes said in a December 7 letter to the state’s Elections Enforcement Commission that he believed Colapietro violated election law and should be punished accordingly.
Colapietro said recently he was flabbergasted at the complaint.
“I didn’t announce. That’s an outright lie,” Colapietro said.
The senator said he made an offhand remark to a reporter who passed it along to readers accurately.
But, he said, he never made any sort of formal declaration of his intentions.
“Enough is enough,” the veteran senator said. “This is really ridiculous.”
“After 17 years, this is all they could find? I must be pretty pure,” Colapietro said.
He said he couldn’t believe the GOP was so desperate to nail him within something that it would force the commission to squander its time and the taxpayers’ money on a complaint that is so clearly frivolous.
Kevin Ahern, a staff attorney for the commission, wrote to the senator on December 17 that its staff would review the complaint to see if there was “legal sufficiency” to pursue it further.
He told Colapietro there was no need to take any action yet.
Ahern said that if the commission believed that it needed to gather more facts, it would let Colapietro know.
If the commission decides a violation of election law occurred, it may assign a hearing officer and schedule a date to probe the facts of the case.
State law requires that candidates for state office establish a campaign committee within 10 days of announcing their intention to run. Colapietro has not yet done so.
He said that when he makes a clear, formal announcement, he’ll follow the law as he has always done.
*******Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 30, 2009
GOP selects new town committee next week
City Republicans will pick a new GOP town committee at caucus sessions slated for 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 7.
The caucus, which will be held in the City Council chambers at City Hall, will pick 42 people to serve on the volunteer committee for the next two years. Each of the city’s three districts picks 14 members to serve on the committee.
All registered Republicans are eligible to attend – and to seek one of the committee seats.
For more information, call Tom Barnes, the city’s GOP chair, at (860) 573-4279.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 7, 2009
GOP had a good year the polls
It’s been almost two decades since the Republicans held more of the city’s top political offices than they captured this year.
“This is wonderful,” city GOP Chairman T.J. Barnes told party faithful as the results poured in after the polls closed on Election Day.
“We’ve come a long way,” Barnes added.
The Republicans hold two of the six City Council seats and, for the first time in three decades, also grabbed the part-time treasurer’s post.
It doesn’t appear, though, that the GOP’s success at the polls will translate into greater partisanship at City Hall.
On Election Night, Democratic Mayor Art Ward stood in front of a roomful of party activists and hailed mayoral challenger Mary Alford and several other Republicans for running so clean a campaign and focusing on how to improve the city rather than scoring political points.
“We need to join hands,” Ward said. “We need to work together.”
The most successful council candidate, Republican newcomer David Mills, has frequently said that party lines don’t matter to him. He said he’s ready to work with anyone to get the city on track for a brighter future.
Since Mills easily outpolled Ward and every other Democrat in the three precincts where he was on the ballot, it’s clear to political insiders that he pulled in a lot of votes from registered Democrats. With his outsized victory, Mills instantly became the GOP’s best hope for winning back the mayor’s office as well.
The Republicans have held two council seats for the past two years, with Ken Cockayne and Mike Rimcoski provided the GOP’s firepower.
Rimcoski was the lone Republican for two years before that, taking the seat that Ron Burns held for a single term when he was the sole GOP councilor. But from 2005 until 2007, Republican William Stortz was the mayor so Rimcoski wasn’t left to face down the Democrats by himself.
From 1997, when Stretch Norton lost a reelection bid, until 2003, the Democrats held every office possible at City Hall. Norton had been the only Republican councilor from 1993 until 1997.
Not since the 1991 election, during Stortz’s first stint as mayor, has the GOP managed to grab a majority on the council, but the Republicans see hope that they might be able to do it again someday.
In addition to the prospect of Mills at the top of the ticket, the party sees at least two of its council losers, Derek Czenczelewski and Richard Scarola, as possible contenders for the job next time around.
“Derek represents the future of our party,” Barnes said of the 22-year-old who impressed even Democrats with his issues-based campaign.
The candidates elected last week will take office in a swearing-in ceremony at 7 p.m. Monday in the auditorium at Bristol Eastern High School. The public is invited. A reception will follow in the school’s cafeteria.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 19, 2009
GOP defends ESPN, blasts Wright
The city’s Republican Party took a strong stance this week against any tax hikes that would crimp ESPN’s growth in Bristol.
Taking aim at state Rep. Chris Wright, a first-term Bristol Democrat who voted for a $3.3 billion tax package that included provisions opposed by the Bristol-based sports colossus, GOP leaders said the state’s fiscal crisis can’t be solved by smacking the companies whose growth is crucial to Connecticut’s future success.
“Can you imagine what Bristol would be without ESPN?” asked TJ Barnes, the city’s Republican chairman. “We are one lucky city.”
Wright said he opposes the tax changes included in the package he voted for and is continuing to work to strip them from the final version. He said he couldn’t oppose the entire tax bill because he didn’t like a few things in it.
But Jill Fitzgerald, the Republican whom Wright defeated in the 77th District last year, said that Wright could have voted against it without any consequences.
The Democrats, she said, “have such a huge majority” in the General Assembly that “they don’t need his vote.”
Fitzgerald said that Wright should have put his district and his community first instead of showing loyalty to party leaders.
Laura Bartok, a party activist, said that Wright is one of a number of new representatives who can expect to see a tough challenge in 2010.
“It’s not going to be a cakewalk,” Bartok said.
Wright said he considers it “a badge of honor” that the GOP has targeted him.
He said that he was elected to serve his northeastern Bristol district, not the rich Republicans of Fairfield County who are pushing so hard to see the state cut critical programs instead of raising taxes.
Wright said he doesn’t want to see taxes rise either. He said he’s working hard to keep any tax hikes as minimal as possible, particularly ones that might cause ESPN to have second thoughts about continuing to expand in Bristol.
Former state House Minority Leader Edward Krawiecki, Jr said he would like to see a push to create a high-tech, communications-related cluster of new businesses in the region that could take advantage of ESPN’s presence.
Bristol could become “a hot spot for technology and high, high IT stuff,” Krawiecki said, if officials work toward that goal.
“It runs straight to the issue you want to talk about with Chris,” Krawiecki told fellow Republicans this week.
Derek Czenczelewski, a GOP City Council hopeful in the 3rd District, said that most of ESPN’s employees are in information technology and communications, not sports broadcasting in particular.
“Technology is always huge,” he said, and ought to be pursued as a way to help Bristol grow.
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
March 3, 2009
3rd District GOP still seeking candidates
Statement issued by the 3rd District's Republican committee late last night:
Although spring hasn’t arrived, Republicans in Bristol
“This fall’s race is going to be exciting in our district,” said Bob Casar, District Chairman, “like last year’s Presidential race, we’re faced with the unique situation where there is no incumbent running for office.” Because of that, Casar said, the district has “seen an upswing in the number of people like Derek who have expressed an interest in running for Council in the third district.”
“Derek came to us about a month ago to discuss his candidacy. Since then I know he’s worked hard to develop his platform and build a campaign team that he believes will help him win the party’s nomination, and, ultimately, the election in November,” Casar said.
“At one point our list had seven names on it, and through the process some have dropped out or opted to take a role in helping others. It is refreshing to see candidates vying for the nomination who we believe would be an asset to the council,” said Mickey Goldwasser, another Third District Republican. “There are many things about Derek’s platform that we support.” “That said,” said Casar, “we are still encouraging anyone interested in running to step forward during the coming weeks.”
While the party will vote on nominations in May, the District has already begun the vetting process. In the Third District all candidates will receive a questionnaire that they will need to discuss with the Vetting Committee, further, candidates will be interviewed as a group and individually by Town Committee members and will be asked to present a platform to the Committee.
“Right now feelings of cynicism and mistrust are running pretty high in our society,” said Casar. “We feel that we owe it to the voters to put forward candidates of high integrity and strong character.” By doing that, Casar said he hopes the election will “focus on the issues that matter most to our neighbors, as opposed to devolving into partisan rants and name calling.”
Goldwasser said that the things he’s looking for in a candidate include “a solid, focused, common sense platform.” Casar is looking for “some interest from non-traditional Republicans, whether as a candidate or volunteer. Diversity is what makes organizations great – we need more young people to get involved in the process to help us build bench strength for the future; we need white collar and blue collar folks working together with Veteran’s, retirees and students. We need to reflect the image of our community.”
Finally, said Goldwasser, “we need individuals that will put the voters of
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 30, 2008
City Republicans endorse chief operating officer
The Republican Town Committee voted unanimously last night to throw its support behind a proposed charter change to create a chief operating officer at City Hall.
Former GOP mayoral contender Ken Johnson, a strong backer of the plan, called the move "a bold statement."
City Councilor Ken Cockayne, a first-term Republican, said that endorsing the controversial measure sends "a strong signal" to the community that the GOP is leading the way for reform of city government.
"Let's get a professional in there who is watchdogging the spending of your money and mine," Johnson said.
Voters will get the last word when they head to polls on November 4.
Both sides of the debate are gearing up for the campaign with signs, mailings, advertisements, websites and more aimed at convincing the public to back, or thwart, the proposal.
The Charter Revision Commission, a bipartisan panel, unanimously endorsed the chief operating officer last spring as a compromise when it appeared that a full-blown city manager wouldn't pass.
But city councilors voted 5-2 to kill the idea, which would normally have been the end of the matter.
Supporters, however, went out and collected more than 3,600 signatures from voters to force the city to put the plan on the ballot.
There's going to be much, much more on this issue in the days and weeks ahead. Those of you who are involved in the effort, please forward me any fact sheets, mailers, website links and the like. I'll post them all on this blog.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Former GOP mayoral contender Ken Johnson, a strong backer of the plan, called the move "a bold statement."
City Councilor Ken Cockayne, a first-term Republican, said that endorsing the controversial measure sends "a strong signal" to the community that the GOP is leading the way for reform of city government.
"Let's get a professional in there who is watchdogging the spending of your money and mine," Johnson said.
Voters will get the last word when they head to polls on November 4.
Both sides of the debate are gearing up for the campaign with signs, mailings, advertisements, websites and more aimed at convincing the public to back, or thwart, the proposal.
The Charter Revision Commission, a bipartisan panel, unanimously endorsed the chief operating officer last spring as a compromise when it appeared that a full-blown city manager wouldn't pass.
But city councilors voted 5-2 to kill the idea, which would normally have been the end of the matter.
Supporters, however, went out and collected more than 3,600 signatures from voters to force the city to put the plan on the ballot.
There's going to be much, much more on this issue in the days and weeks ahead. Those of you who are involved in the effort, please forward me any fact sheets, mailers, website links and the like. I'll post them all on this blog.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 29, 2008
State GOP moving from Hartford to New Britain
The state Republican Party is giving up on Hartford.
The state GOP is moving its headquarters from the capital city to the Hardware City after this year's election, according to Gary Schaffrick, one of the Republican state committee members.
Schaffrick said today that the party headquarters will be relocated on November 15 to a fifth floor office at 321 Ellis St. in New Britain.
The reason for the move? Money.
Schaffrick, a long-time Bristol political activist, said the party will save about $28,000 during the course of the lease by basing its operations in New Britain instead of Hartford.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The state GOP is moving its headquarters from the capital city to the Hardware City after this year's election, according to Gary Schaffrick, one of the Republican state committee members.
Schaffrick said today that the party headquarters will be relocated on November 15 to a fifth floor office at 321 Ellis St. in New Britain.
The reason for the move? Money.
Schaffrick, a long-time Bristol political activist, said the party will save about $28,000 during the course of the lease by basing its operations in New Britain instead of Hartford.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 27, 2008
Now Visconti's big fundraiser is free!
Here's a note that Republican congressional contender Joe Visconti sent out today:
Don’t forget tonight’s the night to Paint the Town Red. Tickets and parking are free for all who support Joe’s campaign.
I f possible please make a contribution at the door.
Chris Healy our Republican State Party Chairman will be amongst several speakers. As an Emmy award winning Producer you won’t want to miss Joe’s latest work: A Music Video tribute to the American Soldier titled “America”.
Please join Joe at the Bushnell at 7:30pm tonight in his quest to retire John Larson and this "Do Nothing Congress" by Painting the Town Red, and don’t forget to wear a touch of Red. Doors open at 7 p.m. Come Rain or Come Shine.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Don’t forget tonight’s the night to Paint the Town Red. Tickets and parking are free for all who support Joe’s campaign.
I f possible please make a contribution at the door.
Chris Healy our Republican State Party Chairman will be amongst several speakers. As an Emmy award winning Producer you won’t want to miss Joe’s latest work: A Music Video tribute to the American Soldier titled “America”.
Please join Joe at the Bushnell at 7:30pm tonight in his quest to retire John Larson and this "Do Nothing Congress" by Painting the Town Red, and don’t forget to wear a touch of Red. Doors open at 7 p.m. Come Rain or Come Shine.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 25, 2008
Geladino drops out of state Senate race
Reporter Jackie Majerus wrote this story:
The economy's downward spiral has claimed another casualty: Republican Joe Geladino's state senate campaign against veteran Democratic incumbent Tom Colapietro.
"I decided to let it go," said Geladino, who then vowed to "come back and run for council and this time work at it."
Geladino said he's had to focus on his business as a builder, which frequently takes him out of town, instead of the race in the 31st district, which includes Bristol, Plymouth, Plainville and part of Harwinton.
"The economy kind of pulled Joe out of it," said Republican Town Chairman T.J. Barnes.
Barnes said Geladino was often called to New London to work.
"His job got in the way," said Barnes. "He was never in Bristol."
Geladino, who builds homes to sell them and works for a bridge building company as well, said the tough economy and the crisis in the banking and insurance industry has hurt him.
"I have everything on hold. I'm renting houses that were supposed to be sold," said Geladino, who has added the job of landlord to his duties.
Geladino said he wasn't interested in campaigning if he couldn't make it a priority.
"I don't want to do things halfway," Geladino said. "I don't want to cheat the public."
Barnes said they discussed going for state campaign cash and running a campaign as best they could without the candidate around.
"That seemed very disingenuous, so we decided against it," Barnes said.
Barnes said it's possible the party will fill the vacancy on the ticket.
"There might be someone who steps up," said Barnes, adding that he wouldn't be surprised if the slot is filled – or left open – this close to the election.
"At this point, I don't have a definite yes or no," said Barnes.
The news caught Colapietro by surprise, who said the thought of running unopposed is "unbelievable."
"I just don't know what to say," said the Bristol Democrat. "I have never not had an opponent."
If Republicans can't fill the slot, Colapietro will still campaign, he said, but it won't be the same.
"I was looking forward to talking about issues," said Colapietro.
Geladino said he didn't want to comment on Colapietro or the senate race.
"If I was going to run, I would have a lot to say," said Geladino.
Barnes said it is "always an uphill battle" to completely fill the Republican slate, and although he said he's not thinking of city council races yet, Geladino is.
"I'll be back full strength then," Geladino said. "I'm not going to give up on Bristol."
Geladino said he would be "a bigger help to the people of Bristol" as a city councilor than he would be as a state senator.
He opposed the school project at the Scalia sand pit, Geladino said, and was proven right when planning commissioners recommended against it this week.
Geladino said the city can't keep raising taxes. He said local politicians are "spending all kinds of money like a bunch of drunken sailors."
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The economy's downward spiral has claimed another casualty: Republican Joe Geladino's state senate campaign against veteran Democratic incumbent Tom Colapietro.
"I decided to let it go," said Geladino, who then vowed to "come back and run for council and this time work at it."
Geladino said he's had to focus on his business as a builder, which frequently takes him out of town, instead of the race in the 31st district, which includes Bristol, Plymouth, Plainville and part of Harwinton.
"The economy kind of pulled Joe out of it," said Republican Town Chairman T.J. Barnes.
Barnes said Geladino was often called to New London to work.
"His job got in the way," said Barnes. "He was never in Bristol."
Geladino, who builds homes to sell them and works for a bridge building company as well, said the tough economy and the crisis in the banking and insurance industry has hurt him.
"I have everything on hold. I'm renting houses that were supposed to be sold," said Geladino, who has added the job of landlord to his duties.
Geladino said he wasn't interested in campaigning if he couldn't make it a priority.
"I don't want to do things halfway," Geladino said. "I don't want to cheat the public."
Barnes said they discussed going for state campaign cash and running a campaign as best they could without the candidate around.
"That seemed very disingenuous, so we decided against it," Barnes said.
Barnes said it's possible the party will fill the vacancy on the ticket.
"There might be someone who steps up," said Barnes, adding that he wouldn't be surprised if the slot is filled – or left open – this close to the election.
"At this point, I don't have a definite yes or no," said Barnes.
The news caught Colapietro by surprise, who said the thought of running unopposed is "unbelievable."
"I just don't know what to say," said the Bristol Democrat. "I have never not had an opponent."
If Republicans can't fill the slot, Colapietro will still campaign, he said, but it won't be the same.
"I was looking forward to talking about issues," said Colapietro.
Geladino said he didn't want to comment on Colapietro or the senate race.
"If I was going to run, I would have a lot to say," said Geladino.
Barnes said it is "always an uphill battle" to completely fill the Republican slate, and although he said he's not thinking of city council races yet, Geladino is.
"I'll be back full strength then," Geladino said. "I'm not going to give up on Bristol."
Geladino said he would be "a bigger help to the people of Bristol" as a city councilor than he would be as a state senator.
He opposed the school project at the Scalia sand pit, Geladino said, and was proven right when planning commissioners recommended against it this week.
Geladino said the city can't keep raising taxes. He said local politicians are "spending all kinds of money like a bunch of drunken sailors."
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 4, 2008
Palin praised by Mocabee
From former city GOP Chairman Art Mocabee, who is at the Republican Party convention:
What is the difference between a pit bull and a hockey Mom?...Lipstick! Sarah has a great sense of humor!
Barracuda! ...is the nick name given to Sarah Palin during her college basketball days and the reasons why, were clearly herd by convention delegates Wednesday night.
Governor Palin's acceptance speech was like reading an exciting chapter in a great book. It keep getting better and better as she detailed her identity to us and the nation.
Rudy Guiliani's said it best when he said that John McCain's choice for the VP position is a new leader for the future of our country, that McCain looked forward, in stark contrast to Senator Joe Biden. Coupled with Governor Mike Huckabee's remark that Sarah Palin recieved more votes as the Mayor of Vasilla Alaska then Biden got as a democrat candidate for the Presidency. Mitt Romney pelted us with constant reminders of how liberal the democrat platform is.
Prior to the headliners mentioned above, the delegates we addressed by about 8 or 10 speakers, including the Governor of Hawaii Linda Lingle, Carly Fiorina and a host of small town COO's, Mayors and other elected officials. The message was clear, an administration lead by John McCain and Sarah Palin will have a friend in the White House that has a keen interest (and the experience) in assisting states and municipalities, family's with children who have special needs and our service men and women. Barracuda!!!
In all the night was capped off by an appearance of John McCain on stage with Sarah and her family.
This AM we were addressed by Senator Joe Lieberman. He attended our breakfast briefing and was applauded by us all. He is as convinced as ever that John McCain is the right man for the job.
A remark that keeps getting repeated throughout this convention that was made by McCain 18 months ago or so was that John McCain would rather win the security off America's homeland by supporting the surge in Iraq then win and election. "He has used his career to effect change not change to effect his career". Sums it up
We have been warned again of the threat of violent protestors at tonight's closing session. Since our first experience on Monday night, our organizers have been pretty good about getting us in and out safely.
In all I believe this convention will send us all home with renewed enthusiasm to lead to John McCain's election. We have been educated and motivated to help the voters of our communities understand the differences between the choices.
Barracuda! ...is the nick name given to Sarah Palin during her college basketball days and the reasons why, were clearly herd by convention delegates Wednesday night.
Governor Palin's acceptance speech was like reading an exciting chapter in a great book. It keep getting better and better as she detailed her identity to us and the nation.
Rudy Guiliani's said it best when he said that John McCain's choice for the VP position is a new leader for the future of our country, that McCain looked forward, in stark contrast to Senator Joe Biden. Coupled with Governor Mike Huckabee's remark that Sarah Palin recieved more votes as the Mayor of Vasilla Alaska then Biden got as a democrat candidate for the Presidency. Mitt Romney pelted us with constant reminders of how liberal the democrat platform is.
Prior to the headliners mentioned above, the delegates we addressed by about 8 or 10 speakers, including the Governor of Hawaii Linda Lingle, Carly Fiorina and a host of small town COO's, Mayors and other elected officials. The message was clear, an administration lead by John McCain and Sarah Palin will have a friend in the White House that has a keen interest (and the experience) in assisting states and municipalities, family's with children who have special needs and our service men and women. Barracuda!!!
In all the night was capped off by an appearance of John McCain on stage with Sarah and her family.
This AM we were addressed by Senator Joe Lieberman. He attended our breakfast briefing and was applauded by us all. He is as convinced as ever that John McCain is the right man for the job.
A remark that keeps getting repeated throughout this convention that was made by McCain 18 months ago or so was that John McCain would rather win the security off America's homeland by supporting the surge in Iraq then win and election. "He has used his career to effect change not change to effect his career". Sums it up
We have been warned again of the threat of violent protestors at tonight's closing session. Since our first experience on Monday night, our organizers have been pretty good about getting us in and out safely.
In all I believe this convention will send us all home with renewed enthusiasm to lead to John McCain's election. We have been educated and motivated to help the voters of our communities understand the differences between the choices.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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