Promising to combine the activism of the streets with a national focus on U.S. Rep. John Larson, Republican Joe Visconti said Thursday he’s going to beat the East Hartford politician this year.
Visconti, a former West Hartford town councilor, got clobbered by Larson two years ago in a contest that mirrored most of Larson’s 1st District races over the years.
This time will be different, Visconti said.
With voters unhappy about government at all levels, he said, “This is the year to beat him.”
Visconti promised that his campaign would bring “some real fun stuff” to the race to try to compensate for Larson’s built-in advantage in money and name recognition.
“We’re not going to let him breathe,” Visconti said. Read the full story here.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Showing posts with label Visconti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Visconti. Show all posts
May 14, 2010
May 9, 2010
Visconti is back.
The Republican field in the 1st District is growing again.
Former West Hartford town councilor Joe Visconti, who tried to defeat U.S. Rep. John Larson two years ago, is taking aim at the East Hartford Democrat again.
Visconti joins two other GOP contenders already in the race -- dairy executive Mark Zydanowicz of West Hartford and Ann Brickley, a Wethersfield businesswoman.
Considering that Larson has routinely thumped everybody the Republicans have thrown against him, including Visconti, it's at least interesting that a trio of challengers has emerged in this strange political year.
I'll try to get hold of Visconti Monday to find out more details. He's always colorful.
*******
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Former West Hartford town councilor Joe Visconti, who tried to defeat U.S. Rep. John Larson two years ago, is taking aim at the East Hartford Democrat again.
Visconti joins two other GOP contenders already in the race -- dairy executive Mark Zydanowicz of West Hartford and Ann Brickley, a Wethersfield businesswoman.
Considering that Larson has routinely thumped everybody the Republicans have thrown against him, including Visconti, it's at least interesting that a trio of challengers has emerged in this strange political year.
I'll try to get hold of Visconti Monday to find out more details. He's always colorful.
*******
Copyright 2010. 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.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Visconti eyeing another challenge to Larson
The West Hartford town councilor who took on U.S. Rep. John Larson last fall is looking at a possible rematch.
Republican Joe Visconti said he "probably will" run against the Democratic incumbent in 2010, but would like to have more cash in his campaign treasury the next time around.
Larson, an East Hartford Democrat whose 1st District includes Bristol, raised $1.6 million during the last campaign compared to $14,000 for Visconti.
Visconti said the national GOP never took his campaign or ideas seriously.
"I might as well have leprosy nationally," Visconti said, particularly for pushing immigration reform.
But, he said, the atmosphere is changing.
A lot of people "are fed up"with the special interests that control so much in Washington, D.C. and the incumbents there who are so entrenched.
Visconti said he would like the Republicans to target the Top 10 Democrats the next time around, pouring cash into efforts to oust men like U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd and Larson are leaders of the party in power.
"Attack the head," Visconti said.
With an effort like that, Visconti said, it might be possible to attract money from Red State Republicans who are eager to see the country take a different direction.
Visconti said he is "excited about" trying again to beat Larson, who easily won in 2008, but needs a bigger campaign warchest next time.
"It's about the money. It's always about the money," Visconti said.
State Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy said the party wants to take on Larson seriously.
"We are looking to recruit a candidate that can be credible and raise money to actually run a race." Healy said.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Republican Joe Visconti said he "probably will" run against the Democratic incumbent in 2010, but would like to have more cash in his campaign treasury the next time around.
Larson, an East Hartford Democrat whose 1st District includes Bristol, raised $1.6 million during the last campaign compared to $14,000 for Visconti.
Visconti said the national GOP never took his campaign or ideas seriously.
"I might as well have leprosy nationally," Visconti said, particularly for pushing immigration reform.
But, he said, the atmosphere is changing.
A lot of people "are fed up"with the special interests that control so much in Washington, D.C. and the incumbents there who are so entrenched.
Visconti said he would like the Republicans to target the Top 10 Democrats the next time around, pouring cash into efforts to oust men like U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd and Larson are leaders of the party in power.
"Attack the head," Visconti said.
With an effort like that, Visconti said, it might be possible to attract money from Red State Republicans who are eager to see the country take a different direction.
Visconti said he is "excited about" trying again to beat Larson, who easily won in 2008, but needs a bigger campaign warchest next time.
"It's about the money. It's always about the money," Visconti said.
State Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy said the party wants to take on Larson seriously.
"We are looking to recruit a candidate that can be credible and raise money to actually run a race." Healy said.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 1, 2008
GOP lashes The Hartford for political email backing Democratic congressman
Press release today from Republican congressional hopeful Joe Visconti:
"The Hartford" CEO Leans on Employees to Support Larson Stockholder Reaction Sharp and Critical
The President and Chief Operating Officer of The Hartford insurance company's life division, is recommending that employees of the insurance firm support Democratic incumbent 1st Congressman representative John Larson, according to recently obtained internal documents.
However, an email from John Walters, president and chief operating officer of Hartford Life, Inc., praising Larson for supporting the Wall Street 'Bailout,' and urging employees to thank Larson in writing on his website, has drawn a sharp retort publicly and privately from shareholders and employees. Questions also have been raised as to whether Walters coerced employees of The Hartford to donate money to Larson's campaign.
The Hartford Financial Services has donated more than $15,000 to Larson's re-election campaign according to recent financial disclosures while individual employees at The Hartford have donated more than $12,000. The top insurance industry donor to Larson's campaign was AIG which has donated nearly $20,000
In an email to employees, COO John Walters said, "Connecticut First District Congressman John Larson was among the House members who stood tall last week by voting in favor of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.
Congressman Larson backed this legislation from the very beginning. His support never wavered, even after it failed to gain approval the first time it came up for a vote in the House.
I have already thanked Congressman Larson and as a 1st District resident I thought you might like to do the same. If you believe, as I do, that passage of this legislation was absolutely necessary to stabilize the financial markets, please take the time to thank
Congressman Larson. "
Executives at The Hartford privately have criticized Walters' email and say many employees consider it an infringement on their political beliefs.
Republican nominee Joseph Visconti, who is opposing Larson, has privately been approached by executive level employees of The Hartford who have told him they are supporting his candidacy.
In addition, Arthur Mocabee, a shareholder at The Hartford, and Visconti supporter, responded to Walters in a critical letter that stated in part, "While the Hartford Insurance Company lies in shambles due in part to a poorly managed national credit crisis caused largely by the Democrats in Congress, especially the lack of leadership by John Larson, it is extremely improper to use corporate email to solicit political persuasion for anyone, let alone John Larson.
"You as President and COO have probably violated your own corporate email policy.
The 1st District is in the middle of a severe economic crisis that threatens jobs at The Hartford as well as many other major employers in the district. … To single out a single politician smacks of favoritism and insensitivity to others who may feel differently, but have no choice in receiving your solicitation. …
"You have used The Hartford as a 'Big Brother' in suggesting that employees should "thank" John Larson."
Mocabee also noted that individual employees at The Hartford "Contributed financially to Mr. Larson. Your actions raise the question if they did so under your request or of their own free will."
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 23, 2008
Visconti takes aim at Larson in Thursday debate
WEST HARTFORD – Republican congressional contender Joe Visconti came out swinging in a one-hour debate Thursday with the 1st District’s long-time incumbent, Democrat John Larson.
Visconti, a West Hartford town councilor, said the $700 billion Wall Street bailout bill that Larson backed recently “a major mistake” that undermines the Constitution with its heavy government intrusion into the private sector.
“It’s what had to be done,” Larson responded, in order to ensure that companies large and small could access the credit they need to function.
At the debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford at West Hartford’s town hall, the two men took aim at each other on issues ranging from the war to bridge repairs.
They both agreed, however, that Green Party challenger Stephen Fournier of Hartford should have been included in the televised showdown.
“He deserves a voice,” said Larson, who hails from East Hartford and whose district includes Bristol.
Visconti said the nation is “on the eve” of an economic collapse that “may be even worse” than the Great Depression that tossed a quarter of the country’s workers onto the unemployment rolls.
The solution, he said, is to pare back on government and return more money to taxpayers so they can afford health care, investments and more.
“The federal government needs to get off our backs,” Visconti said.
Larson said the country has “to put people back to work,” in part with a Apollo-style program to create alternative energy sources that would end the nation’s dependency on oil from the Middle East.
“It’s not ‘drill, baby, drill,’” Larson said. “It’s jobs, baby, jobs.”
“We need a bailout for the taxpayers,” Visconti said.
Larson said the middle class is getting squeezed and deserves a break to help compensate for shrinking income and rising costs.
While Larson called for “ a strategic redeployment” of troops from Iraq to Afghanistan and a new focus on diplomacy, Visconti said that Americans need to keep in mind that “we are in a holy war with extreme Islam.”
Visconti said that Islamic extremists are focused on destroying Israel and targeting America.
Larson said that the United States needs to go in “a new direction for the sake of our troops and for the sake of our nation.”
Not every issue carried global ramifications.
Both candidates, for example, said that AT&T’s television service should be required to provide channels for public access.
Visconti said the company wants “to relegate public access to the recycle bin” by putting all of Connecticut’s public access stations on a single channel with a pull-down menu required to pick one.
The election is Nov. 4.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 21, 2008
Congressional candidate debate on Thursday
The League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford and WHC-TV of West Hartfordare hosting a one-hour debate at 7 p.m. Thursday between 1st District congressional contender John Larson and Joe Visconti. Larson is the incumbent Democrat while Visconti is the GOP's challenger.
The debate, which is open to the public, is slated to take place in the legislative chamber at West Hartford's town hall, 50 South Main St. in West Hartford.
League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford wrote the questions that will be asked. The League, which hasn't had a Bristol chapter for about 15 years, has a nonpartisan policy and neither supports nor opposes candidates.
Green Party candidate Stephen Fournier isn't happy about his exclusion, according to this post on his blog.
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 9, 2008
Visconti proposes tax reform
A press release from Republican congressional candidate Joe Visconti:
Visconti Proposes IRS Energy, Education and Credit Card Deductions
Homeowners and renters will receive a tax write off for their heating, cooling and electric bills on their homes and apartments under a tax reform proposed by Republican Congressional Candidate Joseph Visconti.
The proposal is one of a series of IRS reforms Visconti is advocating.
Taxpayers at or below the 25% tax bracket - up to $78,000 filing single or up to $131,000 for married couples filing jointly - will receive a tax write off for 100%. Those at the 28% bracket will receive a 25% write off.
Visconti, who has made revision of the IRS tax code a priority if elected to represent the 1st Congressional District, said homeowners and renters should be able to deduct the money they spend for heating and cooling as well as other power costs since these are basic human needs.
Visconti said, "This proposal works in two ways. First it gives the homeowners and renters a deduction on their Federal income tax. Second it forces the government to get serious about developing alternative power sources, promoting safe and clean nuclear energy, fostering coal to clean gas, shale oil, investing in hydrogen development, and encouraging conservation, as well as regulating the energy industry appropriately."
"Congress is hitting the taxpayers on multiple fronts, through irresponsibility on Wall Street oversight as it makes billions of taxpayers' dollars available to financial firms, the corrupt and incompetent heads of quasi-public mortgage firms, and outgoing CEOs under questionable claims of an 'emergency bailout.'"
"It’s time for Americans to say the Buck Stays Home," Visconti said.
Visconti also is proposing federal tax deductions for college loans taken out by either parents or students; but only if the students earn their degrees. "With the cost of college spiraling out of control it is time to get serious about promoting college affordability," Visconti said.
Visconti also is proposing federal tax deductions on credit card interest of up to $2,500 per year to ease the burden on taxpayers who have been forced to live partially off their credit cards. "The credit card industry must also be overhauled. Interest rates are over 25 percent in some cases," he noted, calling such rates "criminal."
"When our energy costs, college loan interest, and credit card interest are federal tax deductions, we keep more of our own money and decide where it will be spent rather than giving it to Congress. These tax deductions if approved will keep our money at home and will help restore consumer confidence," Visconti said.
Visconti is facing incumbent Democrat John Larson, who has held the seat for a decade.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Visconti Proposes IRS Energy, Education and Credit Card Deductions
Homeowners and renters will receive a tax write off for their heating, cooling and electric bills on their homes and apartments under a tax reform proposed by Republican Congressional Candidate Joseph Visconti.
The proposal is one of a series of IRS reforms Visconti is advocating.
Taxpayers at or below the 25% tax bracket - up to $78,000 filing single or up to $131,000 for married couples filing jointly - will receive a tax write off for 100%. Those at the 28% bracket will receive a 25% write off.
Visconti, who has made revision of the IRS tax code a priority if elected to represent the 1st Congressional District, said homeowners and renters should be able to deduct the money they spend for heating and cooling as well as other power costs since these are basic human needs.
Visconti said, "This proposal works in two ways. First it gives the homeowners and renters a deduction on their Federal income tax. Second it forces the government to get serious about developing alternative power sources, promoting safe and clean nuclear energy, fostering coal to clean gas, shale oil, investing in hydrogen development, and encouraging conservation, as well as regulating the energy industry appropriately."
"Congress is hitting the taxpayers on multiple fronts, through irresponsibility on Wall Street oversight as it makes billions of taxpayers' dollars available to financial firms, the corrupt and incompetent heads of quasi-public mortgage firms, and outgoing CEOs under questionable claims of an 'emergency bailout.'"
"It’s time for Americans to say the Buck Stays Home," Visconti said.
Visconti also is proposing federal tax deductions for college loans taken out by either parents or students; but only if the students earn their degrees. "With the cost of college spiraling out of control it is time to get serious about promoting college affordability," Visconti said.
Visconti also is proposing federal tax deductions on credit card interest of up to $2,500 per year to ease the burden on taxpayers who have been forced to live partially off their credit cards. "The credit card industry must also be overhauled. Interest rates are over 25 percent in some cases," he noted, calling such rates "criminal."
"When our energy costs, college loan interest, and credit card interest are federal tax deductions, we keep more of our own money and decide where it will be spent rather than giving it to Congress. These tax deductions if approved will keep our money at home and will help restore consumer confidence," Visconti said.
Visconti is facing incumbent Democrat John Larson, who has held the seat for a decade.
*******
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
Visconti fundraiser falling short?
A couple of weeks ago, Republican congressional hopeful Joe Visconti informed supporters that he planned "a pivotal fundraiser event" for Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Bushnell's Belding Theater in Hartford called "Paint the Town Red."
He aimed to sell 900 tickets for $100 each for a night of politics, live music and special guests. With a little luck, perhaps Visconti himself will perform.
He better do a good job, too, because he touts the event as the sole fundraiser for his long-shot bid to unseat U.S. Rep. John Larson, an East Hartford Democrat.
What's interesting is that Visconti has lowered the bar this week, no longer saying that tickets are $100 apiece. Instead, he's urging people to come and "give whatever you can."
"Remember it is not important what you give, it is important that you are there! Don't forget to wear red (even just a touch) to show your Republican spirit!" one recent email says.
Want to go? Here is the link.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
He aimed to sell 900 tickets for $100 each for a night of politics, live music and special guests. With a little luck, perhaps Visconti himself will perform.
He better do a good job, too, because he touts the event as the sole fundraiser for his long-shot bid to unseat U.S. Rep. John Larson, an East Hartford Democrat.
What's interesting is that Visconti has lowered the bar this week, no longer saying that tickets are $100 apiece. Instead, he's urging people to come and "give whatever you can."
"Remember it is not important what you give, it is important that you are there! Don't forget to wear red (even just a touch) to show your Republican spirit!" one recent email says.
Want to go? Here is the link.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 20, 2008
Visconti wants federal probe of New Haven and Hartford
Republican congressional contender Joe Visconti just sent this along:
Visconti Calls for RICO Investigation of Sanctuary Cities
Connecticut's 1st Congressional District Republican candidate Joseph Visconti Saturday called on the US Attorney's office to launch an investigation into Hartford and New Haven's Sanctuary City designations under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
Speaking on the steps of the New Haven City Hall where Mayor John DeStefano fired 35 city employees Friday in a cost-cutting move, Visconti said, "Mayor DeStefano is refusing to protect the health, safety and welfare of this city's legal residents."
"I have spoken to the US Attorneys office for New Haven and Hartford … and will ask them to begin an investigation under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. We believe an inquiry under this statute will result in indictments against the mayor of New Haven as well as many other groups and individuals."
Visconti said the devastating impacts of illegal immigration on American society are self-evident in New Haven. "Today, the equivalent of a platoon of New Haven city workers is enduring its first day of unemployment. These people lost their jobs, and now face an uncertain future because the mayor of this city decided it was more important to provide sanctuary for people who are here illegally, than to live up to his oath of office."
"The city of New Haven is tens of millions of dollars in debt due to the strain that illegal immigrants have placed on city services. Legal workers are losing their jobs, and the social services budget can not possibly keep up with the influx of new claims resulting from the Sanctuary City designation.
"And Hartford is next! This is criminal."
Visconti revealed that he has had preliminary discussions with representatives of the US Attorney's office and believes a RICO investigation is the preferred avenue to address the nation's illegal immigration problems.
"The mayor of New Haven has clearly been breaking federal immigration laws and celebrates his accomplishments today. He has conspired with like-minded individuals, groups and not for-profit agencies. He is deliberately and intentionally inviting foreign criminals into our country and into his city."
Visconti was one of several speakers who attended a Community Watchdog Project rally on the steps of New Haven City Hall. The group has been fighting the Sanctuary City designation for New Haven. The group estimates that New Haven has spent more than $71-million in taxpayer money on education and social services for the estimated 15,000 illegal aliens living there since DeStefano signed the Sanctuary City designation in December 2006.
Addressing the claim that the bulk of the illegals are workers doing jobs that Americans won't do themselves, Visconti said, "As a General Contractor I see it every day – skilled construction workers seeking jobs while illegal construction crews are brought in to perform carpentry, framing, roofing, drywall, painting and many other jobs."
"These are not jobs Americans don’t want. These are jobs my crews want; the kind of jobs I want."
Visconti said illegal immigration has become a critical issue in America because the Congress refuses to address it honestly. This situation is a direct result of "the inaction and failures of elected officials like Congressman John Larson and Rosa De Lauro, as well as Senator Chris Dodd."
"This City Slicker Mayor took it upon himself to break federal law for political purposes, because he knew full well his Congressmen and Senator would allow it and, we must assume, have condoned it. Our Senators and Congressmen talk endlessly, but accomplish nothing. It is up to us as citizens of the United States to use our own laws to our advantage."
"These federal office holders represent the Democratic leadership of the United States House of Representatives and Senate, and the example they set is one of lawlessness and anarchy. We will demand federal indictments under the RICO Statutes against those who are waging war against the United States from within the United States. We will do what our elected representatives have refused to do – act responsibly and defend our way of life."
Visconti http://www.viscontiforcongress.org/ is challenging incumbent Democrat John Larson for the 1st Congressional District seat. Larson is the number-five ranking Democrat in the US House of Representatives. His websites do not list Immigration Reform as one of his priorities.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Visconti Calls for RICO Investigation of Sanctuary Cities
Connecticut's 1st Congressional District Republican candidate Joseph Visconti Saturday called on the US Attorney's office to launch an investigation into Hartford and New Haven's Sanctuary City designations under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
Speaking on the steps of the New Haven City Hall where Mayor John DeStefano fired 35 city employees Friday in a cost-cutting move, Visconti said, "Mayor DeStefano is refusing to protect the health, safety and welfare of this city's legal residents."
"I have spoken to the US Attorneys office for New Haven and Hartford … and will ask them to begin an investigation under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. We believe an inquiry under this statute will result in indictments against the mayor of New Haven as well as many other groups and individuals."
Visconti said the devastating impacts of illegal immigration on American society are self-evident in New Haven. "Today, the equivalent of a platoon of New Haven city workers is enduring its first day of unemployment. These people lost their jobs, and now face an uncertain future because the mayor of this city decided it was more important to provide sanctuary for people who are here illegally, than to live up to his oath of office."
"The city of New Haven is tens of millions of dollars in debt due to the strain that illegal immigrants have placed on city services. Legal workers are losing their jobs, and the social services budget can not possibly keep up with the influx of new claims resulting from the Sanctuary City designation.
"And Hartford is next! This is criminal."
Visconti revealed that he has had preliminary discussions with representatives of the US Attorney's office and believes a RICO investigation is the preferred avenue to address the nation's illegal immigration problems.
"The mayor of New Haven has clearly been breaking federal immigration laws and celebrates his accomplishments today. He has conspired with like-minded individuals, groups and not for-profit agencies. He is deliberately and intentionally inviting foreign criminals into our country and into his city."
Visconti was one of several speakers who attended a Community Watchdog Project rally on the steps of New Haven City Hall. The group has been fighting the Sanctuary City designation for New Haven. The group estimates that New Haven has spent more than $71-million in taxpayer money on education and social services for the estimated 15,000 illegal aliens living there since DeStefano signed the Sanctuary City designation in December 2006.
Addressing the claim that the bulk of the illegals are workers doing jobs that Americans won't do themselves, Visconti said, "As a General Contractor I see it every day – skilled construction workers seeking jobs while illegal construction crews are brought in to perform carpentry, framing, roofing, drywall, painting and many other jobs."
"These are not jobs Americans don’t want. These are jobs my crews want; the kind of jobs I want."
Visconti said illegal immigration has become a critical issue in America because the Congress refuses to address it honestly. This situation is a direct result of "the inaction and failures of elected officials like Congressman John Larson and Rosa De Lauro, as well as Senator Chris Dodd."
"This City Slicker Mayor took it upon himself to break federal law for political purposes, because he knew full well his Congressmen and Senator would allow it and, we must assume, have condoned it. Our Senators and Congressmen talk endlessly, but accomplish nothing. It is up to us as citizens of the United States to use our own laws to our advantage."
"These federal office holders represent the Democratic leadership of the United States House of Representatives and Senate, and the example they set is one of lawlessness and anarchy. We will demand federal indictments under the RICO Statutes against those who are waging war against the United States from within the United States. We will do what our elected representatives have refused to do – act responsibly and defend our way of life."
Visconti http://www.viscontiforcongress.org/ is challenging incumbent Democrat John Larson for the 1st Congressional District seat. Larson is the number-five ranking Democrat in the US House of Representatives. His websites do not list Immigration Reform as one of his priorities.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 16, 2008
Larson, Visconti point fingers on Wall Street woes
The turmoil that has sent shivers through Wall Street – and spread across the world – “is the direct result of eight years of lax Republican oversight and irresponsibility,” Bristol’s congressman said.
U.S. Rep. John Larson, an East Hartford Democrat whose 1st District includes Bristol, said the woes that have shattered legendary financial institutions “will trickle down throughout our economy. They will trickle down to the middle class as they see their retirement funds shrinking and they will trickle down to the poorest Americans as they see their job opportunities dry up.”
But Joe Visconti, the Republican challenger from West Hartford, said Tuesday that Larson needs “to stop the finger-pointing and blame game regarding the current crisis on Wall Street, and work instead for a bi-partisan financial reconstruction that will protect American finances.”
“Blaming the GOP is merely a desperate diversion and more than hypocritical,” Visconti said. “It is a perfect example of the ignorance, laziness, dysfunction and blatant dishonesty that has been the hallmark of Congress.”
Visconti said that “if there is a culprit in this debacle it is Connecticut's Democratic delegation” and U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, the state’s senior senator, “who had been MII (Missing in Iowa) as this crisis was coming to a head."
Larson, who has represented the district since 1998, said that the Republicans bear the responsibility because they have “turned a blind eye to improprieties on Wall Street and in big business” since President George W. Bush took office.
“We saw the beginnings of that policy failure in the downfalls of Enron and WorldCom,” Larson said.
“ Now, Republicans have handicapped our oversight functions and left our economy in shambles. The rescues of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Bear Stearns underscore a policy where executives get bailed out and the people get the bill,” Larson said. “From energy speculators who were allowed to run rampant in our oil and gas markets, to Interior Department officials maintaining cozy relationships with big oil, and now major banks failing under the weight of their own over extended investments, this administration has led our country down a dangerous path,” Larson said.
Visconti said that it was President Bill Clinton’s 1999 decision to sign the Financial Services Modernization Act that demolished the structures established by 1933’s Glass-Steagall Act that removed the firewalls between banks, security firms and insurance companies.
Because of that decision, he said, "the entire financial regulatory system malfunctioned and collapse was inevitable."
Visconti, who serves on the West Hartford town council, said that”if Larson was honest about his lackluster decade of non-performance, he would be questioning, as we are, just what he was going, and what Dodd, the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee,
was doing as financial experts warned that unregulated loans to people who could not afford to repay them would have dire consequences."
Visconti said that Larson, Dodd and other Democratic congressional leaders “need to stop taking lobbyist money, look at the financial wreckage which has occurred under their leadership and listen to the average American, the markets, the regulators and the Fed."
The Republican challenger also called on Larson to stop playing the “he did it game” and begin to “earn their government paychecks by joining in a bipartisan effort to reform, redesign and rebuild our financial system to protect investors while allowing financial networks to face the challenges of the expanding global economy."
Larson said that Democrats need to take control of the White House so there can be effective oversight of the markets and restoration of the economy’s integrity.
“The CEOs and executives behind the current turmoil must be held accountable for their actions,” he said, adding that “the American people can’t foot the bill for anymore golden parachutes.”
“We will continue to fight for corporate responsibility. We will continue to demand change,” Larson said.
The election is Nov. 4.
Here is the entire statement that Visconti sent me today after I asked him for one yesterday:
Visconti Seeks Bi-Partisan Financial Reconstruction
Congressional Candidate Joe Visconti called on incumbent John Larson today to stop the finger-pointing and blame game regarding the current crisis on Wall Street, and work instead for a bi-partisan financial reconstruction that will protect American finances.
Visconti said that in 1999 when the Clinton Administration signed the Financial Services Modernization Act which demolished the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 and removed the firewalls between banks, security firms and insurers, "the entire financial regulatory system malfunctioned and collapse was inevitable."
"Larson’s press release blaming the GOP is merely a desperate diversion and more than hypocritical; it is a perfect example of the ignorance, laziness, dysfunction and blatant dishonesty that has been the hallmark of Congress," Visconti said. "In fact, if there is a culprit in this debacle it is Connecticut's Democratic delegation including Sen. Chris Dodd who had been MII (Missing in Iowa) as this crisis was coming to a head."
"If Larson was honest about his lackluster decade of non-performance he would be questioning, as we are, just what he was doing, and what Dodd, the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, was doing as financial experts warned that unregulated loans to people who could not afford to repay them would have dire consequences."
"The financial complexities in today’s markets which are amplified by a Global economy are far beyond what many financial analysts can comprehend," Visconti noted. "We discover too late that the experts provided many conflicting opinions from credit rating agencies to Bond, Pension and Money managers. How about your local neighborhood financial planners? Where do they obtain their data and how sound is their advice in times like these," Visconti asked?
The Hedge Fund Collapse which has already begun is another major factor ready to bring down collateral industries. The Hedge Fund managers skirted most of the regulatory processes and have been allowed to be the 12th man on the field. Wall Street may soon experience more penalties and losses as reality pays them a visit. "Hopefully, the demise of some of these institutions can be isolated to limit their affect on the Commodities Markets which could send an economic tsunami down on many American consumers," Visconti said.
"Larson, Dodd, Pelosi and Reid as leaders of the Democratic Majority in both Congress and the Senate need to stop taking Lobbyist money, look at the financial wreckage which has occurred under their leadership and listen to the average American, the markets, the regulators and the Fed."
Visconti challenged the incumbent that, "Rather than play the 'he did it game,' Larson and Dodd could earn their government paychecks by joining in a bi-partisan effort to reform, redesign and rebuild our financial system to protect investors while allowing financial networks to face the challenges of the expanding global economy."
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
U.S. Rep. John Larson, an East Hartford Democrat whose 1st District includes Bristol, said the woes that have shattered legendary financial institutions “will trickle down throughout our economy. They will trickle down to the middle class as they see their retirement funds shrinking and they will trickle down to the poorest Americans as they see their job opportunities dry up.”
But Joe Visconti, the Republican challenger from West Hartford, said Tuesday that Larson needs “to stop the finger-pointing and blame game regarding the current crisis on Wall Street, and work instead for a bi-partisan financial reconstruction that will protect American finances.”
“Blaming the GOP is merely a desperate diversion and more than hypocritical,” Visconti said. “It is a perfect example of the ignorance, laziness, dysfunction and blatant dishonesty that has been the hallmark of Congress.”
Visconti said that “if there is a culprit in this debacle it is Connecticut's Democratic delegation” and U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, the state’s senior senator, “who had been MII (Missing in Iowa) as this crisis was coming to a head."
Larson, who has represented the district since 1998, said that the Republicans bear the responsibility because they have “turned a blind eye to improprieties on Wall Street and in big business” since President George W. Bush took office.
“We saw the beginnings of that policy failure in the downfalls of Enron and WorldCom,” Larson said.
“ Now, Republicans have handicapped our oversight functions and left our economy in shambles. The rescues of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Bear Stearns underscore a policy where executives get bailed out and the people get the bill,” Larson said. “From energy speculators who were allowed to run rampant in our oil and gas markets, to Interior Department officials maintaining cozy relationships with big oil, and now major banks failing under the weight of their own over extended investments, this administration has led our country down a dangerous path,” Larson said.
Visconti said that it was President Bill Clinton’s 1999 decision to sign the Financial Services Modernization Act that demolished the structures established by 1933’s Glass-Steagall Act that removed the firewalls between banks, security firms and insurance companies.
Because of that decision, he said, "the entire financial regulatory system malfunctioned and collapse was inevitable."
Visconti, who serves on the West Hartford town council, said that”if Larson was honest about his lackluster decade of non-performance, he would be questioning, as we are, just what he was going, and what Dodd, the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee,
was doing as financial experts warned that unregulated loans to people who could not afford to repay them would have dire consequences."
Visconti said that Larson, Dodd and other Democratic congressional leaders “need to stop taking lobbyist money, look at the financial wreckage which has occurred under their leadership and listen to the average American, the markets, the regulators and the Fed."
The Republican challenger also called on Larson to stop playing the “he did it game” and begin to “earn their government paychecks by joining in a bipartisan effort to reform, redesign and rebuild our financial system to protect investors while allowing financial networks to face the challenges of the expanding global economy."
Larson said that Democrats need to take control of the White House so there can be effective oversight of the markets and restoration of the economy’s integrity.
“The CEOs and executives behind the current turmoil must be held accountable for their actions,” he said, adding that “the American people can’t foot the bill for anymore golden parachutes.”
“We will continue to fight for corporate responsibility. We will continue to demand change,” Larson said.
The election is Nov. 4.
Here is the entire statement that Visconti sent me today after I asked him for one yesterday:
Visconti Seeks Bi-Partisan Financial Reconstruction
Congressional Candidate Joe Visconti called on incumbent John Larson today to stop the finger-pointing and blame game regarding the current crisis on Wall Street, and work instead for a bi-partisan financial reconstruction that will protect American finances.
Visconti said that in 1999 when the Clinton Administration signed the Financial Services Modernization Act which demolished the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 and removed the firewalls between banks, security firms and insurers, "the entire financial regulatory system malfunctioned and collapse was inevitable."
"Larson’s press release blaming the GOP is merely a desperate diversion and more than hypocritical; it is a perfect example of the ignorance, laziness, dysfunction and blatant dishonesty that has been the hallmark of Congress," Visconti said. "In fact, if there is a culprit in this debacle it is Connecticut's Democratic delegation including Sen. Chris Dodd who had been MII (Missing in Iowa) as this crisis was coming to a head."
"If Larson was honest about his lackluster decade of non-performance he would be questioning, as we are, just what he was doing, and what Dodd, the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, was doing as financial experts warned that unregulated loans to people who could not afford to repay them would have dire consequences."
"The financial complexities in today’s markets which are amplified by a Global economy are far beyond what many financial analysts can comprehend," Visconti noted. "We discover too late that the experts provided many conflicting opinions from credit rating agencies to Bond, Pension and Money managers. How about your local neighborhood financial planners? Where do they obtain their data and how sound is their advice in times like these," Visconti asked?
The Hedge Fund Collapse which has already begun is another major factor ready to bring down collateral industries. The Hedge Fund managers skirted most of the regulatory processes and have been allowed to be the 12th man on the field. Wall Street may soon experience more penalties and losses as reality pays them a visit. "Hopefully, the demise of some of these institutions can be isolated to limit their affect on the Commodities Markets which could send an economic tsunami down on many American consumers," Visconti said.
"Larson, Dodd, Pelosi and Reid as leaders of the Democratic Majority in both Congress and the Senate need to stop taking Lobbyist money, look at the financial wreckage which has occurred under their leadership and listen to the average American, the markets, the regulators and the Fed."
Visconti challenged the incumbent that, "Rather than play the 'he did it game,' Larson and Dodd could earn their government paychecks by joining in a bi-partisan effort to reform, redesign and rebuild our financial system to protect investors while allowing financial networks to face the challenges of the expanding global economy."
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 17, 2008
Visconti says to tap nation's emergency supply
Press release from Republican congressional hopeful Joe Visconti:
Joseph Visconti, Republican candidate for Connecticut's First Congressional District Thursday proposed utilizing some of the country's Strategic Petroleum Reserve to provide Americans with emergency heating fuel this winter.
Visconti's proposal differs significantly from calls by his Democratic opponent to open up the Strategic Reserve to the marketplace to increase gasoline supplies in an effort to reduce gas prices.
The Democrats' suggestion, Visconti said, would "simply provide more profits for the international oil cartel by placing the oil on the open market, and does nothing to address the enormous tax burden the state and federal governments have placed on gasoline."
"The Strategic Reserve contains American oil, already bought and paid for by the American people." Visconti said. "It was created to provide petroleum for our military in the event of a national emergency, and temporary relief from economic and natural disasters."
"Americans freezing in their homes this winter would certainly be a disaster, brought on by economic conditions that are directly traceable to inaction by Congress. But that is our oil and it should be made available to the states, so it could go directly to Americans who would use it to heat their homes."
American Oil on American Soil
Visconti cautioned, however, that using the strategic reserves would be a viable solution only when coupled with a decision by Congress to lift its restrictions on drilling offshore, for shale oil in the Rocky Mountains, and in a barren and desolate tract of the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve.
"We need to drill our way out of this for the near future as we combine clean and safe drilling with clean and safe nuclear, and a concerted effort to replace fossil fuels with alternative energy sources.”
"The Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the oil in ANWR, off the U.S. coast and in the Rockies is American Oil on American Soil," Visconti said. "'We the People' still defines our form of government. In America the people are the government and this oil is ours!"
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve was created in the mid-1970s in response to the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973, to provide oil for the military and vital industries if all other sources were closed. When full, the reserve contains one billion barrels of petroleum, roughly a 50-day supply for all users.
Visconti said that releasing the oil directly to the states for emergency heating oil supplies would "keep American oil in America where it would directly benefit Americans.
This is the emergency
"This is the emergency we planned for when American taxpayers bought that oil," Visconti said. "Why should it go on the market, where international speculators can manipulate the price for their profits?"
Visconti further proposed a massive expansion of the Strategic Reserve with supplies to come from all oil production in areas controlled by government leases. “Each lease approved by the government should have a provision to deposit a portion of all oil pumped from those areas into the Strategic Reserve until America has made the transition to alternative non-fossil fuels.
"In essence the Strategic Reserve would kept full by those sources of oil, and if expanded would give America a real buffer against natural or man-made disasters."
Visconti's opponent, incumbent John Larson, has been a staunch opponent of any new drilling, either offshore, in shale or in ANWR.
Larson, the vice chairman of the Democratic caucus, Wednesday led 14 Democrats from New England calling for an additional $10 billion in oil-related taxes; a $9 billion increase to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, more than tripling last year's budget, as well as another $1 billion for weatherization assistance. Larson said he didn't know where the money would come from, but Visconti noted, “If John Larson doesn’t know where the money would come from for his own plan, he is delusional at best, if he thinks it will be in any form other than tax and fee increases.
"Americans already are paying far more than they should in taxes, fees, interest, add-ons and hidden costs," Visconti said. "We don't need more taxes and more bureaucracy. We need action that will directly benefit those who need it most, without charging them or any other Americans for oil that already belongs to us."
Visconti's proposal differs significantly from calls by his Democratic opponent to open up the Strategic Reserve to the marketplace to increase gasoline supplies in an effort to reduce gas prices.
The Democrats' suggestion, Visconti said, would "simply provide more profits for the international oil cartel by placing the oil on the open market, and does nothing to address the enormous tax burden the state and federal governments have placed on gasoline."
"The Strategic Reserve contains American oil, already bought and paid for by the American people." Visconti said. "It was created to provide petroleum for our military in the event of a national emergency, and temporary relief from economic and natural disasters."
"Americans freezing in their homes this winter would certainly be a disaster, brought on by economic conditions that are directly traceable to inaction by Congress. But that is our oil and it should be made available to the states, so it could go directly to Americans who would use it to heat their homes."
American Oil on American Soil
Visconti cautioned, however, that using the strategic reserves would be a viable solution only when coupled with a decision by Congress to lift its restrictions on drilling offshore, for shale oil in the Rocky Mountains, and in a barren and desolate tract of the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve.
"We need to drill our way out of this for the near future as we combine clean and safe drilling with clean and safe nuclear, and a concerted effort to replace fossil fuels with alternative energy sources.”
"The Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the oil in ANWR, off the U.S. coast and in the Rockies is American Oil on American Soil," Visconti said. "'We the People' still defines our form of government. In America the people are the government and this oil is ours!"
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve was created in the mid-1970s in response to the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973, to provide oil for the military and vital industries if all other sources were closed. When full, the reserve contains one billion barrels of petroleum, roughly a 50-day supply for all users.
Visconti said that releasing the oil directly to the states for emergency heating oil supplies would "keep American oil in America where it would directly benefit Americans.
This is the emergency
"This is the emergency we planned for when American taxpayers bought that oil," Visconti said. "Why should it go on the market, where international speculators can manipulate the price for their profits?"
Visconti further proposed a massive expansion of the Strategic Reserve with supplies to come from all oil production in areas controlled by government leases. “Each lease approved by the government should have a provision to deposit a portion of all oil pumped from those areas into the Strategic Reserve until America has made the transition to alternative non-fossil fuels.
"In essence the Strategic Reserve would kept full by those sources of oil, and if expanded would give America a real buffer against natural or man-made disasters."
Visconti's opponent, incumbent John Larson, has been a staunch opponent of any new drilling, either offshore, in shale or in ANWR.
Larson, the vice chairman of the Democratic caucus, Wednesday led 14 Democrats from New England calling for an additional $10 billion in oil-related taxes; a $9 billion increase to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, more than tripling last year's budget, as well as another $1 billion for weatherization assistance. Larson said he didn't know where the money would come from, but Visconti noted, “If John Larson doesn’t know where the money would come from for his own plan, he is delusional at best, if he thinks it will be in any form other than tax and fee increases.
"Americans already are paying far more than they should in taxes, fees, interest, add-ons and hidden costs," Visconti said. "We don't need more taxes and more bureaucracy. We need action that will directly benefit those who need it most, without charging them or any other Americans for oil that already belongs to us."
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 16, 2008
Visconti falters in fundraising
Republican congressional candidate Joe Visconti failed to raise anywhere near the money that serious challengers typically rake in by mid-summer.
His campaign treasurer wrote on July 9 to the Federal Election Commission that Visconti, a West Hartford businessman aiming to unseat U.S. Rep. John Larson, had neither raised nor spent $5,000 yet.
If he had met that minimum threshold, Visconti would have been required to file a more detailed report that listed his donors and spending.
Larson, an East Hartford Democrat whose 1st District includes Bristol, had raised more than $700,000 by April. He had $232,00 of that money still available in April.
In three of Connecticut's five congressional districts, challengers taking on incumbents have raised at least $319,000 so far.
Only U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a New Haven Democrat, is facing s easy a challenger as Larson. Her Republican challenger in the 3rd District, Bo Itshaky, has also reported no money to the FEC yet.
Most of Larson's contributions came from political action committees, with the insurance industry giving him about $1 out of every $9 he raised, according to a breakdown on opensecrets.org, which analyzes federal campaign filings.
A third party challenger, Stephen Fournier, also raised less than $5,000.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
His campaign treasurer wrote on July 9 to the Federal Election Commission that Visconti, a West Hartford businessman aiming to unseat U.S. Rep. John Larson, had neither raised nor spent $5,000 yet.
If he had met that minimum threshold, Visconti would have been required to file a more detailed report that listed his donors and spending.
Larson, an East Hartford Democrat whose 1st District includes Bristol, had raised more than $700,000 by April. He had $232,00 of that money still available in April.
In three of Connecticut's five congressional districts, challengers taking on incumbents have raised at least $319,000 so far.
Only U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a New Haven Democrat, is facing s easy a challenger as Larson. Her Republican challenger in the 3rd District, Bo Itshaky, has also reported no money to the FEC yet.
Most of Larson's contributions came from political action committees, with the insurance industry giving him about $1 out of every $9 he raised, according to a breakdown on opensecrets.org, which analyzes federal campaign filings.
A third party challenger, Stephen Fournier, also raised less than $5,000.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
July 1, 2008
"Good Luck Back"
Some candidates for political office issue long, boring white papers detailing policy initatives. Others issue shallow press releases about make-believe issues. And still others, or at least Republican congressional candidate Joe Visconti, release a new song.*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
June 18, 2008
Visconti calls on Larson to "take off the blindfolds"
I asked Republican congressional candidate Joe Visconti of West Hartford what he thought of U.S. Rep. John Larson's press release on oil drilling. Here's what Visconti sent back a few minutes ago:
I am on the run but just saw your email and Larson's press release. His quote of "For seven years he has allowed speculators to run rampant in the energy markets. It is time for that to end.” refering to the President is hysterical because if the President has done this than so has he and the Democrats who have controlled the House and Senate since 06. Larson continues to show up late with a note from Pelosi saying the dog ate my homework. Larson also says it will take ten years to get any oil from ANWAR, well John you have held office for 10 years now and just had a ten year celebration, just what were you celebrating, 10 years of Blocking Domestic Oil Exploration and Drilling?
Washington and Larson need to stop playing pin the tail on the donkey, take off the blindfolds and promote a comprehensive Energy plan which includes more Domestic Drilling NOW, more Clean and Safe Nuclear Planning NOW both of which will require vast amounts of private and public short and long term investment.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
I am on the run but just saw your email and Larson's press release. His quote of "For seven years he has allowed speculators to run rampant in the energy markets. It is time for that to end.” refering to the President is hysterical because if the President has done this than so has he and the Democrats who have controlled the House and Senate since 06. Larson continues to show up late with a note from Pelosi saying the dog ate my homework. Larson also says it will take ten years to get any oil from ANWAR, well John you have held office for 10 years now and just had a ten year celebration, just what were you celebrating, 10 years of Blocking Domestic Oil Exploration and Drilling?
Washington and Larson need to stop playing pin the tail on the donkey, take off the blindfolds and promote a comprehensive Energy plan which includes more Domestic Drilling NOW, more Clean and Safe Nuclear Planning NOW both of which will require vast amounts of private and public short and long term investment.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
June 5, 2008
Fournier's got no use for either political party
Just a reminder that there's a third candidate in the race against U.S. Rep. John Larson, the East Hartford Democrat whose 1st District includes Bristol - a guy who doesn't think Larson is liberal enough.
Stephen Fournier writes on his campaign website that "racketeers and their henchmen now govern America."
"The two major political parties have been complicit in the racket and have furthered it by trashing the Bill of Rights, undermining the rule of law, and effectively repealing all checks on executive power," he wrote.
"Most recently, our leaders have waged two wars to advance their political ends and lost both of them, as all responsible authorities predicted they would.
"They have long since quit regulating the big, anti-national corporations that control public policy, resulting in the widespread abuse of workers, poor quality goods, mass export of jobs, declines in public health and happiness, environmental pollution, the concentration of wealth in a few hands, and a failing economy.
"These problems can't be addressed until Americans undertake the restoration of Constitutional government. This candidacy--the candidate is a troublemaker and whistleblower--is an expression of urgency."
His website has links to many of his writings in case you're interested in checking him out more thoroughly.
The Republican challenger to Larson is Joe Visconti, a flamboyant West Hartford town council member.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Stephen Fournier writes on his campaign website that "racketeers and their henchmen now govern America."
"The two major political parties have been complicit in the racket and have furthered it by trashing the Bill of Rights, undermining the rule of law, and effectively repealing all checks on executive power," he wrote.
"Most recently, our leaders have waged two wars to advance their political ends and lost both of them, as all responsible authorities predicted they would.
"They have long since quit regulating the big, anti-national corporations that control public policy, resulting in the widespread abuse of workers, poor quality goods, mass export of jobs, declines in public health and happiness, environmental pollution, the concentration of wealth in a few hands, and a failing economy.
"These problems can't be addressed until Americans undertake the restoration of Constitutional government. This candidacy--the candidate is a troublemaker and whistleblower--is an expression of urgency."
His website has links to many of his writings in case you're interested in checking him out more thoroughly.
The Republican challenger to Larson is Joe Visconti, a flamboyant West Hartford town council member.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 27, 2008
Larson, Visconti re Iraq
U.S. Rep. John Larson, an East Hartford Democrat whose 1st District includes Bristol, issued this statement recently about a trip he made to Iraq:
Washington, DC – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, joined Speaker Nancy Pelosi on a trip to Iraq this past weekend. The delegation met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Larson confronted al-Maliki with the reality of America’s waning patience with the War in Iraq and the government’s performance there.
Congressman Larson said, “Having spoken with Prime Minister Maliki, I am even more convinced of the need to establish a timeline for U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. The American people have supported the Iraqi government with life, limb and treasure. Now, it is time for Iraqis to stand up and take responsibility for their own future. It is time for Iraq’s neighbors and the Arab League to help create a stable and secure Iraq. It’s incumbent for Iraq’s neighbors and the international community to step up. It seems obvious to me they are content to see this administration go it alone.
“Americans at home are wondering why our troops are paying the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq, caught in the midst of a sectarian war. The United States is going deeper and deeper into debt to rebuild Iraq while the Iraqi government is running a surplus.
“Iraq’s government must demonstrate to the United States and the world that it is capable of building a strong coalition to lead their country to stability and security. We have yet to see that sort of leadership from them.
“This continues to be one of the worst foreign policy decisions in our country’s history, the scope of which is eclipsing the Vietnam War.”
Republican challenger Joe Visconti just issued this in response:
WEST HARTFORD, CT -- West Hartford Councilman and Republican First Congressional District Candidate Joseph Visconti today blasted comments made by his opponent who demanded that Iraq increase the pace of its takeover of combat operations from US forces, calling the remarks "political opportunism at its worst."
Last week incumbent Democrat Congressman John Larson flew to Iraq and demanded that the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, which has won two major battles against Iran-backed terrorists in recent weeks, step up the pace of its combat operations.
"Larson stonewalled our military objectives with rhetoric for years and now he wants to get aggressive?" Visconti said. "John Larson should stop trying to act like a leader in the conflict in Iraq. He doesn’t have experience at it and could do more harm to our military than good.”
Visconti noted that Larson voted against liberating Iraq and preventing that country from becoming a new base for terrorists to launch attacks on the US, then worked against our military objectives as he called for a premature retreat of our troops.
"To put it in perspective," Visconti said, "John Larson lands in a free Iraq, meets with the democratically-elected leader in a newborn democracy, a democracy that American and Iraqi soldiers and civilians died for, which he opposed from the beginning, and now, to cover his own duplicity, arrogantly attacks our new ally."
Visconti also noted that U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker reported Saturday, "You are not going to hear me say that Al Qaeda is defeated, but they've never been closer to defeat than they are now." Crocker said while touring cities in southern Iraq, "The government, (and) the prime minister, are showing a clear determination to take on extremist armed elements that challenge the authority of the government.”
Visconti said Crocker's assessment of progress throughout Iraq shows that "Larson has been out of touch with the realities of what is happening in Iraq as he is in his own district, as evidenced by the lost Pratt & Whitney air tanker contract. He used his position as Congressman to take a taxpayer-funded trip to Iraq to talk directly to a leader of a free country, thanks to Republican leadership, foresight and courage."
"He should applaud the history that has been made: the United States and the Coalition forces' successful liberation of Iraq, and its newly formed democracy where he played the part of naysayer, procrastinator, troop morale under-miner and armchair quarterback.”
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Washington, DC – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, joined Speaker Nancy Pelosi on a trip to Iraq this past weekend. The delegation met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Larson confronted al-Maliki with the reality of America’s waning patience with the War in Iraq and the government’s performance there.
Congressman Larson said, “Having spoken with Prime Minister Maliki, I am even more convinced of the need to establish a timeline for U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. The American people have supported the Iraqi government with life, limb and treasure. Now, it is time for Iraqis to stand up and take responsibility for their own future. It is time for Iraq’s neighbors and the Arab League to help create a stable and secure Iraq. It’s incumbent for Iraq’s neighbors and the international community to step up. It seems obvious to me they are content to see this administration go it alone.
“Americans at home are wondering why our troops are paying the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq, caught in the midst of a sectarian war. The United States is going deeper and deeper into debt to rebuild Iraq while the Iraqi government is running a surplus.
“Iraq’s government must demonstrate to the United States and the world that it is capable of building a strong coalition to lead their country to stability and security. We have yet to see that sort of leadership from them.
“This continues to be one of the worst foreign policy decisions in our country’s history, the scope of which is eclipsing the Vietnam War.”
Republican challenger Joe Visconti just issued this in response:
WEST HARTFORD, CT -- West Hartford Councilman and Republican First Congressional District Candidate Joseph Visconti today blasted comments made by his opponent who demanded that Iraq increase the pace of its takeover of combat operations from US forces, calling the remarks "political opportunism at its worst."
Last week incumbent Democrat Congressman John Larson flew to Iraq and demanded that the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, which has won two major battles against Iran-backed terrorists in recent weeks, step up the pace of its combat operations.
"Larson stonewalled our military objectives with rhetoric for years and now he wants to get aggressive?" Visconti said. "John Larson should stop trying to act like a leader in the conflict in Iraq. He doesn’t have experience at it and could do more harm to our military than good.”
Visconti noted that Larson voted against liberating Iraq and preventing that country from becoming a new base for terrorists to launch attacks on the US, then worked against our military objectives as he called for a premature retreat of our troops.
"To put it in perspective," Visconti said, "John Larson lands in a free Iraq, meets with the democratically-elected leader in a newborn democracy, a democracy that American and Iraqi soldiers and civilians died for, which he opposed from the beginning, and now, to cover his own duplicity, arrogantly attacks our new ally."
Visconti also noted that U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker reported Saturday, "You are not going to hear me say that Al Qaeda is defeated, but they've never been closer to defeat than they are now." Crocker said while touring cities in southern Iraq, "The government, (and) the prime minister, are showing a clear determination to take on extremist armed elements that challenge the authority of the government.”
Visconti said Crocker's assessment of progress throughout Iraq shows that "Larson has been out of touch with the realities of what is happening in Iraq as he is in his own district, as evidenced by the lost Pratt & Whitney air tanker contract. He used his position as Congressman to take a taxpayer-funded trip to Iraq to talk directly to a leader of a free country, thanks to Republican leadership, foresight and courage."
"He should applaud the history that has been made: the United States and the Coalition forces' successful liberation of Iraq, and its newly formed democracy where he played the part of naysayer, procrastinator, troop morale under-miner and armchair quarterback.”
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 22, 2008
GOP congressional hopeful to star in music video
From Republican congressional candidate Joe Visconti's blog comes the news that the freewheelin' politician is angling to win ... a Grammy:
Here's a little news on my next Video Production. In the planning for almost a year now is a Music Video to compliment my song "America". Taking my production team to levels where we hope to win a Grammy as a tribute to all those who have defended Freedom since the birth of our Country. With hundreds of bikers, Jet fighter, Submarine, Battleship footage and all the scenes of Glory & Honor one could hope for. My Emmy Award winning Artisitic Brain is very excited about this project especially after the passing of my dad a couple of months ago, this is my way of thanking him for serving our country. The America Music Video will remind us all of what it is to be American and why so many gave their lives to defend her. Watch for more on this Production coming soon....
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Here's a little news on my next Video Production. In the planning for almost a year now is a Music Video to compliment my song "America". Taking my production team to levels where we hope to win a Grammy as a tribute to all those who have defended Freedom since the birth of our Country. With hundreds of bikers, Jet fighter, Submarine, Battleship footage and all the scenes of Glory & Honor one could hope for. My Emmy Award winning Artisitic Brain is very excited about this project especially after the passing of my dad a couple of months ago, this is my way of thanking him for serving our country. The America Music Video will remind us all of what it is to be American and why so many gave their lives to defend her. Watch for more on this Production coming soon....
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 10, 2008
Visconti unchallenged, gets GOP nomination to take on Larson
Joe Visconti, the rockin' rebel of the Republican Party, was tapped today as the GOP's 1st District congressional candidate at a convention in West Hartford.
Visconti will take on U.S. Rep. John Larson, an East Hartford Democrat who has routinely thrashed everyone who's challenged him since he won the job in 1998.
Here are some pictures that capture the excitement of the convention
And here's an account of the event from The Everyday Republican blog, a pretty good spot for keeping up with GOP news.
The brainflation blog has video of the convention, so even John Larson can see what he's in for.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Visconti will take on U.S. Rep. John Larson, an East Hartford Democrat who has routinely thrashed everyone who's challenged him since he won the job in 1998.
Here are some pictures that capture the excitement of the convention
And here's an account of the event from The Everyday Republican blog, a pretty good spot for keeping up with GOP news.
The brainflation blog has video of the convention, so even John Larson can see what he's in for.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
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