State Sen. Tom Colapietro told me this morning he's going to run for another term.
The Bristol Democrat said that he's going to stick around no matter how much the Republicans want to see him go.
Colapietro's represented the 31st District since 1992, when he defeated former Mayor Mike Werner to claim the seat. The past two elections, he's beaten GOP challenger Beverly Bobroske, a former Board of Education chairwoman.
The Republicans haven't said anything yet about who their candidate might be this time around.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
86 comments:
Great news! Tom Colapietro has been there since 1992 because he is effective and represents his towns.
He respresents the union agenda primarily. Then it's the special interests that control the Democrat Party. Strangely the people of the 31st think this somewhat ignorant, somewhat obnoxious and toupee wearing loud-mouth is the best choice for them. Maybe he is (if you prefer crack to cocaine he certainly is).
Oh no...this is horrible news! He voted for weaker penalities for drug dealers by increasing the amount of crack cocaine that qualifies for a felony and now he voted against the three strikes and you are out tough crime package the Governor wanted.
I hope the Republicans beat him this time.
Before the hachet-wielders emerge:
1) Crack is a more powerful substance than powdered cocaine
2) Crack causes more violent crime in Connecticut than powdered cocaine.
3) Crack is cheaper, sales and doses are smaller than powdered cocaine thus poor kids/people in the inner cities are more likely to obtain crack than powdered cocaine.
4) Crack is more addicting than powdered cocaine.
The legislature made greater penalties for crack then for powdered cocaine. Unfortunately the Democrats bow to the whims of special interest groups who say that it is racist to make penalties for crack greater than penalties for powdered cocaine.
I don't believe "drug dealers" support Tom Colapietro. I do however think that it's a shame laws are made based on politcal pressure from special interest groups and racial percentages rather than on common sense.
February 21, 2008 3:25 PM:
That's right. Why did Lawlor, Don Williams and Martin Looney not support the "Three Strikes" legislation (Tommy C. obviously just follows the leaders)?
What's wrong with the voters in Connecticut who keep re-electing these people? It seems to me they bow to the trial lawyers, the "criminal rights" and "anti-white people" groups. It frightens me.
Senator Colapietro will keep getting elected, and reelected, as long as the opposing party continues to approach the elections the way they do.
In reality, while they occaisionally attract good candidates (B. Bobroske was one), their overall approach is one of the reasons for their lack of successs.
Colapietro is not great as a senator but he and his supporters know how to get him back in office.
You sound "cracked" And for sure you would know about "Dope"
Ho Hum is it possible for you experts to do something ? Or do you just whine ????
Hey whatever happened to the great Republican Union guy. Does he know you are talking about the Union like that?
The quickest way to bring out a pile of nasty comments is for me to mention, in any way, either Tom Colapietro or Ellen Zoppo. Neither of them deserves the venom that some of you spew (which typically doesn't get posted in the comments). If you truly hate them, why not undermine their ideas and agenda rather than simply taking mean-spirited potshots at them?
A Republican defeating Senator Colapietro has about as much chance as a Republican defeating Congressman Larson.
As long as cities like Hartford vote in overwhelming majorities for the Democrat, no matter whom it is, the Democrats will always hold this seat.
What really confuses me is what have the Democrats done for cities like Hartford? They remain wallowed in poverty, their public school system is in shambles, city hall appears to be rife with special deals for special people (this is euphemistic for corruption), the North End is no better off than it was in the late 1950's. Millions upon millions of dollars have poured into Hartford and what are the concrete results in the neighborhoods? Drive through them if you dare and tell me how well that Congressional District has been served in the last 40 years by the Democrats.
I have no idea if a Republican would have done any better, but we will never know, not in my lifetime. So, what do we have, the Democratic mayor endorses the Democratic Congressman and everyone seems to be happy or at the very least, complacent.
This could be the reason for Obama's win in Connecticut. Clinton offered the same old policies with the same false hope rhetoric which we have heard since 1968. Possibly Hartford, (I can only hope) realizes that they need something better and someone better, and it isn't John Larson. He and others like him are the problem, not the solution.
But I digress; let's get back to Senator Colapietro. As long as he is supported by city workers and unions, he's there until he decides to no longer serve. Unfortunately, for me, it cannot happen soon enough. I want someone who is progressive, thoughtful, respected by his peers, and can produce meaningful legislation that actually helps people, not simply following what he's told and most importantly, not passing legislation simply to garner votes.
BOBROSKE VS. COLAPIETRO
ROUND THREE
ALL OR NOTHING
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First of all who cares what "the great Republican Union (sic) Guy" thinks? Obviously he's far from great.
Secondly what comment in regards to Colapietro's ties to unions and his voting record is untrue? I post that question to Steve Collins as well. Steve, how dare you call valid criticsim; "venom". Once again Collins, you prove you're a hack for the Democrats.
noteFebruary 21, 2008 5:15 PM poster:
"union" should not be capitalized. When referring to "Union" (capitalized) you're referring to the anti-slave states during the civil war. I don't believe the poster at February 21, 2008 5:15 PM was referring to the time period betewwn 1861-65.
I'm glad we have the do not call list because of Tom. He may be a little unconventional and may not be as formally educated as some, but he's done a decent job compared to most of the people at the State.
To the anonymous person at 9:06 - You're not seeing the truly venomous stuff. I'm deleting it.
And, for what it's worth, I place zero stock in criticism from people who don't give their name or even bother to register with an online identity.
As for what's untrue about Colapietro's voting record, I'll leave that to all of you to argue about. It's mostly all available on the General Assembly's website. Go take a look.
"I place zero stock in criticism from people who don't give their name or even bother to register with an online identity"
I'm a Bristol voter unlike you sir...and a Press customer, again unlike you.
As far as the do not call list; It's hard for me to believe it was Tom's idea, but it is a good thing.
To 9:06 Steve called it Venom . He put it mildly I can think of a lot worse things to call lies,innuendos and personal attaches. He's right if you have any guts say who you are and let the public know what you stand for. But my guess you have no guts.
To the wimp that mispelled nobodies perhaps you should take spelling lessons from your ownn critic.....or was that you ?
Does the great Union guy know what you think of him? wasn't he supposed to be the rising star in the Republican Party ? I thought I saw his name the other day . That is for 9:06.
To 9:06 and 11:20 (same clown) Prove it !!!!
This guy is the biggest joke in state govt. Every state official that I speak with thinks he is nothing but a union hack with a low I.Q.!
As a Republican I can respect members of the opposite party for differing views. However sen. colapietro earned his bad reputation. He's arrogant, condescending,lacks basic knowledge of his district, which includes Plymouth, and only continues to win not because of his accomplishments or his policies but because he paid union dues at one time.
The do not call list is a joke. Until they fix to remove political calls/robo calls from the list of exemptions it's just another hollow law that was wiggled to make a special exception for all the people in Hartford. And don't get me started on that mess of a public campaign finance law. If any law was ever written to protect the incumbent first, party second, and prevent a serious third party challange this would be that law.
9:16 from Plymouth . You sound like a telemarketer. You sound a bit arrogant yourself. But aren't you all ??
Hey Matt when was all this ?? Probably did't take your crap . Boo Hoo again .
Gee Mr. Wizard maybe you can teach your colleagues some manners and how to write and spell. You're soooo brilliant 9:06. BTW why don't you try learning some manners yourself Mr. Brain ?yourself ?
Boy I think the adolescents are glad to stay home on a snow day and play on the computer.
Matt too bad you don't know what your'e talking about. Over three million in CT disagree with you.
Colapietro makes Nicastro look good (or not as bad).
I'm sure Frank will thank you if he ever finds out who you are .....but let me guess .....another sick republican ?
I stand behind what I said regarding the do not call legislation. During the primary season I received 7 or 8 calls in three hour period just from one campaign. My total calls from all campaigns had to push thirty to forty. Do not call, means do not call. Period. What made the legislators think I don't want to hear from someone selling vinyl siding but hearing a robocall is what makes my day complete.
And public financing of campaigns. It's simple. Why do I want tax revenue going to ANY candidate?Democrat or Republican. If I don't want a candidate to win why would I want my tax dollars to pay for there campaign? We can't find a better use for that money? Or better yet, not have the need to raise the revenue in the first place.
"if you have any guts say who you are and let the public know what you stand for. But my guess you have no guts.
February 22, 2008 7:29 AM"
Who are you Mr. Guts?
Matt are you ignorant or don't you try to find out the truth before you shoot your mouth off when the no call list was passed he was quoted that he didn't have the votes to ban politicians so he took what he could and ran....Thank god!
And wise guy if you look at his committee he is trying again to ban political robo calls. Another republican lie and I guess you are just another one I guess. And I guess you got calls from other Republicans. He won didn't he ?
Hey Matt did you also know that Colapietro didn't use Robo-calls this election. So ya gotta think of something else. What a jerk you must be. I would check things out before your mouth gets you in trouble. Another cry baby I guess. But a lot of republicans did use robo-calls including your governor for your favorite person Bobroske.
I have been led to believe that Mocabee is meeting with others to decide whether to run against Larson, or to run against Colapitro.
Go get em Art!
I appreciate sen colapietro not using robo-calls. It still doesn't remove the fact that the robo-call legislation THAT PASSED excluded politicians. Why?
I received too calls from Romney and my wife too many from Clinton and Obama. They all drove me nuts.
And yes the calls from Gov. Rell for Mrs. Bobroske bothered me too.
Mocabee should run agains Colapietro. It's time the arrogant goof is put in his place.
I told you why Matt !
Matt from Plymouth read, as if it makes a difference. The answer why is there. Is it still his fault seeing he is the only that tried and is still trying to do something about it besides whine like you and you're friends? Why don't you blame your friends that called instead of Colapietro? You don't have to answer that I think we all know.
HOw about Ken Johnson?
He can use the practise, and there is less conflict of interest there.
Also, he can get back at his former Company, CL&P.
Ke who ? Oh that's right the guy who lost for Mayor and is running again ?
BRING BACK THE ORANGE SHIRTS!
YESSSSSSS!
I am talking about putting Mocabee the goof in his place. I can't wait to let some stuff out about his background. I sure hope he runs against Colapietro.
If Mocabee runs, don't count on Bev being his campaign manager.
February 22, 2008 2:14 PM:
I will support Art Mocabee in either of those efforts. Mocabee is an impressive, hard-working man who a good background.
Actually I'd like to know more about Colapietro before his union days at New Departure. Was he a good press operator? Did he work hard? Ever get written up? Has he ever been in trouble outside of work?
moccabee is a big loser anyhow but let moccabee run against colopietro so that moccabee can also become the biggest loser in Bristol political history - don't think that he ever won anything but gop chairman and that was because no one else wanted it.
I like Tom. He's a decent man with a good heart. He's a fine father and understands what working people, whether they're in a union or not, face. He has worked with business as well.
His no-call list came from an understanding of how bothersome those calls are, and it helped a lot of people.
We could do a whole lot worse than having an honest guy like him in office.
I like him too. I just think he does what the unions and the Democrat leaders tell him no matter what.
Case in point: Same sex marriage, civil unions.
However he makes an effort to do things for all people in this district including all the areas he represents. He likes being a State Senator and it shows.
Here come the Republican lies again, He said he would not vote for same sex marriage. Do you people make up stories or you just don't check things out.You either are lying or it's the latter. YOU tell me.
Good idea check out Tom's background and don't forget (conveniently ) I might say, to check out and report Mocabee's as well.
While you're at it you should talk to his old foremen which one, is his treasurer and some worked on his last campaign, Colapietro is what he is and your lies can't change him.
10:42 But wouldn't one party be a dictatorship ? Even people in the same party don't think the same. Isn/t that a Democracy ?
These blogs are really just a place for personal attacks and lies, regardless of party. Really no point in trying to have an adult discussion on policy and the issues facing everybody, like the economy, taxes, and the ability of the state to retain the young people it educates through UCONN. I alone have seen more than 10 quality young people leave this state for greener pastures. This is a huge problem facing this state, what can be done to change that trend? Could care less about who did what in the past, it is the future I want to discuss. I am sure I will be attacked, but no real solutions will be presented. Problem with this format in my opinion.
anonymous west conn student,
maybe you need to spend some more time in class and less on the blog, since your spelling and grammar leave something to be desired. I mean, they're better than the average post here, but what is that really saying?
February 23, 2008 6:38 AM:
I'll tell you; he voted for civil unions and he recanted his poistion on same sex marriage in the Bristol Press.
And he votes with the unions every time in regards to the state workers and all public employees whether it's in the best interest of his district or not.
Colapietro, Colapietro, Colapietro. Knock yourself out hate monger.
February 24, 2008 7:40 PM:
That's a real problem (your's).
You can't see the difference between "hate" and someone with solid if not extreme differences in policy ideology between a conservative vs. one who supports the agenda of the left.
I don't "hate", I just want change.
You're pathetic, really. Find something else that you can comprehend to comment on.
Well I guess you "hate" mongers that think the voters in this district are ingnorant. Your own words and you think everyone should think like you thank god they don't.You can only see the name Colapietro.....or hate him I think. As far as your policies (if you have any), it's obvious that the majority don't agree with you or maybe they think you can't see through your hate enough to see what people want, It's obvious to me you in fact spew nothing but hate and falsehoods. And that's why you are a loser.And I might add a poor leader as well.
So you, the unknown radical is going to support Obama? The candidate for "Change" ?
February 25, 2008 5:22 AM:
You don't listen to reason. Any time I see a candidate that unconditionally bows to special interests or to what their party leaders tell him/her I question the effectiveness of that candidate.
Here's an example. Tom Colapietro represents the interests of the state employees over those of the people in his district. Case in point; when economic conditions are bad and/or when budgets are strained Colapietro would rather see the taxpayers "pony-up" than let the unions re-negotiate labor contracts. In other words its better to de-stabilize the economy and raise taxes than to renegotiate a generous union contract.
Obviously I'm arguing with an idiot so I don't expect you to give an intelligent, thoughtful response.
The gist of this thread is that the democrats know how and who to get elected, the republicans don't.
The dems may not be enamoured with Colapietro, but he is one of them and gets elected.
Pragmatism, pure and simple.
February 25, 2008 7:51 AM:
It's not because people don't understand how to get elected. It sounds like YOU don't understand how Colapietro got elected.
I'll tell you how. As a union man at New Departure he took the union side on everything including every political policy and whim the UAW took. What's the big mystery? The people who like him support him, the people who don't like his policies don't. He also happens to be a Democrat in a Democrat city. None of the Democrats get in his way because he gets tons of union support and the Democrat Party supports the unions (and vice versa) It's that simple. It's not a crime and it's not brain surgery. Anyone who thinks personal hate is involved (in my case) is dillusional.
If he is so bad, and if the voters don't like him, and if the republicans want to knock him off, why didn't they get Hamzy to run?
As far a union support, yes he has it. But what about the rest of teh people?
Republicans, some, win in Plymouth, Bristol, and surrounding towns in the senate district.
Why not in the whole district.
Again, the right person, the right message, the right support and it could be done.
Isn't that union stuff getting kind of old? Isn't that the same whining you guys always do ? Isn't that the same old stuff you have been trying to sell for years? Can't you think of something new?
I'll tell ya who he doesn't have and you all have and that is the insurance and real estate companies.
February 25, 2008 5:08 PM:
Your comments show ignorant you are. Union PACS fund campaigns with revenues they collect directly from workers dues. Unions are able to finance their own political interests out of their own coffers. Business organizations are legally barred from such conduct unless the money is solicited specifically for that reason.
YOU 5:08 ARE A REAL FOOL. INSURANCE COMPANIES AND REAL ESTATE HAVE PACS TOO. BUT BEING THE IGNORAMOUS YOU ARE YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW THAT THEY CAN'T BE USED ANY MORE IF YOU CHOOSE PUBLIC FINANCING RATHER THAN SPECIAL INTEREST MONEY LIKE INSURANCE PACS.
5:08 Doesn't want you to know that the business pacs were allowed to give a lot more money than the unions depending on the office. That determines the difference.
WHY DO YOU CLOWNS INSIST ON TELLING HALF THE STORY. MAYBE YOU BELIEVE WHAT YOU SAID . VOTERS ARE IGNORANT ?
February 25, 2008 7:59 PM:
You are the one who doesn't know what you're talking about. All PACs have the same restrictions.
Watch out Tom, Mocabe will be going after your filings next!
To 7:59 You gotta be kidding LOOK IT UP ! You really don't know what your talking about or you just like to argue.
Does he have an opponent yet?
Time is awasting.
How about Ron Burns??
I thought Mocabee would take his ego and run against him. And let Burns run. Like it or not it's still a free country !
With all the hoopla, the Republicans still cn't get anyone to run against Tom.
But then, they can't get anyone to run their committee either.
Has Burns announced yet?
If Burns announces he will be a one termer. An ex freshman.
I agree.
Unless Michelle runs again.
Run Ronnie Run
Nah, he'll drop out just like he did on the Council.
Being some of you that are anonomously vocal . Why don't you run ?
Maybe I am waiting to see if Burns runs.
You won't be able to hide behind this blog.
Gee this blog of wimps must behere forever. I think this goes back to Feb. 21st. Need a job ?
AHA!!!
I got it,
Cockayne will be challenging Colapietro.
Should be interesting.
Keep up the good work Tom .
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