The motly crew above have made a valiant effort but the CTGOP needs someone else to emerge and lead |
This also includes Catherine Marx who is likely the second worst choice of all possible options. The CTGOP certainly doesn’t need another closed-door leader shutting out non-elitist Party members from participation, and wheeling and dealing in a backroom with long-time Party hacks who have nothing but distain for conservatives. A Catherine Marx chairmanship is likely to cost the GOP significant set-backs since she is seen as nothing more than Healy’s lackey, or worse – an extremely incompetent person, unskilled and inexperienced in any area I’ve listed above.
Rumor is that Catherine got all bent out of shape over a post that Joe Visconti put up on a blog - taking the words out of context to imply a threat. Good Grief! Just go away! |
And a quick sub note here – before you accuse me of placing a glass ceiling above Catherine’s head, let me say if she had the Thatcherite leadership skills and personality of a Martha Dean, then I’d be promoting her left and right. But she doesn’t have it. Marx only has about 10 or so votes; these are loyal friends from her region - many of which are old timers from the Healy camp.
At the end of the day, Catherine has to ask herself how long she can carry on like this. It speaks very poorly of someone who doesn’t know their own limitations. It’s time to withdraw and fade with the sunset, leaving the Healy years behind you.
Was anyone really shocked to open up The Hartford Courant and read them singing the praises of Chris Healy? You’d have to be pretty brainwashed not to see the truth here. Sure, the liberal media loved Chris Healy – his strategy and leadership guaranteed Democrats a first place finish every time – particularly where it counted. Healy was everything they wanted out of a GOP leader – enough to make it appear to be a legitimate contest, but never enough to win first place. My wallet has had enough of second place. And I’m tired of having ZERO Republican representation at the Federal Level. It’s embarrassing to be dead last out of fifty states in this area. Catherine Marx would deliver the same results, except the margins of defeat would likely be much greater and municipal seats would continue to dry up. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Courant endorsed Marx as a replacement. She fits the bill to continue his legacy of failure.
The visible candidates in the race simply don’t have it.
Al Alper
Alper is a patriot, no doubt, but moving GOP HQ to Bridgeport makes as much sense as moving Santa's workshop to Afghanistan |
If anything, State Central should be moved back to our Capitol City – Hartford, where it belongs, operating in the open and not hundreds of miles from where the business of the people is being conducted at the State Legislature. I want to see Connecticut Republican Headquarters become a base of operations staffed by individuals working 12 hours a day to change the accepted status quo. There is a reason Al Alper has somewhere between zero and a few votes for Chairman. This isn’t to say he wouldn’t be effective in some role, or that he hasn’t contributed to the debate. But it’s time for him to man-up and withdraw from the race. He’ll come out respected if he does so now.
Art Scialabba
No doubt Art thinks The King has been unfair to him. In truth he may have a point. Then again... |
I’ve seen Art’s shtick. It’s not enough to win people over, and plainly put – he’s just too nice to be able to make tough calls, and lead with an iron fist to get things done. Now to his credit, Art has managed to pull out a few votes here and there – some people feel he has about half-dozen or so votes – most of which are loyalists out of his region. You can’t count this guy out entirely. His having 12-15 delegates at this time makes him a player in the race, or at least gives him the opportunity to influence the outcome. At the end of the day, Art is going to have to do the right thing, and pass his support to a more prolific leader. Surely, he has to know this.
Unfortunately, there is scuttlebutt that he is in a number of discussions trying to form alliances with candidates (sort of like Survivor). But everyone I talk with seems to imply that they are the ones looking to merge and take advantage of his support, not surrender the Chairmanship to him in return for a favor. Art is the guy to watch in the race because as of right now he could play a big part in choosing the next CTGOP Chairman.
“Wild” Bill Aniskovich
Aniskovich: "And I was about this close from getting away it all, if it weren't for those darn-gosh meddling kids!" |
Imagine if you will, how hypocritical and constrained a Chairman Aniskovich would be if he had to call out a Democrat on similar illegal acts or wrongdoings. His moral high-ground is akin to an ant-hill on a sand lot. Given the public scrutiny on political financing and campaign funds (see Senator John Edwards, for one), this choice would be a move in the wrong direction for the GOP given his past transgressions. Aniskovich would be handcuffed by his own history, likely urging Republicans to avoid the tough fights on ethics issues to avoid personal humiliation. His bad choices would lend to impacting other Republican candidates, and the influence and part he would be able to play from a strategic standpoint. And no conversion to God would lift that negative factor. Heck, the only person who would benefit from a Bill Aniskovich chairmanship is Chris Healy because Aniskovich would make even Healy look quasi-ethical.
What scares me is that he's found nearly 20 State Central members who by hook or by crook are said to be in his camp. Many people see his quick ascendency to be a carefully planned power-play by House Republicans led by House Minority Leader Larry Cafero who is looking to take advantage of a confused situation at State Central where no-one is has emerged as the clear successor as Chair. Placing Aniskovich in power would serve to deliver State Central into the hands of Capitol Republicans. Not the best idea if you think about it. Perhaps this piece might open up some eyes on what the CTGOP would be in store for under Wild Bill. By far, Aniskovich would be Connecticut Republican’s worst nightmare.
Doug Hageman
Hageman deserves to have a small town named in his honor for ridding us of Healy |
For my part, I do not agree with Hageman’s intended leadership approach. From the start he has told Republican Town Committees that he would institute a bottoms up approach where he would delegate authority normally reserved to the Chairman to other individuals. I also disagree with his plan to allow younger talent to become the “face of the Party” on television, and elsewhere – clearly, a recipe for disaster since doing so would likely result in contradicting positions, and confusion about who is really in charge . In order for the chairman to be effective he cannot decentralize his authority; he must be front and center, available for media interviews, and at times serve as a lightening rod – taking the hits in order that candidates and elected officials can focus on the work at hand. I can also appreciate Hageman’s ideas to increase minority involvement in the Party, but I’m not sure of the advantage of placing a novice in the Vice Chair role – no matter how much potential he might have. The name being floated around is Corey Brinson to play this role (rumored).
Notwithstanding, Doug Hageman should find a place in the new CTGOP administration. But clearly, not as its Chairman. It should also be noted that Hageman at one point likely had as many as two dozen votes, but several were siphoned off due to dirty tactics of Aniskovich, Inc.
Rick Torres has a bilingual agenda To that we say, "Adios, Amigo" |
Rick Torres
Rick Torres is out of the race entirely. His appearance at the Westport candidate forum where he rattled on for 10 minutes straight in Spanish pretty much killed any hope he had of becoming a future leader in the Connecticut Republican Party. The only reason I even devote space in this essay to Mr. Torres is to lament what might have been, and highlight Mr. Torres’ agenda. It’s true that Republicans need to branch out to minorities and influence the brainwashed thinking that is dragging this state’s Hispanic community into age-old dependency subculture owned by Democrats, but Mr. Torres’ approach of placing Spanish on par with English is an outrage.
The Republican Party has always held the position of One Language-One Nation. This isn’t to say that other languages and cultures aren’t important, but they just aren’t as important as working to make sure that children from Spanish communities are expected to learn English as a requirement for graduation. Moreover, learning English is without a doubt the single most important skill for non-English speaking persons having a chance to be a successful member of American society. Mr. Torres sees Spanish and English on the same level, and he would embarrass Republicans by trying to advance his bilingual agenda.
At first I thought finding Mr. Torres a key role to play in the Republican Party would be a good idea. But his agenda is far too outrageous to be contained. And he would present the Republican Party with a new set of problems which would serve as an ongoing distraction for the incoming chairman to deal with.
Justin Clark
Poor Justin. If you look closely you can see the puppet strings that lead to Tom Foley |
Look, he should take time off and spend it with his family -- and forget about it!
He’s lost three straight elections. He’s managed to lose his own West Hartford Town Council bid in 2009, Tom Foley’s 2010 gubernatorial race, and most recently the 2011 Special Election State Representative Campaign of Allen Hoffman – where he had nearly a blank check and did nothing with it. Moreover, he’s been bounced around the legal industry – holding several different jobs with various law firms over the last few years. None of this makes his resume shine brightly above the rest of the field. In fact, it does just the opposite. If you can’t win, and you can’t remain in a stable job, I’m sure you can’t lead a sinking ship out of a harbor.
Justin, please call Tom Foley and tell him to get off your back! Tell him to find another stooge to work through to clear the path for his next election bid. Tell him life is valuable and you need to spend time with your wife and children, and leave the political cronyism to someone else.
The Others
Pardon Me, James. Do you have any Grey Poupon? |
Olivastro has a future... hosting The Price is Right |
Hello? Is anybody (decent) out there?
There is still a chance that someone with the attributes I first mentioned at the top of this piece could still be out there testing the waters before jumping in. Last time I made fun of those hiding in the bushes waiting to see how the field does before launching their own campaigns. Now it appears as though I’ve done a 180 on this line of thinking – and I’m praying that someone new emerges who can rally members to drop the choices above, and give the Connecticut Republican Party - someone without a history of controversy and corruption.
Bring back Col Simmons There's a war to be won on the homefront |
When Jerry Labriola takes his jacket off, you know he means business |
There may be others in the wings. But someone had better step forward soon, or the outcome of this election is likely to benefit the Connecticut Democratic agenda and give free pass to Democrats seeking re-election at the National Level.
And a word to the wise: Just because Chris Healy has taken himself out of this race DOES NOT mean that his name couldn't be put forward from the floor by one of his loyal minions just prior to the election taking place. If a front runner doesn't emerge over the next few weeks with votes counted, Healy's name could be thrown into the mix, and he could capture enough of the votes to end up in the Chairman's seat. And it wouldn't surprise me if this is part of some elaborate scheme of his to front a coalition with an alliance of pretended nominees who deliver their support for him at the time of balloting. Silly conspiracy or not - remember, its not over until its over, until the last vote is counted.
I AM,
THE KING
This original article can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com/
Why would you not give a fair assesment instead of insulting candidates. Shows your true charecter king!
ReplyDeleteI read your post - http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com/ and found it interesting - a few points of clarification to make it more accurate.
ReplyDelete- Moving headquarters to Bridgeport WAS a statement. The detail under the hood is to set up satellite office in every urban area and plant the Republican flag (as was demonstrated in my PPT) - drawing a line in the sand for our opponents and giving local and regional outgunned R's much needed visible support. Included in that is the main office front and center in Hartford.
- The idea that the CT GOP has, in your words "limited funds" implies that a good Chair with a solid plan can't raise the money needed. Having done exactly that in business, I can tell you that people will invest in a vision of success, a plan achieve it and the person to carry it out. While CT GOP has done a good job of developing their own fundraising vehicle, we have not fully realized our potential as a Party in such a wealthy state. Lack of a full vision, a detailed plan to succeed and the organizational structure required to execute it has left us bereft of the funds needed to succeed. Under my leadership ALL of that will change.
- As for experience and background, this is subjective and we'll agree to disagree. A successful 2 term Chairman, Campaign Manager, elected official on the Finance Board, prior elected official to 2 other commissions, raising money on "ideas" not a product, identifying and cultivating talent, etc etc, speaks of a candidate eminently qualified. Moreover, leadership demands one leads. As the only candidate to have come out with a highly detailed plan (which of course runs the risk of giving opponents something to shoot at) and re-organization of the State Party I believe I've done just that, lead.
- As for "no chance", those currently supporting me would disagree. The State Party and Republicans they represent will make that decision very quickly and, wherever the Chairmanship falls we will be stronger and untied going forward.
Regards,
Al Alper
Al:
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to respond, and for having the courage to stand-up publicly and present your vision for the future of the Connecticut Republican Party.
A couple of things.
I'm pleased to learn that you support returning CT GOP Headquarters back to Hartford and not move it to Bridgeport. I can tell you that there has been widespread concern amongst CSC members regarding this point.
With regard to establishing satellite offices in every urban area (I count 11 : Greenwich, Bridgeport, Enfield, Hartford, New Britain, New London-Groton, Waterbury, Middletown, Danbury, Manchester, New Haven). I'm not clear on the value based on a CBA that would be required. Nor do I understand how we could afford the rent or staff offices. Other than to be a "visible" what purpose would these offices serve?
In theory, we are represented in all urban centers via RTCs.
I'm not sure if you are aware but discracefully - .09 on the $1 goes to the candidate pool from our fundraising efforts. And you should see how our current leadership takes trips left and right (including another trip to Texas last week to the tune of $3000 a hotel stay weekend to network and drink it up on the donor's dime).
You won't like this, but I advocate giving NOTHING to CT GOP until their house is in order - meaning no more useless party trips, and fraudulant expeditures. I want to see a plan where donations flow to candidates and CTGOP launches media blitzes against things like Bathroom Bill and Sick Leave. Imagine the impact if we had done that? Perhaps some of our own members wouldn't have stabbed us in the back.
We can disagree on your level experience, that's fine. The Wiltonian Empire is rather small 26.8 sq mi - are you familiar with other districts? Ever been to an RTC meeting in Sharon? New London? Enfield? Middletown? Have you been to Town Plot? How much do you know about the issues affecting the First or Second districts? The ones everyone like Linda McMahon and our sitting Chairman avoid (unless it means swooping in for a fundraiser)?
My point is that you should travel around and get to know the - REAL PEOPLE - and expand your horizons outside of your district. I can tell you, as I speak to people - no one has ever heard your name.
To Hageman's credit, he traveled CT and met with many RTCs and tried to exchange thoughts. Few others bothered to do that. Don't take this as a criticism, but as an opportunity for the next time. People would likely enjoy meeting you and hearing from you. If you want to branch out, its time to leave Wilton and expand your base.