Connecticut 2nd District Tea Party Patriots host Candidate Meet & Greet

CT 2nd District Tea Party Patriots
deserve kudos for contributing to the
state political process

An email was passed along to me from from a group known as the Connecticut 2nd District Tea Party Patriots which held a Meet and Greet with the Candidates on April 20, 2012 at the Waterford Town Hall in Waterford, Connecticut. 

The videos are as grassroots as the people hosting it, and we want to extend appreciation to those who took the time to capture the event on their phones and make it available for everyone to see.  If anyone has additional footage of any events like this that they would like to share, I'd be happy to post it up on The King's View as a public service to CTGOP voters. 

While I didn't think it appropriate to post the email I received in its entirety, I did want to highlight one section in particular which stood out:

"We also wish to thank all of the candidates, for not only attending our event, but for running for office. It is not an easy job, running for office, it takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there, to take the “heat”…the negativity that exists (whether warranted or not). Someone has to step up, you all have, so thank you and good luck to all of you in your individual races. "

It's true that all of these political guys and gals take a lot of criticism from the press and public (and even from The King), and without them we wouldn't have a process at all.  So, I join the Tea Party Patriots in a tip of the cap to those bold enough to put their names, reputations, and cash on the line to try and make a difference.  I'd say 80% of our candidates participate because they believe in solid principles, and our State, Nation, etc. The other 20% have amassed plenty of wealthy and seek only the power and position that comes with elected office. It's the latter that deserve our scorn and disapproval for their motivations which are less than noble.  Whatever you do, just keep that in mind the next time you enter the voting booth - are they running for you, or for themselves?
The Meet and Greet Discussion followed these rules:

* Candidates selected numbers and were seated accordingly.  Each section began with the next candidate.
* Senate: Peter Lumaj (1), Linda McMahon (2), Kie Westby (3), Brian K. Hill (4), Chris Shays (7).
* 2nd Dist Rep: Daria Novak (5), Dan Reale (6).
* Candidates had 2 minutes for each answer

    - Part 1: All candidates answered Q1
    - Part 2: All candidates answered Q2
    - Part 3: Each candidate answered a different question Q3-Q9
    - Part 4: Rapid Round (Y/N answers)
    - Parts 5-10: each candidate has 2 minutes for a summary

Raw video:

CT 2nd District TPP Meet & Greet 4/20/2012 Part 1 of 10 (Everyone answers Q1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geKHUbCuQ1s
 Ques 1:  We want to give you all the opportunity to explain to the Constitutional President Obama the 3 branches of Government and their role.
CT 2nd District TPP Meet & Greet 4/20/2012 Part 2a of 10 (Everyone answers Q2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR7jOz4dDrY
 Ques 2: What is your understanding of your prescribed constitutional role and duty as a US Senator or US Congressman? Please elaborate.
CT 2nd District TPP Meet & Greet 4/20/2012 Part 2b of 10 (Everyone answers Q2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuEfIWdYyPM
 Ques 2: What is your understanding of your prescribed constitutional role and duty as a US Senator or US Congressman? Please elaborate.
CT 2nd District TPP Meet & Greet 4/20/2012 Part 3 of 10 (Each candidate gets separate Question)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl49O1cTZL8

 Individual question, one per candidate:

1. Kie Westby - Question - Are there any federal programs you are willing or unwilling to cut or reduce?

2. Brian K. Hill - Question - What is your position on the Affordable Health Care for America Act, known as Obamacare? (Would you focus on repealing the health care bill in its entirety, will you try to defund it, amend it?)

3. Daria Novak - Question - Would you support legislation requiring all laws must cite where in the Constitution it derives its authority?

4. Dan Reale - Question - In view of America's tremendous national debt ($15.6 Trillion), should we continue giving foreign aid to over a 125 countries?

5. Chris Shays - Question - What should the federal government do to strengthen the national economy and create jobs?

6. Peter Lumaj - Question - The 2nd Amendment reads "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." What does that mean to you?

7. Linda McMahon - Question - Do you believe that Social Security and Medicare is in financial trouble? If so, what should be done to strengthen it?

CT 2nd District TPP Meet & Greet 4/20/2012 - 4 of 10 - Rapid Round (Y/N Answers)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuFCKjyRQRg

1. Do you support the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)of 2012?
2. Will you support an independent audit of the Federal Reserve?
3. Do you support the United States involvement in, and support for, the United Nations?
4. Will you support a national value-added-tax (VAT)?
5. Do you believe Quantitative Easing (printing money) can stabilize the economy?
6. Do you support the United Nations Agenda 21?
7. Do you support Cap N Trade legislation?
8. Do you support the Employee Free Choice Act, known as Card Check?
9. Is it Constitutional for an agency of the Federal Government to write rules and regulations which are enforced in the courts as "laws?"
10. Do you support federal bailouts in general?

Parts 5-10 - Each candidate has 2 minutes for a summary:

CT 2nd District TPP Meet & Greet 4/20/2012 - 5 of 10 - Daria Novak / Dan Reale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJWiIE-qw7A

CT 2nd District TPP Meet & Greet 4/20/2012 - 6 of 10 - Chris Shays
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmSepemJ3d8

CT 2nd District TPP Meet & Greet 4/20/2012 - 7 of 10 - Chris Coutu Representative
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37--nTK-RYY

CT 2nd District TPP Meet & Greet 4/20/2012 - 8 of 10 - Peter Lumaj
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIKq9PrBZ20

CT 2nd District TPP Meet & Greet 4/20/2012 - 9 of 10 - Linda McMahon - Kie Westby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubfHxOSHRfA

CT 2nd District TPP Meet & Greet 4/20/2012 - 10 of 10 - Brian K. Hill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJwOXxwcXyU

Again, thanks for taking the time to digitize the event.  Have a great week!

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment. This article does not imply endorsement of the candidate mentioned above, nor has this article been solicited for publication by any political candidate, campaign, or PAC.