Based on the latest report published by The New London Day, State Representative, and current CT-02 Republican favorite, Christopher Coutu, might be switching gears to seek Democrat Edith Prague's soon-to-be vacated State Senate Seat. Rumors are already swirling that GOP Party Insiders - unhappy with the remaining option - are seeking a replacement candidate to take on incumbent Democrat Joe Courtney.
One high ranking GOP Party official told a large group of Republicans:
"Ultimately, Chris [Coutu] has to make his own decision. Selfishly speaking, I'd be thrilled to enlist him to help us take back the State State from Democrats. However, if Chris does drop out [of the Congressional] Race, there is no way that we can allow Daria Novak be the Party Nominee to challenge Courtney in November."
The comment has credibility given the weak support that Novak has received from Second District constituents in the early months of the race, and compounded by meager amount of money she's been able to raise over the last three quarters.
Evidence shows that while the Second District is certainly winnable for the CTGOP, the chances of someone on the fringe like Novak gathering enough support to win is rather minuscule. At present, the overwhelming majority of endorsements out of CT-02 have been in support of Chris Coutu; Novak has received only a sprinkling of support, and wasn't able to secure the endorsement her own Town Committee in Madison. It probably doesn't help her cause that she's been embroiled in a major controversy over accusations of extreme plagiarism on the local patch blog; or her decision to battle back and forth with The Norwich Bulletin columnist Ray Hackett over trifle points on the matter which has only exacerbated her public relations crisis.
Of much worse concern is the question of the legitimacy of her self-proclaimed background, and credentials. Novak tells everyone she meets that she was appointed by President Ronald Reagan, and served on Air Force One - a claim that neither CTGOP leaders or Washington-based insiders have been able to validate.
Her only evidence of her Reagan-appointment comes from what she refers to as A Lasting Endorsement from Ronald Reagan (taken from in her campaign literature) dated January 6, 1989, and reads:
"...Dear Daria: ... with your help, our administration has proven what no one need ever have doubted; the American Dream of Liberty and Justice for all is alive and well... through your efforts and sacrifice, you have truly made a difference in the daily lives of our fellow citizens. On their behalf, and with my own heartfelt gratitude, I commend you for a job well done. God Bless you always, and God Bless America.
Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan"
It's hard to speculate whether or not this letter was sent to all civil service employees who worked in Washington under Ronald Reagan, or not. Heck, I see this kind of language at the bottom of many of the Washington-based think-tank fundraising letters which I receive from time to time. Whatever the source, I have a hard time seeing it as a legitimate letter of endorsement from one of the most loved and respected Presidents of the last century. If this letter was merely a thank you for service - it should be left to stand alone as such, and not used as a tool of propaganda on behalf of a Congressional Candidate. Combined with the issue of plagiarism, is this activity a sign of pathological behavior or intentional deceit? Well, I guess that's up to those living in the Second Congressional District to decide. Good luck.
Moving Forward to Find a Candidate
Grass doesn't grow under the feet of the political opportunist subclass for long. There are already a few names that have been floating around to challenge Novak at the upcoming State Convention - or at least start the ball rolling to begin a petition drive to get on the ballot in time for the August Primary. Some of these names that have been raised as possible candidates include: the 2010 Republican Nominee and former News Anchor Janet Peckinpaugh, North Windham Attorney Doug Dubitsky, fomer CTGOP Vice-Chair Catherine Marx, and 2008 State Senate Candidate, and Retired Navy Officer Sean Sullivan. I'm sure we could see a few more stars pop out of the woodwork. No matter your political alliance, any of these choices might be preferred to a Novak Candidacy which is already Dead on Arrival.
One thing is for sure - if anyone thought the upcoming Republican State Convention was going to be a one-dimensional, boring viewing of The Linda McMahon Fireworks Show, then it looks like you're in for a special treat!
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.
One high ranking GOP Party official told a large group of Republicans:
"Ultimately, Chris [Coutu] has to make his own decision. Selfishly speaking, I'd be thrilled to enlist him to help us take back the State State from Democrats. However, if Chris does drop out [of the Congressional] Race, there is no way that we can allow Daria Novak be the Party Nominee to challenge Courtney in November."
The comment has credibility given the weak support that Novak has received from Second District constituents in the early months of the race, and compounded by meager amount of money she's been able to raise over the last three quarters.
Evidence shows that while the Second District is certainly winnable for the CTGOP, the chances of someone on the fringe like Novak gathering enough support to win is rather minuscule. At present, the overwhelming majority of endorsements out of CT-02 have been in support of Chris Coutu; Novak has received only a sprinkling of support, and wasn't able to secure the endorsement her own Town Committee in Madison. It probably doesn't help her cause that she's been embroiled in a major controversy over accusations of extreme plagiarism on the local patch blog; or her decision to battle back and forth with The Norwich Bulletin columnist Ray Hackett over trifle points on the matter which has only exacerbated her public relations crisis.
Of much worse concern is the question of the legitimacy of her self-proclaimed background, and credentials. Novak tells everyone she meets that she was appointed by President Ronald Reagan, and served on Air Force One - a claim that neither CTGOP leaders or Washington-based insiders have been able to validate.
Her only evidence of her Reagan-appointment comes from what she refers to as A Lasting Endorsement from Ronald Reagan (taken from in her campaign literature) dated January 6, 1989, and reads:
"...Dear Daria: ... with your help, our administration has proven what no one need ever have doubted; the American Dream of Liberty and Justice for all is alive and well... through your efforts and sacrifice, you have truly made a difference in the daily lives of our fellow citizens. On their behalf, and with my own heartfelt gratitude, I commend you for a job well done. God Bless you always, and God Bless America.
Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan"
 |
| Novak Campaign Literature |
It's hard to speculate whether or not this letter was sent to all civil service employees who worked in Washington under Ronald Reagan, or not. Heck, I see this kind of language at the bottom of many of the Washington-based think-tank fundraising letters which I receive from time to time. Whatever the source, I have a hard time seeing it as a legitimate letter of endorsement from one of the most loved and respected Presidents of the last century. If this letter was merely a thank you for service - it should be left to stand alone as such, and not used as a tool of propaganda on behalf of a Congressional Candidate. Combined with the issue of plagiarism, is this activity a sign of pathological behavior or intentional deceit? Well, I guess that's up to those living in the Second Congressional District to decide. Good luck.
Moving Forward to Find a Candidate
Grass doesn't grow under the feet of the political opportunist subclass for long. There are already a few names that have been floating around to challenge Novak at the upcoming State Convention - or at least start the ball rolling to begin a petition drive to get on the ballot in time for the August Primary. Some of these names that have been raised as possible candidates include: the 2010 Republican Nominee and former News Anchor Janet Peckinpaugh, North Windham Attorney Doug Dubitsky, fomer CTGOP Vice-Chair Catherine Marx, and 2008 State Senate Candidate, and Retired Navy Officer Sean Sullivan. I'm sure we could see a few more stars pop out of the woodwork. No matter your political alliance, any of these choices might be preferred to a Novak Candidacy which is already Dead on Arrival.
One thing is for sure - if anyone thought the upcoming Republican State Convention was going to be a one-dimensional, boring viewing of The Linda McMahon Fireworks Show, then it looks like you're in for a special treat!
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.
NO!!! This can't be true! Somebody do something quick, that wife of the Tazmanian Devil can't go unchallenged at the ConventioN. I'm sick
ReplyDeleteDoris - New London
This article is filled with falsehoods and inaccuracies. Who is this supposed “high-ranking” Party official? A State Central Committee member? This is yet another thinly-veiled attempt at character assassination. I challenge the State Central member to identify his/herself? I am getting tired of Republicans attempting to destroy other Republicans. This is why we lose elections.
ReplyDeleteI have never stated I worked on Air Force One – not once. This first came from a State Central Committee member in the last election trying to discredit me. The King needs to check his facts! I was assigned to the White House International Advance Team for then-Vice President Bush from the State Department and traveled to China in 1985. I worked in both Beijing and in Guangzhou during that time. This is a fact. Helene Von Damme, Head of Personnel at the White House, was the actual individual who put through the paperwork for my Schedule C political appointment. Very simple to check!
No CT GOP leader has ever checked anything or they would have been able to verify this fact. No one from CT GOP has ever contacted me questioning anything in my resume. It is all true and I can prove every single fact. I do not believe CT GOP is that incompetent, so who is behind this?
I am happy to speak with the anonymous individual in high places at CT GOP. Who are these Washington-based insiders they supposedly spoke with? Again, anonymous sources? Come on, we Republicans are better than this type of innuendo. Here is another fact. One of my boss’ was Paul Wolfowitz, who served as Assistant Secretary of State, then later as Undersecretary of Defense and President of the World Bank. Call him up and ask him if he was my boss! He will confirm it. My title was Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State.
I will not allow my voice to be suppressed or silenced. The only thing Dead on Arrival is the credibility of The King. BTW – why didn’t The King contact me to check his facts? Perhaps, he is not a King, but a Pawn!
First, I can wonder who does decide candidates in this Republican process. Is the Convention of town delegates real or a game? If it’s some game, lots of us don’t want to play.
ReplyDelete“…is no way that we can allow Daria Novak be the Party Nominee to challenge Courtney in November."
Seems that there is a short memory and not reflective of their effort in 2010. The central planning in the CT GOP is growing scarier by the year. If any of them attended debates they’d have seen Novak best Dubitsky as well as the ill-prepared Peckinpaugh.
Then I wonder if CT GOP is a group of RINOS who cannot abide someone who is a conservative. Many Town Committees and groups of voters around the 2nd District know that Daria Novak can mount a strong offense on Joe Courtney’s Democrat path, marching us away from the balance of power and limits of our federal government.
This looks like a fear of what rude people label “Tea party-type” voters. Republican is a large tent. We have room for big ideas. The biggest should be adherence to our Constitution.
Some pokes used in the piece are odd. Anyone can check the Plum Book and see that Novak had a Schedule C appointment under President Reagan. She worked at the State Department between 1979 and 1989. Funding should not be an issue since the CT -2 District fight funds should be available to the other federal candidate use. Chris cannot use them in the state race. Donations were made to win the 2nd District seat.
Other possible candidates that can be dug up at the drop of Chris’s hat?
This is so similar to suddenly drafting Peckinpaugh in May last time. Both Sean Sullivan (who is leaving the area for a new job appointment) and Janet Peckinpaugh have lost this race already. Doug Dubitsky never made it that far. What is this push to supplant a candidate who has shown knowledge and ability on national topics, and dedication to what are supposed to be Republican values?
It looks as if our CT GOP inner circle is afraid to show support for someone with wide conservative appeal.
First, I can wonder who does decide candidates in this Republican process. Is the Convention of town delegates real or a game? If it’s some game, lots of us don’t want to play.
ReplyDelete“…is no way that we can allow Daria Novak be the Party Nominee to challenge Courtney in November."
Seems that there is a short memory and not reflective of their effort in 2010. The central planning in the CT GOP is growing scarier by the year. If any of them attended debates they’d have seen Novak best Dubitsky as well as the ill-prepared Peckinpaugh.
Then I wonder if CT GOP is a group of RINOS who cannot abide someone who is a conservative. Many Town Committees and groups of voters around the 2nd District know that Daria Novak can mount a strong offense on Joe Courtney’s Democrat path, marching us away from the balance of power and limits of our federal government.
This looks like a fear of what rude people label “Tea party-type” voters. Republican is a large tent. We have room for big ideas. The biggest should be adherence to our Constitution.
Some pokes used in the piece are odd. Anyone can check the Plum Book and see that Novak had a Schedule C appointment under President Reagan. She worked at the State Department between 1979 and 1989. Funding should not be an issue since the CT -2 District fight funds should be available to the other federal candidate use. Chris cannot use them in the state race. Donations were made to win the 2nd District seat.
Other possible candidates that can be dug up at the drop of Chris’s hat?
This is so similar to suddenly drafting Peckinpaugh in May last time. Both Sean Sullivan (who is leaving the area for a new job appointment) and Janet Peckinpaugh have lost this race already. Doug Dubitsky never made it that far. What is this push to supplant a candidate who has shown knowledge and ability on national topics, and dedication to what are supposed to be Republican values.?
It looks as if our CT GOP inner circle is afraid to show support for someone with wide conservative appeal.
Informative as usual. Dubitsky would be a good choice. Has he agreed to run?
ReplyDeleteThe problem with Daria is that she comes across as a know-it-all. She walked into our RTC Meeting handing out copies of the Constitution. It was so insulting!
ReplyDeleteKing: Daria did serve in Washington but exaggerates her role. The longer you talk with her, the more important she becomes. The way she describes things - you may begin to think that President Reagan worked for her. The CT GOP leaders are right in this one. We can't afford Daria as our nominee because she'll hurt the under-ticket badly.
ReplyDeleteDaria Novak did work in the Reagan Administration.
ReplyDeleteIf you have access to Factiva or Nexis -, you can see that she worked at the Department Of State.
There are articles citing her a spokeswoman on issues relative to China during the Tiennamen (sp?) Square incident.
The issue of the "endorsement" from Ronald Reagan is a different issue.
The Reagan Foundation in Simi Valley, CA frowns on what Daria is doing with the letter. She shouldn't be using it as an endorsement.
I advised a GOP Candidate's Campaign in 2010 and looked into it.
We got a letter from the Reagan Foundation saying as much but the campaign never called her out on it.
Daria is doing the same kind of thing when then US Senate Candidate James Webb (VA) used a clip of Reagan in an ad .
Reagan's clip praised Webb in the context of his service as Secretary of the Nanvy.
Nancy Reagan objected to this and the ad was pulled.
Daria is not Ronald Reagan. There's only one Ronald Reagan and she's no Ronald Reagan. She's board of education material at best.
ReplyDeletePaul Formica is in!
ReplyDeleteThe telling part of the Reagan quote is the ellipsis.
ReplyDeleteWhat is hidden above those three floating dots? Something like this:
"Dear X, Thank you very much for contributing X dollars to my campaign."
Ahh. But who actually saves any of those old thank you notes from campaigns of twenty or thirty years back?
Who, indeed!