Marx, Alper score big; Aniskovich Bombs

Quick note to those who thought I might be putting out a lot of information out about tonight's CTGOP Chairman Candidate Forum...

After tonight, CTGOP members
 learned that Aniskovich is a
 train wreck waiting to happen

I just got in after chatting with other members, and I'm not going to be able to draft a long play-by-play of who said what.  Just not in the cards. I'm too exhausted. (This does happen to those of us who actually work for a living).

First, thanks to those candidates who participated tonight. Good to know there are a few Republicans who haven't sold out, and are in this for more than a big pay day, or pack of favors.  

I will say that Catherine Marx, Al Alper, Pauline Kezer, and Rich Olivastro were impressive with their presentations.  Al is always spot on and if the CTGOP doesn't find a leadership position for this guy, then they are truly wasting talent. His inner city strategy was realistic, and his presentation came off well-received.

Catherine Marx came out of her shell, and for the first time that I can remember articulated a solid plan. I liked her response to whether or not she was tough enough for the job asking defiantly, "You want to try me?" which left her questioner reeling backward! And her printed materials came off quite professional and first rate. I was also impressed with her voter registration strategy.

And Rich Olivastro came off entirely different than in his previous two appearances. While he may not be ready for State Chair, he came across genuine in comments; his point that "We are not here for us, we are here for the People of the State of Connecticut" - was right on the money.  Pauline Kezer came across seasoned and knowledgeable, many believe she would be a good face for the Party. People will be eager to hear more.

Jerry Labriola, Jr. presented his Treasurer Report which put the scare into people (certain people) - he's going be looking at all the expenditures according to the Treasurer's guidelines to reduce spending.  And its pretty clear that we have major work to do in the fundraising department.  Good job being straight up with the Members, Jerry.  Hope you stick to your guns, I'm sure the Chris Healy farewell tour is racking up the bills.  Can we get an accounting of how much its cost Connecticut Republicans for Chris Healy and his staffers to wave good-bye so far?

I know you see me as biased (I am for good reason) but a lot of people are now very concerned about Bill Aniskovich after tonight's weak performance. Many are concerned with his responses to member questions, particularly with regard to his legal ability to fundraise since he is still considered a State Contractor.  When asked if he was aware that he had to wait a full year after the cancellation of his state contract before being eligible to legally fundraise for the Party, he said, "I didn't know that". For someone who is an attorney, and who was an elected official who deliberated over campaign finance laws, its someone disturbing that he would claim ignorance of the laws. Seems rather convenient. 

Imagine how his backers felt tonight when they heard this ambiguous response.  Seems to me something is Rotten in Denmark.  But seriously, someone aught to call the Secretary of State's Office and confirm that Wild Bill is even qualified to run. 

Lastly, his response to the Stonington debacle was at best confusing, if not incoherent.  It was as if Aniskovich has this so locked up that he didn't need to even prepare to handle questions from members.  If he thinks he can be so disrespectful to a friendly GOP audience by not evening pretending to take these questions seriously, then how will he handle a mainstream media inquisition? Makes you think twice, doesn't it?

Oh, but Aniskovish does get some credit for his careful coordination to force/buy/what-have-you five major players all in a 24-hour period:  Torres, Scialabba, Martin, Campbell, and Hageman.  Raise your hand, if you think this was just a big coincidence - all for the good of the Party. Methinks that this is a story unto itself that State Central Members aught to consider.  For Christ Sake, they didn't even bother to spread out the withdrawals to even make it look believable!  While everyone was rounded up into a so-called tally-count, how many now feel like they've been merely used as pawn's on Aniskovich's Chess Board? 

Hey Gary, nevermind calling out a demand to keep things under the lid - how about we talk about collusion out in the open.  No one signed up for this.  And the public is NOT being served by everyone just shutting their mouths and doing as they are told.  There is another Party across the street that does this.  Are we them now?

Enough for now.

I AM

THE KING

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

More Dominos Fall: Scialabba, Clark take the Low Road and support Aniskovich

Wild Bill will take the Connecticut
Republican Party down the road to
ruin. Will anyone take a stand?

Looks like Art Scialabba, Chairman of the Norwalk RTC, and Justin Clark have formally bailed out of the Connecticut Republican State Chairman's race, and worse - have endorsed Wild Bill Aniskovich for Chairman.  Unless something miraculous happens, we may end up with a slimy Chairman who's bound to give our Connecticut Media and the Democrat Party all the ammunition they need to slam us week after week.

Thanks for having the courage of your convictions, Art and Justin!  What a disappointment.  Looks like The King's View is going to have a lot of material over the next two years!

So where does that leave Al Alper, Doug Hageman, Pauline Kezer, and Catherine Marx?  Can we expect endorsement letters from these four next?  Or will someone stand-up to the collective buying power of Wild Bill Aniskovich?  Or are we simply doomed to repeat a failed 9-year cycle all over again?

Well, Connecticut Republicans deserve to see what their former candidates are saying.  So, here are Scialabba's and Clark's letters of withdrawal.

First, here's the letter from Art:

Dear Fellow State Central Members;

As you know, I have been building significant support for my candidacy for State Party Chair. I am honored by the commitments I have received and the confidence so many of you have already placed in my leadership ability.

I am also happy that members across the State recognize the need to win more votes in our urban centers if we are to regain a U.S. Senate seat, win back congressional seats and elect majorities in the State House and Senate. After watching the most recently concluded legislative session, I think we all agree that these victories are crucial to recapturing the Governor’s Office.

The role of the next Chair will require a tireless worker who will devote as much time as is necessary to build an organizational structure that responds to the needs of our town committees and candidates, legislators and party leaders. The next Chair must be able to bring people together and build teams that can win.

I believe that I can do all these things. I also understand that the race for Chair can only be won by a single individual. At this point, I believe that it is in the best interest of the Party to start building consensus around who that leader will be. That is why I am writing to endorse Bill Aniskovich for Chair today.

Bill has a record of experience that will help him build consensus and tailor a Republican message that can win across the state. Bill has committed to utilizing all of us in the effort to rebuild our political and fundraising operation. Most importantly, he has assured me that the Party will function in a transparent, inclusive and energetic manner.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to begin the process of building a Republican Party organization that can win elections with you. I am certain that we will have a solid leader at the helm in Bill Aniskovich. I have asked my supporters to vote for Bill on June 28th and encourage each of you to do the same.

Sincerely,
Art Scialabba

Here's the letter from Justin Clark:

June 14, 2011


Dear Members of the Connecticut State Central Committee:

I am writing to you today excited about the future of the Connecticut Republican Party. Over the course of the last two years I have had the opportunity to get to know many of you. More than that, I have had the chance to listen to your ideas about how to make our Party a more effective vehicle for electing Republicans.

Ultimately, the race for Party Chair is about just that---winning elections. As Tom Foley’s Campaign Manager in 2010, I saw first-hand what we do well as a Party and where we need to improve our game. As an RTC Chair in West Hartford, I have worked in the trenches and know what local Town Committees and candidates need from State Central to win.

In order to win, we must unify around an effective leader and a compelling message. To unify, we must come together as a party. That is why I am writing today to endorse Bill Aniskovich for State Party Chair.

Over the last month, Bill has worked hard to demonstrate what kind of leader he would be for the Connecticut Republicans. He has articulated a core message, and listened to the variety of opinions about what we need to do. Further, he has brought people together around the idea that we can win. His ability to motivate people is apparent to those of you who know him well and those of you who are meeting him for the first time.

Bill’s ability and desire to develop a consensus around Republican ideals and a political strategy are essential elements to winning. While I won’t have a formal role within the party, I will form a partnership with Bill and all of you to build this consensus and more importantly win more elections. In this spirit of partnership and unity, I ask that my supporters on the committee and within the party support Bill.

It is time for us to come together as Republicans and rally around a leader who will once again rely on the talents of each and every member of the State Central Committee to the fullest extent in the one goal we share in common: winning elections. I hope my endorsement today helps moves us closer to the unity we need to achieve our common goals.

With many thanks and knowing that much brighter days are ahead for the GOP, I am,

Very Truly Yours,
Justin

My friends:  just because The Establishment has chosen their candidate doesn't mean that the Members of State Central aren't free to make up their own minds for the good of the Party.  I would urge State Central Members in opposition to this cronyism to get on the phone with each other and don't allow members to blindly go with the flow and elect a corrupt Chairman to the seat of power.  It can only spell doom and gloom for the next two years.  And Connecticut Taxpayers and businesses cannot afford to suffer any longer. 

At one time, the Republican Party in Connecticut stood for respected principles.  Today, it stands for payoffs and politics.  And don't think the voters won't know the difference.

I AM

THE KING

The original blog post can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com/

Interrogation at Wally-World! Healy locks out the Peanut Gallery!

Where there is smoke, there is usually fire - not that I am trying to fan the flames, but ...

By all reports, there is an angry buzz in the air because of the restrictions around tomorrow's Connecticut Republican Candidate Meeting which will be held at the Villa Capri in Wallingford, Connecticut (directions here).  The guidelines (below) make it clear that the meeting is going to be open to State Central Members only, which means that this important session will be closed to the public, and guests - friends, media, and registered Republicans are not welcome.  The set-up raises ongoing questions about the lack of transparency within the CTGOP, and compounds the litany of concerns about how State Central Leadership conducts Party business.


REVENGE TIME: Healy and his
cronies are going to work-over
their enemies behind closed doors.

 I could see limiting the number of guests for capacity reasons, but I can't understand why State Central continues to lock out Republicans from observing what goes on beyond the club curtain.  And I would also gamble that a few select guests will be let in by Chairman Christopher Healy - who has a reputation for making up the rules as he goes along anyway.  (Note: Even The King cannot recognize all 72 members, so if anyone shows who doesn't belong - feel free to send the name along to me for posting.)

I guess if regular Connecticut Republicans want to know how things turn out, they should pitch a tent, and camp out in the parking lot of Villa Capri, or pray that Healy doesn't ban social networking tools from the meeting.  Hell, if Judge Blue can permit the use of Twitter in the Komisarjevsky courtroom, then I guess Old Man Healy would be a real dictator to disallow their use on Tuesday.

The interesting part of the process is whether or not a member can ask a specific question which could be considered of private nature, or whether the forum could be used to attack or humiliate an opponent.  And who gets to decide whether a question is fair and reasonable? Oh, I bet its none other than our lovable Chairman Healy who'll be tightening the ropes on the torture rack to try and humiliate those who worked so hard to end his pathetic reign. 

And while I'm on the topic of fairness - since the meeting is limited to the elected Republican elite, it appears that certain candidates won't have the advantage of say a - Doug Hageman or Art Scialabba who are card-carrying State Central members and entitled to sit through all their opponent's question time.  That doesn't seem fair, does it?

Well, one thing is for sure.  It's going to be interesting and pretty darn entertaining.  Pipe in the laugh track.

The following letter was sent out to all State Central members, which also included a copy of the By-laws:

All:

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE EMAIL - IMPORTANT INFORMATION IS ENCLOSED

The State Central Committee decided on Tuesday night to hold another meeting on Tuesday June 14th to interview our candidates for State party Chairman. I will be sending out a notice to them shortly.

Attached is a copy of the by-laws as amended at the last State Convention. In addition a copy of the meeting notice for June 14th.

Please note the cost of this dinner is only $30.

This meeting is for State Central Members only or their proxies. NO GUESTS!

The meeting will be held at:

The Villa Capri

906 North Colony Road

Wallingford, CT 06492

XXX-XXX-XXXX

Please RSVP -ASAP. The meal will be served family style.

This WILL NOT be a debate among the candidates. Each candidate will address the committee individually. They will have 5 minutes to introduce themselves and than have 15 mins for questions. If more time is needed for questions, the candidates will be asked to stay and meet members at the end of the meeting. Times may vary depending on the number of candidates.

In the interest of time and in consultation with a few members, I am putting a questionnaire together to send to the state party chairman candidates. I intend to email it to them on June 1st. I will ask that they bring 72 copies of their responses to the meeting on the 14th.

If you have a generic question you would like to ask each candidate, please forward it to me no later than May 31, 2011at 5pm. I will include your question.

A genetic question maybe: Is there anything in your past that could be brought to light by your election? Or what our your plans on dealing with the working families party?

Some members want to ask certain questions that pertain only to that candidate and not the other candidates.

In addition, having a questionnaire will allow each member to take home some information and study it and in addition this gives each member an opportunity to ask a question.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX or XXX-XXX-XXXX (edited by The King for privacy).

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation and again, PLEASE RSVP FOR THE DINNER.

Gary

For those who haven't seen the questionnaire, here are the 16 written questions posed to candidates for Chairman (answers were to be written, copied and distributed to all members):

Question #1: Is there anything in your past that may come to light following your election as State Party Chairman that will hinder your ability to lead the party?

Question #2: What will you do to increase Republican registration in Connecticut?

Question #3: How will you combat the influence of the Working Families Party in Connecticut?

Question #4: How can we better get our message out to the people in Connecticut?

Question #5: Is there anything you think could have been done to get better results in the 2010 campaign?Question #6: Many people want us to invest large dollars in the cities for GOTV efforts do you agree with this strategy?

Question #7: How do you plan to raise money for Connecticut Republicans?

Question #8: Will you reinstate the Week on Washington and if so in what time frame?

Question #9: Are you up to date on Connecticut’s new campaign finance laws?

Question #10: Can you give me a good reason to attend a state central meeting?

Question #11: Can you assure us that attending a meeting will be meaningful and a productive use of our time?

Question #12: How will you reach out to younger voters and persuade them that joining the Republican Party is the right choice for their economic future?

Question #13: What is the role of the Connecticut Republican State Central Committee in your viewpoint?

Question #14: What is the role of the State Party Chairman?

Question #15: Do you plan on being a Full-Time or Part-Time Chairman?

Question #16: What will your staff structure look like?

So, if anyone is up for it, you might want to put together a little tailgating party down at the Villa.  Sounds like a job for the Tea Party Express.

I AM

THE KING

The original blog post can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

Rick Torres cuts a deal with Aniskovich; Simmons reported to be next

Not that Rick Torres was ever a factor in the Connecticut GOP Chairman's race, but it appears he's cut a deal with Wild Bill Aniskovich, and has endorsed him for CTGOP Chair.

CT Republicans will need to rethink
the slippery slope they are on
before its too late

The next story simmering on the front burner is that everyone is waiting for Rob Simmons to send out a formal communication over the next few days endorsing Bill Aniskovich.  This won't be big surprise since Simmons is eager to run for U.S. Senate and wants to cut a deal that doesn't permit Linda McMahon to have her henchman running the next Connecticut Republican State Convention.

I still believe this is a foolish move on Simmons' part.  His assumption that Aniskovich wouldn't eventually follow the money and stab him in the back is by far not a foregone conclusion.  Simmons, instead of being above the fray is opting to choose sides - quite a gamble for someone who has so much more to lose than gain.  Simmons is best to keep his mouth shut, be neutral, and avoid all entanglements during this process.  But as of this writing, it looks as though he won't thus signing a suicide pact for the remainder of his political career. Tisk, Tisk.

I further expect that Doug Hageman, who is seeking a consolation prize for his valiant effort will join Wild Bill's alliance with his handful of votes.  And everyone knows that Simmons and Hageman are good friends in and out of politics.  Should a deal be struck, Hageman would likely secure badly-needed employment under an Aniskovich regime.

This move will result in a shock-wave of realignment within the Connecticut Republican Establishment. Former foes may find themselves lowering their swords against each other and banding together in order to defeat a far more dangerous enemy to the future of the Republican Party - Bill Aniskovich (of course, that's only if they're smart enough to do so).  Wild Bill's letter to State Central Members last week created a firestorm that is continuing to spread at a rapid pace. 

Besides the concern with turning the Party over to a Chairman with several known improprieties, the Aniskovich strategy seeks too surrender control of State Central from the public body politic of (mostly) citizen representatives to leaders within the Connecticut Legislature.  You would think that after this last session, Republican leaders in the Statehouse would want to straighten out their own caucuses before trying to seize control of Republican State Central.  Moreover, its said that Derby-Orange-Woodbridge Representative Themis Klarides, who is always embroiled in controversy (not to be taken as a compliment), is being fronted as a possible Vice Chairman under Wild Bill.

What will be interesting is how the other candidates will ultimately react to the Aniskovich surge, and the outcome.  Will Art Scialabba work with Justin Clark, and/or Catherine Marx (and possibily Al Alper) to form a counter alliance?  Or will they all remain independent, frozen by their own egos, and simply become crushed under by the Statehouse-run machine?   And how does Pauline Kezer fit into the mix?  Will she join the contest and siphon off Aniskovich supporters, or will her entry into the race have the unintended consequence of further eroding the opposition against him?  And has anyone even seen the rules that Chris Healy is using to preside over this great big giant nightmare?

One thing is for certain, Joe Visconti, the de facto leader of the Connecticut Tea Party (via Liberty Unplugged) is watching all of this very carefully, and is likely to reject any Chairman who would abandon key positions on social issues, have a background of unethical (if not illegal behavior), or continue the failed practices of Chris Healy.  My own fear (and for disclosure I am NOT a Tea Party member) is that Visconti might work to set up a third party thus creating additional hardships for the Connecticut Republican Party to overcome resulting in further setbacks the CTGOP. 

And this, my friends, is a MAJOR concern that others should start to take an interest in.

Ok, enough for today...

I AM

THE KING


For the record, the following letter was sent out today by Bill Aniskovich to his followers:


June 12, 2011


Connecticut Republican State Central Committee:


For the past many weeks I have attempted to line up support in my run for Chairman of the State Republican Party. I am honored to have had the opportunity to get to know the other candidates better and I am especially happy at the opportunities to share my personal philosophy with many state residents.

Additionally, I think that the process has ultimately given the state party a clear opportunity to choose among many capable people who have offered themselves up to scrutiny. All of the candidates would bring unique and valuable capabilities had any one of us been able to serve. Although I felt deep in my heart that I offered an especially unique set of abilities that would have been useful to a chairman, there ultimately can be only one. In my analysis I recognized that I could not harness the necessary support to win.

However, I did spend a good amount of time accessing the other candidates and in my opinion Bill Aniskovich has a skill-set that is most competent. Bill’s legislative experience is unmatched. Bill has an exceptional track record in fundraising. Bill is a conservative. This fact alone will allow the state Republican Party to reach out to disaffected folks who feel the Party has lost its way. Bill understands my contention that Republicans have ignored minorities, the poor and urban dwellers. Bill also recognizes that we have also ignored rural communities and that we must never again ignore our natural constituencies.

If I were to think of what it is that impressed me most about Bill Aniskovich I would say it is Bill’s heart-felt and genuine sincerity. Bill will be proactive to improve the things we’ve done right and repair the things we’ve done wrong. I look forward to working hard with a person with these qualities. I believe that in time Bill will bring our great party together and that the process of rebirth begins as soon as Bill is installed as our new Chairman.

It is my sincere pleasure to endorse Bill Aniskovich for the position of Chairman of the Republican Party in our great state of Connecticut. I encourage my supporters to vote for Bill on June 28th.

Sincerely,

Rick

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