The Week in Review: State Rep Wadsworth, Mitt Romney, & Linda McMahon

"Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week" - (Joseph Addison (1672-1719), British essayist. Spectator (London, July 9, 1711)

First, I want to start by wishing Republican State Representative William "Bill" Wadsworth well.  For those who haven't been following the news, Representative Wadsworth was piloting his Robinson R22 helicopter when it crashed in Farmington on Saturday night.  

William Wadsworth (R)
Escaped unscathed

The King knows the crash location well (corner of Meadow Road and Meadow Lane), and its true that its a thickly wooded area, and that he was fortunate not to hit the power-lines located only yards away. Reports are that Rep. Wadsworth was shaken but was able to walk away from the incident without serious injury.  His passenger was not so lucky, and was taken to Hartford Hospital for treatment.  Whatever your politics or faith, please keep Rep Wadsworth and his lady passenger in your thoughts and prayers.

Rep. William Wadsworth comes from a long line of Wadsworth's who have contributed much to both Connecticut and United States history including poetry (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow), and military service.  Historians will note that Lt. Henry Wadsworth  died second in command aboard the original U.S.S. Intrepid in 1804. See this recent story which recaps some of those details.  Notwithstanding his family connections, Rep. Wadsworth has been the model Republican in our State Legislature.  Why this man isn't serving in the U.S. Congress, I'll never know - he's likely blow away the entire field regardless of Party affiliation.

Mitt Romney's Visit and the Rosen Fallout

We would be remiss if we didn't mention this past week's visit to Hartford by the next President of the United States - Mitt Romney.  And trust me - this guy has everything it takes to win the nomination, the general election, and much more.  Frankly, given that Rick Santorum has dropped out, plus the total number of primaries that Mitt's won that Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul are still continuing their pointless campaigns toward nomination.  Of course, there isn't much that surprises me about Ron Paul except that he's still registered as a Republican.  Paul has as much in common with Democrats as he does Republicans which makes me wonder why he ever expected to win the GOP nomination in the first place.   

Paul's followers are even more disturbing than the candidate himself; try to explain one of them that Paul can't win and you get the same reaction you get when you try to convince a ten year old that there is no Easter Bunny ... but much worse - they turn crimson red, their eyes widen, and they begin foaming at the mouth like a rabid raccoon - go ahead and try it, I dare you!  It's hard for them to accept that no-one cares about their silly, old candidate.  Fact is, he's not going to influence our platform one way or the other. *Sigh*

There are two points worth discussing about Mitt's trip.  First, in total sum his visit to Connecticut was a boon for his overall appeal nationally - and perhaps not just because of what he did or said while here, but rather what Democrat Strategist and Lesbian activist Hilary Rosen said, flanked by comments by Connecticut Democrat Chairman Nancy DiNardo - who comes across as a kind of a misfit when discussing national politics anyway. You can get back to us on that one too, if you'd like.

You can't go wrong show-
casing great talent like
Ann Brickley

Mitt Romney's strategists decided to front successful woman in leadership and business as part of his New England tour. He showcased a few stellar Connecticut Republican leaders like Karen Brinker, owner of AlphaGraphics (where the event was held), Businesswoman Ann Brickley, and Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson. You can't quibble with the depth of such inspiring talent, or the brilliant strategy either; and the other side would be screaming discrimination if we didn't discuss the importance of women as part of our overall message to attract voters - it's just that they don't want us cutting in to their female voting demographic which was particularly strong for Obama in 2008 (56% to 46% in favor of Barack).  We, sort of get that.  

Hilary Rosen attack on future first lady Ann Romney was as foolish as it gets in another bad week for the President. We understand that it was a response to the embarrassing report earlier in the week which outlined the fact that Obama's White House pays women far less than it does men.  Hilary Rosen was sent out to smear Mitt Romney on the women's angle which clearly served as an exploding boomerang which clobbered them 10-fold upon its return.

First, so what if Ann Romney is a millionaire.  It seems that most women associated with Washington culture aren't exactly clipping coupons regardless of party affiliation.  Do you think Joe Biden's wife shops for her clothes at Target?  Second, attacking the wife of a Presidential Candidate is about as low as it gets.  If this is a sign of things to come, you can better expect this election to be the lowest, and dirtiest on record.  And does the White House really want Michelle Obama - who already isn't very popular with anyone outside of the beltway - to face the same kind of scrutiny?  Michelle Obama clearly can't stand the whole "First Lady thing" anyway, and she seems like she'll be the happiest person on Earth organizing the moving vans the Hell out of Washington come mid-November.

Thirdly, and most importantly - attacking stay at home moms seems to be a pretty arrogant position to take anyway.  The role of motherhood is second to none as far as any woman that I know is concerned, and the thinking extends to us dads.  Many woman sacrifice their careers to be home with their children to ensure they are raised properly and that is a noble and wonderful thing in an age where many of our leaders would rather see the Government raise our children to become full-time surfs of the State. 

Perhaps before he went the wayward strategy of trying to insult and diminish mothers, the White House might have looked at the flip side of the coin and realized that Barack Obama's policies have been the biggest contributing factor to sidelining a great number of new stay at home moms who didn't actually plan on volunteering for the "stay at home part" but wound up becoming a casualty at the hands of three years of his devastating economic policies that have sunk us well below acceptable employment statistics.  It seems that those who President Obama has claimed to have been so outspoken a champion for - women, blacks, minorities, even young college grads - have suffered the most under his policies. 

Mitt Romney's Visit and the Linda McMahon Fallout

Twitter fanatics tweeted with great anticipation the arrival of Mitt Romney prior to the kick off to the Hartford event.  One comment by a Connecticut Mirror reporter certainly got the most notice in the early hours before the event. 

CT Mirror's Mark Pazniokas tweeted: "Seat reserved in front row for Chris Shays at Romney event. Nothing for McMahon."  Hmmm?  Curious.

Almost immediately CTGOP Party insiders started to speculate about the why Linda McMahon was not going to be front and center with GOP Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney.  It was particularly noteworthy, given that 1) Linda McMahon has locked up significant establishment support (via buying delegates and RTCs as has been reported in the press), 2) Linda McMahon came out early in public support of Mitt Romney last year, and 3) the event was meant to showcase women leaders in both business and politics - and given Linda's rhetoric, you would have thought she would have been a shoe-in attendee.

According to insiders, there is trouble in McMahonville.  First, its pretty clear to anyone that Linda McMahon's non-appearance (and non-invitation) was a signal that even Team Romney doesn't buy-in to Linda's established claims of job creation, nor does Mr. Romney support the violent and disgraceful product produced by Linda McMahon.  The last thing Mitt Romney was going to have was the national media asking him if he endorses the kind of nonsense produced by Linda's WWE cesspool. As The King has shown the product produced by the McMahon's is not respectful toward women whatsoever.  This has become an endless quagmire for McMahon was was pretty evident in the demographic detail of her 2010 campaign. 

Second, the surge of Chris Shays' support seems to be causing some buckling within Team McMahon.  Several delegates now feel trapped because they bought in early to an otherwise doomed campaign.  When compared with the bright and energetic appearances of Congressman Chris Shays, and the fact that according to legitimate polling data, he is far more competitive against Democrats then McMahon will ever be - it seems that trying to hold together her ambiguous campaign is one helluva task.  Mitt Romney's refusal to include her in proceedings was just another foreshadowing of a foregone conclusion - which is that as far as Connecticut's Republican U.S. Senate Nomination is concerned - only Chris Shays stands out as the only reasonable choice.

Lastly, there was one interesting story you may have caught which detailed a prominent Connecticut Republican landing a damaging blow on Linda McMahon.  Although many of our State Reps were swooped up by Linda McMahon in the early goings, it seems that CTGOP leadership has carefully kept its powder dry and stayed out of the fray - at least until now.  According to the New Haven Register, Republican State Senator John McKinney said, "McMahon's misleading attacks against Congressman Shays needs to stop!"

Whoa!  Did a Connecticut Republican Leader actually just stand up to the McMahon ATM machine?  Just a crack in the armor or a much larger problem for McMahon?  Perhaps having learned their lesson from the whole Aniskovich debacle, our GOP Legislative Leadership may have noticed that selling out to an automatic loser doesn't make a bit of sense when they can support a possible winner in Chris Shays - who's far more suited, far more qualified, and far more capable of winning the U.S. Senate seat than Linda McMahon.

It will be interesting to see if Larry Cafero joins the chorus and sides with the Shays Campaign next.  If so, this would set up a Grand Alliance between Chris Shays, The Connecticut House and Senate Leadership, Andrew Roraback, Mitt Romney, and the Pierce Zappi Powerhouse AGAINST Linda McMahon, Joe Markley, Tom Foley, Mark Boughton, Paid Delegates, and Pat Sullivan's Establishment Firm.  You can see a pretty interesting tie-in battle to watch. The showdown between Pierce Zappi and Pat Sullivan - and wonder which of these firms will have bragging rights about which delivered which candidates to office when it its all said and done. 

And the results of these alliances and the fallout from them will likely have a lingering domino effect long into 2014...

Oh, this is going to be good!

So despite our loss on the Death Penalty battle, there is plenty to opine about as it's been a very busy week here in the Nutmeg State, and busier still for all of us who are enjoying the return of gorgeous weather, and have plenty of real work to do to get our yards ready for entertaining and such.  With next week expected to hit near 80 temps, I hope you'll find time to get out there and start to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine - and enjoy life beyond politics, a little!

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.

Connecticut: Murderer's Haven

I'm not going to write a long post this dreary morning, but just one that states the obvious.   Last night, Connecticut's Democratic-controlled House ignored the will of the people by repealing the Death Penalty, by a vote of 86-62.

The King doesn't have a remedy for the deep sour feeling that those of you with a working moral compass may feel this morning.  I don't even have a quick and easy alternative plan that will somehow rescue Connecticut from the criminal vote that took place last evening.  Last night's vote isn't something that can be overturned by a judge (particularly our liberal judges), or negotiated away behind closed doors.  I wish I could offer proponents of a working death penalty some hope, but I have none to give.  Like many of you, I only feel despair.

What is worse is that the betrayers of the public trust feel no threat to their posh positions.  State Republicans missed the opportunity to take the issue public and rally support before the votes in both chambers were taken.  The King's view is that this is because our resources are already stretched thin during this campaign season, and everyone is focused on the 2012 Election Cycle, that the battle was lost before the first shot was even fired.  And history shows that the State Party is capable of doing only one or two things at a time, and not particularly well. The second truth is that many of our CTGOP Officials never believed in the death penalty cause to begin with; you could tell by their luke-warm reaction at the very start. And because they knew this all too well, Democrats knew this was a perfect time to strike - and they did - with a knife straight through our hearts.

So where do we go from here? 

Well, since the State Party doesn't care about social issues, and doesn't want to get embroiled in so-called controversial topics, I guess we go back to talking about taxes.  Our side will parade out graphs and charts and make circular talk on the only issue we dare care to broach - because from our Republican electors view, filthy rich Republicans are the only people who matter because they are the ones that make useful contributions to re-election coffers; which are, of course, used to help us make our usual strong second place showing.

Well, there is a band-aid to help you get over the hump - a sort of quick fix.  You can always turn on C-SPAN, or watch Fox News to get a glimpse of what real Republicanism looks like in other states or at the national level.  You might even catch a glimpse of a few real Republican Candidates, if you're lucky.

We can still dream, can't we? 

Have a better day.

I AM

THE KING

The Death Penalty and the CTGOP

"Failure is not an option... if you run away from the fight!"

On Wednesday, the Death Penalty Repeal Bill heads to the Connecticut House of Representatives for a final vote.  Sadly, there isn't much hope that the Bill will be defeated as House Democrats are all to eager to pass what theses sick enemies of civilization call historic legislation.  And of course, Governor Malloy is excited about adding this to his list of accomplishments for his first term of office.

It's twisted to think that we live in a State where elected officials are openly enthusiastic about saving the lives of murderers and murderer-rapists.  And it's worse to see those who pretend to keep watch over so-many Connecticut Churches and Synagogues march and protest in defense of pure evil.   Now, there isn't much we can do about how Democrats plan to vote on Wednesday, or trying to suddenly change the mindset of the left-leaning clergy among us.  I suppose we could call Democrats dirty names, or demand that parishioners abandon certain halls of worship - but none of that would do much good at this late point in the game.

In truth, my outrage can't really be directed against those who play their liberal roles to a perfect tee. Since they were four, these creatures took an an oath of loyalty to protect murderers, advance socialism, and liberalize our society from top to bottom.  They can't help themselves; like zombies - they are lost, soulless creatures who would follow the Devil into Hell without blinking an eye.

My anger lies with those who claim to be on our side - the so-called Connecticut Republican Party from which we've seen little to no public opposition against Death Penalty Repeal. (Of course, they did show up to vote - how quaint).  It's the expectation of many of us real Republicans that its Government's first responsibility to keep us safe from threats foreign and domestic, and to ensure that those guilty of heinous crimes against members of our society face the punishment they deserve - which includes receiving the death penalty in certain cases. If our Republican Leaders refuse to stand up and fight on our behalf to ensure our public safety - who will? 

Where are our principled leaders?  They showed more outrage over the Busway then the potential threat of eight villains be taken off of death row, and the fact that victims of future murderers will never see true justice! 

The simple fact is our alleged-State Republican Chairman, Jerry Labriola, Jr. failed us. He intentionally sat quietly on the sidelines during this critical public debate:  he issued no press releases, no statements of outrage, no rallying call for public activism, nope - all we heard was Labriola's spineless silence.  Even with 62% of the public demanding retention of the Death Penalty, Labriola did nothing.  He did nothing!  Nancy DiNardo must be laughing to know her opposition leader is a wussy; afraid to stand up like a man and represent his own Republican base.  Labriola is the only CTGOP Leader in our Party's history to run-away from a fight - with the public on his side!!  Even the Cowardly Lion would have shown more courage.

Where did it all go so wrong?

Two weeks ago at a Republican Dinner in Bolton, when he was asked why he appears so disengaged on issues of importance; Labriola told the group of Republicans that he cut a deal with legislative leaders that he would remain quiet so as not to appear to be trampling on their agenda in the same manner that his predecessor [Chris Healy] did.  So, my friends, Jerry Labriola is nothing more than a Paper Tiger.  I'm sure that when the Petits where being shut-out from meeting with members of the Democratic caucus, left saddened and teary-eyed, and Labriola said nothing, they must have been impressed to see Labriola take the time to send out a press release asking people to purchase $250 Prescott Bush tickets.  Talk about inappropriate!

The truth is that Jerry Labriola is symbolic of the very problem with the Connecticut Republican Party - pure apathy and surrender.  So we've gone from barely putting up a fight to completely walking away from it - for what? In hopes that we might pick up a few sympathy votes for looking so pathetic on the field of battle?

Look, I don't care what people think about Labriola.  Let McKinney and Cafero pull his strings like the hapless marionette he's become.  Go ahead, Labriola - listen to your advisers who'll tell you this will pass, or that it's not important (just like they did on the Ethics Resolutions).  But there are those of us who aren't going to forgive or forget your act of betrayal.  See, we've been fighting side-by-side with Dr. Petit and Johanna Chapman, and the rest of the Petit family, and all the other good people who have fought hard to see steady prosecution and delivery of a death sentence for Steven Hayes, and Joshua Komisarjevsky.  And we've been fighting like hell to make sure that other families will have the right to the same justice the next time a bunch of thugs break into some poor family's home and .... commit horrific crimes like they did in Cheshire. 

Where the hell were you? 

Begging for money?  Selling tickets?  To what end?  Why would anyone give you a dollar if you won't even bother to stand up and represent their interests or values?

And what about our U.S. Senate Candidates, or many of our Congressional Candidates (save John Decker, Mike Clark, and even Lisa Wilson-Foley, the only three who made strong public statements in support of keeping the death penalty) - where the hell were the rest?  I guess simply running for Federal Office, and not helping to speak up in our Chairman's silence?  What the hell kind of Party do we have here?  No passion, no energy, no conviction!   We are a timid shadow of our former selves. What about Tom Foley, the guy who wants to run for Governor in 2014?  Could he be bothered to speak out against this injustice? Nope. Not a word. 

What exactly is this brand of ours that has so many entrenched establishment types so worried is being tarnished by debate, or criticism of so many un-Republican-like candidates in our midst?  Voters are so confused that they no longer even know what we stand for.  Being merely the party of fiscal restraint certainly hasn't given us the mileage to make big gains.

The CTGOP needs a lot less people like the play-it-safe types like John McKinney, Larry Cafero, and Jerry Labriola, and a few more people with guts like many of those in the Tea Party who care enough to speak out when they see something is wrong.  Make fun of them all you like - those few voices are the only ones you ever hear challenge the status quo given this collection of old, tired collaborators that we are stuck with.  Back deal making has been a boon for Democrats for the last 40 years in Connecticut.  

As for Jerry Labriola, Jr. if this is what we can expect, then by all means.. Just Go away, Jerry.  Just please... go away.   Your silence helped breathe life into Steven Hayes and Joshua Komisarjevsky.  Congrats on a job well done.  We want a Chairman who's a reformer, a shaker, and a fearless activist who can lead us forward.  Not someone talking orders from those who have a record of underachievement, and mediocrity. 

Oh, and on Wednesday afternoon, while you're basking in the shadow of our future President Mitt Romney, please make sure you don't forget to brag about how on-top of everything you are.  That's if McKinney and Cafero loosen your leash to allow you to get close to him. But be reminded that just down the street in the Legislative Office Building, our foes are voting to undermine our law enforcement agents, judicial system and our long-standing values.  But you have a back-slapping good time on the podium. Please.

As for Wedneday's Repeal vote, we'll be watching how many Republicans break away from the Party (under George Gallo) and vote with the Democrats (or are AWOL)  just like those who voted for decriminalizing Marijuana, and Malloy's Jobs Bill, and the rest of the onsie, twosie votes that make us all look stupid when it comes to CTGOP brand and consistency.

I AM (disgusted),

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.

Connecticut Democrats Defy State Residents



Dark clouds over Connecticut

It's a dark morning in Connecticut.

For those who are just having their first cup of morning Joe, you'll need a second cup to believe this news:   Last night you went to bed trusting that Connecticut's State politicians would earnestly do the right thing, and vote to protect your interests.  Yet in the wee hours of the night - 2 am to be precise, Connecticut Democrats stabbed you in the back by voting 20-16 to Repeal the Death Penalty. 

This is surprising news particularly when only last week, a trusted, well-publicized poll showed that 62% of Connecticut Residents support the Death Penalty in Connecticut - and for good reason.  It is not because we are hateful, blood-thirsty barbarians that need to be re-educated in our antiquated thinking as the high-minded, liberal elite would have you believe - no, its because WE THE PEOPLE believe in a thing called JUSTICE - a concept foreign to Democrats when it comes to everything except issues involving race.

What are you to do with an entire Democrat Party apparatus that completely ignores the will of the people?  All of you folks who get down on your hands and knees and pray to the Party of Obama and Malloy - the party of obstinance, the party of pure arrogance.  If you haven't grasped the fact yet, let's review - Democrats do not care what people think.  They drink the cool-aid of liberal theology and refuse to deviate from their backward agenda.  It's a sickness that's become a way of life in Connecticut - pedophiles in the bathroom, busways to nowhere, legalizing drugs, taking more and more money out of the working man's paycheck for their empty schemes and to payoff their union buddies, and now - repealing the Death Penalty - anyone else see the obvious trend?

My heart goes out to the Petit Family, who worked night and day courageously to fight to keep Capitol Punishment on the books. After what these wonderful folks have been through, they could have simply moved away from this hell-hole and no one would have blamed them one bit. Instead, the Petit's have become our steadfast Champions, standing out front and leading on this issue - as their wounds are freshly reopened every time they relive the horrific nightmare to advance the cause of JUSTICE.  

It's unfortunate that many Democrats refused to even meet with them to discuss their position.  Of course they refused - what did you expect - that Democrats would have the courage to look them in the eye?  That Democrats would have the courage to meet with victims of henious crimes, who very actions will likely, over the long haul, reverse two jury's death sentences?  It sends a clear message to all of us - Democrats do not care about victims.  Democrats do not care what people think.

If Connecticut Republicans cannot get their acts together and make hay of this act of public treason, preceded by years of steady abuse by Democrats, then they never will.  If there was ever a case to be made by Republicans to take back the State Senate and State House, it's right now!  Please do not screw this up by taking the minimalist approach.  Find strong Republicans candidates and run them.  The Democrats have given you the gift of public outrage - use it!

The Death Penalty repeal will eventually move to the Governor's Desk.  And Dannel is all too eager to sign it so he can brag about repealing the Death Penalty to all his friends in Washington, and all those who think it's a good idea that he run for President some-day.  Malloy and the Democrat leadership will tell you that Komisarjevsky and Hayes and all the rest of the murderers on Death Row will be exempt from this bill's passage, and every trial lawyer worth his salt will laugh, and tell you that the Equal Protection Clause - the 5th Amendement is an easy out for Chesire's murdering thugs.  It's interesting how Democrats flock to the Constitution when it suits them.

And twenty years from now when Komisarjevsky and Hayes are lifting weights and playing pool in-between arts and crafts classes instead shoveling coal in Hell, Democrats like Malloy and Donovan will be all to willing to say they "take a Mulligan" on this one because they didn't know.  Liars!  They know damn well; they are experts in public deception!

Lastly, The King notes disappointingly that our State Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr. did not engage himself and at least - issue a press release of some kind urging voters to contact their State Senators to vote against Repeal (sorry, I call them as I see them).  I know the Chairman believes "selling Prescott Bush tickets" to be his number one priority, but I have to disagree - first and foremost - being our champion on public policy is your first priority.  Let's get the CTGOP Website to become more than just a bulletin board for fundraising.  If The King can draft a few columns every week, you can draft a few paragraphs and set the standard for opposition on some of the most important issues of the day.

Thanks to the State Republicans who fought hard on this issue. But the battle isn't over.  Please don't take the easy route of letting things lie as they may.  It's ok to be angry, its ok to show some emotion.  It's fitting to let the public see your outrage.  And it reminds some of us out in the trenches that we are not truly alone.

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.