November Election: Truth and Consequences Part 4

If you've stumbled to Part 4 accidently then read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 first...

I want to thank everyone for their emails and tweets.  Of course, I never planned on covering all 169 towns; I originally planned to cover about a dozen.  But after prompting from a few loyal readers, I expanded to include places that were nice wins for the CTGOP.  If I didn't cover your town, and you think it's worthy being included in this review - send along the town, and give me the background for a good story, and I'll add the detail to Part 4.  If you live in a place where you win every year because Democrats are either an endangered species, or legally hunted with regularity, I'd ask that we forego the parades and fireworks for now. Have something special to report? Email me at thekingsview@gmail.com .

Wolcott:  First, the Town of Wolcott should get a special gold star because 46.7% of it's registered voters actually turned up to vote.  Sure, that's less than half of those registered, but if you compare Wolcott with most of Connecticut towns and cities, that's a mammoth achievement.  Imagine how much different election results could be if we could motivate folks to actually go to the polls and express their discontent over lack of progress in so many Democrat-controlled towns and cities?  This is sort of what Rick Torres was trying to get to when he voiced disappointment about voter turnout in Bridgeport.

Wolcott Mayor Tom Dunn (I)
turns red and shoots laser
beams from his eyes when
angry or bothered by
Democrats.

Wolcott Mayor Tom Dunn crushed his Democrat opponent Steven Olmstead, 4180 to 803.  And from the reports on the scene Wolcott Republicans won 15 out of 16 seats which is an incredible record to behold.  As a side note, in the race for Town Treasurer, Dennis Cleary, lost to his Democrat opponent, but I've heard from several RTC members that "no one is crying about that". As you'll recall Cleary, a Republican State Central Member, was embroiled in major controversy for giving money to Democrat John Larson a few years ago instead of the challenging Republican. Whoops, there it is!  (Note: Tom Dunn is technically an Independent however there is a cross endorsement between himself & GOP).

Truth: Wolcott Republicans romped their Democrat challengers.
Consequences: Life is good in Wolcott. And for at least one "Republican Lobbyist" the Ironic Boomerang of Fate seems to have delivered him a fitting, final blow that he so justly deserves.

Cheshire:  (Home of the Fiscally Responsible and Constitutionally Guided Citizens of Cheshire):  Once again Republicans in Cheshire ran a near perfect campaign with outstanding results giving themselves a clean victory on Tuesday.  Prior to this election, Republicans held a 7-2 majority on the Town Council.  We held off on reporting on happenings in Cheshire until there was a little more detail regarding one contest in the 4th District.  As of this writing counts show that Republican Steve Carroll lost to his Democrat rival by only two votes.  Ouch!  Someone tell Steve to get back in the game in 2013, and finish the mission. Still, Cheshire RTC can be proud of it's 6-3 majority win.

Truth:  Looks like RTC Chairman Adam has a solid Grippo on what needs to get done in Cheshire.  And it also looks like Cheshire residents are keenly focused on what to approve and what not to approve given that they overwhelmingly rejected a $30 million dollar water treatment plant upgrade.  I wonder what it's like to live in a town where residents are trusted to make their own economic decisions instead of a chosen few liberal elitists.
Consequences:  Solid leadership brings solid results.  If the next two years is anything like the last two years, Cheshire Republicans should be in great shape. Just do The King a favor - please keep the pressure on Cheshire Police Department - the Joshua Komisarjevsky trial has reminded all of us of exactly how incompetent Cheshire Police was - particularly on one summer evening in 2007.  Sadly, the events of that evening will forever be remembered; may justice be served - Death for Komisarjevsky.

Paul Formica & ELGOP have great taste!
Flanders Fish Market in East Lyme
One of The King's favorite haunts
for great seafood

East Lyme:  A reader mentioned that I missed East Lyme from my reporting, so I thought I'd take a peak at this election to see what the big deal was.  And I have to say that you have to be quite impressed with East Lyme First Selectman Paul Formica who managed to win re-election for what will be his third consecutive term.  Three times is a charm!  And for Formica, he hammered his Democrat challenger 3,580-622 within a 33% voter turnout.

Formica's tenure is a case study for Republicans state-wide because its an excellent example of how to win when there is a key issue floating around that your opponents could use against you (had they been even partially effective).  East Lyme goes through a water rationing crisis during the summer season, which creates an annoying hardship on residents each year.  Formica believes he will have this issue resolved in 2012 when he connects up East Lyme to a New London-owned reservoir. 


Truth:  Formica is known for a collaborative leadership style that is fitting for East Lyme and it's residents.  Not every contest needs to be an out war filled with hate and brutal attacks.  East Lyme Republicans recipe serves up a majority win and solid leadership as appreciated by her residents.
Consequences:  Winning two terms is challenging but three terms is a sign that a First Selectman isn't just liked, but rather preferred.  The only think I'm wondering is if the 303 acre land purchase by East Lyme will be used for other uses by the public.

The first order of business for
Joe Maturo is to upgrade
election technology in
E. Haven before there's a
lawsuit by the Dems

East Haven: Here is some news is worth waiting for... Congrats to Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr. who defeated his Democrat rival in a recount nail biter, 4025 to 3994.  But even though Maturo pulled out the win, even The King is wondering what the blazes is going on down in East Haven.  I'm not claiming that there is anything fishy going on but the manner in which votes are tallied are certainly not in keeping with what should be expected in the 21st Century.  Although the author of http://easthavenpolitics.blogspot.com/ is clearly a liberal hack, she makes a valid point that East Haven could tidy up their act a bit. Covering up cameras during recounts and doing anything that falls below respectable practices fuels liberals cries of conspiracy and ballot-tampering.

Truth:  East Haven used to be more of a Republican stronghold but when its Mayoral Candidate only wins by 30 votes, they have a bit of a problem.  I wouldn't be surprised if there are additional legal challenges by Democrats based on what is being said about the recount process. Another truth is that according to Town Hall 52% of East Haven residents went to the polls on Tuesday, 8054 out of 15452. 
Consequences:  East Haven GOP might want to really urge town officials to examine their practices and find out how it can be modified to appear above par.  This is the kind of thing that generates outrage among independent voters who could easily turn against the GOP in 2013 unless improvements are made.

Wallingford:  We end with Wally-World, former home of a dance club formally known as Shaharazod which The King had visited once or twice when he was merely a Prince (few would admit to clubbing in Wallingford).  The reason we aught to examine Wallingford is that it is the home of CTGOP Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr. who was witnessed driving around town personally helping his local candidates campaign.  I will save my commentary about the Chairman for later.
It's pretty clear to anyone who knows this town that Wallingford is a safe haven for Republicans.  Mayor Bill Dickenson is entering his 15th term (no that's not a misprint) as Mayor.  He demolished his Democrat opponent 6,213 to 3,558.  Wallingford Republicans also enjoy a 6-3 Council majority, and retained the Board of Education with a 5-4 margin.


Truth:  Bill Dickenson makes it look easy.  Normally, I wouldn't have bothered to print an update about a RTC that just keeps on winning, and winning, and winning, and winning. *Yawn*
Consequences: One thing is for sure, Chairman Labriola can't hide beyond the Dickenson campaign and use campaigning in Wallingford as excuse for the lack of press releases and radio appearances that his critics are always belly-aching about
. 
Defending Labriola - partially.


I want to focus a bit on a commentary that appeared in the Republican-American web-edition entitled Feckless GOP Maybe:

The key paragraphs worth discussing are as follows:


"....the state Democratic Party's email server was furiously spitting out gloating news releases about Democratic gains in mayoral and first selectman's races. We received three such blasts Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. This is what state political parties do, and Connecticut Democrats can rest assured their professional staffers are doing the job they're being paid to do."

and...

"Mr. Labriola's mention in the news media of Republican gains in Harwinton and the Naugatuck Valley towns of Beacon Falls, Oxford and Seymour, among others, was too little, too late. State Republicans need to demand the party and Mr. Labriola do a lot better than this."

Labriola - R-A says, should
have been spammnig 
email inboxes all night
instead of celebrating like
it's 1999. Screw that.

Ok, so let's break this criticism down.  On the surface, the Republican-American editorial board believes that Chairman Labriola isn't doing enough to support his Party's election day cause.  Ok, well there may be valid point to be taken here.  Even The King expressed disappoitment to those in charge at the lack of public enthusiasm and press releases from the Chairman's Office.  However, for those of us in the know about a few things, let me try to provide a little clarity on the reality of the situation as it stands.  This is NOT The King carrying water for Labriola - he'll have to answer to his friends (and enemies) at the State Central Dinner Club next month. And all in all, it would be a very different discussion had Connecticut Republicans not emerged 5 towns ahead when compared with their pre-election standing.

Chairman Labriola inherited a mess from your media darling, former Chairman Chris Healy.  A bare-bones office located in a hell-hole, an empty bank account, staff members resembling children, missing donor files, a deleted computer database (intentional hateful revenge), reimbursement requests for utter nonsense, swindlers trying embezzle and threaten the Chairman to get a piece of the action, an angry, self-serving bunch of State Central members who have formed a half dozen mini-coalitions against the Chairman and against each other; trying to mend bad feelings, angry feelings, hurt feelings, and everything possible dysfunctional behavior you could possibly think of - and that's only the start.

In addition to being the CTGOPs psychologist and babysitter, Labriola has spent the greater part of his days transcending the state - going town by town, visiting RTCs, candidates, and attending and arranging fundraisers.  He's been out trying to convince wealthy donors that his CTGOP is going to spend donations wisely (unlike his predecessor).  He's been working to unify a severely fractured Republican Party - which by the way roared back on Tuesday Night and delivered solid results in 104 towns out of a possible 145 or so elections. 

Oh, and because there isn't a dime in the bank, he's doing this alone.  Sorry R-A, we don't have a paid professional staff of dozens because we don't have the money to blow to pay them; we are lucky to have one or two part timers with overinflated titles who can barely answer the phone. Labriola is a one-man-show. And oh - if you didn't know - Jerry has an actual full-time job, is married, and has children that he'd like to see once and a while.  


So while he didn't sit behind a fax machine on Tuesday Night sending out a million BS press releases to make media cretons happy, he instead savored victories with winning campaigns, in same way that Dan Malloy and other Democrat Leader did.  So what's the problem?


You see - the real story is not about Chairman Labriola, it's about the collective state of Journalism today.  All of you guys sit back in your offices, with your lattes and tofu waiting for both the Connecticut Democrat and Republican State Committees to do your jobs for you.  Whatever happened to the days when bright reporters went out into the field, monitored the situation and then went back to the press room to compare notes (and numbers) and drew their OWN conclusions before writing news stories?  Most of what came out on Wednesday morning was largely spin from Dan Malloy and Democratic Operatives (who obviously have more resources to run their non-stop propaganda machine).  So the editors at the Republican-American are incensed that the CTGOP didn't send enough faxes so they could cut and paste all the pieces together.  What a shame!

Ann Nyberg told me last year, "I can't believe what has become of the state of journalism today."  And boy, Mrs. Nyberg is right.  The news is barely that.  On election night I personally witnessed newspaper reporters coming in late to post-campaign celebrations asking questions better meant for someone who had just won their high school class election.  I couldn't get over the lack of depth.

The Connecticut Media had it's
Dewey moment on Wednesday
morning.

If the media were even partially honest, they would admit that their anger should be pointed at themselves for the reason that on Wednesday morning, without fact checking and doing the Dewey diligence expected, they got the entire night wrong.  So perhaps CTGOP Chairman their scapegoat for a job poorly done makes them feel better.


Instead of telling Jerry Labriola how to better do his job, perhaps you people in the paid media all should reflect upon how you can do your jobs better, or all.  Why don't you get out from behind your computers, smart phones, and fax machines and learn how to become journalists!


Conclusion:  Great job by Connecticut Republicans overall.  Storm or no-Storm, we did fantastic in places where we haven't won in some time, we held ground where expected, and - yes, of course - we gave back a few that we don't usually win anyway - those were longshots to begin with. Regardless of the spin Democrats try to put on the night, we are well-positioned for a great 2012.  Consider this a practice run for our next election when we start to take back the Connecticut Legislature - and return Connecticut to it's true Yankee Republican roots.

I AM

THE KING 

The original blog entry can be viewed at http://www.thekingsview.com

November Elections: Truth and Consequences Part 3

If you've stumbled upon this story, check out Part 1, and Part 2 first. 

Now on with Part 3, the final entry in November Election reviews.

Danbury: One of the biggest percentage wins recorded by Republicans on Tuesday was the  win by Mayor Mark Boughton in Danbury who took 71% of the vote defeating Democrat challenger Lynn Taborsak.  The Press went out of its way to publicize Republican loses in Waterbury, Manchester, Hartford , Bridgeport, and New Haven but when it came to Danbury - their trumpets fell silent.

Mark & Don Boughton
Like father, like son,
two outstanding people
who have served their
Party, State, and City
with class & distinction

The King has said for months that Mayor Mark is the single best Gubernatorial candidate for Connecticut Republicans to run in 2014.  There is no other candidate that comes close to the executive experience, and qualification for the Governor's Office than Mayor Mark.  For the record, The King also tweeted on Tuesday evening, "Congrats to @MayorMark - who is without a doubt - the defacto elected leader of our Republican Party".  I'm sure there will be pressure for this brilliant, conservative, and likeable man to seek higher office over the next few years.  Republicans would be a fool to pass up on Mark Boughton - because he'd make mince-meat out of Angry Dan Malloy.  He is exactly what the Connecticut needs, right now - a shot of optimism, and competent leadership.

On a somber note, this win must be bittersweet for the Mayor because of the recent passing of his father,  former Danbury Mayor and State Representative Don Boughton.  I expect that Mark's father is looking down proudly from the gates of Heaven.  Congrats Mayor Mark, and RIP Mayor Don. 

Truth:  Mayor Mark is a model public executive who's worked in both the private and public sectors and has long established ties with unions, teachers, and private companies.  The fact that a City like Danbury comes out 71% in support of him speaks volumes to his appeal as a person and a leader.  Show me that anywhere else in Connecticut.
Consequences: 2014 is far away, and I'm sure all the big money candidates like Tom Foley and others have one eye focused on the Governorship, and the other focused on Mayor Mark.  Woe to any Republican candidate (attention Tom Foley) who goes negative on Connecticut's Mayor.  For the rain of fire and brimstone against thee will be unbearable!

Bristol:  For some reason that I'm not aware of, media coverage of Republicans winning Bristol's Town Council apparently isn't a headline worth writing in the mainstream press.  The fact that Bristol Republican were able to turn the Council from a 4-2 Democrat majority to a 5-1 majority is a major victory for the GOP.  While the Council received a nod of confidence from voters, it appears that GOP Mayoral candidate Mary Alford did not.  Alford came close, but lost 49-51% to Democrat and three term Incumbent Art Ward.  Ward seemed to give Alford plenty of ammunition to use against him:  a pay increase for himself, scandal with police retirement, and poor response to the flooding crisis over the summer should have been reason enough to throw Ward out of office.  But, voters didn't see it that way, instead they just didn't want to see Mary Alford replace Art Ward, regardless of his failures.

Fact is that The King is somewhat pleased to see Mary Alford lose her bid.  Since she's been a critic of free political thought other than her own, and a stalwart Healy supporter, she deserves defeat and reticule.  Bristol Republicans would do well to nominate a candidate with actual political experience who has taken the time to serve on the Council or Board before jumping to the highest office in town. 

Truth:  Bristol Republicans have successfully managed to take a super-majority on the Council.  Mary Alford's lack of personal appeal likely cost the Bristol GOP the Mayor's Office.
Consequences:  At the next Municipal Election, Bristol GOP would be best served to choose a better candidate, someone with more experience, and less temperament than Alford.  Complete victory in Bristol is clearly within reach for Republicans.  It's just time to bring in a more youthful and less divisive person to be at the top of the ticket.  Mary can be Chairman of Facebook instead.

Mike Jarjura pictured above
keroke singing the song
"Should I Stay or Should I
Go?" by The Clash

Waterbury: To people who live in Waterbury, Waterbury is really the Center of the Universe.  It's almost frightening when you think of all of the political stories which are generated out of Waterbury with figures like John Rowland, Sam Caliguiri, and Philip Giordano to name a few.  I'm convinced that one day, someone will write the perfect TV Series and call it "Waterbury" - it will be a story about violence, corruption, murder and the endless battles between the ethnic corners of the old Brass City... but I digress.

It's plainly true that according to official tallies "Republicans" lost Waterbury on Tuesday, but let's not forget that if you take off the masks and costumes, this race was a blood vendetta between Democrat and former Police Chief Neil O'Leary and old Democrat Michael Jarjura.  It's The King's View that Jarjura was never really a Republican even though he appeared on the ballot as such - he only joined our ranks when he didn't receive the Democrat Party's nomination.  A year ago, Jarjura was full of criticism about Republicans, and suddenly when he was cast out, he found a home.  It was as if Jarjura had some ephinay where all the stars aligned and he found himself suddenly at peace with himself in the GOP.  Hardly that at all.

Truth:  Waterbury is back in Democrat hands and Republicans will need to start over.  It's clear that Waterbury residents are not going to buy into a candidate who engages in the whole Party-switching scheme; they would rather vote a guy from either Party up or down without a history of shenanigans, or playing both sides.  Truth be told, a lot of Republicans are pretty happy that this chapter is over too.
Consequences:  It will be interesting if Jarjura fades into the sunset, or stick around to make CTGOP his true home.  It will be also interesting to see how a former police chief deals with his own but this time from the other side of the fence.  I'm going to be O'Leary won't be likely life too much in this new role.  Civilians at City Hall don't salute and take orders, instead they meddle, gossip, and conspire against officials.  Good Luck, O'Leary - in a few weeks you'll wish you were playing Sherlock Holmes once again.

Bridgeport:  You have to give Rick Torres credit for giving it his all and trying to make a pitch for Republicanism in Bridgeport which is, after all, Connecticut's largest city. Torres banked on a 30% turnout which he felt might have brought in enough votes to defeat Democrat Mayor Bill Finch, and his citywide machine.  Obviously, the key was getting his supporters to the polls under any turnout conditions all the while hoping that Bill Finch's voters stayed home. Unfortunately, Finch's people came out in full force to cast ballots.  The numbers in this race were astoundingly lopsided, Finch drew 8435 votes to Torres' 3344 votes.  Petitioning candidate Jeff Kohut pulled 439 votes - as to whether those voters would have supported Torres or Finch isn't known but the offset wasn't significant enough to matter.

According to friends who worked on his campaign, Torres worked around the clock giving it his all.  One would have also thought that given Bridgeport's clearly minority-heavy population that Rick Torres would have pulled Hispanic voters over to his side to build his numbers.  Well that logic was clearly flawed.

Here again we are faced with the same dilemma that has been mentioned earlier in this campaign piece about Republican candidates who happen to be of a minority ethnic group - and the lesson is clear - being a minority is less important to minority voters than wearing the "D" designation on your lapel.  In other words, minorities are not interested in minorities draped in the Republican brand.  It seems as though there is a huge delta in the minds of minorities who are closed minded to the very notion of Republicanism in any form, sold by anybody.  And this is major issue for the CTGOP which will always face the dilemma of how to handle political contests in our major cities.  Do you outright stop throwing good money after bad, or do you keep trying to put out a fire with a water pistol?

Truth:  Rick Torres did all he could do, and all anyone could ever do to try and win this election.  As tired, and fed up as he may be, we hope that he sticks with the Republican Party and finds a place where he can establish a Latino branch of the Republican Party.  People will argue that there isn't enough time or money for that, but I disagree and our Party needs to start somewhere, and they might as well start with Rick Torres.  Bringing Hispanics into the Republican Party isn't going to happen overnight, but if the effort doesn't start soon - it will never happen.
Consequences:  Bridgeport is pretty much a lost cause.  There is no rational reason for CTGOP candidates to spend time or money in a city that cannot help itself out of total ruin.  Let Bridgeport be Dan Malloy and Bill Finch's problem.  Since the City's constituents love them so much, let them deal with it.  Republicans should spend their time and energy where they can make a difference. Let Bridgeport burn.

Wilton:  Given that we covered Al Alper over the summer during the hotly contested CTGOP State Chairman's race, we thought it might be fun to take a peak at how the town of Wilton did during this year's Municipal Election.  From the results we can see plainly that Chairman Alper ran a solid campaign where all Republicans seem to have won not just some of their seats, but all of their seats - including First Selectman William Brennan who ran unopposed - a pretty rare event for a Republican First Selectman these days.  Even Al Alper was re-elected to the Board of Finance.  Congrats, Al!

Wiltonian turnout hovered around 25% (2,754 out of 11,028) which was still much better than many town in Connecticut.  Given the lack of contests and opposition, that turnout is actually impressive when you think about it.

I guess they're the last to know what's
going on in the world over in Wilton

My only bone to pick with Al Alper and his Republican colleagues is on the Ballot Question.  Pray tell us exactly what Wiltonians have against alcohol sales at Stop & Shop?  In a vote of 1525 to 1153, Wiltonians rejected a measure that permitted liquor sales in Grocery stores.  So I am to understand that in the Wiltonian land of Republicanism that the Free Market doesn't rule?  That Alexander Hamilton and Edmund Burke are truly dead? Should Wiltonian go back to brewing grain alcohol in their bathtubs I guess we'll have to let Mr. Alper answer this one.

Truth:  Politically, what can be said?  Wilton is a Republican paradise where Democrats don't even show up to compete.  You can't beat that.  But, the only negative is that if you want to buy beer while you grocery shop, you'll have to travel down the Merrit Parkway to Darien or somewhere else to do your one-stop shopping. 
Consequences:  I guess it's pretty clear - Wiltonians might want to do their grocery shopping outside of town. 

Norwalk:  Also under the category of "let's check up on the would-be State Party Chairman" let's see how old friend Art Scialabba made out in the Town of Norwalk.  Well it looks darn good!  Republican Richard A. Moccia won a solid victory by earning 7217 to Democrat Andrew Garfunkel's 6510.  Republicans also won a 3-2 margin on the Norwalk City Council.  So all in all, it looks like Art did his job and secured wins for Republicans across the board.

New Haven's Capt. Snarl

New Haven:  There is not much to say about New Haven other than it's a replica of Hartford -  as most cities are.  Mayor Destefano and his Democrats have a stronghold that wouldn't be broken unless a scandal took place which served as a tide wave against a Democrat who refused to withdraw from the race.  There is a better likelihood that it will snow in July than such a scenario would ever arise. 

East Hampton:  I only bring this small town up because of the peculiar win by an obscure Third Party called The Chatham Party which I couldn't really make heads or tales of.  It appears that both the Republican Party and the Democrat Party have both suffered as a result of this bizarre style of politics out in the hinterland.  I think I mostly taken aback by a population of folks who are so far out in left field that they don't fit it to ordinary society.  So its either that its the case that people in East Hampton are crazy, or that the Republican and Democrat Parties are both filled with incompetent people unable to run a simple municipal campaign.
Truth:  Both the Republican and Democrat Parties are in sad shape out in East Hampton.
Consequences:  Can we expect to see The Chatham Party run it's own Presidential Candidate too?  Just wondering.

Colchester:  One of the best GOP strongholds in eastern Connecticut is Colchester.  First Selectman Gregg Schuster was re-elected to a second term by an overwhelming margin of 64% to 32%.  Along with that win, Republicans managed to secure majorities on all boards defeating Democrats all along the way.  Reports are that Colchester's RTC worked masterfully to get out the vote by canvassing door to door with candidates, writing press releases, use of social media, signs and ads, and even calling constituents right up through election day.

It's also likely a true statement that Colchester Democrats are an embarrassing lot.  They apparently couldn't even manage to unify around a single candidate this time around despite the opportunity to do so.  Instead opposition candidates ran as "petitioning candidates" instead of as Democrats (despite that they are registered Democrats).  I'm not sure I understand all of this, but it probably lends to the reason that Republicans destroyed their opponents by such large margins.

Truth:  Colchester is about as middle of the ground as you'll ever get with Republicans, Democrats and Independents all on equal footing at about 1/3 registered apiece.  The fact that Republicans gained 64% clearly shows that Schuster and his GOP are pulling votes from both Democrats and Independent voters in addition to his own base.  This is a fitting vote of confidence for Colchester Republicans and speaks to their ability to govern fairly, and openly for the benefit of all taxpayers.  The King's sources also claim that improvements to infrastructure, and economic development also played a large part in GOP re-election.
Consequences:  Looks like Colchester could be a proven battleground for upcoming races in the second district.  It will be interesting if Congressional and Senatorial Candidates make a visit to the Second District's most successful Republican stronghold.

East Haddam-Haddam:  It's probably considered rude to group these two towns into one entry, but noteworthy enough to report out (by request) Republican Mark Walter won re-election handily over Democrat Rob Smith 1660-865.  And in Haddam Republicans ran the gamut winning all seats over Democrat rivals.  

I may make a few modification or additions to this part of the election review.  And update it with some overall observations and conclusions. 

Proceed to Part 4.

I AM

THE KING

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

November Election: Truth and Consequences - Part 1

This is liable to be a long rant, so before embarking on it - you might want to go grab yourself a Snicker's Bar, or something..

First a bit of housekeeping...

One of the disadvantages of writing news-related pieces on behalf of The King's View is that our pieces often come out late; news outlets have the resources and where-with-all to get out their information fast - primarily because they have the added pressure to compete with one another to scoop and meet deadlines.

On the other hand, one of the advantages of The King's View publishing pieces when we get to it, is that we can take our time, connect all the dots after the fact (even the invisible ones) and draw a complete picture for the record - even if some don't like it.  So while this column isn't as partisan as a Rick Green's weekly anti-Republican rant, or isn't as dry a read as say the plagiarized works of a Kevin Rennie, or doesn't have the finesse of a Daniela Altimari's blog, it has its own unique place in the Connecticut blogsphere - unafraid, and direct.  I try to write what people think but dare not say, publicly, in front of their party bosses out of fear of retribution, or worse - the fear of being booted off the invite list of another establishment cocktail hour. Good Grief. Save it.

My own allies don't quite know what to make of me.  They can't stand the fact that The King's Castle has a massive turret atop of it, that swings 360 degrees and fires at anything that moves which The King doesn't like.  Hey, if we do the right things, you see praise, but if you act like Democrat-replicans and follow the Governor's lead by voting for things like The Job's Bill then you get hammered.  Don't want to get hammered?  Don't act like Democrats.

November Election: Truth and Consequences

Given  the fairytale account
of most of Wednesday
morning's papers, most
should have begun,
"Once Upon a  Time..."

We have to start by laughing at the proactive, partisan assault by many of those in the media who drank Governor Malloy's cool-aid and went out of their way to publish victory articles on behalf of Connecticut's Democrat Party.  Even the Associated Press got it wrong. It's one thing for the media to front their Democrat favorites all through the election cycle, but it's quite another for them to spin the outcome in such away as to make it appear as though Democrats crushed their Republican opposition.  Such a fairy-tale is merely wishful thinking by a liberal press.

Facts are facts.  After Tuesday's election Democrats gained 9 Town Councils, and Republicans gained 14 Town Councils which according to The King's abacus leaves Republicans with a net gain of 5 towns in the positive column.  (If someone could please check my math, I'd be grateful).  This brings Republicans from 99 up to 104. And 104 out of 169 is a respectable majority of 62%.  With numbers like these, you have to wonder why our representation in the State House or at the Congressional level is so skewed in the opposite direction. I have my opinions, but that's a piece for another day.

Let's look at the election by town and shed a little light in places where we won and lost.

"Winning isn't everything.
It's how you tweet that
counts."

Middletown:  Since both The Hartford Courant and Governor Malloy went out of their way to splatter the news of Democrat Daniel Drew's defeat of incumbent Republican Sebastian Guiliano, we can probably start here.  Immediately looking at the results it's hard to imagine that an overwhelmingly Italian city like Middletown would pass up a Guiliano for a Drew which goes to show you that anything is possible in Middletown - even when it comes to overcoming ethnic barriers.  The numbers (unofficial) show Drew winning 4959 to Guiliano's 4317 (margin of 642).  At the root cause of this defeat for the GOP, we see that the problem lies not with the hard work of Middletown's RTC, but by the overall direction given to the candidate by one former State Chairman Christopher Healy.  Once again, with his Midas touch, Healy managed to turn yet another campaign to dust, and help Democrats win a seat.  Had Guiliano listened to anyone but Healy, he would have steered away from Healy's self-destructive strategy and went on to be re-elected. (I'm sure no matter what happens, Jim Vicevich will kiss Healy's arse to the end).

If I were Lisa Wilson-Foley, I might want to really think about whether or not Healy is a good choice to help out on my campaign.  With a campaign record like his, you don't need to worry about the opposition. All in all, Guiliano's win last time around was a bit of a upset based on a campaign against a politically corrupt Democrat administration which had tarnished the public image of Middletown Democrat Party.  For a City that is 3 to 1 Democrats, and harbors an mental-institution like Wesleyan University, one of the most liberal places on the North American Continent, it's a miracle that Republicans were granted a brief stay in the Mayor's office at all.

Truth: Middletown could have been retained by Republicans if they banned together, and ignored Chris Healy's strategy of defeat. 
Consequence:  It's best to hope that Mayor Drew's inexperience (at anything) makes his first term - his last and only term.  It won't be long before he becomes embroiled in the endless scandals caused by Middletown's corrupt police force. Everyone knows that the Middletown Police Department is nothing but a group of dirty, drug-infested rogues; most of which should not be wearing badges.,but serving hard time behind bars. Oh Middletown, you disgust me. 

Hartford:  The Capitol city is a hard nut to crack for Republicans.  The last time Hartford had a Republican Mayor, it was Antonnia Uccello back in 1971.  People from the area my be surprised to know that recently Ann Street in Hartford was renamed in her honor.  Even though there are still large pockets of Italians in the South End, the majority ethic group in Hartford is either Black or Latino.  One of the most disconcerting parts of Tuesday's defeat is that a very good man, and Republican's great hope - Corey Brinson also went down in flames.  

This begs the question as to whether or not minorities would ever embrace the pro-business, pro-capitalist ideology of Republicanism under any circumstances - even when it's sold by a man of color.  White liberals aren't capable of seeing what is largely a problem of reverse-racism inherent in minority ideological brainwashing.  The record shows that Hartford's population would rather choose an open homosexual activist like Segarra - regardless of his do-nothing record - than a hardworking black man like Brinson who has gone out of his way to break stereotypical molds, and would give Hartford at least an alternative perspective at City Council. It's a shame that the editorial boards at The Advocate or the Courant can't see past their Democratic partisanship to have given Brinson a chance.

Truth:  Registered Hartford Republicans need not apply - to anything. This place is worse than New Haven.
Consequences:  Hartford, New England's Rising Star, undeterred by fret of Republican opposition, can go back to issuing tickets as its primary form of revenue generation, and only seconded by revenue collected at The Gay Pride Festival that Mayor Segurra is hell-bent on bringing to Hartford.  Meanwhile, the sound of moving vans will fill the quiet Hartford air as Hartford-based businesses continue to slip away in the darkness of night.

Cromwell:  This town has an interesting background in that looking back only forty years ago, there was a farm where Super Stop & Shop stands today.  With the growing pains it's encountered over the last twenty years, it's not surprising that the First Selectman's Office has changed hands between Democrats and Republicans often and continuously over the last two decades. Every election has been and is a nail-biter. Cromwell was embroiled in a recent battle to revise the  Town Charter which became an instant Flashpoint of controversy among Cromwellians. 

Mertie and Stan Terry. A family
that sets a high standard when it
comes to dedication & public service 

But there is a great story here for Republicans to tell.  Most people outside of the Rose City don't know that Mertie Terry is the widow of three-term Republican First Selectman Stan Terry, who The King knew personally and admired greatly.  I'm sure Stan is looking down from Heaven with a smile on his face knowing that Mertie will carry forth his torch of fair governing and honest public service.  The margin here - about 773 votes - nearly double her opponent's - was significant enough to be a solid win for Republicans. 

Truth:  Cromwell Republicans were galvanized by a war over the Town Charter.  Campaign 101 tells you that people come out to vote against something rather than for something, or someone.  The fact that Cromwell RTC was able to produce an overwhelming result contrary to the norm speaks volumes to the dedication and effort of their campaign team.
Consequences:  The new First Selectman will have to navigate through the trials of the new charter while working to maintain productive relationships at Town Hall.  It will be interesting to watch how well Mrs. Terry does two years from now.

Newington:  First a bit of history: Back in 2007, Jeff Wright and Newington Republicans campaigned on pledge of a tax cap of 3%. Wright's plan was more than an election scheme - it served as a contract with voters which ensured them that the days of balancing a run-away budget on taxpayer backs was over.  Mayor Wright cut expenses, and made a great number of improvements to local Government, and infrastructure including repaving torn roads, building senior housing, and reconstructing the entire downtown area.  Remarkably he did all of this without eliminating any positions on the town or school side, and maintained his tax cap pledge consistently for his entire tenure.

Fast forward to 2011: Newington Republicans made the fatal error of nominating a clown named Mike Lenares. Lenares became Mayor of Newington when Jeff Wright made a career move to Texas. His first fatal error was nominating his best friend, Scott McBride, a Democrat, to become his Deputy Mayor.  You can't say Lenares abandoned Republican principles because he never had them. Lenares spent most of his waking hours publicly criticizing Jeff Wright's policies and leadership style, instead of making his case to voters for election.  Upon hearing Lenares treasonous thinking, Newington Republicans turned their backs on him for there is one thing worse than a Democrat - it's a Republican who walks, talks, and acts like a Democrat.  Besides alienating his own base, Lenares ran an armchair campaign of running newspaper ads, and dispatching a few lingering campaign workers to place signs up around town.  It's not a surprise that on Tuesday, Newington Republicans were crushed by a huge margin, and pushed back into a super-minority status.

Mike Lenares should
wear this sign in this
life and the next.

Truth:  Newington Republicans are back to square one.  Mike Lenares should be made to wander around Newington for the rest of his life with a Kick Me sign taped to his back.  Lenares is fortunate that Jeff Wright lives in Texas now, else he might feel a size 10 boot... well, enough said there.
Consequences:  Time for Republicans to caucus and examine what it means to stick to Republican principles.  And throw those who disagree off the RTC so they can't destroy what's left of a once proud committee.

Fear not. Newington can easily rebound under the right leadership, and given the pinch that everyone will be feeling over the next two years, the 2013 municipal election may offer the opportunity for Newington to "Wright itself."  Well, see.

West Hartford:  It seems like forever when I think back to casting votes for Mayor Rob Bouvier and having it count toward a majority victory for Republicans in West Hartford.  Indeed, those were much better days (for a lot of reasons) when you consider the overpopulated metropolis it has become today; and the travesty and blight that Blue Back Square has brought upon our once beautiful "Center" as we used to call it.  Hardly the progress anyone was looking for, particularly when you find adjacent sidewalks littered with beer cans and used condoms - it's a sickening disgrace.  But the look back at better days is significant when you consider the massive delta between Republicans versus Democrats in terms of registered voters:  3 to 1 (or better understood as 18,000 Democrats to 6,000 Republicans). 

According to actual polling data at Wolcott provided The King, Democrats on mean received
 302 to 445 votes. In contrast, Republicans received 203 to 273 - the delta between the cut of the lowest Democrat candidate to Republican falling just below the cutoff point of victory was just above or at 100 votes.  In a city where the incumbent Mayor only received 7998 votes or 12.9% of the total vote - you have to question why Republicans were not able to motivate their base to come out to help retake the Council. If the power outage was not enough, the steady increases in taxes over the present Mayor's tenure should have generated enough outrage to motivate people to make a change - or not.

What the contest in West Hartford shows (and it's noteworthy that in this case the Power Outage should have played a much larger role than it did in other cities/towns within the First District), Democrats were still able to squeak by to secure a majority that they should have lost given the pathetic turnout of their own registered supporters.  The outrage expressed by Scott Slifka earlier this week was more than angst at concerns about power restoration - it was genuine concern about whether or not Malloy, CL&P and other issues related to the storm might have impacted the outcome of the election.

West Hartford Republicans had one of the best chances in recent memory to take back the Council, but clearly there are some serious issues regarding campaign organization within the West Hartford RTC.  The RTC is long overdue for a cleansing of sorts, and it will mean looking at those who will actually do things, as opposed to those who simply show up in 30-year old vest to write big check.  The central command and authority of West Hartford politics almost appears to work a deal with Democrats to ensure that certain minority players manage to get on Council while others Republicans are thrown to the wolves.  With a smirk and a gleam in his eye, Steve Adler never seems to come under fire by the Democrat opposition - which is curious.  Almost as curious as seeing his sign, the only Republican sign, often surrounded by Democrat signs on numerous yards in town.  Maybe it's not so curious after all.  Maybe it's just simple collusion.

Truth:  West Hartford Republicans should have been able to organize and motivate their base to come out and support regime change - if not based on Mayor Slifka's allegiance to Dan Malloy, but for the string of ever-increasing expeditures, crime issues, and tax increases thwarting West Hartford.
Consequences:  West Hartford RTC must return to its activist roots, and throw out its candidates and members who are willing to make deals with the opposition to secure a seat at the table.  At least Leon Davidoff switched sides last year to become the Democrat he always was, now it's time to plan a strategy to get the Democrats on Council who use the Republican name as a way of getting around the majority council rule.

Manchester:  Again, the story is usually the same when it comes to big cities, so the bright headlines in The Press about how the cities are turning Democrat is a bit disingenuous.  The story in Manchester is a bit unique in that Mayor Lou Spadaccini broke the "big city Democrat mold" by being one of the first Republicans to win election in a city in years - perhaps decades.  This year's Democrat victory is softened by the fact that Lou decided against running for re-election this year.  Much of the Manchester success story for Republicans lies with Lou's personal popularity and commitment to sound fiscal principles.  Clearly, voter turnout and motivating the Party base to come out and vote obviously played a huge role in this election.

Truth:  Lou Spadaccini did his public service for an extended period of time and after fulfilling his service, he decided it was time for him to take his career and family commitments up a notch.  Democrats were expected to have an easier task once the popular Mayor opted to not seek re-election.  It's unfortunate that Spadaccini didn't have a replacement plan in place to help his Party extend its tenure.  But this is how things go.
Consequences:  It will probably be a tough road for Manchester Republicans for a while, but the good news is that they do know how to compete, and they have the recent history of winning the Mayorship on their side.   The worst thing that Manchester Republicans could do is scatter.  I'd look to Lou to help conduct a review of the campaign and help to sort out what can be done better next time by looking at exactly what you did right to change the landscape the first time.  Good luck.

Glassman is appealing.
The King predicts she will
eventually be the Dems
pick for Governor

Simsbury:  Mary Glassman, Mary Glassman. What to do about Mary Glassman?  Simsbury is a study in the complexities of having a Democrat First Selectman who is highly popular in a town that is supposed to be largely Republican.  The migration of liberal West Hartfordites over the last twenty into Simsbury has certainly made it difficult for Republicans to right itself.  Glassman, who is also a big-whig with the State Democrat Party is on her sixth consecutive term.  Simsbury has 15,192 registered voters, and 37% came out to cast a ballot - even many who are still in the dark. 

According to Simsbury Republicans, the problem is that it's largely a case of loving the candidate enough to overlook the Party affiliation, and sometimes even the policies like high taxes.  The only way to erraticate Glassman from her office is for her to 1) hope a big issue arrises that engulfs her adminstration, 2) Republicans find a candidate with Superstar/celebrity status, and the most likely option 3) Glassman runs for higher office and wins.  The third option is obviously the best option for Simsbury's tired RTC, but Glassman has her own private wars with her own Party.  Although she won't admit it publicly, she's still subject to a glass ceiling among Democrat Party operatives.  Glassman has criticized her own Party for not cutting enough taxes making her a tough sell to the liberals running things behind the scenes at Democrat Central.

Truth: Simsbury Republicans need a mega-star and a hot-button issue to break the spell that Mary Glassman has cast over Simsbury. Without that or her moving on, they may change the name of the Town to Glassmanville.
Consequences: Republicans would do well to take the other candidate positions such as BOE and others as serious as they do the First Selectman's position.  The big complaint I hear is that Simsbury Republicans limit their effort to mostly signs, and ads, and don't canvass door-to-door to close the deal.  If there are 10,000 homes in Simbury - Republicans need to visit every one. Personal appeal can only be outdone by a face-to-face approach in 2013.

Avon:  We end on a good note for Republicans with an impressive 4 to1 victory on the Town Council, and the sweeping of all other town positions by the Avon GOP.  If there was ever a place in Connecticut's Fifth Congressional District where Republicans have a safe haven it's Avon.  20% of Republicans flocked to the polls in what was clearly a blowout.  The top vote getter was Republican Mark Zacchio with 2359 votes - over three hundred votes from the nearest vote getter.  Whatever they are doing in Avon, aught to be replicated across the District because it works.  Of course, to be fair - the voter registration rolls certainly give Republicans a slight advantage when compared with neighboring towns. A bonus was that long time Democrat William Shea was booted from Council having received 1795 votes (ten shy of the lowest Republican victor... Ouch!

Truth: Republicans in Avon are the Lighthouse on the Hill in a what Jeff Butler calls "the Simsbury area".  The Hublein Tower should be turned over to Avon immediately. 
Consequences:  Avon Republicans can brag and make fun of those who live in Simsbury. Simsbury residents often refer to Avon residents as Simsbury-wanna-bes.  Well, if the price of being a snob from Simsbury is having to lose for six straight terms and turn your income over to Mary Glassman and company, then I'd say it isn't worth it.

Part 2 to be released sometime tomorrow....

I AM

THE KING

This original blog article can be read at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com