You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Please someone - remind me one day that I wrote this piece when I'm 92 and start to whine about the younger generation...

Try as you may, you can't teach an
old dog, new tricks

For as long as I can remember, the Connecticut Republican Party has been funded by old Greenwich money. And since donor power is political power, that meant that Fairfield County socialites believed they had the God-given right to anoint CTGOP officers, select staff to run campaigns, and hand out cushy office jobs at the Capitol, and elsewhere.  I remember as a young person just out of college who didn't have the benefit of being related to Richie Rich - and was merely trying to get involved to make a difference, and find his way in the political world, it was near impossible to overcome the repetitive question: "Now, who's son are you?" For most of us unconnected souls, it was beyond frustrating, and dead-ended in the land where nepotism ruled, and political jobs were part of someone's payoff equation.



Fact is that many of the people who landed Connecticut Republican Party jobs didn't even want them.  And most didn't have an ounce of the passion that many of us former-CR activists did.  It was painful to watch a paid staffer representing The Party cringe and hide every time an enthusiastic voter walked through the door, and bellow a meek - "Want a bumper sticker?" 



Fossils of Antiquity:
History has its lessons, but it will
take a new generation of leaders
to help CTGOP move forward

I distinctly remember working on George Bush's 1992 campaign which was headquartered on the Berlin Turnpike  - hardly Connecticut's version of Sunset Strip - and an old fuddy-duddy ran the office.  Putting it bluntly, he was a fossilized jerk - sneering and barking at volunteers, that is, when he could be bothered to open the door and come out of his office. 

When I think of it today, some of us who worked on that campaign still wonder why we didn't tell him to "go stuff his own envelopes" and walk out.  I think it was in part because our generation (much unlike today's) still had a degree of respect for our elders, but mainly due to the fact that we actually believed in the cause.  Most would be inclined to agree that if that same ingrate ran an office today, it would be likely empty because today's kids seem to have very little respect, and very little patience.

Fast forward to today...

While it's The King's view that nepotism still rules the day, there are a few young, bright, up and coming stars to be found on the CTGOP's transition team to take note of since the election of Jerry Labriola, Jr. but ... and there is a hesitant but ... many of the final decisions on the permanent staff, and district coordinator roles are yet to be made.  My hope is that the new State Chairman takes a long, hard look at all those entrenched leaders who have been lingering in their posts for what seems like an eternity, and producing mediocre results at best.  Many of these dinosaurs have set up their own miniature kingdoms which have proven counter-productive to Republican interests - the end goal of winning elections.

Don't get me wrong. And before I get tons of hate-mail -  I don't believe the notion that degrees and doctorates are a simple replacement for hands-on expertise, and experience. And I'm also not trying to run seasoned folks out of our ranks. But I also believe that new ideas, rebranding, and a fresh perspective from newer faces are more critical to our strategy at this point in time given the serious nature of our situation.  We are not simply playing the game of Survivor - because second place affords us nothing but empty failure. In these stakes, it's all or nothing.  And at this rate, Connecticut residents aren't gravitating to the GOP because our strategy has been one of capitulation and collaboration with those doing us harm.  Our elections need to be about more than having a good showing, they need to be about winning.  It's time to pass the baton.

It's natural that most people don't know when it's their time to move on; veteran politocs sees themselves as the quintessential, irreplaceable, all-knowing, heroic figures at the top of the mountain. Occasionally, a few smart folks understand its their time to give up the keys, move to the backseat, and remain involved to help guide and mentor young leaders when they need a nudge to keep them from derailing the train from the track.  But for the most part, our CTGOP could use an overhaul from top to bottom, particularly in the area that we might refer to as middle-management.

Truth be told, our new State Chairman can do without the whining from some about what's owed for them for a half century's worth of work which has resulted in a few Governorships and steady loses in the Statehouse, or for what may be presumed or pretended role they may have played in his election.  I was happy to hear that Chairman Jerry asked everyone to send in their resumes, and that he was going to skip patronage and hire those according to merit, and ability.  As mentioned, experience is important, but only if the experience is one of steady success, and quite frankly - there are really only a handful of people who can make heroic claims in that category here in Connecticut. 

The best thing folks can do is to stop trying at attach demands to their donations, or contribution.  Our goal is to win back the Governorship and the Legislature to return Connecticut to its Yankee-conservative roots.  If you have goals to boost your business and improve your own personal station in the world then I suggest you go elsewhere.  Go join the Rotary, and leave the business of the people to those who care about more than lining their pockets with gold.

As Republicans, we are now in a unique position to bring about tremendous positive change for Connecticut.  This won't be accomplished by following the same old plan dictated by old-time favor-traders operating out of their pretended positions of power;  these people have left us empty-handed, and bankrupt.  It's high time to respectfully bid adieu to the old guard and reinvigorate our Party with new blood, and fresh ideas.

Hey, want a CTGOP job?  How about finding a way to self-fund it?   We need fundraisers not staffers and consultants standing around with their hands in their pockets, so if you can show results and pay for yourself - maybe there can be a spot found for you on the team.  But if you're looking to make a killing or make yourself wealthy - you might want to find a new stomping ground.  I'll remind you that when it came to donations in previous years - pennies on the dollar wound up going to CTGOP candidates.  And the results show it.

Lastly, any Republican who threatens or attempts to extort our new Chairman for a paid position aught to be expelled.  Remember, those who work hard to deliver success will be rewarded 50-fold by seeing Republicans back in control of Connecticut.  And the opportunities for all in the Nutmeg State will be limitless. 

I AM,

THE KING

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

What happened to The King?

Hi Gang! I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer! 

Get out and enjoy the Summer!

Certainly the weather has been near perfect through July, and I hope folks are taking the time to recharge their batteries by taking a short vacation from all the political shenanigans, and you're getting outside to enjoy the season and each other.  It's very important to spend time outside of your political circles because it helps to remind you precisely why you work as hard as you do to help turn the tide, and restore liberty to your board, town, state, country, etc.  And I really mean it - take a break!  There is a ton of hard work ahead of us, and we're going to need all hands on deck pretty soon.  Remember - you can't win if your running on an empty tank!

Of course, there is plenty of plotting and scheming over backyard BBQs, I'm sure.  My phone rings constantly, and for those of us knee-deep in campaigns, fundraising, or planning - the breaks are few and far between.  Someone has got to keep the engine running because unfortunately - liberalism doesn't take a break, and neither does THE KING.  That being said, The King's View has been quiet on the publishing side of things, but very active behind the scenes.  Never fear, we aren't disappearing - just taking a short break, letting things work themselves out, and getting ready to pick our spots!

About a month ago, I told readers that I was going to draft a piece entitled, "Winners and Losers." But I've had second thoughts about publishing an article that would do more harm than good; and would likely not serve the best interest of the CTGOP, and our new leaders' desire to mend broken relationships and bring waring party's together after a fairly dramatic (and somewhat nasty) internal election phase. So after drafting the piece, I scrapped it.  That chapter is over (almost), and we are ready to start anew where we can.  As long as those who have been removed mind their own business, and don't try to play silly games by thinking they are going to operate a shadow CTGOP office from outside the legitimate walls of Republican Headquarters, then we are fine.  For if they do - there will be no mercy, and no quarter shown!

Although we all want to stay positive and move forward, please make no mistake, many the old coalitions are still intact, and there's plenty of counter-productive grumbling taking place.  And there are still a few district chairman and vice chairman who are still to lose their slots due to ineptitude and - frankly speaking - just being on the wrong side of the tracks.  And from what I'm hearing some of these people have gone out of their way to call attention to themselves and act like jackasses, thus forcing our new Chairman to have to make a move to replace them.  After all that's been said and done, some people still don't know enough to shut up and stay under the radar.  How does that saying go?  You can't teach a dumb fat blond cow new tricks?   I dunno, I can't remember.  And clicking the "like" button on Facebook after everything the dumb cow writes, makes you equally as guilty as she. Bright people will know who that's directed at.

I've been reading and researching plenty about the candidates who are starting to publicly make their case to represent Connecticut Republicans on the ticket to oppose entrenched Congressional Democrats.  As of this moment I haven't decided who I plan to support in any of these races.  However, I'm troubled by a few things I've seen and heard, and concerned about some of the history of a few of these individuals.  While there is no such thing as the perfect candidate, there is a price to be paid for supporting and contributing to the enemy's camp.  And "being in business" is no excuse for writing checks to fill the Democrat coffers, who in turn uses it to buy ammunition which is fired at Republicans far and wide.  Actions have consequences, and some stray bullets have had the unintended consequences of bringing down some very good people. People forget that contributions have legs, and are often shared between candidates both directly and indirectly.  That must always be a consideration when you to out and write that check.  Enough said on that for now.

So as for The King's View, we've plenty on tap coming on down the road.  And you can expect a few surprises along the way with regard to new features, columns, and even guest writers.  We are going to have a lot of fun, and I hope you'll tune in to watch!  If you have any good tips or stories, feel free to send them to me at thekingsview@gmail.com .  Anonymity will be assured.  Just please be sure to try to have your facts and stories straight.  Unfortunately, I don't have a full-time staff to verify everything. 

Before I end, I just want to finish up with a final thought because its important for me clear up a huge misconception - I do not write this column for profit, and I'm not in league with any facet or coalition within the Republican Party, Democrat Party, Independent, or Tea Party movement.  My opinions are my own, and I do not plan on carrying any one's dirty water for them for payment or favor.  If we can turn the tide and restore Connecticut to its roots - ending the long dark shadow that has been cast over it by nearly 70+ years of labor-liberal rule, than that is payment enough for me. 

I'd just like to see the sun burn through the fog covering the Nutmeg State.  We can make this happen.

I AM,

THE KING

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

A New Dawn for Connecticut Republicans

A New Dawn for the CTGOP!

The King and his Army send formal congratulations to our new Connecticut Republican Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr. You are hereby knighted Sir Jerry, and are to be given a large white horse to ride, and parcel of land within the second tier fortress. You are further to be granted unlimited access to the Knight's Armory where the finest swords are fashioned, and to the Grismill where the finest Ale in The King's Realm is made. Hurrah for Sir Jerry! For he is a Noble Lord!

Today is a great day for the Republican Party in Connecticut, and more so for the Connecticut conservative movement. The last legislative session, hijacked by a liberal Democrat agenda, saw little to no resistance from our Republican elected officials. In fact, the case could be made that the so-called moderate leaders within the Republican Party sold us out in thought, word, and deed. A boastful Len Cafero, awarded by our previous Chairman, doesn't do "God, Guns, and Gays" - he does very little for our cause, but strike deals with the enemy, surrendering the moral high ground without firing a shot, and then declaring that it could have been worse. Under Jerry Labriola, Jr. - we expect that those days are over.

Democrats have watched our Chairman's election with strained eyes - watching every move and gesture with keen interest. In some ways, we owe them a debt of gratitude for jumping on our Dump Aniskovich bandwagon so early. If they were actually smart over there, they would have quietly cheered on Bill Aniskovich and waited until after he was elected to send out their dispatches of condemnation. Leave it to Nancy DiNardo to run her mouth at the wrong time; we are counting on her to continue as we start the next phase of our Take Back Connecticut Campaign.

Back to a little more inside baseball.

We have to admit that yesterday's quick conclusion to the Chairman's ballot was a bit of a surprise. Surely, the fact that Catherine Marx was unable to form a coalition between herself and other candidates proved to be the final blow to her designs on the Chairmanship. Strangely, the sudden late push by Jim Campbell of Greenwich, backed by Rick Torres of Bridgeport revealed the thickness of smoke and confusion on the battlefield. Jim Campbell was running around telling people he had as many as 40 votes. Most politicos know that people who run around bragging about what they have, likely have nothing. Candidates who actually have the numbers - say nothing. They do not try to bluff their way to victory, as in the case of Mr. Campbell (and Linda McMahon).

Well, now it's Sir Jerry's turn. And frankly speaking there is a heck of lot of work to be done.

First internally there is the work of the mending of the souls. Only a fool would claim that Jerry's win was a landslide. Jerry earned 43 or so votes to Catherine Marx's reported 25. Marx's votes were mostly geographical in nature - the usual first district stalwarts garnered by the usual suspects - Moccabee, Turner, etc. What this means is that the CTGOP is pretty much split down the middle as Labriola takes the helm.

How we as a Party respond to this division and work to come together in unison (or not) is going to be extremely important to the potential for progress that we can make as a political force. Face it - Jerry Labriola, Jr. will need help in every district, and from every Republican Chairman, coordinator, and individual in the land. It will be a true to test of character to see who stands up to be counted on to help our new Chairman be successful. Continued infighting, and posturing, or the making of demands by certain groups will only help and aid the enemy. Republicans now have a unique opportunity to form a powerful and productive force against Dan Malloy, Nancy Dinardo, and Legislative Democrats; and to formulate a strategy to purge the Democrat cancer that is plaguing Connecticut Taxpayers and Businesses.

Or we can chose the nasty path. We can sulk, whine, create disunity, and destroy each other through name calling and employing the usual sabotage tactics to help ensure that Democrats stay in power forever. The choice lies with the Catherine Marx's, the Art Moccabees, the Tom Foleys, and all those who live in the first district who are crying in their Cheerios this morning. Take a few days to reflect on what has come to pass, and then for the sake of the Taxpayers (if not the Party) come together to focus on turning Connecticut - red.

Also, I should recognize and congratulate our new Vice Chair Themis Klarides.  The King will be carefully watching Rep. Klarides with great interest.  Many suspect her inclusion as a ploy to help steer State Central on behalf of her moderate collegues in the Legislature.  Time will tell what Ms. Klarides' agenda really is. We note that she voted against Repeal of the Death Penalty, and against the Paid Sick Leave Bill, but unfortunately in favor of Same Sex Marriage, and Decriminalizing Marijuna.  So the record is mixed, and it will be interesting to see what influence she'll have on the CTGOP's public platform.

The King also congratulates new State Secretary Art Scialabba, and Gary Schaffrick as our new State Treasurer.  Both will do a fine job in their respective roles.

A week or so from now, I'm planning to publish a piece called "Winners and Losers". But before I do this, I want to give people ample time to cool down and reflect on what has just transpired. Whether one is a good loser or a sore loser will depend on how they conduct themselves over the next few weeks.

As witnessed, several of last night's losers stormed out of the building after hearing ballot totals read. That human reaction is both painful and emotional, I know. In politics, losing stinks. And there isn't any other way to look at it. Which is why campaigning on any scale is not for the weak of heart or soft of skin. When you lose its as if your the total sum of your being has been rejected. You feel a deep pit in your stomach, and you see yourself as cast off -- alone; it's as though you are staring out from a dark, narrow tunnel. Being rejected by your peers (in this case those sitting right next to you) is about as bad a feeling as it gets emotionally. 

Now it's time for Jerry Labriola to select his team. He should do this of his own accord and without a thousand motley fools whispering in his ear. I urge him to take his time and chose wisely. Talent and loyalty are the best characteristics that he can find in an individual charged with the important tasks set before us. I hope he examines every aspect of the individuals who will apply for key positions. All to often there are geniuses at the top setting direction which are in turn stifled by morons selected for the execution of plans at the next tier. And remember, there is no advantage to employing a loyal, but incompetent person in any role. They cost more than they are worth!

Pray Jerry's team is a competent and capable one. We are all counting on a successful two years.

At this point, it's important to recognize one of the architects of this little revolution - Mr. Joseph Visconti.  Regardless of what you hear, and the revisionist history that will take place when we are all white-haired dinosaurs sitting around the retirement home parlor, it was Mr. Visconti who played a key role in recruiting Jerry Labriola, Jr.  To his credit, Visconti has asked for nothing in return.  Say what you want about Joe, but he is a tireless arbiter of the Conservative Momement in Connecticut, and an unsung hero of the Republican cause (and he's going to kill me for putting this in here).  You will never meet a more selfless activist than Joe.  And those who have taken the time to get to know Joe, know this well.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the happiness many of us share about seeing Bill Jenkins out of the Secretary's position. The lowest of the low has been knocked off his perch - destined to return to cigar blogs where - I guess - he has the most credibility. Although he only lost by a slim margin, it shows that there is still a majority of State Central Members that find using such vulgar language against women unacceptable for any leader of our Party. I'm glad we were able to settle this internally without the media using Jenkins as a tool to aid Democrats. Jenkins thought he was a mercenary, but in fact his entire contribution was akin to an Islamic suicide bomber detonating himself in an empty warehouse.  Good Riddance!

I AM

THE KING

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

The Great Chairman's Race: An Appeal to Heaven

It's hard to believe it, but we are FINALLY here!

After months of CTGOP infighting, broken deals, embarrassing moments, and witnessing the very worst that Connecticut politics has to offer - we are at an end to this not so wonderful journey. If there is any pain point to inspire Republicans to work their tails off to win the Governor's Office in 2014, and avoid another Chairman's election, then surely this experience is it.


The New England Revolutionary
War Flag of Washington's
Crusaders says it best.

It's by intention that The King has remained quiet over the past several days. Of course, I've been getting plenty of reports from my spies across the Realm, and reading the multitude of exchanges between State Central Members as they sure-up their ranks and get ready for tonight's vote. But the details have been neither exciting or unexpected, since loyalties to certain political philosophies and their advocates have always remained intact.


There are only two legitimate candidates left in the race - Jerry Labriola, Jr., and Catherine Marx. That is not to imply that some of the other candidates aren't excellent choices, its just that these two have each amassed more than the sum total of votes combined from all of the other candidates left in the race.


Tonight, after all the would-be candidates get their 30 seconds of fame and the first ballot concludes, everyone appearing to be a player on the board will fold their cards, and will serve their true Master by playing the momentum game. This age old strategy of passing along votes to one of the top candidates is employed to make it appear as though one candidate or the other has rising support among the members; the method is used to sway the uncommitted into their camp (of course, no one wants to be on the losing team!). A friend of mine illustrates the psychological effect on the audience as akin to the visual imagery of a school of bright yellow tropical fish in an aquarium suddenly turning in unison in response to sound or vibration.


So, don't be fooled. Understand that these deals have long been struck. The scripts were distributed over the past week. And the actors have memorized their parts for tonight's show. All that's left is for the curtain to rise, and the drama to unfold. If there are surprises to be had, it will be in the balloting for the other CTGOP officer positions. Few people want to walk away from months of gamesmanship with nothing - whether it's a title or a paid  position - some have a real vested interest in the outcome.


What people need to really understand is that there is a tremendous amount at risk in this election. Frankly speaking, I'm not cheering wildly for either of these choices, but at the end of the day, you have to accept what is before you and choose the lesser of two evils.


Without a doubt, the absolute worst choice for Connecticut would be Catherine Marx. There is no candidate in the race that is more undistinguished than Ms. Marx. Many people are describing Marx as Chris Healy II, but in reality that description is laughable; she doesn't have a quarter of the experience and skill that Healy has, and her election would likely result in a backwards slide for Connecticut Republicans.


If the past few weeks hasn't convinced members of her inept approach to dealing with current issues (the Jenkins debacle) or responding to attacks from Democrats (silence on Nancy DiNardo's comments on the Aniskovich matter) than nothing else will. Moreover, a Marx Chairmanship would further water down the Republican Party's social agenda thus providing the Democrats with a free pass on everything from Gays in the Bathroom to Gun Right Restrictions to just about any liberal legislative position that Democrats wish to take. No doubt, Marx is the favored Larry Cafero candidate ("We don't do God, Guns, or Gays") because he and his liberal friends would not see an ounce of pressure from Marx for at the next two years.


Most frightening to The King is that moving in such a direction would ensure the rise of Third Party created to advance causes and positions abandoned by the Connecticut Republican Party (not the national Republican Party) which would all but guarantee victory for Democrats at every electoral level. And I say to all the fat-pants, big suspender wearing types in the Connecticut Republican Party who are smirking, and brushing off the impact of 2 to 3% of the vote (sometimes the margin of victory (or loss) in some districts) that your view of things is shortsighted, if not insane.  You share the blame of tempting fate and antogonizing Connecticut's Conservatives with your small view of the world.


If Catherine Marx wins, Connecticut loses.


The other option is Jerry Labriola, Jr. This choice, while not perfect, is the best option. Labriola is a moral, decent person, who would be an effective, trusted, and energetic leader. He would most certainly need to build an effective team of Class A-1 players to fight the status quo leaders (who will still linger for years to come). He will have a heck of a time, turning off the noise and pressure from the special interest groups which would continuously plague him throughout his tenure. If he is to make a difference and right the ship, he will certainly make enemies with those who today profit handsomely from the status quo - both in terms of personal power and influence, and financial gain.


If Republicans stand a chance of defeating Democrats they will need someone who can think and act outside of the box. Marx cannot - she is owned, bought, and paid for by The Establishment. Labriola, if he is strong enough and can dedicate the time, could be the person to reverse direction of the rudderless ship. Since Labriola is the ONLY candidate of the two who would be champion change - then he is the only rational choice for the Chairman's position.


At present, Jerry Labriola, Jr. has a significant lead over his adversary. However, Catherine Marx and her Healy-esq minions are pulling out all the stops. They are desperate and cunning, and their tactics include trying to link Jerry Labriola to this blog (a false charge), and painting conservatives as nothing more than race-baiting extremists (and we thought Democrats were bad!).


Tonight Connecticut State Central Members have the rare opportunity to elect new leadership in Jerry Labriola, Jr. and see a new dawn emerge for Connecticut Republicans. God willing, they won't blow it. All we can do is make An Appeal to Heaven that Members can see the difference, and do the right thing for all of us.

Lastly, if nothing else - please make sure a half-witted, sick character like Bill Jenkins never holds a CTGOP position again.  He's the type who will bring us all down.


I AM


THE KING


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