The Republican Heard, September 7th - 12th, 2009

Connecticut Legislative Alert

Election Law Revisions - Could Help Third Parties

With the state budget disaster behind them for the next few months, Democratic legislators are now trying to "fix" the Citizen Election Program, meaning, they want to improve their odds at reelection. Armed with soon to-be retiring instructions from Elections Enforcement Jeff Garfield, the Democrats may try to assuage the concerns of third parties, by making it easier for them to gain access to taxpayer financed funding.

It was the Green Party and others who sued the state over the law and won recently when a U.S. District Court found the law unconstitutional and enjoined its enforcement. But, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, with the support of Gov. Rell, sought and received a temporary stay, which runs out Monday. In brief, the court found the requirements for these parties to qualify for matching funds too steep, thereby depriving them of equal protection of the law (14th Amendment) and free speech (First Amendment).

The Connecticut Republican Party has joined these parties as a friend of court in another lawsuit which seeks to overturn the ban on contributors - contractors, lobbyists and their immediate families - who cannot give to state parties and in some case, local town committees. That case is pending at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

But we cannot allow the Democrats to further insolate themselves from the voters but trying to fatten the amount of dollars distributed to third parties. As Republicans, we don't support taxpayers paying for politicians, no matter what their philosophies. We need to be heard.

Take some time Monday to call both your Legislators (Republican or Democrat) and tell them:

• Remove "party committees" from the campaign finance laws, including the prohibition of donations from contractors and their immediate families.

Here are the numbers - Toll Free

• House Republicans - 800-842-1423
• Senate Republicans - 800-842-1421
• House Democrats - 800-842-8267
• Senate Democrats - 800-842-1420

Obama Speech Changes Little; Murphy Gives Away Nothing

President Obama's speech to the nation Wednesday on health care has had little impact on a public which is skeptical of the Democratic plan to seize one sixth of our economy while offering rationing in return. We did find out this week that Congressman Chris Murphy, CT-5, can be generous.

About a week after claiming he would forgo health care coverage under his Congressional coverage options if Obamacare passes this year, it was revealed that Murphy doesn't have that gold-plated coverage afterall. In a videotape taken earlier last month during Murphy's appearance at the Simsbury Stop N Shop, he confessed to questioners that he was covered under his wife's health care plan.

But in New Britain, before a safely scrubbed crowd of AFSME retiree's, Murphy said it was important for Members of Congress to live by the same rules as the rest of the taxpayers when it came to living with the new world order of health care.

"Everyone should have some scratch in the game," Murphy told his audience Sept. 3rd. "I should be willing to put myself at risk.."

So, Murphy is showing courage here by giving up something he doesn't have or ever had. But that makes perfect sense because the arguments made by the Democrats follow similar logic. For example, only the Democrats can say with a straight face that spending $1 trillion will make health care more affordable, that creating a taxpayer financed public health insurance option will create more competition and that there will be more choices if we tax businesses into it.

The entire Democratic delegation is happy to be back in Washington, D.C. away from the maddening crowd of public town meetings or telephone conferences. They were able to bath in a better than average speech by President Obama and hope that would create the political will to move forward on a plan that would seriously impair Connecticut's economy and deny quality coverage to every American.

Capitol Dems Playing Dirty Tricks; Mayor Stewart the Target

New Britain - Leave it to the Democrats to flaunt their time and our tax dollars to attack Mayor Tim Stewart, via anonymous emails from the State Capitol. Friday, it was revealed by the New Britain Herald, that several postings on stories posted concerning Mayor Stewart, were being posted by email addresses traced to the State Capitol.

While one cannot totally rule out the emails could have come from any sender from the bowels of the Legislative Office Building, Stewart's Democratic challenger is State Rep. Timothy O'Brien, D-New Britain, who has the overwhelming support of the radical left public employee unions.

"I think people that have less than honorable motivations use the blogosphere as a means to tarnish the reputation of others," Stewart said. "It's OK to have different opinions on things but the level of discourse by people hiding behind the anonymity of the Internet is wrong."

Both Stewart and O'Brien said these types of actions have no place in a campaign.

One of the worst kept secrets is how the Internet system at the Legislature masks who is breaking the law by using the Internet for blatant partisan gain. It is technologically impossible to "walk the cat back" on emails that come from the computers of legislative employees unless you receive a message directly. Message that are posted through another server leave no specific address just a hosting location. No one should hold their breadth that Legislative Management would tighten up the operation.

RNC North East Conference

Don't Miss This Great Opportunity!

Dates: October 2nd, 3rd & 4th 2009 Friday - Sunday

Place: Marriott Hotel Newport, Rhode Island

Program: Excellent line up of speakers have been invited and will probably attend: RI Governor, Donald Carcieri, VT Governor, Jim Douglas, Congressman Aaron Schock, Illinois, Fmr Gov & WH CoS John Sununu, RNC Chairman Michael Steele and more special guests to follow. In addition we will have grassroots training and presentations by several well know national polling firms, national media strategists, and GOTV experts.

Costs: We have kept the Conference Registration cost very low at $125. to make it affordable for all GOP Party activists. This will include meeting rooms, opening cocktail party, 2 breakfasts and one lunch and materials. Other activities will be al-carte.

Hotels: We have pre-reserved rooms at the Marriott in Newport at a special rate of $159.. per night. The Marriott will also serve as the site of the conference. We have also reserved additional rooms at the near by Newport Hotel at a cost of $150/night. Both hotels will also extend this rate if you come early or stay and extra day or two.

Reservations: Newport Marriott (401) 849-1000 "Northeast Republican Conference"

How to Register: Send an e-mail to RNC Committeeman Louis Pope of Maryland - louismpope@aol.com

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