Connecticut Politics Today

Welcome News-Times Readers

2005-11-20T11:04:00.000-05:00

Although this site has been quite for a while, I guess that this News-Times story shows that there is a need (/guilted me), so I will keep it alive and try to bring you the important stories in CT politics.

2005-10-17T07:36:00.000-04:00

NO POSTS TODAY

2005-05-04T15:34:00.000-04:00

Had to be at work extra early. Will try to catch up with anything of importance tomorrow.

Democrats Retain Dominace of Groton City Council

2005-05-03T09:07:00.000-04:00

Despite recruiting a slate of candidiates that were known throughout the town, Groton Republicans were unable to gain a single seat in Monday's City Council election. Election officials reported 24.1% voter turnout.

Story here.

Is Redding the Future?

2005-05-03T08:59:00.000-04:00

Tom Condon certainly hopes so. He loves the planned development of a former 19th Century industrial park into a residential area, complete with housing, office, retail and artistic spaces.

Story here.

Rowland Still Under the Microscope

2005-05-03T08:55:00.000-04:00

Despite being in jail, ex-Gov. John Rowland is still being investigated by prosecutors. At issue is the legality of his consulting fees (5K a month) that he received after resigning from office.

Story here.

Hartford Loses to Milwaukee

2005-05-03T08:52:00.000-04:00

Hartford lost its bid to host the 2010 American Legion Convention to Milwaukee. Not enough hotel rooms was a major consideration.

Story here.

Danbury Confrontation With Illegals Gaining National Attention

2005-05-02T09:10:00.000-04:00

Danbury's attempt to deal with illegal immigrants has attracted attention beyond just Fairfield County. The Day had a story last week, Lou Dobbs dealt with it on Weds. on CNN, and it has been the buzz on certain right wing blogs and websites. This is an issue that will not go away, and the dangers to local politicians should be evident.

Story here.

End of the Car Tax?

2005-05-02T09:02:00.000-04:00

Although it was not considered by Senate Democrats in the Finance Committee, Sen. David Cappiello (R-Danbury) will propose on the Senate floor an end to the state's car tax. However, don't expect the tax to be repealed any time soon.

Story here.

A New Batch of Future Leaders Sworn In

2005-04-29T09:45:00.000-04:00

The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) at UConn swore in its new leaders this week.

Story here.

More on Danbury's Volleyball ban

2005-04-29T09:38:00.000-04:00

A Public Defender has commentary on the proposed ban on Volleyball games in Danbury, an attempt by the city to combat illegal immigrants.

Commentary here.

Immigrant Driver's Licenses

2005-04-29T09:35:00.000-04:00

Connecticut Law Blog is following a proposed Senate bill that would restricting the validity of the driver's license of someone who is not a citizen and is in the country on a visa of limited time-period, until the expiration of that visa.

Story and Commentary here.

Cellphone Restriction Bill Passes House

2005-04-29T09:22:00.000-04:00

The House passed a bill that would allow drivers to place and answer calls, but they would have to conduct their conversations with headphones or some other hands-free technology. In the past the bill has been bottled up in the Senate, but Lt. Gov. Sullivan, an opponent, no longer controls the Senate agenda, increasing the likelihood of passing.

The bill would also ban drivers under 18 from using cellphones at all, and impose a $100 for driving while distracted, such as eating or drinking, leads to a moving violation.

Stories here and here.

Minimum Wage Increase Approved

2005-04-29T09:11:00.000-04:00

The House voted 96-44 to increase the state minimum wage to $7.65 in 2007. The bill passed with primarily Democratic support. No word on the increase's fate with in the Senate or the Governor.

Storie here, here and here.

More High School Issues

2005-04-28T09:58:00.000-04:00

House Minority Leader Robert Ward (R-North Branford) has proposed legislation that would institute steroid testing for high school athletes. The bill would affect almost 100,00 students in the state.

Story here.

Now For the Serious Issues Facing Connecticut

2005-04-28T09:54:00.000-04:00

The Senate has passed a bill that bans the sale of soda at schools, including school fundraisers. Next the Senate will certainly take up the pressing issue of making sure that shoes laces are always tied.

Story here.

Can't We All Just get Along

2005-04-28T09:50:00.000-04:00

Gov. Rell and House Speaker James Amann continue to be at loggerheads over the budget, but appear to be doing so in nicer terms.

Story here.

Democrats Blink

2005-04-27T06:59:00.000-04:00

In a bow to the reality that they were losing the PR battle of the budget, Democrats in Hartford postponed sending a budget to Gov. Rell, in the face of her threats to veto it.

Story here.

Emission Program in Trouble Again

2005-04-27T06:46:00.000-04:00

According to AG Blumenthal, portions of the much embattled emission testing program may be illegal, since there is a cap of $10 a year for testing, each test is $20, and some cars may have to be tested in consecutive years. (Figures this would happen the week after I finally get my car tested.

Story here.

State Ethics Problems

2005-04-27T06:42:00.000-04:00

In a state that has seen a Governor and several mayors packed off to jail, it probably isn't shocking to find out that only 59 percent of towns have written codes of ethics for public officials. A proposed bill in the legislature would change that.

Story here.

2006 races

2005-04-26T13:52:00.000-04:00

The Courant runs down the current state of the 2006 US House races.

Story here.

Storrs Survives

2005-04-25T08:54:00.000-04:00

UConn apparently survived another Spring Weekend.

Story here.

Danbury's Illegal Immigration Issue

2005-04-25T08:49:00.000-04:00

The New London Day has a story on the steps that Danbury has been taking to deal with illegal immigrants -- which may represent 10-15,000 people in the city of 75,000.

Story here.

Civil Unions Protests

2005-04-25T08:44:00.000-04:00

Opponents of Connecticut's new Civil Unions law (both those opposing any law, and those favoring marriage rights) rallied this weekend at the Capitol.

Stories here, here and here.

Filibuster Comes to Connecticut

2005-04-25T08:37:00.000-04:00

Judge Janice Brown, nominated to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals by President Bush and filibustered by Democrats in the Senate, was in Connecticut this past weekend. Her comments certainly were not the soothing type likely to get Democrats eager to confirm her.

Story here.

Gay Reaction Mixed to Civil Unions

2005-04-22T08:42:00.000-04:00

Harvey Firestein (Ridgefield) is unhappy with the compromise on civil unions, arguing against anything short of gay marriage. Other activists are glad for the baby steps.

Story here.

Millionaires to Pay More Under Dem Budget

2005-04-22T08:30:00.000-04:00

The Legislature's Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee passed a budget which includes an extension of the business-tax surcharge and an increase in the inheritance tax focused on the wealthiest citizens in the state. The tax increase would raise over a billion dollars in the next two years.

Gov. Rell has called the tax increase "unacceptable." Democrats counter that their plan is more fair than the tax increases pushed by the Governor.

Stories here, here, here.

Connecticut Legalizes Civil Unions

2005-04-21T09:05:00.000-04:00

Gov. Rell signed the law last night which creates civil unions for gays and lesbians.

Connecticut is the first state to allow civil unions or marriage for gays and lesbians via the legislative process.

Stories here, here, here, here, here, and here.

However, some practical problems may arise, like who will perform the ceremony.

Story here.

ACLU Takes a Stand for Immigrants in Danbury

2005-04-21T09:04:00.000-04:00

Entering a simmering controversy, the ACLU is monitoring the activities of city officials that are targeting ethnic groups and illegal immigrants. According top the CT ACLU's legal director, "Any time you have a law that targets one particular nationality or ethnic group, that is obviously anathema to the Bill of Rights."

Story here.

Simmons Arming for 2006

2005-04-20T06:38:00.000-04:00

According to recently released FEC reports, Rep. Rob Simmons has raised $290,000 for his 2006 reelection fund, $200,000 of which has come from Political Action Committees. 2004 opponent, and possible 2006 challenger, Joe Courtney has raised $60,000.

Given Simmons close election, and the withering attacks he has been facing for his connections with Tom DeLay, expect Simmons to raise a whole lot for 2006 -- because as the GOP's most vulnerable House member, he will need it.

Story here.

Election Law On Trial

2005-04-20T06:31:00.000-04:00

A Federal Court is reviewing Connecticut's requirement that voters register at least two weeks before an election in order to vote. Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal are both named in the suit, but both have expressed sympathy for abolishing the two week deadline.

The current law allows unregistered citizens to vote for president, but not other federal or state races. The plaintiffs allege that 30,000 unregistered Connecticut citizens voted for president in 2004, but they were barred from voting in other federal and state races.

Story here.

Fight, Fight!

2005-04-20T06:14:00.000-04:00

The budget fight is on!

After Gov. Rell's denouncing of the Democratic budget propsal, House Speaker James Amann (D-Milford) said that Democrats would pass their budget and dare Rell to veto it. And if she does, according to Amann, they'll send another one right back. "If she vetoes it, we'll have another one on her table before she catches her breath," Amann said. "She fired a shot at us."

The differences are regarding the Governor's proposed $15.27 billion budget and the Democrats' $15.53 billion proposal.

Story here, here, here and here.

New Posts Will Resume Tomorrow.

2005-04-19T17:04:00.000-04:00

Civil Unions Divide the GOP Family

2005-03-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

Gov. Rell and other top state GOP elected officials are apparently not on the same page when it comes to civil unions as state GOP chair William A. Hamzy . Hamzy says that civil unions are "gay marriage pure and simple," while civil unions appear to have the backing of Gov. Rell, Congressman Shays and Simmons and House Minority Leader Robert Ward (North Branford). Story here.

Rell Continues To Clean Out the Rowland Stench

2005-03-25T08:21:00.000-05:00

Gov. Rell is calling for disclosures of consultants who are involved with contracts awarded by the state in the wake of revelations that disgraced ex-Gov. John Rowland was collecting $15,000 a month in consultant fees from two state contractors. Story here.

Second Thoughts On Bill To Save Groton Sub Base

2005-03-25T08:12:00.000-05:00

Opponents of a bill to reduce the costs of operating the Groton submarine base and Electric Boat are alleging that the bill will divert much needed property tax revenue for the cities of Groton and New London. Story here.

A Little Research Always Helps

2005-03-23T09:56:00.000-05:00

Richard Smith, the Milford Democratic town chairman, and City Alderman Philip Vetro, recently called on the city to makeup the difference between what city employees called to active duty make in the military and what they would have made at home.

One problem, the city already does that. Story here.

Gov. Rell Continues Her "I'm Not John Rowland" Campaign

2005-03-23T09:49:00.000-05:00

Gov. Rell is reaching out to voters to pressure the Legislature to pass her ethics and campaign reforms. Gov. Rell called ethics and campaign finance reforms one of three major issues before the General Assembly. The others were abiding by the state spending cap and approval of her transportation initiative.

She declined to issue an opinion of the sentence of her mentor. Story here.

Save Groton

2005-03-23T09:43:00.000-05:00

The Legislature is moving to save Groton from being a potential victim of the base closing commission by investing $40 million in the infrastructure. Proponents call this the single biggest threat to the Connecticut economy. Story here.

Huskies Win!

2005-03-21T08:18:00.000-05:00

The Women's team, however, put a real hurting on Dartmouth, 95-47. Story here, here and here.

Huskies Lose

2005-03-21T07:08:00.000-05:00

A year of tumult could not be overcome as the UConn's Men basketball team fell to North Carolina State in the NCAA tournament. No links -- the story is too depressing.

ONE YEAR

2005-03-18T16:25:00.000-05:00

Despite the urging of the US Attorney for a harsher sentencing, ex-Gov. John Rowland was sentenced to one year in jail. Story here.

Lets Face It

2005-03-18T09:13:00.000-05:00

There is only one story of importance in Connecticut political circles today -- how long will ex-Gov. Johnny be imprisoned. Stories here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Rowland Case to Impact CT Political Culture

2005-03-18T09:05:00.000-05:00

Or Not.

The New Britain Herald has a story that says that the Rowland sentencing is a signal that the "culture of corruption" in Connecticut government is on the wane, but on the other hand in 10 years no one will remember it. In other words, Connecticut has a cycle of corruption. Story here.

Rowland Seeks Mercy From Court

2005-03-17T11:23:00.000-05:00

In a memo to the Court, attorneys for former Gov. John Rowland have asked the court for leniency in sentencing the former Governor. Regardless, it is likely that he will face some prison time. Interestingly, Rowland could become one of more than a dozen former governors to serve prison time, but only the second from New England. Story here.

Dean Esposito - Danbury Democrats Sacrificial Lamb

2005-03-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

The Danbury Democratic Committee has thrown their support behind Dean Esposito to challenge Mayor Mark Boughton this November. Although Esposito had served on the Common Council until 2003, the committee was apparently unconcerned that his family has been living in Georgia for the past year.

Given the recent track record of Democratic candidates in city elections, it is not surprising that the Democrats would recruit from out-of-state. Story here.

Lieberman Gets a Challenger?

2005-03-17T10:35:00.000-05:00

John Orman, a professor at Fairfield University, has announced that he is looking into running against Sen Lieberman in the 2006 Democratic primary. Lieberman has come under increasing pressure from liberal groups who believe that his voting pattern has been too favorable to Republicans and President Bush.

Mr. Orman told supporters that "[o]ur party's Senator is no longer a Democrat. He has joined the Republicrat Party . . .After 17 years as a safe-seat senator, Joe has lost touch with his party and with his state."

Story here.

Stamford Mayor's Race

2005-03-16T14:15:00.000-05:00

The GOP appears to have their candidate of choice lined up for the 2005 race. State Rep. Michael Pavia has set up an exploratory committee and appears to have the support of former Mayor Stanley Esposito and GOP Town Committee Chairman Daniel McCabe. Pavia can be certain that no matter what happens he will exceed the GOP's showing from the 2001 race, when the party did not field a candidate. Story here.

Gay Cash Welcome Here.

2005-03-16T13:56:00.000-05:00

According to the gay rights lobbying group, Love Makes a Family, civil unions would pump over a million dollars into the state's economy from the purchasing of flowers and food, and 2 million dollars if gay marriages were allowed. Of course the Office of Fiscal Analysis, estimates that Connecticut would lose about $1 million a year in state inheritance tax revenue if civil unions are permitted. (As a corollary, the divorce lawyers bar also believes that either gay marriage or civil union will be a boon for business.) Story here.

Nursing Home Strike Looms

2005-03-16T13:41:00.000-05:00

The union for nursing home workers has asked Gov. Rell to get involved in contract negotiations, hoping to avoid a repeat of the 2001 strike. The Governor has apparently politely declined. Story here.

Fairfield County Weekly v. CT Post

2005-03-15T09:40:00.000-05:00

The gang over at Fairfield County Weekly goes after the editorial board of the Connecticut Post. Specifically FCW goes after a recent editorial against Rep. John Hennessy (D-Bridgeport) and his attempt to prevent the building of some new athletic fields. Story here.

Gov. Gets Involved In Nursing Home Strike

2005-03-15T07:25:00.000-05:00

(Well not exactly.) Instead Gov. Rell has said that she hopes that a strike can be avoided, which certainly should get both parties to the table to resolve their differences. The contract for nursing home workers expires on Wednesday. Story here.

In Case You Forgot About JOhnny

2005-03-15T07:21:00.000-05:00

The Hartford Courant reminds us that we had a Governor who had to resign and now awaits his jail term. Of interest is that the prosecutor has received 200 letters on the sentencing, slightly more negative than positive despite an organized effort by Rowland's defense team to solicit support from community leaders. Story here.

UCONN Men and Women Make NCAA

2005-03-14T06:11:00.000-05:00

Not really a political story, but clearly the one that most residents will actually care about this morning. Story here and here. (And just about everywhere else.)

State Borrows To Pay Bill

2005-03-14T06:08:00.000-05:00

Apparently the State of Connecticut is using bond funds to pay everyday expenses, when this revenue is supposed to go toward long term investments. Although it may be poor fiscal policy, it does not apparently violate any laws. Story here.

(Clearly another slow news day -- but did we mention that the Huskies are in the NCAA?)

How The Mighty Have Fallen

2005-03-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

The illustrious former Governor, John Rowland (R-Alcatraz), is about to begin serving his time. Apparently there are no Cuban cigars for the former master of his domain. Story here.

Ban on Alcohol Vaporizing Machine

2005-03-13T08:13:00.000-05:00

Two bills have been introduced into the legislature to ban an alcohol vaporizing machine, which doesn't appear to have appeared in CT yet, or possibly even work. Of course, the bill also appears dead, demonstrating exactly what a slow news weekend it is in Connecticut. Story here and here.

Poker Faced Governor

2005-03-13T08:06:00.000-05:00

The Courant profile Gov. Rell, three months into this year's legislative session, and concludes that she is hard to pin down. Unclear is if the Gov. is playing her position very shrewdly, or if she doesn't really hold strong convictions. Story here.

Foes of Civil Unions Rally

2005-03-10T09:36:00.000-05:00

Opponents of civil unions have continue to fight back. Opponents have united to oppose the bill making its way through the Legislature that would create homosexual civil unions in Connecticut. At the same time Sen. Minority Leader Louis DeLuca (R-Woodbury) has proposed a non-binding statewide referendum for the fall as a way to seek the guidance of the public. Despite these events, enactment of a civil unions bill seems likely. Stories here and here.

Newton Fired?

2005-02-16T09:10:00.000-05:00

Sen. Ernest E. Newton (D-Bridgeport) has been suspended by his employer (not the citizens of Bridgeport, but his other employer), Partners for Community Inc. All this is in relation to the FBI investigation into corruption, which has included a raid on his legislative office in Hartford. Also, the first Democrat, Rep. Andrew M. Fleischmann (D-West Hartford), called on Newton to step down from his committee assignments, including Public Safety, which oversees the State Police. Stories here, here and here.

Wal-Mart to Be Investigated For Child Labor Law Violations

2005-02-15T08:41:00.000-05:00

AG Richard Blumenthal stated that he would look into allegations against Wal-Mart, following then company's recent settlement of federal charges. According to the federal charges at least 21 of the violations occurred in Connecticut. Story here and here.

Homosexuality = Sickness?

2005-02-15T08:36:00.000-05:00

Sen. Thomas A. Colapietro (D-Plymouth) backtracked slightly from his statements that homosexuality is a disease. Colapietro originally made the statement to the Bristol Press. He later said that "I feel bad they took the word `sick' as derogatory, it wasn't meant that way." Story here.

Calls for Newton to Step Down

2005-02-15T08:28:00.000-05:00

Republican leaders are calling on Sen. Ernest Newton(D-Bridgeport) to resign from the committee that oversees the state police, after the FBI raided his sister's office and later, his legislative office in Hartford. Following the first set of raids, Newton stepped down as co-chairman of the Public Safety Committee, but remains a member. Story here.

Let the Bargaining Begin

2005-02-15T07:32:00.000-05:00

Gov. Rell has signaled her willingness to negotiate on tax increases, if the Democratic leadership will discuss budget cuts. She has challenged Democrats to match here 54% of decrease in the deficit through budget cuts. Story here.

Following New York's Lead

2005-02-15T07:27:00.000-05:00

Rep. Richard F. Roy (D-Milford) has submitted, for the seventh year in a row, a bill that would prohibit cell phone use while driving a car. In the past Sen. Billy Ciotto (D-Wethersfield) has successfully blocked the bill from becoming law. Rep. Roy is hoping that his increased seniority, and close ties to the leadership, will overcome the Ciotto roadblock this year. Story here.

Lieberman to Head Pentagon?

2005-02-14T11:11:00.000-05:00

The Washington Post is reporting that that Sen. Joe Lieberman is on the short list to dead the Defense Department when Don Rumsfeld decides to leave. Story here.

Who Is the Next Paul Newman?

2005-02-14T09:37:00.000-05:00

Now that rumors about Newman challenging Sen. Joe Lieberman in the Democratic primary seem to have quashed, the search for another challenger continues. No other immediate names are included. Story here.

Fairfield County Legislators Dominate Transportation Committee

2005-02-14T09:33:00.000-05:00

Fairfield County legislators comprise 15 of the 31 members of the Transportation Committee, up fropm 8 during the last session. Metro-North improvements and I-95 are expected to be higfh priorities. Story here.

Exactly How Much Vitamin A Does a Bud Light Have?

2005-02-14T09:29:00.000-05:00

Sen. David Cappiello (R-Danbury) is pushing legislation to require nutritional information labels on alcohol. Story here.

Making the Prisoners Pay

2005-02-14T09:21:00.000-05:00

AG Richard Blumenthal has been enforcing a little known law that allows the state to try and recoup the cost of incarcerating a prisoner. The Department of Corrections says the state collected $1.3 million last year. Story here.

2005-02-11T09:38:00.000-05:00

Sen. Andrew Roraback (R-Goshen) has proposed a bill that would allow probation for people accused of assisted suicide. The bill appears to be a reaction to the 10 year sentence recently meted out to Huntington Williams. Story here.

A Rocky Road for Gov.'s Budget

2005-02-11T09:33:00.000-05:00

Democrats are already ripping Gov. Rell's budget proposal, one day after she made her proposal to the Legislature. Democrats called it "mean" and shortsighted. (Republicans don't appear to be overly fond of the proposals either.) Stories here, here and here.

Rell Proposes $15.3 Billion Budget

2005-02-10T11:55:00.001-05:00

The Governor's budget proposal includes a mix of tax hikes and spending cuts. Reaction from both sides of the aisle was mixed. Democrats called it a Rowland Budget Redux, Republicans are holding their nose at the tax increases. Stories here, here, here and here. Full Text of her address here.

State Publicizes Drug Prices

2005-02-10T11:55:00.000-05:00

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is rolling out a website (www.cslib.org/attygenl) that compares prices online 38 commonly prescribed drugs at 476 pharmacies statewide. Story here.

Compromise on Malpractice Reform?

2005-02-09T09:36:00.000-05:00

Governor Rell has proposed a bill that neither the Connecticut State Medical Society and the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association don't immediately hate. The bill doesn't place caps on jury awards, but does make some reforms that insurers and doctors will like. Story here, here and here.

Smokers Fight Back

2005-02-09T09:33:00.000-05:00

Smokers are attempting to repeal the 2003 ban on smoking in bars and restaurants and Rep. Leonard Greene (R-Beacon Falls) has proposed a bill that would do just that. However, prospects for passage do not seem bright. Story here, here and here.

Dead on Arrival?

2005-02-09T09:25:00.000-05:00

Even Republicans are badmouthing Governor Rell's budget proposal, even though it hasn't been released yet. Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams has called the leaked details "troubling" and Republican Senate Leader Louis DeLuca (R-Woodbury) would not endorse the Governor's plan. Story here, here and here..

Surplus? What Surplus?

2005-02-08T09:35:00.000-05:00

UConn officials throw cold water on Gov. Rell's plan to freeze tuition increases at the school. According to school officials, the surplus that the Governor cited as the reason for a freeze, had already been committed to employees who previously had taken a pay freeze. Story here.

Rell Pushes Tax Increase

2005-02-08T09:31:00.000-05:00

Gov. Rell's new budget includes an increase in the state gas tax. All of the revenue raised by the tax will be earmarked for transportation projects. The plan calls for a gradual increase to $0.30 a gallon by 2010. (Currently the tax is $0.25 a gallon.) Story here.

One Eye on Today, One Eye on '06

2005-02-08T09:25:00.000-05:00

Mayor John DeStefano (D-New Haven) addressed supporters in New Haven to go over the success of the past year, and the challenges for 2005. Apparently no explicit statements about 2006 were made. Story here.

Marriage v. Civil Unions

2005-02-08T09:20:00.000-05:00

The Legislature appears to be moving ahead with civil unions for gays and lesbians, at the expense of a gay marriage bill. Civil Unions appears to have bipartisan support, and in the words of Sen. Andrew McDonald (D-Stamford) "Do we have the votes to get to the next level? My guess is we don't at this juncture." Stories here, here, here.

Free Higher Education for Adopted Children?

2005-02-07T09:47:00.000-05:00

Gov. Rell has proposed that a regulation that gives free college tuition to foster children be expanded to include adoption of abused or neglected children. Story here.

As Goes Massachusetts, So Goes Connecticut?

2005-02-07T09:38:00.000-05:00

The legislature is continuing debate on bringing same-sex marriage to Connecticut. Story here. Meanwhile some Gay Activists question the wisdom of marriage over civil unions. Here.

1.3 Billion, No Problem

2005-02-07T09:33:00.000-05:00

The new co-chair of the legislature budget writing committee, Denise Merrill (D-Mansfield) isn't phased by a 1.3 billion dollar shortfall in the budget. Story here.

Honeymoon Over.

2005-02-06T10:44:00.000-05:00

The Fairfield County Weekly, not a big fan of any Republican Governor, goes after Governor Rell on her support of the death penalty. Story here.

Higher Education Proposal

2005-02-06T10:25:00.000-05:00

The Governor has proposed a tuition freeze for all 17 state colleges and universities. Story here.

A Connecticut Icarus?

2005-02-06T08:12:00.000-05:00

The New Haven Register tells the story of what happens after you lose a power struggle in the legislature. Rep. William Dyson went from co-chairman of the Appropriations committee to a backbencher after his campaign for Speaker failed. Dyson blames racism as having played a role in his fall. Story here.