Informative Article On Cappiello

This past Friday, the Brookfield Journal published a lenghthy article regarding State Senator David Cappiello's campaign for Congress. You can read it here. It was a very well written piece which really gave an insight to what issues Cappiello plans on addressing, and what some of his views are. Here are some main points and quotes that I thought many might find interesting regarding what Cappiello said:

• Cappiello believes the United States has to be more competitive regarding global trade saying, "We can still be the leader if we do things right."
  


• Cappiello said that he supports President Bush's tax cut of 2001, and his 2003 economic growth package. He says that, "The revenue is increasing exponentially into the federal coffers ... the problem hasn't been the tax cuts, it's been the spending increases."



• He also mentioned that he has the support of mostly all Republicans who were also rumored to be candidates for the seat, and that the chances of a primary are not very high.



• Mentioned by someone who was rumored to possibly take a shot at the seat, State Senator Andrew Roraback, was that Cappiello is the type of Republican who could win a Connecticut Congressional seat because he is fiscally conservative and socially moderate.
  


• Cappiello said that Congressman Murphy held a press conference on Candlewood Lake, and only invited Democratic officials. He had this to say on Murphy's actions, "He ran last year saying that 'It's time for a change' and that he wanted to end all of the bickering in Washington and then he holds a news conference on an important issue where there has been bipartisan cooperation and he doesn't invite any Republicans."



• He mentioned yet again that he has been against President Bush's Iraq policies since Operation Iraqi Freedom started.



• Lastly, as said in the article, Cappiello criticized Murphy for voting for wasteful spending during his first six months in office and missing an important ethics vote.

Well, it is still VERY early, and like I have been saying only time will tell what will happen. It is good Cappiello has come out and let people know where he stands on various issues, but it is still going to be difficult for him to defeat a popular incumbent. Just remember, many thought Nancy Johnson would easily win re-election in 2006 at this point, and we all know what happened. Anything is possible, and this race should be a pretty good one.

Note To Readers

A few days ago I changed the comment section of this blog to not allow anonymous posts. This was done because some of the posts were getting immature, disrespectful and accusatory. I created this blog as a place where local, state, and federal political issues could be posted, in the hope of prompting a mature exchange of views. This was happening until recently when the blog began posting items related to the local elections, and some folks started treating this site as a dumping ground for loose comments and accusations.

It is my intention to re-open the comments section tomorrow, to allow anonymous comments. However, I ask that these comments be done in a spirited, yet respectful manner. This blog wants to maintain an open forum for people to exchange thoughts and ideas, but asks that we maintain a level of respect in our comments. Any comments that this blog deems inappropriate will be deleted.

Thanks.

Poll Results

The latest poll question was who you plan on voting for this year for Town Clerk. If the results are any indication at what this race will be like, then we are in for a good one. Here are the results:

Republican Pudgie Delohery: 20 (54%)
Democrat Lori Kaback: 17 (46%)
Not Sure: 0 (0%)

Thanks to all that voted. Make sure you take our new poll, and have a great weekend!

The Bottom Races

Okay, here is the last part of all the races. I have also come to the conclusion, that since the News-Times can't cover this election well at all (Did you see today's article?....They totally screwed up the candidates running for the bottom of the ticket) I will have to pick up the slack.

To begin with, the Democrats have surrendered a seat on the Board of Education that they could have picked up. That's right, as reported earlier, because of the death of a member last summer, the seat is up for bid this year. Republicans have put up Richard Jannelli, who was chosen to fill the seat last year. He will win automatically because the Democrats decided not to run anyone. They also decided to nominate the current three Democrats on the Board as their candidates. They will all win automatically because Democrats have three seats up for bid this year, and they are the only candidates. Republicans on the other hand, have put up five candidates to run, and they too have only three spots to fill this year (not counting Jannelli's seat). This means that they will be substantially be running against each other. One interesting note is that former Board member and Town Clerk, Joe Scozzafava is running for the Board of Education this year. Currently, the Democrats hold a 6-5 majority on the school board something that will remain the same this year. Having it change to Republican control can only happen during certain elections. For example, in 2005 it could have, but it didn't. It is very confusing, and I'll explain at another time.

The Zonning Board is currently held by Republicans, who hold a 5-4 majority. They also have control of the Alternates. Democrats do have a majority of Constables, having a 3-2 majority. These are never highly anticipated races, so not much may change.

However, the mood of the city at the time, may be what gives either party the chance at holding the majority of these positions. Who knows?

The Council Races

The Republicans took control of Danbury in 2003. Not only was there victory of sweeping the top of the ticket impressive, but they were able to totally reverse the amount of people on the Council from a 17-4 Democratic majority to a 17-4 Republican majority. When 2005 came around, the Republicans lost 3 seats, so now they hold a 14-7 majority. All things considered they held their ground, and did okay. They lost their seats in the sixth ward, and lost an at-large seat to a very popular Lynn Taborsak.

This year may be very different. In two years the Republicans lost three seats. If they stay on this pace, then they would lose another three seats, giving them only an 11-10 majority, but that doesn't mean it will happen. But what will?

Well, I think we can all come to the conclusion that the third ward Council race will be the best. I actually mentioned earlier that I thought this race would be the interesting one, and I was right. Councilwoman Lynn Taborsak has decided not to run at-large, and run for the third ward. It is a move that is likely to have been made so that she could face Council President Joe Cavo. Whether or not her name is under him or not, she will be facing him. Democrats also probably feel that it is very likely for her to win, even if Cavo were to win as well, because it would gain them a seat.

As for the other wards, Democrats put up the same candidates as 2005 in the first ward. They will challenge incumbent Louise McMahon, who was elected in 2003, and Shay Nagarsheth, who served as a member at-large, lost to Lynn Taborsak in 2005, and then was chosen to fill Former Councilman Vinnie Nolan’s first ward seat who resigned. This one could get fairly close, as the Democrats did a pretty good job in 2005.

The second ward features newcomer Ken Gucker, who has become an active member of the Democratic Town Committee, and seems to be well liked in his area. The fourth and fifth wards have been Democratic strong holds forever, even when Republican swept in 2003. Minority Leader Tom Saadi, and the other ward Democrats should have a fairly easy ride to re-election.

Republicans may put some attention on the sixth ward, trying to get Councilman Ben Chianese, and even Councilman Paul Rotello out of office. Some believe these two, especially Chianese have become a follower of Lynn Taborsak, who as we know, Republicans can’t stand. As for the seventh ward, I don’t see much of a race, maybe Christine Halfar could make it close for Democrats.

Now onto the at-large races. This may actually be where Republicans hold the advantage. They have well known incumbents, who have done well throughout the last couple of elections. However, Democrats have made it interesting by putting up former Council members, such as John Gogliettino and Warren Levy. Republicans have nominated Bob Arconti to run, which is very impressive since the name Arconti is affiliated with the Democrats. Very interesting.

As of now, one thing for certain is that the Council races will be very fun to watch. I think Republicans will be able to narrowly hold on, earning a 12-9 majority. But, it is still VERY early.

The Interesting Race

Two years ago she came out in full force, and beat a well known incumbent. Now, she is trying to not have that happen to her.

Incumbent Democrat Lori Kaback, is trying to be re-elected to a second term as Town Clerk, a post that she earned two years ago, after running a very solid and aggressive campaign. She beat Joe Scozafava by over 1,300 votes in the hottest contested race of the year. Before being elected, she served as the Assistant Town Clerk.

This year, the Republicans have decided to go with Pudgie Delohery, a former Democrat who actually helped Kaback get elected two years ago. She is the President of D.A.Y.O., and is very well known throughout the community. To be honest, whatever your opinion is on this race, I believe that the Republicans were very smart in who they got to run because they have now made this race very interesting, and one that the Democrats really have to focus on.

Many have said that this is the race to watch this year, just like it was back in 2005. I believe this race, and the one for City Clerk, will be the best. However, the media may focus on this race because of the circumstances. Whatever the case, what once seemed like an easy victory for Kaback has become an intense fight to the finish.

As of right now, this race is a toss-up.

The Rematch

Two years ago these two people faced each other in a competitive race for City Clerk. This year they are at it again.

Incumbent Jean Natale is facing Democrat Eileen Coladarci. Natale, who was elected in 2003 when the Republicans cruised to victory, is trying to be elected to her third term. Coladarci, as mentioned ran for City Clerk two years ago. She was on the Common Council for nine years representing the third ward, from 1989-1997. She is also a very active member of the Danbury Democratic Town Committee.

Many believe that this is the race to watch this year. Coladarci came within less than 400 votes in 2005, and did far better than what then-City Clerk Helena Abrantes did when she lost to her in 2003. Natale beat her by about 1,700 votes.

It appeared as if the Democrats would focus most on this race so that they could pick up the seat. However, this is still probably very true, but the Republicans have put up an interesting choice for Town Clerk, which could make the Democrats work harder than expected, so that they could keep that seat.

It appears though that Coladarci is not going to let the media attraction and the hype of the Town Clerk’s race get in her way. A few days before the official nominations took place, Coladarci put up her campaign website. On it she is already asking for people who are interested in emailing her to get magnets, lawn signs, and even T-shirts. She is definitely making this a very competitive race, and this is just one sign of that. This race is going to be one of the best races to watch.

Right now, no clear person has the upper hand, this race is a toss-up.

The Treasurer's Race

Incumbent Dan Jowdy is trying to be elected to a third term as City Treasurer.

Actually, about a week ago many thought that Jowdy was going to be elected in November without any opposition because Democrats did not have a candidate to face him. However, as Thursday’s nominating convention’s approached, they got Brian Cotter to go up against Jowdy.

To be honest, I don’t know much of anything about Cotter, but I do believe that he is a lawyer. He was also on the Democratic Town Committee and a member on the Board of Education. Jowdy was elected in 2003, part of the Republican rout of Danbury beating Democrat Emile Buzaid by nearly 2,000 votes. He beat Mike McGetrick by about 1,200 votes in 2005.

This race is probably anticipated to be the least exciting out of the top four office races. A big reason is mainly because Jowdy has much support, not only from his Republican base, but also from Democrats. He is also able to work across party lines, a big reason for his wide range of support. Cotter should probably just get his name out there more, and run a true grassroots campaign, if he wants to have a chance in November.

As of right now, Dan Jowdy definitely has the upper hand.

The Top Office

Well, it is now official. Republican incumbent Mark Boughton is facing Democrat Helena Abrantes for Mayor this year.

Mayor Boughton is seeking a fourth term. Before being elected Mayor, Boughton served as State Representative of the 138th District, and was a history teacher at Danbury High School. Abrantes was on the Common Council in the 1990's during the Eriquez Administration. She also served as City Clerk, and was defeated by current City Clerk, Jean Natale, in the Republican landslide victory of 2003.

Abrantes has been focusing a lot on over development, and trying to bring Danbury back to the positive days of what it used to be like, something she claims has changed. Boughton continues to talk about the lists of accomplishments that he has. He has also said that he is going to "run on his record and vision for the future".

Unfortunately, this race is going to be yet again overshadowed by the race for Town Clerk. Despite this, depending on the issues that Abrantes will criticize Mayor Boughton on could be what makes the difference in this election. However, Boughton has a positive record that he constantly brings up. Abrantes' only hope may be to criticize the Mayor more than focus on the positives that she brings to the race.

Right now, Mayor Boughton has the upper hand.

2007 Election Candidates

Here it is! The following are the candidates running in this year's election.

Mayor:
Mark Boughton (R)
Helena Abrantes (D)

City Treasurer:
Dan Jowdy (R)
Brian Cotter (D)

City Clerk:
Jean Natale (R)
Eileen Coladarci (D)

Town Clerk:
Pudgie Delohery (R)
Lori Kaback (D)

Common Council-At-Large:
Robert Arconti (R)
Pauline Basso (R)
Phil Curran (R)
Jack Knapp (R)
Robert Riley (R)
Gregg Seabury (R)
Colleen Stanley (R)

Manuel Bataques (D)
Patricia Bowen (D)
Manny Furtado (D)
John Gogliettino (D)
Theresa Lavelle (D)
Warren Levy (D)
William Melillo (D)

Common Council by Ward:

Ward One:
Louise McMahon (R)
Shay Nagarsheth (R)

Jack Gillotte (D)
Larry Jansen (D)

Ward Two:
Jim Johnson (R)
Charlie Trombetta (R)

Kenneth Gucker (D)
Paul McAllister (D)

Ward Three:
Mike Calandrino (R)
Joe Cavo (R)

James Kelly (D)
Lynn Taborsak (D)

Ward Four:
Terry Boccuzzi (R)
Roger Palanzo (R)

John Esposito (D)
Tom Saadi (D)

Ward Five:
Gary Falkenthall (R)
Steve Pearlman (R)

Duane Perkins (D)
Fred Visconti (D)

Ward Six:
Gary Cancro (R)
Sal Chieffalo Jr. (R)

Benjamin Chianese (D)
Paul Rotello (D)

Ward Seven:
Jane Diggs (R)
Mary Teicholz (R)

Christine Halfar (D)
Cortez White (D)

Board of Education:
Louis Alosco (R)
Judy Coco (R)
Irving Fox (R)
Christine Hernandez (R)
Richard Jannelli (R)
Joe Scozzafava (R)

Rachael Austin (D)
Gladys Cooper (D)
Susan Podhajski (D)

Zoning Commission:
Ted Farah (R)
Helen Hoffstetter (R)
Patrick Johnston (R)
Paul Kachevsky (R)
David Manacek (R)
Rob Mellilo (R)
Larry Stramiello (R)
Joel Urice (R)
Andrew Wetmore (R)

Kevin Chamberlain (D)
Anthony DiCaprio (D)
James Gay (D)
Theodore Haddad Jr. (D)
Richard Jowdy (D)
Bruce Lees (D)

Zoning Commission Alternate:
Vickey Hickey (R)
Tom Spegnolo (R)
Randolph Summ (R)

Jacqueline Perez Ares (D)

Constable:
Mike Safranek (R)
Barbara Kurpiewski (R)
Diane Zielinski (R)

Michael Esposito (D)
Paul Estefan (D)
Francis Kieras (D)

One thing to comment on is that because of the death of a Board of Education member last summer, this year the seat is put up for a vote. Republicans have nominated Richard Jannelli, who was chosen to fill the vacant seat at the time. Interesting enough, the Democrats didn't nominate anyone to run for the seat, so the Republicans will win and keep the seat without any opposition. With that said, this election is going to be a good one! It is going to be a fun fall!

Let The Games Begin

I honestly don't know where to begin. The local Democrats and Republicans both held their nominating conventions last night, and there is much to talk about. To start, here is the list of candidates for the top offices this year:

Mayor:
Mark Boughton (R)
Helena Abrantes (D)

City Treasurer:
Dan Jowdy (R)
Brian Cotter (D)

City Clerk:
Jean Natale (R)
Eileen Coladarci (D)

Town Clerk:
Pudgie Delohery (R)
Lori Kaback (D)

It can basically be said that the race for Mayor is being overshadowed by the race for City Clerk, and especially the race for Town Clerk. Instead of taking this entire post to talk about all the different races, I am going to do many posts devoted entirely to each individual race. For example, tomorrow I will post on the Mayoral race. That said it doesn't mean that we can't talk about a few things regarding the races.

The Republicans have put up a very, well let's say interesting slate of people. For example, they were able to get Pudgie Delohery to run for Town Clerk, and Robert Arconti to run for a Council-At-Large seat, two people who many wouldn't expect to see on the Republican ticket. Also former Town Clerk, Joe Scozzafava, is running for the Board of Education. As you saw, the Democrats found a candidate for Treasurer, Brian Cotter. The biggest news from their side is probably that current Council-At-Large member Lynn Taborsak, is running in the third ward this year, a move likely made to try to defeat Council President Joe Cavo. Also, former first ward Council President Warren Levy is running for the Council-At-Large. Mary Saracino is the only incumbent Republican who is not running for re-election to the Council, and former sixth ward Republican Councilman Joel Urice, is running for the Zoning Commission. Another note is the Democrats may really be trying to get the female vote because three of their four top office candidates are women. Much more to come. I will post a full list of all candidates, once they all become known and accurate for each position.

Right now, I don't know who has the momentum on their side, but one thing that could be said is that the Republicans truly believe that they could sweep the top of the ticket, and do exceptionally well. However, the Democrats have also made things very interesting, especially with Lynn Taborsak's move. We will have to see...come back!

Poll Results

Our latest poll question was whether or not you though that the 200K that David Cappiello raised on his Congressional campaign was impressive. The following are the results:

Very Impressive: 8 (40%)
Somewhat Impressive: 2 (10%)
Not Impressive: 10 (50%)

Thanks to all that have voted, make sure you take our new poll. Stay tuned, tomorrow I will be starting to post consistently on the upcoming election. The candidates have been announced, and we are ready to go.

Getting Ready For Thursday

This Thursday, July 19th, the city Republicans and Democrats will hold their nominating conventions for this year's municipal election.

Many rumors have been circled around, and many know who is running on the top of the ticket, on each side. Republican Mayor Mark Boughton is facing Democrat Helena Abrantes. Republican City Treasurer Dan Jowdy has no known opponent at this time...we will just have to see if one emerges by Thursday night. City Clerk Jean Natale, a Republican, is facing Democrat Eileen Coladarci in a rematch from the previous election. To finish out the top of the ticket, Democratic Town Clerk Lori Kaback is facing Democrat turned Republican Pudgie Delohery.

In my opinion, the City Clerk's race is going to be the most competitive and the most vulnerable race for the incumbent currently in office. However, the Town Clerk's race is going to be very interesting based on who the candidates are. Whatever the case, on Thursday night the official start of the campaign season will begin. Stay tuned, it's going to be a good one!

UPDATE: I just saw that Democratic candidate for City Clerk, Eileen Coladarci, has put up her campaign website. You can view it here. Oh, this is going to be some race.

A Showdown?

I'm starting to get really into the 2008 Congressional races, like many political junkies are. So, I thought I'd explain why our fifth district race is really going to be a showdown. Recently, many have been saying that despite the high likability of our State Senator David Cappiello here in Danbury, he won't have much of a chance against Congressman Chris Murphy in many other parts of the fifth district. But here is why this race will be a good one.

To begin with, David Cappiello did a good job in the second quarter. He raised about 200K, which is more than people expected. Murphy still raised more, about 357K, but Cappiello impressed the National Republicans, which has now targeted Chris Murphy. Also Murphy raised less then the first quarter, and Cappiello raised more then Murphy did at this time when he ran against Nancy Johnson. People have been impressed with the numbers, but it doesn't really come as much of a surprise because he knows how to raise money, and always raised a lot when he ran for the State Senate. He will need to continue this, and only get better.

Secondly, Cappiello is not a conservative Republican. He is extremely moderate, and very critical of President Bush. Back in May, six Republican candidates for Congress were interviewed by the Washington Post. Cappiello, one of the six candidates, was not afraid to criticize the President, as the article says :

On the war in Iraq, only Cappiello said he didn't agree with President Bush's approach. "The war was handled poorly from the beginning," Cappiello said. Others were far less willing to
acknowledge mistakes.

He was also said to be the most moderate, and a true New England Republican:

Cappiello, perhaps the most moderate candidate in the group, said the Republican brand stands for "looking to make the future a better place." He added that he chooses to emphasize fiscal rather than social issues.

Since, Cappiello is not on the President's side, and Murphy isn't either, it should be interesting how the war, and other issues are carried out. Right now, Murphy probably has the upper hand in the race, but there is a lot of time left.

Fundraising Totals Released

Well, we have been standing by waiting patiently for these numbers and finally they are in! Congressman Chris Murphy raised over 357,000 during the second quarter, and has 780,000 on hand. Do note though that Murphy did raise more money in the first quarter, about 420,000.

State Senator David Cappiello raised a little over 200,000 in his bid to oust Murphy. Note that he started fundraising a little bit after the quarter began.

All things said Murphy looks like he will definitely out raise Cappiello throughout the whole campaign, but Cappiello came up with somewhat impressive numbers which puts him in good position to receive money from the NRCC. This race is going to be a good one, even though the money looks a little lopsided.

Mayoral Race

Next week, the Republicans and Democrats will nominate their slate for this years election. Republican incumbent Mark Boughton and Democrat Helena Abrantes are going to receive their party's nomination for Mayor. You can read the article here in The News-Times.

Both candidates filed their financial reports, as Boughton has 22,130 on hand. Abrantes has 9,090 on hand. When compared to the last Democrat running for mayor, Dean Esposito, Abrantes has raised 7,590 more, so things are looking a little better for the Democrats. On the other hand, Boughton raised 40,000 two years ago at this point

The election season is starting to take shape and will officially start next week. What's going to happen?

God Bless Lady Bird Johnson

Today, Lady Bird Johnson, the wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson died at the age of 94. She died of natural causes, and was surrounded by her family. Lady Bird Johnson died in Austin, Texas where she has lived in or around since her husband decided not to run for another term as President. She had a devoted life to always giving back to the community, and always being by her husbands' side during his political career. Our hearts and prayers are with the Johnson family, and we thank them for all that they have done for our country.

Good Input

Sorry about the light posting lately. I've been getting caught up with the fundraising totals for the Congressional candidates. For anyone that cares, Jim Himes, who is running against Congressman Chris Shays in the fourth congressional district, raised 352,000 in his first quarter of fundraising. It is very impressive, and the race is likely to get national attention. Still no word on Cappiello and Murphy, but we'll know the numbers soon.

It has sort of been a quiet political week, with not much going on. On Sunday, there was a letter to the editor written by someone who was upset on where some of the money raised at the annual Mayor's Cup Golf Tournament went. The writer says that of the three charities, Faith Church should not have been one to get money. I decided to post the whole letter, since it isn't that long, so here, read for yourself:

Mayor's Cup picks the wrong charity


I read the article about the Mayor's Cup charity golf tournament at Richter Park and I give an F to the persons who selected the third charity as the recipient -- the Faith Church Foundation.

While the first two charities, the Danbury Jaycees and the Danbury Education Foundation, are non-denominational charities that provide benefit to people in need in the city of Danbury, I don't believe the third one meets any of the criteria that should have been used to select a charity.

For one, the Faith Academy is not in Danbury; it is in New Milford. And the charity, as described, provides money for kids to attend schools in New Milford and Newtown -- not beneficial for the Danbury public school system.


Second, Danbury has many good charitable causes that would benefit the children and adults of Danbury. I am sure the Danbury Education Foundation and the classrooms and teachers that are beneficiaries would be happy to receive half the money from the tournament, as opposed to one third.

Lastly, I find it disappointing to see that a charity was chosen that is not non-denominational. I am sure the Faith Church is a wonderful place, but I would think that their vast membership could raise their own funds for scholarships to their own school.


I think the mayor and whomever selected the charities need to reassess their criteria. I applaud them for holding a charity golf tournament, but it is important to use some rational criteria when selecting the charities.

Cappiello vs. Murphy

Recently with Republican Congressional candidate, David Cappiello, putting a website up online, people have been very interested in analyzing this race, so now it's my turn.

To begin with nobody knows David Cappiello better then we do here in Danbury because he has served us in the State Senate since being elected in 1998. Prior to that he represented the 138th State House District for four years, and was on the Common Council for a year before being elected to state office. Cappiello has never faced a serious threat for his Senate Seat, and out of his five elections, he has been unopposed three of them, one being in 2006. He is probably the most well liked politician in Danbury, and has much support on both sides of the aisle. He always earns more then sixty percent of the vote, and his popularity is very high.

On the other hand, Congressman Chris Murphy, is also very well liked. He beat twenty-four year incumbent Nancy Johnson by twelve percent, much more than anticipated. He also connects very well to voters, and his recent debut of "Congress On Your Corner", where he goes to different shopping locations to talk to voters who probably would not contact him, is probably going to be a very big success. In 2006, Murphy traveled to "41 Towns In 41 Days", going door-to-door to talk to voters, truly running a grassroots campaign.

One thing that they both have going for them, which is why this race could be so fun to watch, is that they are both young, energetic politicians who are both part of the new generation of politics. Murphy will be 35 on Election Day 2008, and Cappiello will be 40. They bring a lot of energy that a race with Nancy Johnson or Jim Maloney didn't bring. Who connects to the youth could be interesting. Murphy probably has the upper-hand being the Democrat, and a slight bit younger, but Cappiello may attract average families because he has one, and Murphy doesn't have any children.

Cappiello is a moderate Republican, who has criticized, and went against his party various times while in the Senate. He was actually one of the first Republican Senators to call on former Governor John Rowland to resign. Being moderate will definitely help him, and calling the war a mistake, puts him in good position with voters too. This is where Cappiello may have the advantage because Murphy is not as moderate as he is, and if Cappiello can mention this throughout the campaign it will only help him.

Murphy ran a very good campaign in 2006, and beat a longtime Connecticut Republican. He connected with voters, and labeled Nancy Johnson as being out of touch. He ran on the message that it was "time for a change". However, Murphy can't say that now, and he will have to be able to show that he has brought real results to Connecticut, something Cappiello will criticize. Murphy did very well because of a big Democratic tide last election. Now, I doubt there will be a Republican tide here in 2008, but if they do put up a very likeable and moderate person for President, it could help Cappiello. Giuliani is probably the best at doing this because he stands for what many Connecticut Republicans stand for. He would have a very good shot at winning our state, which could only help Cappiello.

Money may be the key, though, and Murphy wins that battle. We don't know the second quarter figures yet, but Murphy did raise 420K the first quarter, and Cappiello had yet to enter the race. Just remember Johnson had more money then Murphy, so it is possible. The key here will probably be likability, and being able to connect with voters. We still have a long time, but this race will definitely be a good one.

Cappiello Has A Website

Our State Senator and Republican candidate for Congress, David Cappiello, has a website up and running. Well, there is not much on it except a sign up page, but it is definitely a start. Cappiello has not yet officially announced that he is running, but did say that he filled papers back in April.

On another note, Cappiello's opponent, Congressman Chris Murphy will be at A&P today in Danbury to talk to voters who have questions. It is part of Murphy's "Congress on the Corner" project.

This race should be a very interesting one to watch. All eyes will be on how much each candidate has raised in the second quarter, which should be coming out soon. I do plan on analyzing this race in the near future, so come back. This is getting fun!

Happy Independence Day!

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal."

In 1776 the Continental Congress formed together to sign the Declaration of Independence; which stated that we would be free from England. On July fourth of that same year, starting with John Hancock, our founding fathers signed the most popular document in our nation’s history. It was the document written by Thomas Jefferson, and it stated that all men were to be created equal. Because of that document all the citizens that live in this country are free and have the right to lead a proud life. Those people who signed this document in 1776 did not know how lucky they were. They were the creators of this wonderful and powerful nation.

Today, we should look back at the history that is put behind this holiday. We should all be very happy to live in such a generous and enjoyable place. When we see our flag we should truly be proud to see it. That’s because if it were not for the days back in 1776 we would not have that flag to look at.

During the Revolutionary War we were determined to gain our independence and win the war. But, we had to face the most powerful country in the world to do so. But since we wanted it so badly, we ended up getting what we wanted. Our hearts and minds guided us to victory, and because of those powerful hearts and minds we live in a country that has freedom and a democracy government. And because of our determination of reaching our goal we had General George Washington leading us. And we had the minutemen fighting for us. So with them and our powerful hearts and minds we fought the toughest country in the world, ended up winning the war, declared our independence, and formed the best nation on the face of the earth.

We really need to look back at all of this. We need to put the fireworks and the BBQ’s away for just a second, and just take time to think about why we are celebrating our nation’s most popular and most important holiday.

Happy 231st Birthday America. Thanks for everything.

Eighth Poll Results

Here are the results of the latest poll which was how serious you will take the parade ordinance when voting in November.

Very Seriously -- 7 (58%)
So-So -- 0 (0%)
Not Seriously -- 5 (42%)

Thanks to everyone who voted. On another note I created an email address for tips and comments that anyone may have. It is DanburyPolitics@gmail.com.