Your Opinion

As many have probably noticed, I added a new poll on the site. It asks if anyone has put their support behind one candidate for President. It has been said that many people are still undecided, especially on the Republican side, on who they plan on supporting for the White House in 2008. With the primaries barely five months away, I thought it was time to see who many are backing.

This post is designed for you to take the new poll. Then you can come back and comment, saying who you are supporting for President and why. If you still aren't sure, then you can list a few candidates that you like, or why you are still undecided. You can also mention a few candidates you would never vote for and why. Also, don't be afraid to make predictions!

What You Said

If you have noticed the latest poll questions for the last month all had to do with the upcoming election. They are not scientific and probably not that accurate, but it should be interesting to compare them with the real results in November. Just to refresh your memory and for future reference, here is what the percentage outcomes were.

For Mayor:
Republican Mark Boughton: 63%
Democrat Helena Abrantes: 35%
Not Sure: 2%

For City Treasurer:
Republican Dan Jowdy: 57%
Democrat Brian Cotter: 43%

For City Clerk:
Republican Jean Natale: 64%
Democrat Eileen Coladarci: 36%

For Town Clerk:
Republican Pudgie Delohery: 54%
Democrat Lori Kaback: 46%

For The Council:
Stay in Republican Control: 70%
Switch to Democratic Control: 28%
Not Sure: 3%

That's what you said. Who knows what will happen. Does anyone have any predictions of their own?

Poll Results

The latest question was what you wanted to see happen to the Council this year. Here are the results:

Stay in Republican Control: 28 (70%)
Switch to Democratic Control: 11 (28%)
Not Sure: 1 (3%)

Thanks for voting!

Is It Working?

"It's working. We're just years too late in our tactics."

That was Hillary Clinton who said that, a Democrat running for President, who has admitted that President Bush's plan to send over 20,000 more troops to Iraq, known as the surge, is working. Another Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, has also said that many can now agree that the troop surge is working as well. However, they are quick to mention that the Iraqi government is not headed in the right direction, and that diplomacy is not taking place.


The question now is, what's next? General Petraeus is going to report on the surge in September, and it is likely that he will ask for more time to work with this new strategy. The majority of Americans still don't feel that the surge is working, however the numbers are increasing with positive thoughts regarding it. We will have to see what Petraeus really says, and hopes that he gives the truth, on all aspects, and doesn't tilt to what Bush wants him to say.


One thing that can be said, was that ever since the surge started, it was always said that there were signs that showed improvement and success. Also, there is probably one person who is sitting watching all of this take place, hoping that the public opinion numbers increasingly grow in favor of the surge, and wanting the news to be seen as positive as possible. That person is the one who started the whole talk of the surge, the one who should benefit the most from success -- John McCain. If the public see good results, look for a surge in the polls for McCain. The American people would have to have the mindset that the first three and a half years of the war were a mess, and that it didn't really start going in a better direction since January. But they shouldn't be expected to think that way, and who can blame them. Who knows what will happen.

Presidential Prediction

Last night on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, political talk show host Chris Matthews was on. I don't know about you, but I think Matthews is one of the best political hosts on television. On the show he was asked who he thought were the ones who would get the nomination for President. He said Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani would be the two candidates, setting up for a very competitive but exciting campaign.

Now, I happen to agree with him, and I also think that these two candidates are probably their party's best choices, especially Giuliani. They both lead the national polls right now, and have for a long time. What do you think, is Matthews right, or are others the likely nominees?

Murphy Targeted

The National Republican Congressional Committee has released a radio ad that targets freshman Congressman Chris Murphy. It is airing here in Danbury and also in Waterbury, two swing cities of the fifth district.

The ad says that in 2006 Murphy campaigned against special interest money in Washington. It then goes on to say that since he was sworn into office, Murphy has changed his view and has taken money from the same people that he campaigned against. The ad also mentions that Murphy has taken more than $190,000 from special interest committees and lobbyists, and that the total amount of money raised by Murphy from special interests and lobbyists is over $450,000.

The fact that the National Republicans have put up an ad against Murphy already, shows that they have targeted the seat, and will put time and money into it. This is good news for David Cappiello's campaign, but is it to early to start attacking Murphy? I don't know, but Cappiello has not been all that negative, and is just focusing on getting his name out. Only time will tell what's going to happen.

Poll Results

Our latest poll question was who you planned on supporting this year for Mayor. The results were very different from the last one done a few months ago, but Mayor Boughton is still out in front. Here are the results:

Republican Mark Boughton: 29 (63%)
Democrat Helena Abrantes: 16 (35%)
Not Sure: 1 (2%)

Thanks for voting, and make sure you take our new poll!

I'm Back!

Here's a look at some of the stories that have made headlines this week:

• On Sunday Congressman Chris Murphy was on Face The State, and discussed what his first months in Washington were like. Murphy also met with The News-Times on Tuesday to talk about various issues, such as immigration and being targeted by the National Republicans. You can read the article here.

• State Senator David Cappiello, who is challenging Murphy, started his "41 Towns In 41 Days Tour" on Wednesday. Cappiello started in Torrington and will travel to all forty-one towns in the district within the coming weeks.

• Cappiello also has put up a direct message from himself on his website. It explains what he plans on focusing on in his campaign, and why he believes he's the best person for the job.

• Republican Leaders John McKinney, of the State Senate, and Larry Cafero, of the House, have put their support behind Rudy Giuliani's campaign for President. the two will co-chair his campaign here in Connecticut. Just for the record, Republican State Chair Chris Healy, has not come out with who he plans on supporting, and probably won't. However he has donated to John McCain's campaign, and he did run his primary campaign in Connecticut back in 2000. Former Chair George Gallo, announced earlier this year that he is backing McCain. Also, though he isn't doing good in the polls, most State Democrats have put their support behind Chris Dodd's campaign for President.

• Also: baseball legend and Yankee great Phil Rizzuto passed away at 89 on Tuesday, President Bush's daughter Jenna is getting married, Karl Rove is resigning, a new Presidential poll came out, and Danbury has been in the news lately, but not for political purposes.

Gee, what a week!

Open Forum

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am going on vacation for a few days, and won't be back until later this week, so I won't be blogging. Just because I won't be here, doesn't mean that the political discussion can't go on. So I have decided to make this an open forum, where you can express your views on a variety of issues, or talk about local, state, and federal politics. Just make sure that you have respect when posting.

Here are a few ideas to jump start the discussion: the 2007 Election, the Murphy-Cappiello race (here's an article you might find interesting), and of course the race for President. Feel free to talk about other topics as well (gee -- how about those Yankees), and don't be afraid to analyze different races. If this works well, then maybe I'll do so more Open Forums in the future. It's up to you.

Enjoy!

Poll Results

The latest poll question was who you planned on supporting this November for City Treasurer. The results were the following:

Republican Dan Jowdy: 35 (57%)
Democrat Brian Cotter: 26 (43%)
Not Sure: 0 (0%)

Thanks to everyone who voted, and make sure you take our new poll!

The Fifth District Race

I'm a little late on reporting this, but I thought it was something I should post on. The Cook Political Report came out with a chart of what they believe to be the most competitive U.S. House races for 2008. From what they say, it looks like Connecticut is going to play a big role in the next election, just like it did in 2006.


There are five categories that they use and they are, Likely Democratic or Republican, Leans Democratic or Republican, and toss-up. Congressman Chris Shays' (R-4) race is listed as Leans Republican. Congressman Joe Courtney's (D-2) race is listed as Likely Democratic. This makes much sense as Shays' challenger, Jim Himes, has been running a very impressive campaign, and Courtney's challenger, Sean Sullivan, is not that impressive.


Now onto the race that we care about the most, the fifth district. Incumbent Democratic Congressman Chris Murphy is running against Republican State Senator David Cappiello. Right now the contest ranks as Likely Democratic. This doesn't come as much of a surprise as Murphy has had very impressive fundraising numbers, and establishing a true base, which has the state Democrats determined to keep the seat. Cappiello's numbers were pretty impressive as well, but nothing compared to Murphy. He does have hope from the state and national Republicans, as they will focus on keeping Shays' seat, and trying to take back the fifth district. Don't look for much action in the second district.


The fact that the fifth district race is listed, is yet just another sign that it should be a good one. We are more than a year away from the election, and it is already shaping up to be another goodie.

Obama: In To Win

Here's another post analyzing the Presidential race.

Democrat Barack Obama always polls second in national polls for President, always behind Senator Hillary Clinton. Ever since he announced that he was running this has happened. However, he is now, more than ever, showing the public that he is in this race to win the Democratic nomination for President.

A few weeks ago, he suggested that he would talk directly to leaders of other countries, even those who are run by dictators. By doing this, he went against Clinton's stance, and showed a big difference between him and Hillary on an issue regarding our foreign policy. Obama has also been repeating that he is happy Clinton has been in contact with the Pentagon regarding the war in Iraq, but that it was something she should have been doing before we ever invaded the country. By doing this, he is appealing to the hardcore, liberal, and anti-war Democratic base.

Many have speculated about the possibility of Obama running as Vice President with Clinton for President. Though this would be a very smart move by Democrats, we are starting to see Obama try to break ranks with Clinton, and distance himself from her, especially on the war, because that may be only only way he will win. Obama's message is change in Washington, and that can't fully be carried out if he is in step with Hillary Clinton. He is being his own person, which could only help him.

But, don't look for him to get to far out of line, and criticize Hillary a lot. He is playing it cool because, though he is in it to win, Obama also has to keep open the chance to run for Vice President, something that is looking like a greater possibility.

A Year Ago

A year ago today, political newcomer Ned Lamont beat longtime Senator Joe Lieberman in the Democratic Primary. It marked a change in the political system by showing people that anything is possible.

A few months prior to the historic day, nobody would have imagined that Lamont could pull it off, but by focusing on the core of the Democratic base, and connecting Lieberman to President Bush, he was able to pull of a victory earning 52% of the vote.

It was also a time where political bloggers brought a whole new perspective to what they were. They influenced the race, and they were by far pro-Lamont. It could be said that today, blogs, especially in Connecticut, are as popular and influential as they are because of that primary last year. It was the time that I really started to read them, and many people of Connecticut did as well.

Now, we all know what happened. Lamont ended up losing to Lieberman, who ran as an Independent, in the general election. However, though Lamont didn't win, he brought a new perspective to politics, and the Democratic party. For that, he can feel a sense of accomplishment, and he can also feel, to a very big degree, that he contributed to popularity of political blogs.

McCain: In Better Shape?

This is the first post of many analyzing some of the candidates for President, and the race in general.

In early July, John McCain announced that he only raised about 11 million dollars in the second quarter for his Presidential campaign. This compares to the unimpressive 13 million he raised during the first quarter. Ever since then, he has gown downhill in the polls, and taken not as seriously. McCain's position on immigration, and his total support behind President Bush's Iraq War policy, has also damaged his campaign. The question now is, will he recover and is he actually better off?

In 2000, McCain ran for the Republican nomination for President against the party's establishment candidate, then-Texas Governor George W. Bush. He ran as the moderate, against the Washington landscape, and with a message that he was a "straight talker", who would always tell you what he felt. McCain won an impressive victory in New Hampshire before going down to Bush within the following weeks. His message really did get across to voters, and he probably would have had an easier ride to victory than Bush had in 2000, in the general election. The media loved McCain, and he was seen as a politician who you could actually trust. Today, that's not the case.

Running as an underdog in 2000, gave McCain a lot of momentum Now, he is again an underdog. It worked for him in 2000, will it work in 2008? Well, we don't know for sure. He spent seven years trying to become the true Republican established candidate for President. It looked like it was working, as he was the front-runner, but he's now running in either third or fourth place in most polls, behind Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, and even Mitt Romney occasionally. Having things change for McCain has made him go back to the straight talking, down to earth candidate that he was in 2000. This is what people like to see in the people that serve them. The only question is, there are more candidates this time around, and is it to late for McCain to make a run? That's a question only the Republican primary voters can answer.

Political Festival

Last night I was at the Italian Festival, and like always it was a political hangout. Thought I would do a small write-up on who was there.

First of all, it was a Democratic night because that was mainly who was there. Now, I don't know if that was the case for Friday night, or earlier in the day, but that's what it was like at night. Republican City Treasurer Dan Jowdy was the only Republican candidate there, and was passing out stickers, and walking around. Democratic Town Clerk Lori Kaback, and Democratic Council candidates Lynn Taborsak, John Esposito, Tom Saadi, Fred Visconti, Christine Halfar, Manny Furtado, and Warren Levy were also there. Now, I might not have seen everyone, so don't just go by my list.

When walking around, you could see a lot of Jowdy and Kaback stickers, along with a few for Lynn Taborsak, and Warren Levy. To conclude, let's just say if last night was any indication of how this election season will be, then the Democrats will be out in full force, as it is starting to become very clear that they are definitely trying to get the majority on the Council. Stay tuned!

Poll Results

The last poll question was who you planned on voting for this year for City Clerk. The following were the final results:

Republican Jean Natale: 23 (64%)
Democrat Eileen Coladarci: 13 (36%)
Not Sure: 0 (%)

Thanks everyone for voting, and make sure you take our new poll. Just so you know, I'm working on some interesting posts regarding some of the Presidential candidates, so stay tuned. Have a good weekend!

Congratulations Councilwoman

The latest issue of the Tribuna has a nice article regarding Councilwoman Mary Teicholz's successful battle with leukemia. You can read the article here. Teicholz is currently representing the seventh ward on the Council, and is running for a third term this November. We should all put our political differences aside, and be happy for Councilwoman Teicholz and her family. Congratulation Councilwoman on getting through the tough times, and successfully winning your battle.

Cappiello Calls On DeLuca To Resign

State Senator David Cappiello, has called for former Republican Leader of the State Senate, Lou DeLuca, to resign his Senate seat. You can read the story here from the Hartford Courant.

Cappiello is the first Republican Senator to call for DeLuca's resignation. He was also one of the leading people who wanted former Governor John Rowland to resign back in 2004. This is probably a good move for Cappiello, who is running for Congress, and trying to continue to show people his moderate views, and ability to not be scared to go against his Republican Party. It should be interesting to see if other Republican Senators will follow Cappiello's lead.

UPDATE (8/2/07): Here is the article from the News-Times. By the way, DeLuca commented on the situation yesterday and said, "There have been calls for my resignation, and I would like this opportunity to say, once again, that I am not resigning." Who knows what's going to happen.

Hope You Like It

As you have all probably noticed this blog has received a total makeover. Actually, this past Saturday marked the seventh month anniversary of this blog, and I decided that the time came to make it a little more appealing, which I believe has been accomplished. Just so you know, everything is still the same, such as the links and the posts, it just nicer.


I thought I would take this time now, to thank everyone for making this blog such a success. I never could have imagined how popular it has become, and I thank everyone who has visited and acted in a responsible manner. Keep coming back because it is only going to get better. I am working on some interesting posts regarding the Presidential election, and we also have the race for Congress between incumbent Chris Murphy and our very own State Senator David Cappiello. Not to mention that this year's local election is approaching quickly, and there are a lot of interesting races to watch. Stay tuned and continue to come back!