For Immediate Release
Contact: Chris Healy – 860-966-8468
October 9, 2009

Blumenthal Nonsense Lawsuit
A Horrible Precedent

HARTFORD – Attorney General Dick Blumenthal’s request to be a friend of the court in a legal proceeding between Pratt & Whitney and the Machinist union is a political charade and a dangerous precedent by the state’s top civil lawyer, according to Republican State Party Chairman Chris Healy Friday.

“Dick Blumenthal has now taken sides without any consideration to the taxpayers of our state,” said Healy. “Blumenthal is interfering in the private commerce and doing it to play to curry favor with the unions while reinforcing the image of Connecticut as a unfriendly place to do business.”

Blumenthal has asked the U.S. District Court for the State of Connecticut to be granted “friend of the court” status, so amicus briefs can be filed in a lawsuit brought by the Machinist unions against Pratt & Whitney over alleged contract violations. Pratt has announced it was moving 1,000 jobs from its two facilities in Cheshire and East Hartford, due to high labor costs and the loss of the F-22 military contract.

“Who said it was okay for Dick Blumenthal to take sides? Does this mean that Dick Blumenthal will be joining the cause of every union in every lawsuit brought against a company?” Healy asked. “Dick Blumenthal is out-of-control and playing to the cheap seats.”

For the state chief civil attorney to take sides in a matter of private commerce sets a horrible example and would deter any company from viewing Connecticut as a state worthy of investment or relocation, Healy said. Blumenthal would be adding free legal assistance to a union at taxpayer’s expense and without any limit on the resources expended.

Healy noted: “Blumenthal had demonstrated several missteps of late, including taking action against AT&T, claiming they were eliminating jobs in Connecticut to pursue the acquisition of Media One, a company the utility had purchased eight years ago. Then, this week, Blumenthal sent a letter to Gov. Rell, castigating her from allowing the funds from the sale of vanity plates to be directed to the general fund, even though the move was initially endorsed and agreed to by the Legislative Democrats.”

“If Dick Blumenthal wishes to be King, Governor or a Legislator, he should run for those offices and stop using his office to terrorize business, raise false hopes to consumers and waste the people’s time with frivolous lawsuits which go nowhere but employee many private attorneys,” said Healy. “It’s time for Dick Blumenthal to put a sock in it and get back to chasing dead beat Dad’s.”

For Immediate Release

Contact: Chris Healy (860) 966-8468 

September 17, 2009

HARTFORD – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA,  will appear in the nation’s insurance capital Friday to raise funds for a Democratic Congress that is determined to destroy this critical industry, according to state Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy Thursday.

“Like Sherman marching toward Atlanta, Speaker Pelosi is bringing her reign of terror to a city where thousands wonder whether she will make good on her threat to bury the private insurance market,” said Healy. “Speaker Pelosi deserves credit for having a good deal of gumption or contempt for the people of Connecticut, and she has John Larson to thank for the honor.”

The high-end fundraiser, held at The Restaurant on 20 in the Hartford Steamboiler Building, will be hosted by U.S. Rep. John Larson, CT-1, and benefit the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Tickets are $1,000 per seat with $30,000 for a place at Speaker Pelosi’s table.

Pelosi has called insurance companies “evil” and said the industry has conspired to defeat health care reform efforts this year. The proposal passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee (HB 3200) would create a government financed insurance plan, called the “public option” that would, in effect, create an unfair imbalance in the marketplace and eventually drive private insurance costs up.

In July, Pelosi left no doubt that she saw the industry, which has been a successful integral part of providing health care coverage to an overwhelming majority of Americans as the sole impediment to controlling costs and improving access:

“The glory days are coming to an end for the health insurance industry in our country,” Pelosi told reporters July 12th. “This is about inoculating against misrepresentations and educating about what is in the bill,” she said. “We all want bipartisanship…but you’re either with the insurance companies or you’re for something new.” 

Healy said the public isn’t buying her brand of reform which would credit a large centralized model that would lead to rationing, higher costs through taxation and penalties and lower quality. Another proposal, offered this week by U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-MT, would subsidize coverage for the uninsured through a tax on insurance companies.

“Whether it’s Obama-care or Baucus-care, the bottom line are higher taxes and more uncertainty,” said Healy. “When are the Democrats going to get the message that we need to start from scratch and reform what all parties agree to – now.”

Larson, Healy said, should be particularly ashamed since he represents many of the insurance companies and financial service entities that would be adversely affected by a big government model. There is much agreement on many reforms that can address pre-existing condition, portability of coverage and inter-state purchasing of insurance. But the Democrats, like Larson, are blind to the impact their bill would have on health care and Connecticut’s economy.

“Has John Larson checked the Yellow Pages lately and figured out how we make a living in Connecticut?” asked Healy. “Or is Congressman Larson so eager to curry favor with his boss, that he is willing to shake down the business community to elect more anti-business candidates?”

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HARTFORD – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA,  will appear in the nation’s insurance capital Friday to raise funds for a Democratic Congress that is determined to destroy this critical industry, according to state Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy Thursday.

“Like Sherman marching toward Atlanta, Speaker Pelosi is bringing her reign of terror to a city where thousands wonder whether she will make good on her threat to bury the private insurance market,” said Healy. “Speaker Pelosi deserves credit for having a good deal of gumption or contempt for the people of Connecticut, and she has John Larson to thank for the honor.”

The high-end fundraiser, held at The Restaurant on 20 in the Hartford Steamboiler Building, will be hosted by U.S. Rep. John Larson, CT-1, and benefit the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Tickets are $1,000 per seat with $30,000 for a place at Speaker Pelosi’s table.

Pelosi has called insurance companies “evil” and said the industry has conspired to defeat health care reform efforts this year. The proposal passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee (HB 3200) would create a government financed insurance plan, called the “public option” that would, in effect, create an unfair imbalance in the marketplace and eventually drive private insurance costs up.

In July, Pelosi left no doubt that she saw the industry, which has been a successful integral part of providing health care coverage to an overwhelming majority of Americans as the sole impediment to controlling costs and improving access:

“The glory days are coming to an end for the health insurance industry in our country,” Pelosi told reporters July 12th. “This is about inoculating against misrepresentations and educating about what is in the bill,” she said. “We all want bipartisanship…but you’re either with the insurance companies or you’re for something new.” 

Healy said the public isn’t buying her brand of reform which would credit a large centralized model that would lead to rationing, higher costs through taxation and penalties and lower quality. Another proposal, offered this week by U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-MT, would subsidize coverage for the uninsured through a tax on insurance companies.

“Whether it’s Obama-care or Baucus-care, the bottom line are higher taxes and more uncertainty,” said Healy. “When are the Democrats going to get the message that we need to start from scratch and reform what all parties agree to – now.”

Larson, Healy said, should be particularly ashamed since he represents many of the insurance companies and financial service entities that would be adversely affected by a big government model. There is much agreement on many reforms that can address pre-existing condition, portability of coverage and inter-state purchasing of insurance. But the Democrats, like Larson, are blind to the impact their bill would have on health care and Connecticut’s economy.

“Has John Larson checked the Yellow Pages lately and figured out how we make a living in Connecticut?” asked Healy. “Or is Congressman Larson so eager to curry favor with his boss, that he is willing to shake down the business community to elect more anti-business candidates?”

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For Immediate Release

Contact: Chris Healy – (860) 966-8468

August 20, 2009

State Burning While Democrats Fiddle

HARTFORD – The Democratic leadership’s failure to honestly negotiate a budget deal months after it was due shows they are content to let Connecticut slips into the fiscal abyss, according to Republican State Party Chairman Chris Healy Thursday.

“This week, Senate President Don Williams and House Speaker Chris Donovan abdicated their duties as leaders of a branch of government that is require to perform one function – passage of an operating budget for Connecticut, “said Healy. “Over the last three months they have put their political interests first while an $8 billion deficit grows interest and our economy withers. It is time for them to grow up and act.”

Healy noted Tuesday both Donovan and Williams claimed they were making progress with Gov.  Rell and could complete a budget by August 27^th. Then, a day later, Williams held a bizarre press conference where he claimed the Governor’s budget would eliminate $1.3 million that paid for the Life Star helicopter service for critical medical needs. It is common knowledge that the Democrats offered that cut in closed-door negotiations, saying private insurance or other non-government subsidies would pay for the service.

“To imply that Life Star would be grounded after they agreed to another private funding source is scurrilous,” said Healy. “Sen. Williams should apologize for a scare tactic that serves no purpose and shows him and his party to be petty hypocrites at a critical time.”

Democrats have refused to negotiate fairly with Gov. Rell and agree to any substantive spending cuts to close the budget gap. Gov. Rell has offered to discuss tax increases and fee hikes, but so far, Democrats are content to sit tight.

“No one wants taxes and we want to avoid them, but the Democrats have done little but posture and proclaim the only answer is to tax those who create jobs and wealth while asking nothing of the government,” said Healy. “Connecticut cannot sustain more spending, higher taxes and one-time fiscal gimmicks that set us up for collision with another massive deficit in the years to come.”

Healy noted Democrats continued their “dog and pony” shows Thursday with State Sen. Jonathan Harris, D-West Hartford, appearing at a public library at Bishop’s corner to decry spending cuts and Mayor John DeStefano of New Haven holding a press conference in Hartford to complain about long-overdue payments to cities and towns.

“We have a message for Mayor DeStefano, learn how to manage a poverty city and stop allowing illegal immigrants to collect our tax dollars ,” said Healy. “Mayor  DeStefano should convince his  fellow Democrats to get down to business.”

As for Sen. Harris, there are “few actions lower” that claiming a library will shudder because  of budget cuts.

“Does Sen. Harris really think that a library in West Hartford is going to close? If it does, it is because his fellow Democrats forgot to take a book out on ‘leadership,” said Healy.

Democrats have super-majorities in both the House and Senate and can pass a budget and withstand a veto by Gov. Rell if they feel their cause is just and that a huge tax increase is the only answers, said Healy.

“Why do the Democrats not want to act? What are they afraid of?  Why did they come to Hartford and do what they talk about doing which is tax, tax and tax some more?” asked Healy. “Maybe they don’t have the courage of their convictions or they are simply worried that the public will hold them accountable.”

Healy said Connecticut is a critical moment and all the Democrats want to do is turn on the printing press and issue more debt or shift the cost to others.

“After controlling the Legislature for all but four years since 1973, Democrats have built a colossus of a government which now threatens to ruin the economic foundation of our state,” said Healy. “It is their choice whether to fulfill their duties or sink our state further into financial despair.”

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Rep. Giuliano encourages her supporters to enjoy the evening!

State Representative Marilyn Giuliano (23^rd District: Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook) went above and beyond this past Thursday (8/13/09).  She held a beautiful event at Saybrook Point to say thank you to her faithful Republican supporters on the shoreline.  There were no marching orders given, no donation requests made, just a simple pot-luck dinner with a lot of familiar faces, happy to catch up and enjoy a beautiful summer evening together.

Rep. Giuliano was also accompanied by Representatives Penny Bacchiochi (52^nd District: Somers, Stafford and Union) and David Labriola (131^st District: Naugatuck, Oxford, Southbury) who shared their gratitude for all the great work that these individuals do for the Republican party, and they shared some of their own heartfelt stories and experiences from their home towns.

The evening felt like a family reunion, and these shoreline Republicans are very fortunate to have such a gracious representative in Hartford.

Mayor Tim Stewart welcomes the crowd to New Britain!

New Britain, CT – Well over 120 people came to Connecticut Republican Headquarters Saturday Morning (8/8/09) for an extensive municipal candidate training session.  Every corner of the state was represented, from the biggest cities to the smallest towns.   Many trusted professionals from CT Republican politics offered their guidance on fundraising, budgeting, messaging, new media, field operations and other important facets of campaigning.

We were fortunate to have Mayor Tim Stewart of New Britain in attendance to kick off the Training Day.  Mayor Jeff Wright of Newington, Mayor Dick Moccia of Norwalk and Mayor Mark Boughton of Danbury sat on a panel and spoke about their previous experiences and gave valuable advice to our challengers.  State Representatives Penny Bacchiochi and David Labriola also charged up the audience with some important tips on being a great candidate.

Connecticut Republicans are extremely grateful to everyone who took the time out of a beautiful weekend to attend and run the training session.  The event was a HUGE success!

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chris Healy (860) 966-8468
July 29, 2009
 
Hartford to host 2010 State GOP Convention
 
New Haven – The Republican State Central Committee Tuesday approved holding its 2010 state nominating Convention in Hartford on May 21 and May 22nd. The event which will draw 1,600 delegates, plus hundreds more guests and activists, will be held at the Convention Center.
 
“2010 will be a turning point for Connecticut and Republicans will be ready to make their case for a return to common sense leadership,” said State Party Chairman Chris Healy. “The voters will see first hand how Connecticut Republicans will be working with Gov. Rell to offer solutions that work and a clear alternative to the corruption and incompetency of both the Hartford and Washington, D.C. Democrats.”
 
The 72-member committee, the party’s governing body, approved several by-law changes that will bring the entire Republican Party family together, allow for a more inclusive dialog with voters and encourage debate on the major issues, both state and federal.
 
All five Congressional nominating conventions will be held in Hartford on Friday, May 21st, to be followed by nominations for the U.S. Senate. Accordingly, all state delegates will now be tasked with an additional vote for a Congressional nominee.
 
The standing committees of the convention – Permanent Organization, Credentials, Rules and Resolutions – will now be comprised of 11 members. Five will be State Central committee members – one from each Congressional district and six at large. They will conduct meetings in the fall and report back to the State Central committee prior to the convention. Those reports will be then subject to debate and action by the full convention Friday.
 
Saturday, delegates will return to nominate all candidates for Constitutional officers – Attorney General, Comptroller, Secretary of the State, Treasurer, Lt. Governor and  Governor.
 
Healy said the party will be making plans to have a key note address by a national Republican figure. The entire convention will be seen live on CT-N and through streaming video.
 
“Everyone in Connecticut can participate in the future of our state by watching Republicans have an open, vigorous contest of ideas,” said Healy. “We are very excited about our commitment to downtown Hartford and look forward to our most successful convention – ever.”

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At last night’s State Central Committee Meeting (held at Nuchie’s Restaurant in Bristol) was the first meeting for our

Chairman Chris Healy honoring Dick Dowin for 30+ years of outstanding service.

 2009-2011 members, 1/3 of which are brand new and ready to get going.

This meeting was a huge success!  There was productive discussion on upcoming projects, we celebrated a very successful Prescott Bush Awards Dinner and the membership cast unanimous votes for every 2009-2011 term officer.

Chairman Chris Healy has been enthusiastically returned to his seat to continue his great work leading the CTGOP.  “The Connecticut Republican party is strong, working with purpose and is ready to win,” said Healy. “We are the party of ideas and solutions and each day we are making our case where it matters – to everyday people fed up with excuses.”

Catherine Marx is our newly elected Vice Chairman, and she is eager to work with Republicans across the state alongside our reelected Treasurer, Jerry Labirola, Jr. and Secretary, Bill Jenkins.

The committee also approved the nominations of all Second Vice Chairmen for each Congressional District- Art Mocabe of Bristol (1st District); Mary Ann Turner of Enfield (2nd District); Patricia Fers (3rd District); Mike Hahn (4th District) and Jennifer Buchanan O’Neill (5th District).

Committee Member Richard “Dick” Dowin of Milford was honored for over 30 years of service to the State Party.

It was a great evening spent with old and new friends and the overwhelming energy in the room was a sign of the bright future ahead for Connecticut Republicans.  Congratulations, and on to victory!

State Representative David Labriola and Naugatuck Deputy Mayor Tamath Rossi

The 17^th State Senatorial District (Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge) is fed up with their long-standing Democratic Legislator, Joe Crisco.  He had made recent headlines with forging his treasurers’ name on campaign checks containing funds granted by the CT Citizen’s Election Program (ie taxpayer dollars).

Connecticut’s democratically controlled House passed H.B. 6435 AAC Election Day Registration (EDR) and the bill is now headed to the State Senate.

State Representative Sean Williams spoke out against this bill citing long lines/delays at polling places, double voting and votes cast by ineligible felons as only a few of the infinite complications caused in the nine states which allow EDR.  Williams pointed to the popular vote fraud blog, Election Journal (EJ), as a resource for legislators seeking more information on EDR.  Last year EJ broke the national story of the ACORN fraud in Bridgeport, CT.

Thank you to Rep. Williams and the other Republicans in the state legislature who continue to fight against the growing threat of election fraud.

RNC National Committeewoman Pat Longo

The Connecticut Federation of Republican Women held their annual meeting in Middletown today.  Both familiar and new faces from across the state gathered to meet our federal candidates and to honor members like former State Senator, Judy Freedman for her years of dedicated service.  Federation President Kathleen McCarty has been working tirelessly to expand the network of local chapters and she put together a beautiful program.

Keynote speaker David West, co-author of Reality Check, spoke about the falsities spread during President Bush’s administration, and pointed out numerous accomplishments made during those 8 years.

“The Republican Party is alive and well,” said National Committeewoman Pat Longo as she gave her Washington update and she encouraged Connecticut’s Republican women to follow suit and keep pushing forward.