I’ll never out-robo call Chris Shays, but I can do something he can’t do, which is get out and try to meet every voter. -Jim Himes
Democratic Congressional challenger Jim Himes is having a good week. Actually that’s an understatement; he’s having a phenomenal week. On Monday the Himes campaign announced that it had raised more than $350,000 in his first quarter of fundraising. The number has garnered both local and national buzz, and put Jim Himes on the map as a challenger to watch. Recently CTLP’s CGG and Gabe spoke to Jim about what his first quarter was like and where his campaign will go next.
Himes was of course proud of the first quarter take but also realistic about the need to continue raising funds in order to sustain his momentum. Noting that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was “pretty impressed by the numbers” Jim is hopeful that the national attention will aid him in raising the total amount needed to challenge Shays, especially if donations come in from Democrats in other parts of the country.
Perhaps what’s most impressive about the amount Himes raised is that he is still working full time as a Vice President for the Enterprise Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps build affordable housing. Jim said that he doesn’t plan to transition into being a full time candidate until near the end of the year, meaning that he’ll have to wear both hats until that time.
Looking ahead to the third quarter and beyond Himes expressed regret that so much emphasis had to be placed on raising money. He referred to the current system for raising money as “more than a little warped.” in part because time spent raising funds is time that can’t be spent meeting with voters.
Himes is determined to “run a people centered campaign.” In his first three months as a candidate he was able to visit several DTC’s in the 4th. Moving forward Jim plans to spend as much time as possible engaging with voters saying “I’ll never out-robo call Chris Shays, but I can do something he can’t do, which is get out and try to meet every voter.”
When asked about the tone his campaign would take Himes emphasized that his would not be one of sound bites and talking points. “I have always had an inclination to run an authentic campaign.” Jim said pledging to “offer a degree of honesty that’s a bit unsettling to the [political] professionals.”
Meanwhile rumors are starting to surface about the incumbent’s quarterly take. Expect the Shays Campaign to release their numbers before the end of the week.
27 responses so far ↓
If Himes wants to make a point and be effective he should say something, anything. How about “Unlike Chris Shays, I will not be sending out Robo-calls” Not just say he’s not going to make as many as him. So what does that mean 2-3 robo-calls per voter as compared to 3-6. I’ll tell you this much, when the time comes every robo-call equals a vote for your opponent from me. Really, show me that you want to be different, not just a scaled comparison of the person you’re running against. “NO MORE ROBO-CALLS”!!!!!!!
Having attended Republican Chris Shays’ town hall meetings, and having listened to Jim Himes talk about his goals as a Congressman, it seems to me that Himes is far brighter, more thoughtful, more straightforward, and would be a much better leader.
Republican Chris Shays comes back to his district and tries to convince people that he’s right on the issues, even when he’s obviously wrong. Like when Shays tried to explain his vote AGAINST Iraq withdrawal timelines — after saying he was FOR them during the campaign. Or when Shays claims that “progress” is being made in Iraq, when violence is escalating and conditions are worsening. When he does that, it’s an insult to the intelligence of everyone in the room.
Shays, like the rest of the Republican politicians, has been towing the party line for 6 long, painful years. Inevitably, Shays will support a troop reduction in Iraq come election time, or sooner. Unfortunately, many American soldiers will suffer casualties in Iraq before Shays and his fellow Republicans change their minds.
Himes, on the other hand, doesn’t have to try to “sell” the war. Like most sane people, he recognizes that it’s been a disaster and we have to change strategy. And when Himes talks about issues — like the need to invest wisely in early childhood education — you can tell he’s put a lot of thought into it, and formed the position intelligently, that he’s supporting it because it makes good business sense, makes us more competitive as a nation, and because it will improve the lives of people in our district and our country.
As a resident of the 4th CD, I am thrilled that there’s a bright young leader like Himes willing to challenge Shays and work to change in direction in Washington. I wish Jim Himes the best.
Jujube–
Let’s set aside process and horse race, and focus, as we should, on outcome. How about:
Unlike Chris Shays, I understand that the real leverage we have in Iraq is the terms and timing of our withdrawal, and that we must use that leverage to try to salvage a reasonable outcome from that quagmire.
Unlike Chris Shays, I recognize that the transportation nightmare from Bridgeport to Greenwich is a dagger in the body of our regional economy and an environmental catastrophe. Unlike Chris Shays, I will demand a seat on the House Transportation Committee.
Unlike Chris Shays, I believe that our health care system is at once morally corrupt and plain bad business, and I will dedicate myself to its reform.
Unlike Chris Shays, I believe that our national energy policy is environmentally misguided and a threat to our national security, and I believe it should be addressed as such.
Jim Himes
Wow is that really Mr. Himes posting? Cool! I especially like what he says about demanding a seat on the Transportation Committee.
So leaving Iraq will make us safer, Iraq safer and the Middle East safer or is there something more? Okay so we get out of Iraq then what?
A seat on the Transportation Committee is going to solve our transportation problem in Fairfield County? Or are you going to advocate something?
You are going dedicate yourself to healthcare reform…wow I never heard a politician say that before. What’s your plan?
Energy policy is misguided…okay, what would your plan entail?
I guess my question is you say you are going to different but really you say the same thing as every other politician…nothing. WIth all due respect your post tells me nothing about you.
Mr. Reality–
Take a breath. No need to yell at our guest.
If Senator Cappiello, who also believes in getting out of Iraq, were to visit CTLP, I wouldn’t be huffing and puffing at him via an anonymous handle.
I’m sure Mr. Himes is ready to answer any and all questions, but let’s please be polite.
fwiw.
Shays has delivered every dollar on transprtation that has evr been requested of him. A seat on the TC is useless bull crap. The problem is ConnDOT, Rell and the legislature. And if Himes thinks the 4th CD economy is in the tank he’s a lunatic.
[quote comment="15644"]Unlike Chris Shays, I recognize that the transportation nightmare from Bridgeport to Greenwich is a dagger in the body of our regional economy and an environmental catastrophe. Unlike Chris Shays, I will demand a seat on the House Transportation Committee.
[/quote]
Sounds like Mr. Hines has been hanging around Chuck Schumer a bit too much.
Solving transportation problem requires a regional approach — you need New York (the Port Authority and the MTA) to get involved, as well as other states — so it goes beyond the jurisdiction of CT alone.
It also involves shipping and trucking — or interstate commerce, which is regulated in Washington.
Once upon a time CaptCT, CT was part of a metro region planning group that included NYC and north jersey but CT opted out of that in the ’60’s. CT instead decided to have 13 (or so) micrscopic regional plannning groups so today instead of realizing NH County and Fairfield County should be integrated in their planning, we have about five or six self serving planning groups all with their own DUMB ideas. It’s like Milford and Stamford are on two different continents.
Himes is an empty suit who raised money to build cheap housing for people who vote Democratic. Of course, Shays was an administrator clerk for the Trumbull First Selectman before he went to Congress.
and BTW, you can’t make this stuff up: The president also said that, while al-Qaida remains a threat to the United States, it has been hurt by his war on terrorism and is “weaker today than they would have been” otherwise. He spoke as a new U.S. threat assessment found that al Qaida had rebuilt its capability to mount attacks to levels not seen since 2001.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BUSH?SITE=ALANN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
It is a good idea to have regional planning groups (in state) and regional planning groups (intrastate). In the area of transportation, the Transportation Strategy Board is(was) supposed to come up with a unified strategy to benefit the entire state. The Eastern CT representative was vacant for more than a year due to lack of appointment approval in the legislature. This meant that Eastern CT interests were not represented in the Strategy Board deliberations. The report last year certainly showed that to be the case when few transportation projects were proposed for Eastern CT and those were ones that have been ‘hanging around’ for years, such as Route 11 and widening I95 from the CT river to the border with RI. The SECT Council of Governments has proposed that Metro North service or its equivalent be extended to New London and possibly even Westerly RI. As an interim, the SECCOG has proposed that the state negotiate with AMTRAC to subsidise (sp) its fairs to points west of New London so they are the equivalent of Metro North, or at least, Shore Line East. That would do much to get traffic off of I95 because transportion along the coast would be affordable and possibly regular. It is too good of an idea to really happen.
The TSB is useless. The TSB was formed in 2000 or 2001 beause Rowland, Sulivan and Lyons hadn’t done jack shit on transportation becuase such spending did nothing to keep them in political contributions. The TSB hasn’t done jack shit either.
Whatever Shays is doing for transportation, obviously isn’t enough to make a dent in improving traffic conditions.
He occasionally gets earmarks to build bridges or improve a train station, but that’s about it. Republicans like Shays, who have been controlling Congress since ‘94, haven’t made this a priority. So the problem gets worse and worse.
[quote post="733"]Himes is an empty suit who raised money to build cheap housing for people who vote Democratic[/quote]
Toucan, that has to be one of the most idiotic things you’ve ever posted on this site. “… build housing for people who vote Democratic”… ? How about people who don’t vote at all! I would venture that Himes has done more to improve the lives of CT residents in the past month than you have done in your entire life. Character assassination is your one true gift. You take pleasure insulting people. It’s like you never left the third grade.
Someone should have told you a long time ago that when people make insults, they do so because they feel inferior and want to bring other people down to their level. You must think very poorly of yourself to feel the need to drag people down in the mud with you.
Dear Toucan,
These comments are entirely unacceptable.
[quote comment="15648"]And if Himes thinks the 4th CD economy is in the tank he’s a lunatic.[/quote]
[quote comment="15656"]Himes is an empty suit..[/quote]
I would like to remind you of the rules governing posts on this site:
“1. No insulting or belittling other posters.
2. Criticism of groups, parties, causes or other people is fine–insulting, belittling or otherwise maliciously maligning them is not.
5. No libelous statements. Public figures can be attacked and criticized–but only up to a point. No personal stuff, folks. Keep it political.”
Your language is offensive. I would suggest that you think very carefully about including these ad hominem insults in your posts. If you persist in hurling these insults, I would hope that those who control this website would consider carefully whether they wish to permit you to continue making these posts.
It’s over the top and you need to stop it.
Hooker–
Himes is a public figure and a politician. That means it’s fair game for Toucan to question his thinking, suggest he’s a lunatic, or call him an empty suit.
The rest of us can agree or disagree with his opinions.
Thanks TBCT: Hooker sounds like he’s from the right up there. And besides, Farrell tried this transportation nonsense in her first try against Shays and it went nowhwere. The federal government has a role in transportation so does the state and the munis according to the way this state is is set up. You’d think I was some kind of big big Shays supporter too – when he’s right from my view, he’s right and when he’s wrong he’s wrong. Geez. Is Himes going to say that Ammann and his buds did it all wrong on transportation?????
Oh, and Lieberman has a seat on the Senate Transportation Comm, too!!
Toucan–
Given all the tax $$$ Fairfield County residents send to D.C. every year, it isn’t hard to argue that we aren’t getting our fair share back.
When you consider the clout of the corporate honchos living in your area, don’t you think a capable CT delegation could get real Federal help for the region??
Me, personally I’d bet the Democratic Congress would do a lot for the District, if it meant cementing Himes in a swing seat.
We actually do quite well on getting back our share of the transpo $$ but not the others. The fact remains, the state has to set the vision and then the fed reps have to fund it – and they always do. The screwups are the DOT, the TSB, et al.
While there are monetary obstacles to improving the transportion infrastructure, it certainly isn’t money alone that is the issue here. Widening the Merritt would never fly with the locals. Putting in Super 7 is always a no-go. Even building more parking at RR stations gets shot down by local towns who don’t want people from neighboring towns driving into their town and creating local traffic.
Regarding health care, Republican Chris Shays voted in favor of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, which was a gift to the insurance industry:
If Republicans like Shays were truly “fiscal conservatives,” or if they just had a little common sense, this bill never would have passed.
When Republican Chris Shays retires, ideally in 2008, I expect Himes to support a better system than the ridiculously expensive one that Shays gave us.
Speaking of gifts to the insurance and drug industries…. This bill was passed in 2003.
In the 10 years prior to 2003, Chris Shays had received a total of $57,000 from the insurance industry ($5700 avg/year) and $25,000 from the drug/health industry ($2500 avg/year).
In the 4 years from 2003-2006, Shays received $207,828 (avg $52,000/year) from the insurance industry, and $91,650 (avg $23,000/year) from the drug industry.
So, Chris Shays was well-rewarded for his vote.
Source: Opensecrets.org (link: http://opensecrets.org/politicians/allsummary.asp?CID=N00000652)
If Republicans like Shays were truly “fiscal conservatives,” or if they just had a little common sense, this bill never would have passed.
I guess under this logic, someone would be a true “fiscal conservative” if they just forced the drug companies to give away their product.
No, if someone were a true fiscal conservative, he/she would write a bill that allowed the Federal Government to use its purchasing power to negotiate lower drug prices, and you would create a more efficient government system than one written by the insurance industry. Medicare, for instance, is more efficient than the new “Medicare Advantage” plans that came with the new bill:
gmt: it’s your money too. Maybe you don’t mind handing over your tax dollars to the drug and insurance industries for no good reason, but I’m not that wealthy.
[quote comment="15644"]Jujube–
Let’s set aside process and horse race, and focus, as we should, on outcome. How about:
Unlike Chris Shays, I understand that the real leverage we have in Iraq is the terms and timing of our withdrawal, and that we must use that leverage to try to salvage a reasonable outcome from that quagmire.
Unlike Chris Shays, I recognize that the transportation nightmare from Bridgeport to Greenwich is a dagger in the body of our regional economy and an environmental catastrophe. Unlike Chris Shays, I will demand a seat on the House Transportation Committee.
Unlike Chris Shays, I believe that our health care system is at once morally corrupt and plain bad business, and I will dedicate myself to its reform.
Unlike Chris Shays, I believe that our national energy policy is environmentally misguided and a threat to our national security, and I believe it should be addressed as such.
Jim Himes[/quote]
I’m impressed, future Congressman Himes, I’m impressed. A straightforward and honest answer, I wish you the best of luck, you will have me advocating on your behalf. Hint, hint no Robo-calls.
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