Channel 3 has the story and Healy’s statement. I’ll see about getting a text version. He does say that he’s an alcoholic though. Apparently we’re getting an announcement about his future tomorrow.
Update 3
The Courant has a full article about this, including background details. Chief among them is that Healy does want to be re-elected as State party Chair but does not plan to campaign.
“I’ll leave it up to others to decide my fate,” Healy said. “I’m at peace. We’ll see where life takes us.”
Update 2
The CT GOP Blog has a statement from Healy posted.
On May 15, 2007, Christopher C. Healy was arrested by the University of South Carolina Police in Columbia, South Carolina, and charged with driving under the influence. He was released on the following day with a court return date of June 1. On June 1, he pled no contest. On that day, he informed the Governor’s office about his decision to enter the plea.
Last night, June 11, 2007, Healy informed the members of the Connecticut Republican State Central Committee and asked for their forgiveness. Mr. Healy has been overwhelmed by the support and prayers from friends, family, and others who have called or wished him well in person. He has taken steps to address these issues and will continue to do so with the help of others.
H/T to The Architect.
Update
Over at MLN Maura has more details.
The story is not up yet on the WFSB web site, but WFSB is reporting that Healy announced his arrest last night at a gathering and that he’d be making some kind of official announcement tomorrow morning.
According to the report, Healy was arrested in South Carolina when he was visiting to attend the Republican debate there. This is his second arrest for drunk driving.
The report quoted Healy saying, “I am an alcoholic and I have a problem.” He said he is on medication for depression as well.
Developing…
120 responses so far ↓
I imagine at least one frequent poster who will spew some venom….
Alcoholism is a tough disease. By all accounts, Healy has been handling it pretty well. I wish him all the best as he deals with this tough issue.
One thing I will say about Healy, he is damn good at his job.
I have to commend Maura at MLN for her dignified post there.
Can’t say I agree with much on that site, but she handled her post appropriately (whether GOP or Dem).
My respect for her, as a worthy opponent, has signifcantly increased.
Well done.
CT Dude said:
Maura is good people. No doubt about that.
Healy’s got a statement on the CTGOP blog:
http://ctgop.blogspot.com/2007/06/chairmans-statement.html
She has demonstrated that.
The Architect said:
Got it. Thanks.
I had a post written wishing Healy luck in his rehab but then he released his statement that this arrest happened on MAY 15!! and he pled quilty and informed the Gov. on JUNE 1 !!
The GOVERNOR was in on a coverup for 12 days.
Un-F*#king-Believable.
The Publics right to know means absolutely nothing to the Republican Party and I want to know if any of Cts other Republican legislators or reporters new this but didn’t report it.
Don’t tell me Rell is a stich more ethical than Rowland was.
ctkeith said:
It was only a matter of time.
Keith never disappoints, if you can call it that.
ctkeith said:
How could the Governor be in a coverup if you say yourself that she didn’t know until June 1st? Your overeagerness to slam Healy getting the best of what little rationality you have keithie?
Keith does have a point about it being a long period of time having passed.
CGG said:
You’re overlooking the rest of his post/
Last I knew, Healy doesn’t hold an elected office and Keith isn’t a Republican. So what is his right to know?
CT Dude said:
No, I’m admitting that Keith does have a point about the timing.
Healy is elected by his party which makes it a semi-internal affair. All I can say is how I would feel were it my on state party chair. I’d be annoyed that so much time had passed.
WAIT A MINUTE,
You mean all you Republicans are OK with having Information like this withheld from you?
I thought Amann was stupid when he said the Governor was ” too preoccupied with the scandals and it was affecting the budget talks” but this news CERTAINLY gives that story more creadence.
ctkeith said:
LMFAO
Laugh all you want CT Dude,
But then go look at the dates and why did it take Hours to get answers every time Rells negotiators were asked a question.
Honestly, does anyone, Republican or Democrat, comment on a pending legal matter? To anyone?
Do those who are crying foul over the lack of instant notification believe that is sound legal advice?
The spinning in this situation is almost as bad as the DeLuca spinning.
I can’t believe Healy said he’s keeping his name in the running for Party Chair.
He’s admitting he’s an out of control alchoholic and yet wants to keep a job where he’ll be expected to spend time in a bar almost every day.
As a former Bartender I can tell you he’s got about a 90-95% chance of another relapse if they allow him to continue as chair.
Archie,
Healy Pled No Contest 12 days ago. The Governor helped him cover this up for at least 12 days when there was no “pending” legal matter.
ctkeith said:
He isn’t an elected official, it’s not necessarily a public affair. Healy could have slipped by undetected into his potential re-election and not said a peep to anyone.
Instead, he’s deciding to come clean and face the responsibility that the GOP preaches.
ctkeith said:
The all-knowing Keith has spoken.
Get a life.
Maybe make another paper mache sculpture?
He must need sunglasses…
Hey, let’s lay off each other until at least morning, huh? It’s too damn late for this.
Keith (and apparently only keith) don’t seem to care about Rep. Kevin Ryan’s three (3) DUI’s, after which he “served” his constituents from prison. OR Rep. Pat Dillon’s DUI earlier this session.
Keith, should a party official be held to a higher standard than elected legislators?
Wow, according to CT DUI Laws, Chris Healy should be obligated to a minimum of 120 days in jail, and a 3 year license suspension!
Second Offense
(within 10 years) Test results of .08 or higher!
Test results of .08 or higher
Fines: $1,000 to $4,000.
Jail: 2 years; 120 days minimum mandatory and 100 hours of community service.
Suspension: Three years (or until you are 21 years of age, whichever is longer).
I wouldn’t want to feel too badly for Chris Healy, but you have to imagine his goose is cooked. By State law he needs to spend four months in jail, (which I’m sure he’ll never serve), but that should prohibit him from the future spotlight….
Actually TBCT this is a misrepresented interpretation of CT DUI law under which Rep. Dillon would have been in jail for six months and Rep. Ryan for potentially six years… Meaning he would have been unable to vote for himself in three elections while still “serving”.
As your research tells you, the penalties described are only for “convictions”. ALL first-time offenders are permitted to participate in an accelerated rehabilitation education program lasting between 10 and 15 sessions.
Per CGS 54-56g first time offenders are able to have their records “sealed” by participating in the Pretrial Alcohol Education System (Ryan has a PHD).
CGS 54-56g: “Upon application by any such person for participation in such system and payment to the court of an application fee of fifty dollars and a nonrefundable evaluation fee of one hundred dollars, the court shall order the court file sealed”
Good to see keith has at least one friend Trueblue. Quite the coalition of moderates
ctkeith clearly gets to say anything and everything around here … no rules for ctkeith …
In a recent Hartford Business Journal article, Dean Pagani writes that, “Chris Healy may be on the verge of doing something no one else has done in almost twenty years: Make the job of state party chairman relevant”. The revelation comes as a great surprise to some who doubted Healy when he ascended to the post in January, but as each day passes it becomes increasingly undeniable. Other Chairmen have served ably – Chris Healy has been superb.
Long known as a bomb-throwing backbencher in the Republican State Central Committee, Healy’s path to leadership has been a long arc marked by challenges to the status quo and ardent loyalty to fellow party members, punctuated by the perpetual whispers about his alcohol consumption and his penchant for a fight. Chris quarterbacked the Dole Campaign in Connecticut in ’96 even though the conclusion seemed forgone. He was the lead on the McCain Campaign in 2000 and bucked the national trend by delivering the state to McCain despite George W. Bush’s familial roots in Connecticut . And he helped Sebastian Giuliano become a Republican Mayor in Middletown – a phrase that few had ever uttered before 2005.
2006 was a year in which all of the pundits lined up and said that Republicans in Congress were going to be buried beneath a Democratic “wave” of backlash against corruption, Iraq , and out-of-control spending. Despite this sentiment, Healy took on the race of Congressman Rob Simmons, a perennial Democrat target in a fickle district comprised almost entirely of “backwater” Connecticut . With an Irish diligence, Chris guided the Simmons campaign to even on Election Day – in a year in which almost no targeted Republican kept their seat, Simmons lost an election in which 242,000 ballots were cast by 83 votes. Some people will pass harsh judgment and call it a failure. I call it respectable.
With the burn of the narrow loss still painful, it became clear that the Party was going to need a new leader as George Gallo moved on to other things. The Governor lobbied hard to keep Gallo in place – and then as Healy showed some interest in the job, she lobbied to keep him out of it. As the overwhelming will of the committee became apparent, Rell joined him because she couldn’t beat him.
And now Chris Healy has gotten himself in trouble – the recovering alcoholic’s worst nightmare – a relapse and arrest for driving under the influence. To his credit, he didn’t protest, he didn’t attempt to wear his position as a shield; he didn’t shirk from the responsibility that he must bear – for himself. He stood before the members of the State Central Committee and in faith and honesty laid out the situation for people, and answered any questioner’s query. He has nothing to hide. In the world of politics, in which so much time and energy is wasted on the ignoble maintenance of fool’s pride, Healy came clean. He probably could have covered it up – Lord knows there are only two weeks until the Chairman’s election – and he could have gotten away with it. But he chose not to do so. The scrutiny of Chris should be severe – and all should reiterate that driving under the influence of alcohol is a danger to everyone in society. But we need also remember that preaching accountability and responsibility means that you have to be responsible and accountable. The Chairman of the Connecticut Republicans has done that. And Republicans across Connecticut should stick with him because of it.
>>I’d be annoyed that so much time had passed.
It didn’t.
Chris spoke to me days ago and I’m of the impression that he spoke to most if not all members personally prior to any public revelation.
Tracking everyone down while some are on a vacation probably wasn’t the easiest task and was certainly an unpleasant one for him.
I’ve become a convert (sort of a `born again’ Chris Healy fan) and am 100% behind him.
>>no rules for ctkeith …
Correct.
TrueBlueCT:
1. Do you REALLY think that “Chris Healy should be obligated to a minimum of 120 days in jail” in Connecticut for an offense that occurred in South Carolina? Really? C’mon.
2. Can you please explain why the planet cooled from 1940 to 1970? I know this is off topic, but you were ripping me for “not believing in global warming” (which isn’t really accurate, but whatever), and you’ve been ducking me for two days now. So… could you please tell me why the planet cooled from 1940 to 1970? This is a pretty straightforward question. Thanks
Chris Healy suffers from a terrible disease and has been handling it well. He slipped up in South Carolina and , luckily, no one was hurt. Drunken driving is a horrible, horrible crime whose result is usually the death of an innocent person or people.
Chris Healy is also very good at his job, in a hatchet job sort of way, IMHO, and that gets under the skin of Democrats.
But if — as noted above — Kevin Ryan and Patty Dillon can continue to serve in the state House, and anyone of us who works for a living and has ever been convicted of DUI can continue to make a living, Healy is entitled to the same.
The problem is that a certain segment of the general public — not just Democrats — will see this and the DeLuca matter and the lack of a state budget as more reasons not to like or trust anyone who works in government, as if there is some special group of “superangels” who debate and make our laws.
Let those without sin cast the first stone … and seek to serve the public. It would be a very lonely place in Hartford if that were the threshold.
The piece
It’s one thing to be an alcoholic. It’s quite another to get behind the wheel of a vehicle and turn it into a homicide weapon. It’s yet another leap to do it again. He is not “responsible.” He has not “learned” anything. He is not a “victim.” He has effectively been convicted twice of attempted homicide. He should resign now. Zero sympathy from me.
Drunken driving usually results in the death of an innocent person?
Absurd.
People are frequently driving drunk. Very infrequently, the result is a death.
The standard for DUI is often very low, so tons and tons of people drive with alcohol levels above the DUI minimum without really thinking about it. They’re simply lucky to not get pulled over for a discussion with a cop.
I’m not saying that it is OK to drive drunk — it’s obviously not OK — but anyone who says that drunken driving usually leads to death is making extremely false statements …
CT law requires that someone’s license should be suspended for 3 years for a second offense. SC law requires that someone’s license be suspended for 2 years for a second offense.
So the question is, is DMV Commissioner Bob Ward going to suspend Healy’s license? It’s a question that should be asked of Ward.
Stamfordinho,
Putting a single bullet in a gun chamber, spinning it, and shooting at a child will not usually result in death. I don’t think someone who does that repeatedly should be a state party chair. To argue otherwise is called enabling.
Mike, as another proud spokesman of the moderate majority, what recourse would you suggest for Representative Kevin Ryan
MikeCT, I think you missed my point. I didn’t say anything about whether or not there should be a new CT GOP chair …
Senator Edith Prague will certainly call for Healy’s execution.
Of course she has demanded on two occasions that a Republican Representative resign because of a DUI.
But then, when Rep. Kevin Ryan (DWI-Montville) was actually SENT TO DO JAIL TIME, she argued he was a good man dealing with a difficult problem.
Her reaction will be interesting… Republicans must resign! Democrats are wonderful people dealing with difficult health issues…
Nonetheless, I am annoyed about not knowing about this sooner, but he isn’t a public official the way a legislator is.
Isn’t it a violation of the law to refuse to take a blood or breath test?
Nevermind that he was pulled over while driving around on a college campus where there are kids presumably walking around.
By the way,
Pat Dillon has her one strike.If she EVER gets caught behind the wheel drunk again she should be forced to resign and I’ll be the first and most vocal making that call even though I think there is noone in this state that knows their constituents better than she does.
Kevin Ryan should be expelled by the Democratic Leadership.3 convictions for DUI means he’s not only a drunk but it’s just a matter of time before he kills someone.
When did being involved politically come to mean the laws and standards of us ordinary citizens no longer apply and were to be replaced by an even lower standard?
Republican or Democrat, the same standard should apply. But Healy isn’t a legislator, or someone who holds public office. He holds a political office, but one there needs to be clear standards for. GOP State Central committee members will decide his fate.
This event will bring out the predictable, hypocritical demogogues (Prague) without question…
Good Lord.
What a bunch of hacks without lives. Seems like some of my fellow left wingnuts have gone straight past laughable and into the land of the unhinged.
I’m not going to offer my opinion about what Healy or the party should do. It’s none of my business. I will say that from what I’ve read, it appears he’s handled this very appropriately.
I have no opinion as to whether or not Chris Healy should resign for the good of his party. That’s up to the GOP. He may need to resign for his own sake though. That job surely has trigger after trigger that could lead to a another relapse.
I believe that alcoholism is a disease that can be controlled and managed, but a disease nonetheless. What Mr. Healy did was a bad lapse in judgement and personal control and he clearly acknowledges that.
Though he is an elected official (all party members are regardless of party), he is only in the public eye due to his internal election. I believe that people need to lay off on this one. Sure he attacks others in public, but that’s his job as spokesperson for the RSC. He should not be held to the same high standard as state legislators or other generally elected public officials.
Piling on here just seems wrong. However, defending his actions are equally wrong. And the comments about Rep. Ryan and hypocrisy are on-target. To me this is a personal matter first and only a RSC matter if Healy so chooses to make it so - which he has,
Yes, Bob Ward will suspend the license. It is automatic, absent some technical glitch during the arrest. So assuming the Columbia PD followed the procedures, then Healy will lose his license. He also is entitled to apply for a work permit to drive to and from his job during the suspension, if he has not already had one with his first offense. So if he is driving around in the near future, let’s remember this before everyone starts screaming about preferential treatment. As for not taking the test, under CT law that results in a longer license suspension than taking and failing one. Hope Healy can conquer his demons. He is a very bright guy and he is helping to revitalize a party that has been down too long. Now, you may all continue with your abject hatred of anyone with an “R” after their name…….
Oh come on famillionaire. Healy tears other people down for a living. (When he’s not a lobbyist.) As another “leader” of the CT GOP, he is certainly a public person, and no holds barred. (And what was he doing in South Carolina when he got arrested? Oh yeah Republican business.)
The real question isn’t whether Healy is a good guy. The question is whether he’ll receive preferential treatment under the law…
Can anyone tell me what the appropriate legal penalties are? I tried to suss them out last night, but was told that what I posted was incorrect.
KEEP HEALY CHAIR!
A RESPECTABLE LEADER, for
A RESPECTABLE CT GOP!
And if you think that’s rough, wait till MADD chimes in. Healy should wise up, and go away for several years. That’s the only way he gets through this.
ps- Rep. Ryan is a disgrace to all Democrats. And he, too, should go away.
TrueBlueCT said:
The arrest happened in SC, not CT… which means SC law applies. Sorry TBCT to disappoint you, no perp walk for you.
And no BAC test was administered either.
Amazing how quick you are to close ranks Archie. If it was my State Chair, I’d be calling for a resignation. (But perhaps less quietly than on a blog).
What it with you guys and the simple notion of accountability? Is this what the Grand Ol’ Party has become under the Chimp-in-Chief? IOKIYAR?
So let’s play the game. What are the South Carolina laws? Or, as an out-of-stater, is Healy immune from any consequence?
Obviously, you’re not an attorney “Architect”…otherwise you’d know that Connecticut and South Carolina have reciprocity and this may very well count as his second offense under Connecticut law. Healy is a strong Chairman, and he’s been effective by pointing out the shortcomings of others and instances where people, such as the Speaker, have either broken the law or violated ethics standards……….how can he continue to do that with a straight face now?
TrueBlueCT said:
Stop trying to change the subject Blue.
Wheres the accoutability you say? Healy could have decided not to say a word and cruise to re-election but he voluntarily disclosed this before the SCC vote…. and voluntarily decided to face the wrath of the SCC, voters, and the media. His license will be suspended for at least a year if not three once the legal process plays out. Or is that not good enough for you?
Scratchy said:
Scratchy, when did I say I was an attorney, can you please cite that post? Thanks.
How more effective can one be than pointing out their own shortcomings, particularly when it is not even necessarily a matter for public consumption? He’s come clean and is facing the responsibility that the GOP preaches.
…and if I had to answer to Lisa Moody, I’d be throwing a few back too.
NEW HAVEN - The approval of a plan that would give legal identification cards to illegal residents by the New Haven Board of Aldermen and supported by Mayor John DeStefano shows how the Democrats still don’t grasp the rule of law, according to Chris Healy, Republican State Party Chairman.
‘People who come here illegally are breaking the law and the Democrats have rewarded lawbreakers,’ said Healy. ‘If people want to get identification and are immigrants, they should apply for citizenship and go through the same process as legal residents.’
———————————————————————–
ACR,
you guys gonna “reward Lawbreakers” by “Sticking with Healy”?
Whats Next,Is the Ct Republican State Central Committee going to call for former Rep. Mark Foley to move to CT. to help “raise the ethical Standards and perceptions of our Party”
Blew - I am not sure who is closing ranks - this isn’t a public matter as the state GOP is a private organization and they can decide to have whomever they choose as their chairman. I would think it’d be hard to do the job with this great a challenge facing him, but that’s up to the party.
Tony-
So you’re advocating he stays, or goes?
To date every last one of you guys has said, “2nd conviction, no problem.” It’s amazing to me.
Scratchy, I believe the reciprocity just affects his drivers license, much like how if you get a speeding ticket in South Carolina your license in CT would be impacted. As far as any criminal implications all of that would be a South Carolina matter and whether or not it’s considered a “second offense” for that purpose would be handled down there. Similarly, if he got another DUI in CT the one in SC would be considered for any criminal penalties here in CT.
Actually, Architect, he’s forcing what should be his own decision onto the backs of others. Yes, he’s admitted he has a problem…yet he persists in a profession where alcohol and temptation lurk around every corner…the times he has had the greatest problems with the drink have been centralized around political stuff–whether you run in Dem or Rep circles, that’s no secret. If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results, then we might as well just accept that Healy will be reelected, and we should just prepare for the next relapse. I for one would love to see him commit to a rigorous program where he can make some life changes, remove some of the temptations, find ways to control the desires of his disease, and live a very full life. I’m really worried that the compassion of others now will lead to a worse situation in the future.
TB,
Are you calling for the resignation of every democrat legislator with a DUI in the past?
Ryan? Dillon? And let’s not forget about Patrick Kennedy last year. Talk about preferential treatment. Where was the outcry over that?
Also, under your definition of a “winger” the other day:
“Yep, you’re a ‘winger. That’s my term for folks who put blind partisan loyalty before rational, independent thought.”
I’m assuming your failure to do so would classify you as such.
TrueBlueCT said:
As far as I can tell Blue, you obviously aren’t a Republican, much less a member of the Republican State Central Committee…so my question is what business is it of yours to advocate for him to stay or to leave? Who the hell cares what you think…quite frankly, your opinions don’t matter on this subject, nor are they going to be welcomed by the elected members of the party. You are not one of his constituents…CT GOP members are his constituents. If they decide to oust him, then that’s their collective prerogative…not yours, so relax.