Former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Tom Foley has announced in an e-mail to supporters today that he will be investing $2 million into his campaign for Governor:
These funds will go to building our team and paying for a media campaign to communicate with Connecticut voters about how we can fix the serious problems facing our state. Look for our television and radio commercials to begin after the New Year.
The announcement serves as a warning shot to other potential entrants about the uphill battle they’ll need to fight.
Speaking of other entrants, it seems as though House Republican Leader Larry Cafero could add some more definition about what he will do at a press conference at the State Capitol on Monday:
The message indicated that Cafero would meet with the editorial board of his hometown paper, The Norwalk Hour, and that they had agreed to keep his intentions secret under an embargo because Cafero will be holding a press conference at 2 p.m. Monday.
The “announcement” came after a bit of a flap when his communications director inadvertently sent an e-mail out to reporters.
53 responses so far ↓
Just got the email too. I think the key is that he said it is just the “initial” amount.
My read on that is that he’s probably prepared to spend 6-8 million of his own money in the primary which means that toping $10 total is totally within his potential. That’s a big move.
Seems Cafero and his press secretary should get on the same page about a few things. Not exactly an auspicious start for a “campaign”.
Recalling outlook email never works. The feature is there, but I’ve never heard of it actually working.
Foley certainly is well fixed to spend what he needs to, in order to win a primary and a general election…all the while our Democrats will be groveling for maximum $100. contributions from donors and will be defined by Foley’s millions in ads….not a pretty picture here…
For this reason, I think that Mr. Foley and Mr. Lamont likely have a leg up on their competition at this point…
Heath….I think I agree with you that the presence of Mr Foley into the race has also lifted the support of Mr Lamont, due mainly to his financial ability to self-fund.
“Recalling outlook email never works. The feature is there, but I’ve never heard of it actually working.”
Agreed. Stupid Outlook recall feature doesn’t let staffers hide when they’re doing campaign work on state time! Someone get Bill Gates on the phone.
Off topic but I just found great video footage and pictures from the Peter Schiff for Senate Grand Opening:
http://www.brainflation.com/2009/12/18/peter-schiff-campaign-hq-grand-opening-bursting-at-the-seams/
The Courant reports that Denise Merrill and Johnathan Harris are ready to announce for Secretary of State as Susie B is running for governor.
Please god, let it be Bush pinoeer Tom “Mumbles” Foley!
Could our side really get that lucky?
haha. When your side get’s burried in his money you wont be smiling next November Anderson.
He may not be a very good public speaker but that doesn’t matter for much of anything in a statewide race. All that matters is unless you nominate Ned Lamont your candidate will be outspent about 5 to 1 by Tom Foley, the hartford outsider that turns around businesses and who won’t raise their taxes. And what is your side going to say about it? Nothing because they won’t have any money to say anything about it, period.
Be careful what you wish for Anderson. You better nominate Lamont or you’re going to lose, big.
Please god, let it be Bush pinoeer Tom “Mumbles” Foley!
Could our side really get that lucky?
Scoop, you seem to be implying that Foley isn’t a good public speaker, and people who aren’t good public speakers lose elections. So was George W. Bush a good public speaker?
Bush was 10 times better than Foley will ever be. At least he wasn’t afraid of his own shadow. (or a mispronunciation or two or three.)
Plus, get Foley off his talking points, and Mumbles quickly sounds like the kid in class who didn’t do his homework, yet tries to bullshit his way through an answer…
Scoop does have a point here, related more to the “PIONEER” part than the “Mumbles” part.
I disagree with Heath, I don’t see Foley as the clear leader, as self-funded candidates have a tendency to flame out (think of Checchi in CA, Coors in CO, even Corzine in NJ within months of his victory) if they aren’t good politicians as well as rich. Not sure who IS the leader, but Foley isn’t that at this moment.
As for Schiff, boy, that slideshow was fun! And the posts on that other site! Yes, I would pay money to see Schiff debate Geithner!! I would also pay money to have my fingernails torn off, as I am a masochist.
I’m sure Dems will love this one… though Crusher may not… Jarjura may run for governor:
http://www.rep-am.com/news/local/456238.txt
Schiff v. Geithner?
Actually I was just thinking about contacting CNBC and suggest they do a primetime matchup of Ron Paul vs. Alan Greenspan!
Squawk Box had RP on last week for an hour as a guest host and the conversations were great:
http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=30234
So CNBC at least recognizes the ratings they can get from RP. Plus Greenspan wants to protect his legacy (of failure).
A one hour debate… maybe a three hour debate? That would be so much fun to watch.
A one hour debate… maybe a three hour debate? That would be so much fun to watch.
A three hour debate? I’m not convinced that’d be a huge ratings event…
Ed Marcus is on face the state sticking the knife in the back of Chris Dodd.
I said “CNBC.”
If Marcus telling the truth about this Senate race is “back-stabbing”, then call me a traitor too.
Frankly it is now time that Dems have this discussion. Do we want to roll the dice with an imperiled Dodd, or should Mr. 78% be our nominee? Personally I believe this circus needs to end, before it gets even more out-of-hand.
Scoop, as I recall… last spring you requested an autumn 2009 deadline for improved numbers. And by definition, today is the last day of fall (right??). So just saying that you’re being consistent, if not generous… as most people would agree that autumn ended a few weeks ago.
Nonetheless, you know as well as anyone that it’ll have to wait for another poll… probably Q. When is that anyway? Mid-Jan? The interesting thing would be if all the healthcare photo opps narrow the lead by, say, 2 or 3 points… then it’s a battle of “He’s narrowing the gap” vs. “He’s still well under 50%.”
The race will continue until at least February.
Obama will need a slot to open. Of course, the President could make something happen fast… but there’d almost certainly be a discussion in which our Senator gives the President a short list of preferred jobs… then Rahm will need to figure out the politics of it… so I’d say this lasts until the next poll + a few weeks, at minimum.
No worries though. Dick wins easy… even in a Lautenberg move. Which btw, will really, really annoy me. And frankly, if Dodd tries to pull a Torricelli… Alpert may begin a lawsuit that could potentially mess it up for Blumenthal… depending on how ridiculous the whole thing gets.
Dodd should just call the President and ask for the Irish Ambassadorship already.
Btw, if Dodd retires… is there a scenario in which our AG doesn’t run?… opening up a real Dem Senate primary? I presume Murph would get it, but Rosa might wanna move… or Ned may switch races? Susan B moves to an open Senate primary?
Scooper, I would think after all the years of service and Dodd’s party loyalty that Democrats wouldn’t be so quick to neuter him. Even Marcus admits that Dodd could still squeak out a victory. If Democrats can make the point that Dodd is corrupt or he has been bad for the State of CT that’s one thing but, it seems like the only thing Dems are interested in is his low poll numbers.
After all, we have been hearing for years how Dodd’s position in Washington is good for CT. Now we learn, it’s not whats best for CT but what’s best for the Democrats.
Neuter Dodd? That’s a joke!
What I’m interested in is holding this seat, and CT-04 & CT-05. Plus I’d like to get the focus away from playing defense, and over to winning the governorship for the first time since 1986.
Dodd’s seniority and leadership won’t be worth much were he to lose to McMahon or Simmons, an outcome which seems more and more likely.). Why not give Dick his turn. The guy has been waiting patiently for twenty years.
Dicks turn? Usually a party will let the incumbent decide when to give up his or her seat. This is the first time I’ve seen an incumbent thrown under the bus because of low poll numbers. Again, what about Dodd’s status and how he is supposedly able to bring the bacon back to CT because of his seniority?
Democrats first—state second????
>>Democrats first—state second
Nothing new.
They’ll toss their own under a bus at the drop of a hat.
Scroll down to “The Bad News”
http://authentic-connecticut-republican.blogspot.com/2009/11/massive-improvement-in-southington.html
>>What I’m interested in is holding this seat, and CT-04 & CT-05
Don’t get your hopes up.
>>winning the governorship for the first time since 1986
Good luck with that silly notion too.
A similar thing happened this year to Jim Bunning in Kentucky as is happening to Dodd. And it’s actually a frequent thing. What doesn’t usually occur is that such disputes, such behind the scenes urging for retirement are made public. We haven’t seen the Democrats be so obvious about it with Dodd as the Republicans (new NRSC head John Cornyn especially) but if it’s not already occurring it soon will.
Charlie Cook has both CT-04 and CT-05 as Likely Dem at this point, but it’ll be interesting to see if Sam Caligiuri gains the traction in Ct-05 some of us think he will in the race. Certainly the Republicans hope for a much better effort than David Cappiello was able to provide last year.
“This is the first time I’ve seen an incumbent thrown under the bus because of low poll numbers.”
I’m pretty sure Republican’s did it this year in Kentucky. Just another example of Dem leadership not getting their act together. This year is going to be exciting we are going to win A LOT of seats, here and all over the country. Dodd is just a brilliant example of the failures of Democrats and the longer he stays in the race the better it gets for Republicans up and down the ticket. Even if Dodd were to somehow squeak through, it will be at the expense of at least 1 or 2 house seats and probably over a dozen General Assembly seats.
Hey, I just want to continue winning, as we did in 2006 & 2008. (What was better last cycle, putting an end to Both-Ways Shays career, or watching Cafero’s Fightin’ 44 be reduced to the Snivelin’ 37?)
Unfortunately, nine months later, Dodd hasn’t shown to us that he can win, whereas Blumenthal will of course destroy either Republican contender.
So that’s easy math, particularly with the CT GOP ticket looking to take advantage of McMahon’s millions….
Actually Scoop, just thinking about this for the first time… while Bloomie clobbers Simmons… Dick probably would not be able to keep up with Linda in spending. And while I expect our AG would runaway with it… I also thought Linda would go nowhere… then I started getting those fantastic flyers.
I’m just saying that if the globals are anti-Dem next fall… with Linda’s money, she may have a chance. Also keep in mind that our AG hasn’t had a race in decades. And Linda will certainly be able to fund some real OR.
Just saying….
Tim, how can I argue with someone who is persuaded by Linda’s slick flyers?
Outside of said flyers, can you tell me honestly why you think McMahon would represent Connecticut well in the United States Senate? What gravitas does she bring to the table? (lol)
No arguing here… it was just an observation about money that I hadn’t really considered. Sure, AG Blumenthal would win any race today… but Linda’s money matter and the election is ten months away.
As for the flyers, have you seen them? For the most part she’s not even hitting GOP talking points… IMO she’s hitting populist talking points. In other words, her views likely resonate with many Rs without necessarily alienating her from Dems in a general. The flyers are extremely well-done (I mean the content, not the glossy layout, etc.).
As for your questions, I assume they are rhetorical?
moderation?!#%&@!
This is great stuff. Two months ago, when I suggested two CT House seats might be in play, Scoopie laughed at me. Now he wants Blumenthal to help “hold” CD-4 and CD-5. So I guess two House seats (I actually see three in play, now) ARE in play.
Also, I doubt Dodd will give up, period. Why? He’s staying up all night to pass this dreadful health care reform bill, standing next to Reid for maximum exposure and credit. Why? For fun? No, to build up cred with his liberal base in order to get his numbers back up, that’s why. I still insist the health care bill will NOT make it through the conference committee unless Pelosi kneecaps the liberal/feminist group that is her base as Speaker, which would be hard for her to do. In that case, Dodd loses twice. He gets no credit for the liberals’ favorite fantasy, universal health care, AND he misses out on Christmas Eve back home, stuck in Washington hanging out with real fun people like Reid and Schumer and Durbin.
ACR
You wrote: “Democrats first—state second/Nothing new./They’ll toss their own under a bus at the drop of a hat.”
So why do I feel like Republicans first, corporations second, constitution was the motto during the Bush years?
During the Rell years, it has been M Lisa and Jodi first, state police second, state third, and way down the line was Republicans fiftieth. So the party line doesn’t work for her, but as frustrated as you are with Democratic party loyalty coming before civic duty, I am too, on both sides of the aisle.
How do we fix this? If at all?
Peace,
KK
I don’t think that anyone ever accussed Jodi of being overly helpful to the GOP and I doubt that ACR considers her administration the model for party loyalty.
>>How do we fix this? If at all?
Both parties are guilty of running candidates who have no history of altruistic group activity.
Without prior experience working w/in the confines of group, whether that be some civic committee, fraternal order, or youth sports is of no consequence; working collaboratively with others towards a common goal is.
Ken, binding referendums are the answer.
Republicanism as representative democracy is dead.
Tea parties should adopt “taxation without referendum” as their motto.
The public wants their referendums on gay marriage and health care. They don’t want Joe Lieberman filibuster dramas or solutions imposed by radical courts.
Tim – I released your moderated comment. I don’t see why the program stopped it.
Goatboy – you describe direct democracy. Could that work here? Internet votes? Text message votes? We can’t have masses of people making every decision that a legislature makes, can we? That would require a level of education and civic participation that we have never seen before.
>>doubt that ACR considers her administration the model for party loyalty.
Actually I think she’s been the victim of feeling quite alone and badly out-numbered.
More than any person alive today, I suspect M. Jodi Rell has experienced whatever it must have been like for Gen. Custer.
Despite it all, she has always impressed me as a true lady.
I believe the public is as capable as the corrupt party system of backroom dealing and pandering to lobbyists or party hacks. It’s the last logical step in the evolvement of US democracy.
Sure Presidents need war power authority and to respond to economic emergencies. Many of the TARP programsfine point and other bailouts could have gone to vote as could extending Medicare to ages 55 and eliminating the previous condition exclusions.
Internet voting will come.
Would there be injustices and some poorly thought out votes influenced by lobbying and advertisements and the media? Sure. The public would own their votes and the system would grow. The present system can’t grow. It won’t grow. The influence peddlng grew and grew until it engulfed the system.
I’m not talking micromanagement but decisions to raise income taxes, change immigrant policy, Social Security, etc could easily be voted on. How many major decisions are made yearly at the federal or state level? Several dozen crucial ones at best.
Long-term police actions like Iran and Afghanistan and Nato? A public vote is in order.
Much of the crap in the Senate’s Heath bill shouldn’t be in there in the first place. It’s stuffed full of pork items that make government appear more complex than needed.
We ought to take the AG at his word. He hasn’t run thus far, says he, because he loves his job. Therefore, anything that makes his job less lovely may push him into running. Who among us would not love a public job the media does not scrutinize properly, the job holder claiming absolute immunity when his gross errors are infrequently uncovered? See Jon Lender’s report here: http://donpesci.blogspot.com/2009/12/blumenthal-follow-bouncing-dollars.html Or mine here: http://donpesci.blogspot.com/2009/12/richard-blumenthal-worst-attorney.html
He is an activist AG.
FWIW I know several people who work in his office. The generally like him. They joke about his ‘moth to the flame’ approach to the media and controversy but none question his overall ethics or work habits.
Given his activism we haven’t seen any evidence of bribes or corruption to drop suits which in it’s own way is a positive and should say something about his character.
Willie Sutton was an activist bank robber. His associates liked him. Hell, even the cops liked Willie.
Since when is it a crime to like your job as Attorney General and to have those that work with and for you, to like you?
Bruce, I have to agree with Pesci here. The AGs office has problems that we can’t quite imagine. Bloomie has operated without oversight for years.
Did you see Lender’s story in the Courant this weekend? Take this with a grain of salt if you need to, because it’s about my lawsuit, but watching the Attorney General’s office work this case has been, well, I’ll withhold comment because I have to pass the character and fitness portion of the bar.
But compare what the AG’s office says about police spying on political parties “innuendo and speculation” with the e-mails I received through the Freedom of Information Act. Tell me if you think I’m a crank, or let me know if there is something here.
I don’t want to tilt at windmills, but I don’t doubt that the Attorney General’s office has a closet full of skeletons, and I hazard that what Lender has written about with the rock quarry and with my case is just the tip of the iceberg.
Ken…when i graduated..in the stone ages..i had to go before the character and fitness committee for my SDS and Weatherman days…
I really think the police have no business spying on anyone…..and if anyone in any agency or branch of government is covering up for them..they should be held accountable.
Ken….when you arrive at middle age….you will have a skeleton or two…its inevitiable in fallible human beings.Lets hope yours are small.
>>.you will have a skeleton or two…its inevitiable in fallible human beings
Not the case with Dick.
He’s a horror show.
Yes he is a nice guy, his staff loves him.
He shows up, regardless of the weather at wakes and funerals and says all the right things – no two ways about it, it’s all true.
Never-the-less, he’s run amuck too often and ruined peoples lives in the process, and with no good reason.
Run for Senate?
We would wheel out everything Don Pesci has on him and destroy him to the point he’d be looking for witness protection before the end of the campaign.
His ego has gotten the best of him too often.
Run for Senate?
We would wheel out everything Don Pesci has on him and destroy him to the point he’d be looking for witness protection before the end of the campaign.
Blumenthal has run 5 times for AG and hasnt yet taken anything that you or Don might have into account…I highly doubt that he would start to take anything either of you have now.
Anyone know why my comment got moderated?
You must log in to post a comment.