Connecticut Local Politics

Following the discovery of a video showing that she knew the New Haven rail center was going to be way, way over cost, Gov. Rell has sent an apology note to all 187 legislators:
“As the state’s chief executive, the ultimate responsibility is mine,’’ Rell wrote to legislators. “I understand legislators’ unhappiness with this poor communication. […]

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Driving into work this morning, I happened upon Jodi Rell calling into one of the morning shows. The Governor started off the conversation by noting that she had just gotten back from Washington DC where she had talked with John McCain. As if on cue (and let’s face it, this was their cue) the […]

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Many have considered Connecticut’s Joe Lieberman a likely choice for running mate for Senator John McCain.  Another Connecticut native apparently is on the short list of running mate choices… none other than Governor M. Jodi Rell, according to Red State.
When interviewed on WTIC yesterday morning by Stan Simpson, Governor Rell was asked about being on […]

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Here’s the full text. And below are some statements that I found particularly interesting.
The budget I present to you today does not exceed our state spending cap and it does not raise taxes.
For once. But this should make her more popular with her own party than last year’s education spend-o-rama.
I will also again advocate for […]

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It’s common knowledge that Governor Rell’s approval ratings are unfathomably high. The latest Quinnipiac Poll had the Governor with a 77% approval rate. And this number is not a one-time flight into the stratosphere. During her four years as Connecticut’s head of state she has set a Quinnipiac record with an 80% […]

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As posted here, it appears as if the Governor will be proposing a flat budget. But not to worry, in addition to protecting Connecticut residents against State tax increases, the Governor is also prepared to protect Nutmegers from local tax increases as well. It looks like the Governor is prepared to reintroduce her […]

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From the AP:
The governor and legislative leaders, responding to the deadly home invasion in Cheshire, said Tuesday there’s 95 percent agreement on a proposed package of criminal justice reform bills up for a vote later this month.

Lawmakers said a special legislative session could possibly be held Jan. 22 or Jan. 23.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell said […]

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Remember the idea of capping property tax increases at 3%? And remember that spending cap that voters voted for in the 1990s, but everyone has managed to ignore since?
Well, both are coming back next year, Gov. Rell has said. On the spending cap:
“I’m somewhat worried” about the budget, “but not overly concerned so long as […]

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In today’s Courant, Mark Pazniokas examines Dick Blumenthal and Jodi Rell’s attempt to keep serial rapist David Pollit in jail beyond his sentence. It’s a lengthy article, but well worth the read.
Two especially interesting passages:
Overlooked in that frenzied day of press conferences and hasty legal research was that Kane, a career prosecutor, had quietly […]

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Gov. Rell and Speaker Amann both publish pieces in the Courant defending their positions in the bonding fight.
Also, Chris Dodd talked with the Courant’s editorial board.
Chris Shays defends Broadwater, a project he has opposed in the past.
The quietest special election ever will be held in Shelton this coming Tuesday. Jason Perillo (R) faces off against […]

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Rell vetoed the bond package today, finally, according to Mark Pazniokas at Capitol Watch.
An override may not be forthcoming, but it hardly matters even if it is. Meanwhile, the Journal-Inquirer reports on the alternate bond package proposed by Rell, which includes less funding for pork-barrel (sorry, “earmark”) projects for individual districts, clean water, town […]

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The Hartford Courant has details:

State troopers have begun delivering notices to lawmakers that require them to appear for a special legislative session on Wednesday, the state Senate’s Democratic leader said Saturday.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell called the session to deal solely with school bonding projects after saying Friday that she will veto the $3.2 billion overall […]

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