9 November 2008

Election Day In New Britain: Poll Standing At Vance School
(photo by Frank Gerratana)

72 Days Until 1-20-2009: Inauguration Information Available

The Democratic Town Committee has received several inquiries in the aftermath of Tuesday's election about attending the 2009 Inauguration in Washington, D.C. when President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President and U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5) will begin his second term representing New Britain and the 41-town district in Congress.

Individuals interested in obtaining tickets to inaugural events need to contact their Congressperson and Senators. Democratic Town Chair John McNamara said he would be recommending a short list of New Britain individuals to Cong. Murphy for consideration based on their hard work during the campaign. Among them will be Ward 3 Alderwoman Shirley Black, the President of the Black Democratic Club, who helped run the headquarters and campaigned out of state for Barack Obama over the course of the year.

For more information you can contact the Town Committee or visit the Inauguration site at http://inaugural.senate.gov

Election Night in New Britain: Eight out of 10 Favor Democrats

Voters in New Britain gave Democratic candidates overwhelming support in last Tuesday's election election, providing Obama-Biden with a 75% share, Cong. Murphy with 79% and similar margins for State Senator Don DeFronzo and State Representatives Betty Boukus, Tim O'Brien, John Geragosian and Peter Tercyak.

The dominance for Democrats stemmed, according to Senator DeFronzo, from the party's issues-oriented messages, get-out-the-vote organization and the diversity of people involved in the Democratic campaign, reflecting all segments of the community.

Congratulations to our candidates for attaining a clean sweep.

Democratic Justice Nominees May Visit Clerk's Office for Swearing In

The Town Committee nominated all incumbent Justices of the Peace at its May endorsement meeting. All Democratic JPs are urged to visit the Town and City Clerk's office now to be sworn in for the new term that begins in January.

The Town Committee will resume filling vacancies for Justices of the Peace in January. Interested Democrats are asked to contact the Town Committee and to demonstrate they are volunteering a minimum of two hours per month in the community.

Lieberman And The Democratic Caucus: Who To Call To Be Heard

A meeting last week between Senator Joe Lieberman and Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid has spawned considerable speculation that Lieberman may be stripped of his Committee Chairmanship for endorsing and campaigning for Republican Presidential Nominee John McCain.
Lieberman was sharply critical of President-elect Barack Obama, acquiescing and joining the GOP's attacks on Obama's background and experience at the Republican convention and in numerous campaign stops.

This extraordinary break with the party follows Lieberman's efforts to move the party steadily away from his and his party's progressive roots via leadership of the right-of-center Democratic Leadership Council and other actions over most of his senate career. Lieberman's drift to the GOP was evolving long before his 2006 Democratic Primary loss to Ned Lamont.

At issue now is whether Lieberman's ability to serve his Connecticut constituents within the Democratic Caucus has been irreparably harmed by the campaign of 2008. Continuing to curry favor with Lieberman to get closer to a 60-vote cloture may be more trouble than help for the Democratic agenda.

Connecticut Democrats should immediately contact Majority Leader Reid, Conference Secretary Murray and Senator Dodd by telephone to express their views before the Caucus decides on Lieberman's status.

Senator Harry Reid (D-NV)
Democratic Majority Leader

528 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-3542 / Fax: 202-224-7327

Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)
Democratic Senate Caucus Secretary
173 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2621
Fax: (202) 224-0238


Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT)
Toll Free: (866) 481-9186 448
Tel: (202) 224-2823 | Fax: (202) 224-1083

End Quote

"If there is any political justice at all, Joe the Bummer will be shown the door by the Democratic leadership for his exuberant, unending and unreserved hostility to the Democratic party. He can do that if he likes but he has zero right to expect to retain his powerful rewards from the Democratic party after working so hard to destroy the party’s chances. Wrong as is he, he should be gone — and good riddance."

from Denis Horgan at www.denishorgan.com November 6