Has this been reported in the local press?
Democrats comprise nine of the 10 most cash-rich challengers to incumbents of the opposite party, according to a CQ Politics .... The large cash-on-hand totals posted by these Democrats are one sign party officials are hopeful of a number of seat takeovers in November.
The challenger with the most cash-on-hand is Connecticut Democrat Jim Himes, a former investment banker who has $1.4 million on hand as of July...
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
CT-04 challenger Lee Whitnum: "Give the Taliban Back Their Country"
Well, Monday was a lot of fun. 1). I had the privilege of being in the Green Room with Neil Vigdor and CTBob during the taping of Channel 12's twenty-five minute Himes-Whitnum debate. 2). I was also allowed to attend a $10-$20 Greenwich fundraiser for Whitnum held upstairs at the Ginger Man, graciously hosted by Wesley Oler IV, a local Republican. (Republicans seem to favor Whitnum over Himes, btw.) 3). I was the recipient of a hand-delivered copy of Ms. Whitnum's overdue 2nd quarter campaign report, which Ms. Whitnum finally filed with the FEC.
In terms of the full debate, all I can say is that Lisa Lee didn't disappoint. First she went on about how her #1 issue is jobs, (I hope she finds one for herself), and how she didn't like Mr. Himes middle class tax relief plan, since the unemployed don't benefit much from tax credits, which is certainly true.
On TV, Lee also called for two deportation officers for every town in the district because if we just got rid of all the immigrants, legal and illegal, well Ms. Whitnum might regain that computer job she lost eight years ago...
Finally, in an obvious attempt to snag CT Green Party support, she attacked our presumed Dem nominee Jim Himes, for having made a single fact-finding trip to Israel. Yes, the mind of Whitnum seems to think the 48hr trip was required by AIPAC, such that Himes could make a ritual pact with that devil, -otherwise known as the democratic state of Israel.
But the highlight of this post has got to be Ms. Whitnum talking about how we shouldn't have invaded Afghanistan, because you know, the Taliban weren't that bad. Sure the women have to dress from head to toe, sure they can't vote, can't work, can't read. But don't you know America had its own Victorian period, and the Taliban aren't jihadists, they're just fundamentalist farmers, and after all even Osama Bin Laden suggested we should leave them alone. (I shit you not.)
Anyway, without further ado, Lee Whitnum on foreign policy:
And on Israel:
Finally Himes on the Constitution, and Whitnum fumes against bloggers:
In terms of the full debate, all I can say is that Lisa Lee didn't disappoint. First she went on about how her #1 issue is jobs, (I hope she finds one for herself), and how she didn't like Mr. Himes middle class tax relief plan, since the unemployed don't benefit much from tax credits, which is certainly true.
On TV, Lee also called for two deportation officers for every town in the district because if we just got rid of all the immigrants, legal and illegal, well Ms. Whitnum might regain that computer job she lost eight years ago...
Finally, in an obvious attempt to snag CT Green Party support, she attacked our presumed Dem nominee Jim Himes, for having made a single fact-finding trip to Israel. Yes, the mind of Whitnum seems to think the 48hr trip was required by AIPAC, such that Himes could make a ritual pact with that devil, -otherwise known as the democratic state of Israel.
But the highlight of this post has got to be Ms. Whitnum talking about how we shouldn't have invaded Afghanistan, because you know, the Taliban weren't that bad. Sure the women have to dress from head to toe, sure they can't vote, can't work, can't read. But don't you know America had its own Victorian period, and the Taliban aren't jihadists, they're just fundamentalist farmers, and after all even Osama Bin Laden suggested we should leave them alone. (I shit you not.)
Anyway, without further ado, Lee Whitnum on foreign policy:
And on Israel:
Finally Himes on the Constitution, and Whitnum fumes against bloggers:
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Vote for Lee! She needs a job!
Lee Whitnum's 2008 Personal Financial Disclosure, filed with the House of Representatives, reveals that she is essentially unemployed.
A quick break-down of her 2007 earned income, in its totality (less than $4,200 in all):
A quick break-down of her 2007 earned income, in its totality (less than $4,200 in all):
- $2,414 Board of Ed-- (substitute teaching)
- $ 285 Great Stuff
- $ 815 Home Depot
- $ 665 First Choice Staffing
Granted another blogger points out Ms. Whitnum brought in somewhere between $10-15,000 in unearned income. But I'm curious as to how she manages to afford Greenwich on seemingly less than $20,000/year? Is Lee hypocritically living off of inherited family wealth, at the same time she labels Jim Himes, "out of touch".
The blogging community should place bets as to when the Greenwich Time, the Stamford Advocate, the Norwalk Hour, and the Connecticut Post will share with their readers and soon to be voters the following pertinent information about Ms. Whitnum:
- 1) She’s essentially unemployed.
- 2) The FEC has put her on notice for Failure to File her campaign finance reports. UPDATED: on Monday 7/28 Lee Whitnum filed her delinquent report, showing that she paid over $5000 to "volunteers" to help gather the 2500 signatures needed to make the ballot and force a primary.
- 3) She spent "a couple of thousand dollars" paying canvassers to help her collect signatures, (which explains #2, she’s hiding that ugly truth.)
- 4) In reality LeeWhitnum2008 is a one-woman show, plus a website.
- 5) Cycle-to-date she’s raised all of $200!
How can the 4th's print media continue to report as if Ms. Whitnam has genuine support and legitimacy?
Well, as we head into the final two weeks before the August 12th primary, we must hope that the district's journalists will come to their senses and let their readers know the truth. Whitnum isn't ready to be dog-catcher, let alone handle the job of Congresswoman.
If the papers don't snap to, we may need to do a call-in campaign, directly to the editors. I mean imagine if Jim Himes or Chris Shays were cited by the FEC for failing to file their finance reports. Or if it turned out Himes resume was sheer puffery! The dailies would be all over them. I think...
Friday, July 25, 2008
CQ Politics -- This race is a toss-up!
CQ Politics reports Key House Races Shift in Democrats' Favor. No Kidding!
"Connecticut’s 4th (New Rating: No Clear Favorite. Previous Rating: Leans Republican). Rep. Christopher Shays ’ ability to withstand strong Democratic challenges even in unfavorable national climates led CQ Politics initially to rate this race as Leans Republican, but former investment banker Jim Himes is expected to present a serious challenge that will be aided by coattails from the presidential race. Diane Farrell, the former first selectwoman of Westport, was a strong candidate against Shays in 2004 and 2006, losing by less than 5 points each time. Turnout was relatively low in this southwestern district’s largest city, Bridgeport, in 2006 but should be higher in 2008. Thirty percent of the city’s residents are black and increased turnout for presumed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama could boost the Democratic ticket down ballot and help push Himes to a win. Both candidates are well funded for the contest; each raised more than $2 million as of June 30. Shays reported $1.7 million on hand by the end of June while Himes had $1.4 million by the same date."
"Connecticut’s 4th (New Rating: No Clear Favorite. Previous Rating: Leans Republican). Rep. Christopher Shays ’ ability to withstand strong Democratic challenges even in unfavorable national climates led CQ Politics initially to rate this race as Leans Republican, but former investment banker Jim Himes is expected to present a serious challenge that will be aided by coattails from the presidential race. Diane Farrell, the former first selectwoman of Westport, was a strong candidate against Shays in 2004 and 2006, losing by less than 5 points each time. Turnout was relatively low in this southwestern district’s largest city, Bridgeport, in 2006 but should be higher in 2008. Thirty percent of the city’s residents are black and increased turnout for presumed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama could boost the Democratic ticket down ballot and help push Himes to a win. Both candidates are well funded for the contest; each raised more than $2 million as of June 30. Shays reported $1.7 million on hand by the end of June while Himes had $1.4 million by the same date."
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Is this Electioneering?
I don't know if Shays office is violating the Hatch Act, but certainly they're guilty of "Election Year-ing!"
From the Darien edition of the ConnPost/Brooks Community News conglomerate:
From the Darien edition of the ConnPost/Brooks Community News conglomerate:
With elections less than four months away, U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, (R-4) is doubling the amount of "field office" meetings, .....
On Tuesday morning, Darien citizens were able to take advantage of the additional meetings as they were given a chance to sit down with Christopher Catropa, Shays' constituents service assistant, in Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to discuss topics they felt the congressman should know about.
According to Catropa, Shays recently decided to increase the amount of field office meetings to twice a week -- on Tuesdays and Fridays -- as a "proactive" means to develop a more personal relationship with his constituents. "It's a way for us, as a Congressional office, to connect with our constituents in a very real way," he said.
Is the increased field presence just coincidental? Or is it directly related to campaign season?
Luckily the twenty-one year incumbent gets the benefit of the doubt. After all Chris Shays' roses really smell like .... roses.
UPDATED: July Field Offices & Hours, Aug Field Offices & Hours
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Himes to announce plan for Middle Class tax cuts?
Yes, and soon according to what he said last night. Can't wait for Himes' proposal.
By comparison, over at Project Vote Smart, Shays indicates that he wants to maintain our current taxation across incomes, except for the really rich. Shays' stated views on which taxes should be lowered: slightly decrease corporate income taxes, slightly decrease the capital gains tax, (meaning even further), and greatly decrease the inheritance tax, which I take to mean doing away with it altogether.
As a side note, it's interesting that Shays wants to increase spending across the board, except for agricultural spending and a national missile defense.
Combining the two, does that make Chris Shays a borrow and spend Republican? It sure seems to!
PS-- Does anyone know how to capture a screen page? The recent past suggests that Chris will soon changes his answers on this "political courage test", what now that I've pointed them out.
8/2/08-- UPDATED: Sure enough, I was right. In Shays' new 2008 VoteSmart questionnaire, he totally flip-flops on universal health care, and on middle-class tax cuts. Imagine that!
By comparison, over at Project Vote Smart, Shays indicates that he wants to maintain our current taxation across incomes, except for the really rich. Shays' stated views on which taxes should be lowered: slightly decrease corporate income taxes, slightly decrease the capital gains tax, (meaning even further), and greatly decrease the inheritance tax, which I take to mean doing away with it altogether.
As a side note, it's interesting that Shays wants to increase spending across the board, except for agricultural spending and a national missile defense.
Combining the two, does that make Chris Shays a borrow and spend Republican? It sure seems to!
PS-- Does anyone know how to capture a screen page? The recent past suggests that Chris will soon changes his answers on this "political courage test", what now that I've pointed them out.
8/2/08-- UPDATED: Sure enough, I was right. In Shays' new 2008 VoteSmart questionnaire, he totally flip-flops on universal health care, and on middle-class tax cuts. Imagine that!
Whitnum Stalking Himes??
Apparently so.
Jim Himes is doing a seventeen day "Listening & Leading Tour" through the 4th's seventeen towns, and Lisa Lee Whitnum keeps showing up in the audience.
The campaign reports that Whitnum has appeared at five of the eight campaign stops so far. I saw her last night in at the Fairfield Library, and it was.... well, strange.
Nothing happened. She lurked in the hall, and then after awhile sat quietly in the back. Sometimes she looked bored, sometimes petulant, sometimes almost asleep. (I've got a short video clip, which might come later.) But no demand for a debate, no calling Himes out on some pet issue, no uproar, nothing. Perhaps she's just waiting for a TV crew and camera?
At the end of the forum, Gentleman Jim actually introduced her to the audience of about fifty. I thought that the leading candidate was exceedingly polite, and somehow he referenced Lee in a manner that didn't come off as patronizing.
For the record, I wanted desperately to interview her, to ask her why she was running, what she thought her chances were of success, and about her missing FEC filings. (and also about the weird debate she scheduled and announced, before some of the proposed participants even knew about it.)
But literally Whitnum fled the moment the event was over, without talking to a soul. I hope it wasn't my camera.
To be honest, I've got mixed feelings about Ms. Whitnum. On one hand as a Democrat I wonder if she's doing more harm than good, and I resent the time and expense that will be wasted on a meaningless primary. On the other hand I kind of feel sorry for her. One woman on a self-inflicted crusade for something...
Jim Himes is doing a seventeen day "Listening & Leading Tour" through the 4th's seventeen towns, and Lisa Lee Whitnum keeps showing up in the audience.
The campaign reports that Whitnum has appeared at five of the eight campaign stops so far. I saw her last night in at the Fairfield Library, and it was.... well, strange.
Nothing happened. She lurked in the hall, and then after awhile sat quietly in the back. Sometimes she looked bored, sometimes petulant, sometimes almost asleep. (I've got a short video clip, which might come later.) But no demand for a debate, no calling Himes out on some pet issue, no uproar, nothing. Perhaps she's just waiting for a TV crew and camera?
At the end of the forum, Gentleman Jim actually introduced her to the audience of about fifty. I thought that the leading candidate was exceedingly polite, and somehow he referenced Lee in a manner that didn't come off as patronizing.
For the record, I wanted desperately to interview her, to ask her why she was running, what she thought her chances were of success, and about her missing FEC filings. (and also about the weird debate she scheduled and announced, before some of the proposed participants even knew about it.)
But literally Whitnum fled the moment the event was over, without talking to a soul. I hope it wasn't my camera.
To be honest, I've got mixed feelings about Ms. Whitnum. On one hand as a Democrat I wonder if she's doing more harm than good, and I resent the time and expense that will be wasted on a meaningless primary. On the other hand I kind of feel sorry for her. One woman on a self-inflicted crusade for something...
Monday, July 21, 2008
Hanging by a thread?
If you're Congressman Chris Shays, you're probably not having a fun summer.
For the third cycle in a row you're fighting for your life, this time as the last Republican Congressman in New England. Besides the heat of campaign season, (yeah, it's hot out there), you're facing a Presidential voting cycle in which the Democrats now control Congress, an Obama wave threatens, and your opponent is a younger, well-funded and in many ways more attractive challenger.
On your side you have 21 years in Washington, D.C., more campaign money, a reputation as a moderate bi-partisan, (which this blog will challenge), generally favorable media coverage, and perhaps a secret weapon in Joe Lieberman.
But the fact is it won't take much to topple the incumbent, and both Himes and Shays knows it. Will Chris Shays soon be following Nancy Johnson into retirement? Could be. And once again Connecticut matters in the national political equation.
Here are the SOTS' election results from the last two contests. Readers can do their own math.
2004 4th CD Results:
Shays 152,493 52.43%
Farrell 138,333 47.57%
2006 4th CD Results:
Shays 106,510 50.96%
Farrell 99,450 47.58%
This contest will obviously hinge on turn-out.
For the third cycle in a row you're fighting for your life, this time as the last Republican Congressman in New England. Besides the heat of campaign season, (yeah, it's hot out there), you're facing a Presidential voting cycle in which the Democrats now control Congress, an Obama wave threatens, and your opponent is a younger, well-funded and in many ways more attractive challenger.
On your side you have 21 years in Washington, D.C., more campaign money, a reputation as a moderate bi-partisan, (which this blog will challenge), generally favorable media coverage, and perhaps a secret weapon in Joe Lieberman.
But the fact is it won't take much to topple the incumbent, and both Himes and Shays knows it. Will Chris Shays soon be following Nancy Johnson into retirement? Could be. And once again Connecticut matters in the national political equation.
Here are the SOTS' election results from the last two contests. Readers can do their own math.
2004 4th CD Results:
Shays 152,493 52.43%
Farrell 138,333 47.57%
2006 4th CD Results:
Shays 106,510 50.96%
Farrell 99,450 47.58%
This contest will obviously hinge on turn-out.
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