4th Street News...

Twas the night before the primary...

2008-08-12T13:06:00.013-04:00

I visited Lee Whitnum's campaign headquarters last night in an attempt to score some schwag for my growing collection.

Well, it took me a little while to locate the office, but at about 8:15pm I did arrive at 457 East Main Street. (B'port has two main streets, FYI.)

What did I encounter? A bustle of activity? Well, not quite. In fact there wasn't anyone home.

Perhaps everyone was out knocking on doors? Putting up signs for election day? In a secret meeting drafting the details of Lee Whitnum's victory speech?

Peeking inside, this is what I found:

An empty room, except for two folding tables and one chair. No desks, no maps, no phones, no Lee Whitnum, and no volunteers. And sadly no schwag....

Dan Malloy Blasts Whitnum for Anti-Semitic Views

2008-08-11T19:00:00.016-04:00

This afternoon Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy spoke out against an anti-Israel editorial written by Lee Whitnum, and published in the Sunday editions of both the Greenwich Time and the Stamford Advocate.

Remarkably, the editorial was included in the Op-Ed pages of the print editions only, and is not available online. (I am trying to get a PDF.)

The Greenwich Post describes the editorial:

Ms. Whitnum, who has made several past statements critical of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), stated that the group was “instrumental” in getting the United States to invade Iraq and that the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks were retaliation by Al-Qaeda for America’s close relationship with Israel

Ms. Whitnum accused AIPAC of “influence peddling” with politicians, including her primary opponent, Mr. Himes, who recently went on a trip to Israel. Ms. Whitnum charged that AIPAC paid for it and that the group now has Mr. Himes “in it’s pocket.” Mr. Himes has denied that AIPAC had anything to do with the trip and has criticized Ms. Whitnum for her remarks about Israel and the Sept. 11 attacks calling them “abominable.”

Dan Malloy's response at today's press conference:

On Monday, Mr. Malloy, a Himes supporter, took it further, directly labeled Ms. Whitnum’s comments as anti-Semitic, saying she was invoking “age-old stereotypes of Jewish media control in her attacks on Himes.”"

"Later he added “To claim that Israel is somehow to blame for 9-11 is deeply disturbing and quite frankly belies a disturbed sense that Ms. Whitnum has. I also have come to the conclusion that her statements are unfortunately anti-Semitic in their nature.”"

All I can say is thank you Mayor Malloy. I understand that the Hearst papers have bent over backwards to give Ms. Whitnum the benefit of the doubt, but enough is enough. Tomorrow will be a welcome end to her anti-Immigrant, anti-Israel ranting.

Here for the record books is YouTube video of her debate remarks about "the reason we had 9/11".

Jim Himes' Primary Day Schedule...

2008-08-11T18:44:00.004-04:00

This is Jim Himes' intended schedule for tomorrow. I'm trying to get Ms. Whitnum's, and will update if I do.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12th

6:15am - 6:45am: Jim and Mary Himes will vote at their polling place:
Central Middle School
9 Indian Rock Lane
Greenwich
Map

7:15am - 10:00am: Jim Himes will greet voters at Blackham School in Bridgeport:
Blackham School
425 Thorme Street
Bridgeport
Map

12:00pm - 1:00pm: Jim Himes will greet voters at Park City Magnet School in Bridgeport:
Park City Magnet School
1526 Chopsey Hill Road
Bridgeport
Map

5:00pm - 8:00pm: Jim Himes will greet voters at Blackham School in Bridgeport:
Blackham School
425 Thorme Street
Bridgeport
Map

8:30pm - 10:30pm: Jim Himes will join supporters to watch primary results:
Black Bear Saloon
80 Washington Street
Norwalk
Map

Shays Says "All of the Above" to Big Energy

2008-08-08T21:34:00.011-04:00

(Chris Shays' twin-SUV driveway.)

A desperate GOP is waging the mother of all election year charades.

Okay, I'm a little taken aback by Congressman Shays' appearance at the GOP's "Don't Go" stunt on Wednesday. You know, the sit-in the House Republicans are currently staging at the nation's Capitol, to demand that Speaker Pelosi cancel the August recess, so Congress can vote on emergency energy give-aways. (that will do nothing in the short-term.)

Being that Chris is such an up-the-middle kind of guy, (yeah, right), I was suprised to see him protesting with so many rabid partisans, engaging in the basest kind of political theater. Attacking Pelosi's book tour? Pretty low class. Calling her Marie Antoinette? Egads. Suggesting Democrats are anti-energy, when Republicans controlled and wrote our energy policy from 1994-2006? Despicable.

Yet there was Chris Shays, smack-dab in the middle of it. Well actually standing front-and-center, backing up his buddy, the ultra-partisan Newt Gingrich, with the GOP's premier young attack dog, Adam Putnam, (R-FL), handling the introductions!

Watch the video. It is ground-shattering. Mr. Environmental suddenly saying, "All of the Above!" to Big Energy's lame-duck agenda, and arguing that we should drill for gas off the New England coast!?

More later. I need a break. Just understand, this week was huge. And I wonder if Shays' latest flip-flop isn't being fueled by a need for campaign cash....

The Stamford Advocate, Responsibly States the Obvious...

2008-08-06T18:28:00.003-04:00

Lee Whitnum is not a viable candidate.

Pick Jim Himes to run in the 4th
The Advocate -- 08/06/2008

"...some of her positions, once opened to scrutiny of a campaign proper, would dismiss her as a viable candidate.

Her hard-line on immigration can best be described as extreme. And then there are statements like: "I say we give the Taliban back their country," which she made during a televised debate with Mr. Himes.

That, we believe, speaks for itself, as does her blaming the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States' overarching support for Israel. "We are the problem here," she has said."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unfortunately the county's newspapers continue to omit any mention of the pitiful state of Ms. Whitnum's campaign, -- the scant $200 in contributions, the late filing of her FEC disclosures, her having doled out $5000+ for signature collecting, her lack of any public events, her weird appearances at many of Jim Himes' forums, and the noticeable and nearly complete absence of any true supporters. Also, the papers have not done due diligence when it comes to a fair examination of Lee Whitnum's resume. Instead they leave the district's voting Democrats completely unaware of the fact that the woman they might vote for next week has been essentially unemployed since the beginning of 2006. (which fact wouldn't remain in the background were Ms. Whitnum to somehow win!)

But the Stamford Advocate's verdict of "Not Viable", is correct. And in this dearth of media coverage at least they weighed in. Will the Connecticut Post and the Norwalk Hour follow suit?

Lee Whitnum's First, and Hopefully Only, Campaign Ad

2008-08-06T17:32:00.005-04:00

To date, Lee Whitnum's campaign seems to be solely about taking whacks at Jim Himes on both Immigration and Israel. And it kind of makes you wonder if there isn't a Republican operative behind her efforts. (the question is did the $10,000 used for signature gathering and this ridiculous ad actually come from Ms. Whitnum? Her Personal Financial Disclosures, from 2006 & 2007, show an incredibly bleak financial picture. In 2006 she was on unemployment, and in 2007 she earned less than $4200. Are Republicans like Wesley Oler, who hosted her one and only fundraiser, pushing Ms. Whitnum's candidacy?)

Luckily, it doesn't matter.

Just for laughs, check out Ms. Whitnum's latest ad, which I hesitate to give any play to, but oh, what the heck. (And note before viewing that Ms. Whitnum is flat out wrong in her assertion that AIPAC paid for Himes' July trip to the Mid-East.)

Lee Whitnum says "Greenwich Time Blunders..."

2008-08-03T20:40:00.011-04:00

Add the local print media to the list of those Whitnum attacks via her website.

First Jim Himes, then those of us who blog, and now the Greenwich Time's Neil Vigdor. (Hey Mr. Vigdor, welcome to the club.)

Frankly, if I were Lee Whitnum I'd stop and consider just how much of a free pass the press has given her in terms of what's not been written about the state of her campaign and resume. How many Dems will enter the voting booth a week from Tuesday, informed of most of this? (you know, that Lee's essentially unemployed, that she paid over $5000 to obtain the 2500 signatures needed to make the ballot, that she's raised less than $500 cycle-to-date, that she hasn't a campaign office, and that it took Republicans to throw her only fundraiser? And oh yeah, that instead of having campaign events of her own, she stalked Jim Himes on his district tour!)

Anyway, copied directly from LeeWhitnum2008's Media and Editorials page: (Subject to change!)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRESS BLUNDERS:

"Every reporter has gotten it wrong.

Greenwich Time, August 3, 2008: Neil Vigdor did the worst damage. Regarding whether we should attack Iran if they attack Israel. Of COURSE - if it is legitimate. I do not believe in abandoning an ally or avoid defending an ally to appease Muslim fundamentalists. Neil wrote: "Whitnum has criticized that stance saying the U.S. Needs to look after itself and avoid inflaming Muslim extremists." I never said ANYTHING like that. Read my Israel link. I'm talking about not believing the propaganda of a country that may have an agenda (ready my Israel link - have we forgotten Iraq). My complaint was that we have politicians like Himes, who believe spin without believing our own National Security Estimate of 16 spy organization that said Iran had abandoned his nuclear weapon program. Vigdor missed the point.

Even the few interviews I've had with mainstream press have been inaccurate - something I allegedly said five years ago should not be incorporated in a current article as if it were stated yesterday. They do it for sensationalism.

If you want to know the truth please send me an email and ask me. Seriously consider whether you should support a wimpy candidate like Himes, who hires anonymous bloggers to malign a member of his own party."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the record, this semi-anonymous blogger is still waiting on that check which Lee Whitnum says Jim Himes promised.

P.S. here is today's article which caused Lee's latest blow-up: "Congressional candidates offer varying views on issues".

CQ Politics: Himes is Country's Best-Funded Challenger with $1.4 Million Cash on Hand

2008-07-31T16:41:00.010-04:00

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...

CT-04 challenger Lee Whitnum: "Give the Taliban Back Their Country"

2008-07-30T15:28:00.019-04:00

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:

Vote for Lee! She needs a job!

2008-07-26T23:26:00.009-04:00

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):

$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...

CQ Politics -- This race is a toss-up!

2008-07-25T05:16:00.007-04:00

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."

Shays' Campaign Caught Lying about "Independence"

2008-07-24T18:26:00.039-04:00

Congressman Christopher Shays (R-4th) attended a Fourth of July gathering at the home of Tom and Vicki Derderian in Redding. From left are First Selectman Natalie Ketcham; Selectman Don Takacs; Ward Mazzucco, Redding Republican Town Committee chair; Vicki Derderian; Tom Derderian, Mr. Shays’ local campaign coordinator; and Mr. Shays. — Amy Derderian photo

Yes, the campaign of "independent" Congressman Chris Shays is quickly reminding me of the lie-filled campagin of Joe Lieberman. And yes, I'm surprised the district's press buys in so easily. Has twenty-one years of incumbency resulted in too much coziness?

Below is the letter to the editor which was submitted by "independent voter" Amy Derderian of Redding, and then published (un-checked) last week in the Stamford Advocate. See how quickly you can locate the problem:

Shays to be Needed
To the Editor:
As a college student and independent voter, I support the re-election of Congressman Christopher Shays. (.....)

I was impressed to hear about the independent approach he takes in his positions on issues facing our country and how he attempts to work with members of both parties in Congress in order to do what is in the best interest of our country.
Congressman Shays has clearly compiled an excellent record of service to our country as well as to the people of his district. He's been a leader in Washington on issues relating to homeland security, national defense, the environment, education and many other areas, and has also helped bring much federal support to our communities.
I think our district and our country are fortunate to have a representative with the character, knowledge and experience of Christopher Shays, and it is important to keep someone with these in Congress, especially with a new president coming into office.
Amy Derderian, Redding, CT.

As I was reading Ms. Derderian's letter, right out of the gate there was this huge-ass flag. "As a college student and an independent voter..."

Now wouldn't any discerning person quickly think to themselves, "Is she really independent?" Because, of course, how many "independent" voters write letters to the editor on behalf of a candidate?A quick Google of [Derderian + Shays] reveals the non-surprise that the college student's father is a campaign coordinator for Chris Shays!

Shame on Tom Derderian and the Shays' campaign for using Tom's daughter as a shill. (Admittedly, there is some small chance Amy did this completely on her own.)

Is this Electioneering?

2008-07-23T15:42:00.016-04:00

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:

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

Himes to announce plan for Middle Class tax cuts?

2008-07-22T15:28:00.009-04:00

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!

Whitnum Stalking Himes??

2008-07-22T14:07:00.006-04:00

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...

Hanging by a thread?

2008-07-21T23:00:00.003-04:00

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.