League of Women Voters Cancels Debates Chester Marsh Miffed

League of Women Voters Cancels Debates The League of Women Voters notified the Marsh campaign on Wednesday that they have canceled their 3 planned gubernatorial debates. When at least one of the major candidates declined to participate The League canceled.”This is an unfortunate development for Connecticut’s electorate” says Marsh. Marsh has been invited to participate in 11 debates and forums (now 8) around the state though he is excluded from two of the major televised debates.”My exclusion was prompted by the major party candidates’ refusal to share the televised stage, and the media sponsors caved to their demand. If I am off base, then I encourage both Mr. Malloy and Mr. Foley to publically request my inclusion. If that happens I will apologize for my assertions.

Tom believes that the focus on money, over message, has resulted in several of the major party candidates being weak debaters. Marsh contends “if you have the cash it is easier to lob 30 second grenades at your opponent on radio and TV than debate the issues.” The knock against me is that I don’t have the funding. “A Lack of money is different than a lack of message, and that makes me problematic in a debate”.

Marsh does understand the reality of politics and minor party exclusion is nothing new. Campaign strategy focuses on winning and if it is not in a candidate’s best interest to debate then other tools are used. “We saw however, what happened to Ned Lamont when he refused to debate” Marsh notes.

Finally, to Malloy’s credit, Marsh points out “Dan seems to be willing to participate in the non-televised debates and forums that I am included in. “For example we are both scheduled to participate in the ConnCAN forum on education this coming Monday in Middletown. As far as I know Foley has not responded”. Perhaps the Republicans let the wrong Tom get away.

Tom Marsh Vision Stirs Up Gubernatorial Race

Waging an independent campaign for governor, Tom Marsh doesn't have access to the funding, volunteers and other resources routinely available to major party candidates.

But the Chester first selectman, who abandoned his bid for the GOP nomination three months ago, said there's one advantage to not having to woo party insiders: He can tell voters the truth about the largest budget deficit in state history.

•Facing the budget: Fourth in a series
"You have to adhere to the party rhetoric in order to get the attention of the rabid followers, and that's who makes up the town committees," Marsh said in an interview last week. "I don't think the solutions to the state's problems are going to be found in either party's rhetoric, yet that's the system we have here."

For Marsh, running as the candidate of the Independent Party of Connecticut frees him to talk about solutions he's convinced will infuriate hard-core Democrats or Republicans - and in a few cases both.

It means a higher tax burden, including higher rates for the rich and a modest new contribution from the poor, as well a repeal of some of the myriad tax credits and exemptions for special interests.

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Chester First Selectman Tom Marsh Visits Milford Independents

Chester is a model town in the state of Connecticut, and so is its very proud Republican Mayor Tom Marsh who has the honor of presiding over the states most desirable town. Tom Marsh is currently a Republican seeking the Independent Party nomination to run for Governor.

He attended this evenings Milford Independent Town Committee Meeting along with Dr. Mertens who is also seeking the party nomination for the U.S. Senate. Both Mertens and Marsh were this evenings guest speakers and each spoke as to their unique qualifications for public office.

Mertens indicated that he is "ready to fearlessly confront the nations challenges," and criticized the failed policies of the two party system. Mertens who is a Engineer and teacher by trade, called Obamacare "flawed and is disappointed with the bill in its current form" but has agreed that something has to be done about this nations troubled health system.

He said Obamacare is a "starting point" and it will need serious reform if it will work for the people of Connecticut. Mertens also agreed with Telesca that the 15 state lawsuits challenging Obamacares Constitutionality are good. He and Mike both believes that the courts will make a determination on whether or not the "Commerce Clause" is in fact an issue. Mertens is also sceptical about its legal defeat, as he is of the opinion that the bill may not be un-Constitutional enough to satisfy the courts legal standard.

Mike Telesca, a cancer survivor himself, stated that during his treatment he was faced with severe financial challenges. Telesca said that "the hospital was charging him upward of $20,000.00 a day.." He said "a decision had to be made and I left the hospital many times earlier than I should have so I welcome anything that reforms this system of care."

Tom Marsh, was asked about his vision for Connecticut and quickly pointed out that there is party gridlock in the state Capitol. The Republicans want to stop spending, and the Democrats are under the direction of the unions. Marsh said that the "Current Speaker of The House Chris Donovan has more in common with a labor representative than a representative of the people."

Marsh also criticized Rells leadership, citing that "Hartford has not had any solid leadership in many years." Running as an Independent now, he believes, is the right move, especially with civil unrest and the steady public outcry for change that continues to grow.

Marsh said that he believes Voters will soon realize that there needs to be a "third choice come November" and he is hoping that those disenfranchised voters will be more inclined to vote for him on the Independent line.

Both Marsh and Mertens have websites highlighting their positions and views on state and Federal Issues and encourage everyone to take the time to read what they published. Mertens said that if "every person in Connecticut took take the time to read just the first page on my website I would be elected."

Marsh's website www.marsh2010.com and John Mertens website www.mertens2010.com.

In Washington DC Today

Today was very busy, and productive. The day started in Waterbury where the Milford Independents Joined forces with several other towns around Connecticut and adopted a set of state rules for CT Central. This is the state branch of the Independent Party of which was fomented with the support of Ten other Independent town Committees in the state of Connecticut. The gathering was our first, and everyone was very excited to grow our ranks within the state.

The state Independent Party Announced a prominent First Selectman for the Gubernatorial seat, a candidate for the senate seat, and also other candidates for Congressional seats. Their names will be published as the election press releases are drafted and the candidates have had their opportunity to respond.

The Independents are still seeking candidates for Attorney General, Secretary of state, and other state posts. Anyone interested in running should contact me at my e-mail. Frank@mycomputerfox.com and I will get your credentials to State Central.

Moving on from Waterbury the day then continued on to the nations capitol Washington D.C. where several last ditch efforts are being made to collaborate efforts on some upcoming urgent political issues that I will talk about later.

My lovely step-daughter just spent several days at the U.S. capitol and is also on my agenda while down here. Meanwhile stay tuned, as I look forward to catching up on her lobbying efforts and discussing her experience with our National leaders.

The only notable item worth mentioning at this time is that our Senator Chris Dodd failed to attend a meeting that he agreed to be at. His cancellation arrived on the heels of insider trading by his staff and a new scandal that is further shaming the Democratic Party.

The Kids of the National Youth Leadership Conference were very upset and disappointed with Chris Dodd's failure to keep his promise to attend their meeting.

Milford's Jim Amann Widraws From Race

Milford's Jim Amann has withdrawn from the race for Governor citing heavy competition from popular wealthy Democrats. Including in his words "Ned Lamont who has deep pockets." Amann alleges he cannot compete with the "personal finances" of many of the contenders.

Jim Amanns campaign was riding on the premise that the Citizens election campaign would provide him with 1.5 Million for a primary and another 3.0 Million to run for Governor.

The program was mired in problems that stemmed from a lawsuit that called the program unconstitutional. Last summer a a superior court judge named Underhill agreed and the program has been in a state of legal limbo ever since. Richard Blumenthal filed an appeal, but that appeal is expected to be heard this March and since legislators in Hartford have not acted in a favorable manner the program is expected to fail in its entirety.

Some key state legislators have already pointed out that millions of the the funds have already been redirected toward helping disadvantaged people in Social Services, calling helping the poor a higher priority than funding elections.

Governor Rell made her final plea last month to the state legislature during her State of the State address. She called upon both houses of government to rescue the belabored Citizens Election Program. Rell said that "we have worked tirelessly to limit the influence of special interests, saving public financing must be made an important priority moving forward."

Those words however are not being taken seriously because the number of candidates seeking public funding in the 2010 election cycle is significantly down. The main reason stems on the fact that there is no guarantee that candidates can be successful.

Jim Amman Update

(Press Release From JimAmman.com) The governor’s race in Connecticut is getting more and more interesting by the day.

When Governor M. Jodi Rell announced last month that she would not be seeking re-election, State Sen. Andrew Roraback praised the governor’s years of service and acknowledged the difficulty inherent in the job.

“It’s a tough job, particularly in these economic times,” he said.

That sentiment, though perhaps shared across the board, has not prevented numerous candidates from throwing their hats in the ring. Democrats in particular have been vocal, seeing the office as vulnerable, considering a Democratic majority in both the state house and senate, and the lack of a Republican incumbent.

On the Democratic side, a slew of candidates are taking a stab at the office, some with considerable political experience, like Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, considered by many to be a front runner, some with less, like Ned Lamont, the Harvard grad-turned U.S. Senate hopeful (Lamont was the democratic nominee in 2006, but was defeated by Joe Lieberman).

Democrats, already in a six-way race for the August primary, may see yet more competition, including Comptroller Nancy Wyman. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has said quite plainly that he’s not running for governor “at this time,” although rumors continue to persist.

Bysiewicz is seen as a strong candidate, though millionaire Lamont, heir to the J.P. Morgan fortune (his great-grandfather Thomas W. Lamont was a partner) used a considerable amount of his own funds, estimates ranging as high as $13 million.

Republicans have been less forthcoming, with only two officially announced candidates in the race — former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Tom Foley and current Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele. Still, with nearly a year to go until the general election, more may come out of the woodwork, particularly House GOP leader Larry Cafero, Senate GOP leader John McKinney and Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton.

The fact that so many potential candidates have set up “exploratory committees” has rankled some politicians, particularly Gerry Garcia, Democratic candidate for secretary of the state, said candidates who use exploratory committees, rather than candidate committees, are “gaming” the system by getting around contribution limits.

We are just trying to call everybody out. It’s time to make a decision. ... We are really trying to get people to abide by the spirit of the rules,” said Ricky Baltimore, Garcia’s deputy campaign manager.

Jim Amann, former speaker of Connecticut’s House of Representatives and a Democratic candidate for governor, agreed.

“What is there to explore? We need to get a clear picture of who is in and who is out,” he said. Amann also asked if, when Bysiewicz appears during the day on what are essentially candidate panels, “is she getting paid as secretary of the state?”

Tanya Meck, campaign spokeswoman for Bysiewicz, said that, like other statewide officials, “she gets asked to speak to a lot of groups.”

Numbers Put Malloy And Bysiewicz In Front, Amann Trails

Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy who is exploring a run for governor in 2010 raised $144,135 during the last three months and Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz isn’t far behind having raised $141,005 during that same period.

Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell raised $20,010 over the last three months and since forming her exploratory committee Rell has raised a total of $90,463. Since starting their exploratory committees in February Malloy has raised a total of $272,210 and Bysiewicz has raised a total of $239,530.

It’s unclear at the moment how much former Speaker of the House James Amann has raised. Amann’s campaign manager, Jim McMahon, said Friday that Amann has had one fundraiser to date, but has another half-dozen scheduled over the next few months.

“It’s no longer about fundraising,” McMahon said Friday referring to the new public campaign finance system. “It’s about raising enough money to qualify for the state grant.”

Amann, whose campaign is already out of the exploratory phase is the only declared candidate in the race and as such has to follow different fundraising guidelines than those still in the exploratory phase. Contributors to Amann’s campaign are only allowed to give a maximum of $100, while Malloy, Bysiewicz and Rell can receive contributions of up to $375. However, if they make the transition to a candidate committee only the $5 to $100 contributions will count toward the qualifying amount of $250,000.

Candidates who raise $250,000 are then eligible for $1 million in public funds for the primary and $3 million for the general election.

McMahon said he doesn’t have the final numbers yet, but says Amann has been traveling around the state “solidifying a tremendous amount of support.”

“Our state faces many challenges and I am pleased that so many citizens agree that it is time for real leadership in Hartford,” Bysiewicz said. She said she has traveled the state and visited with close to 70 Democratic Town Committees asking for support for the Democratic nomination next year.

Malloy has visited 62 Democratic Town Committees since forming his exploratory committee in February.

“I’m gratified and energized by this outpouring of financial support as I continue to explore a run for Governor,” Malloy said. “Over the past two quarters, our fundraising has been consistent, steady, and successful.”

C Stewart CT News Junkie. ORIGINAL STORY

Amann Still In Governors Race

Despite a passing mention that he had dropped out of the race for governor in this now-corrected New London Day editorial, a spokesman for former Speaker of the House James Amann said Monday that nothing could be further from the truth.

“Jim Amann for Governor 2010 is coming off a banner week and plans to be attending events all over the state this week as well,” wrote Patrick Scully, Amann’s communications director, in an emailed statement. “Jim has noticed the energy and momentum of the campaign is higher than ever.”

“As he moves forward in the coming months, there will be dozens of media appearances, fundraisers, town committee meetings, endorsements, (eventually debates when the others are done ‘exploring’) and just plain fun local events,” Scully said.

Scully’s statement goes on to say:

As fine a journalist as Morgan McGinley of The Day of New London is, he missed the mark badly on this one and started a political rumor—the type that spreads like wildfire. Ironically, the exact opposite of what Morgan wrote (that Amann has dropped out) is true. Jim Amann is the only declared candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor; the only one who has a headquarters open and operating. He knows Democrats want to nominate a candidate who can win the general election, not the same faces with the same results.

I wish, in the future, Morgan would give me a call. Fact-checking matters. I have been assured by an embarrassed editor at The Day that a correction will run in the print edition and online. They will also print my letter to the editor.

Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy and Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz have also set up exploratory committees to seek the Democratic nomination. Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell has an exploratory committee set up, but has not officially announced her intention to run for re-election.

CT Newsjunkie C. Stewart

Jim Amann Gets "Hooked Up" With Controversial New Job.

Just when many Amman objectors thought "good riddance" to the former Speakers departure from politics a new surprise today. The Connecticut Post announced that the Speaker may have all along confirmed many suspicions and conspired against his colleagues in Hartford by using his former post for personal gain via a shady side deal.

The jaw dropping announcement puts current Speaker Donovan in an "unholy relationship" with his new consultant Jim Amann. While he may think he unwittingly outwitted and outflanked the ethics of his office, many of his colleagues, including top ranking Republicans are speechless this week.

The money trail is clear, $39K as Speaker or $120K as a consultant to the new Speaker. Aside from the fact that this denotes the epitome of Cronyism in the "N-Th" degree I would suggest we remember that Jim has always been at odds with his critics, including some Democrats who drove a hearse to Milford city hall to protest his run for governor.

To remember the past, he involved himself with a criminal gangster Joe Gentile as part of Hollywood East, an unproven debacle that is yet to produce more income than it depletes from our state in tax credits. That not being bad enough he also decided to openly and brazenly play the part of a gangster when he was caught on video speaking about "Crushing" his "Idiot" opponents.

What is even more disconcerting is that Jim still gets 60K out of the MS coffers as a salary for raising money. Some have suggested that donating to his MS charity resulted in favorable legislation. That alleged there is still more mainly the lucritive Three Million Dollar CEF Governor grant, money he may use to run for a Job he has no chance of winning. It is my opinion that he knows this, so the big question is what will happen to this cash, how will it be spent and whose hands will it fall into. Could it be Donovan for helping him out with a high paying job?

Jim may be well on his way for setting himself up for the same criticism that ultimately led to the demise of the John Rowland Administration. Aside from the irregular nature and harsh criticism that his business dealings have drawn he has now proven to the academic community that education is not important in the way of political success, after all a college drop out can become a house Speaker as well as gain employment in a 120K job formerly set aside for true experts with years of study in many disciplines.

Some people, I have spoke with, indicated that Amann has always lacked the mathematical and accounting skills necessary to even understand the states fiscal picture. This criticism came center stage when Jim bilked the taxpayers of $50,000 because a scaffold was in the way of his party spot at the capitol.

Connecticut now mired with billions in debt will be advising our new Speaker on a subject he cannot explain beyond a few simple words. Jim is investing his popularity and charm at the expense of the good people of Connecticut.

For those who are not yet bothered it is important to point out that there is now a real cause for concern. Concern emanating from the effects of the Amann aggregate to the current rampant cronyism. This is surely to stand in the way of true qualified experts dedicated to scientifically fixing the states problems. Connecticut is rich with many talented people, brilliant in the understanding of practices and principles of macroeconomics, taxpayer relations, and balancing budgets.

When states fail to step up the plate and enact the practice of "hooking up their friends" with "sweet jobs" we fall victim to the crippling effects of failing government by way of crippling budget deficits like the ones we see now. These budget deficits are growing every minute of every day and if you wonder where this all leads just read this article it is frightening.

It is all too sad to quote.

Can A School Drop Out Become Governor?

Our Speaker of the House, and my opponent has got to have the biggest "pair" in town. His academic achievement is absolutely baffling and sub-par. Jim Amann also known by many "old timers" in town as the Johnathan Law High School troublemaker created a name for himself the day he set the school on fire.

People who know Jim have characterized him as being a sub par student who had difficulty attaining even the most basic of academic standards. Against the odds, he did graduate from High School even with all the controversy and mischief he was known for there.

He did attend University for a very short time, but for numerous unknown reasons he eventually concluded that college was not "his thing" and decided to quit.

This academic failure on his part raises a very important question on many peoples minds. How can a person who has such a poor educational level, be expected to comprehend in-depth legislation, complex accounting spreadsheets, and even be expected to know how to manage thousands of employees, negotiate contracts based on sound macro-economic principles and be trusted not enslave the population of our state with his mistakes?

Perhaps times were different then, but today most parents (who love their children) would cringe should they discover that their child was a juvenile delinquent whose sole ambition was to quit school. What is more enlightening about our Speaker is that he has a crass, crude vocabulary to match his "sub-par" education.

Amann, as part of his vocabulary, routinely engages others with unprofessional language. These choice words include "Idiot," "HeartOn", "Crush", "Brain-Dead", and many others too inappropriate to mention. Certainly we would not call this progressive under any circumstance. If anything these inappropriate words are an admission of our Speaker's disappointing and unprofessional image as a state legislator.

As if that was not shocking enough, Jim is now getting even more arrogant and grandiose than ever before. Jim, after enraging the the Democrats by ignoring party primary results in the last U.S. Senate race, is demanding that the Democratic Party, the very people he betrayed, support his bid for Governor. Quite sadly, and absent any real choices come 2010, it is entirely possible that CT could have this under educated, insulting, and un-professional man become our next governor.

It is my belief, that should Amann actually win the gubernatorial bid, our state will see his lack of education result in some of the greatest political and economic mistakes ever made in CT. Anyone supporting Amann's bid must be prepared to pay with their own jobs, lives, health and family finances.

Personally I know this to be true based on the fact that his record speaks to his character. We can expect more of the same frustrating, costly trial and error with Amann. We could expect increased potential for corruption, more wasted tax dollars on lavish parties, more opposition and issues with ethics committees, more rude insulting divisive crass language, the introduction and passing of bills that he does not read on fully understand and of gravest concern the constant battle to misappropriate state funds on mundane projects that in debt our state and benefit no one.

Every person in lower Milford needs to band together and send a message this Nov. 2008 that we demand higher standards of both professionalism and academia of our leaders in Hartford. We must speak out with our voice and with a vote for Change. This November vote for Independent leadership not in the clutches of a bickering deceptive party system.

As of today nearly 30% of our state, frustrated with parties, have become registered independents, and yet not one Independent representative exists in Hartford. Voting for me Rocco J. Frank Jr. this Nov. will bring the long overdue Independent voice desperately needed Hartford.

My promise is to never be compromised by energy interests, lobbyists, or any tyrants who come bearing gifts in exchange for favorable policy. Having a great family and loving children, there is nothing more that I desire than to return to you all that you lost. All our children deserve better from our leaders who often are lost to the subversive nature and prevalent corruption that will remain ever present in the annals of government.

Amann's Betrayal Continues To Haunt Him.

Jim Amann thought he would kick off his announcement for Governor with a warm reception and lots of hugs, kisses and congratulations. Unfortunately, a Hearse pulled up in front of city hall with a platoon of protesters.

Jim Amann has sewn the seeds of his own destruction when he decided to "stab his own party in the back." He has gotten so many in the Democratic party so upset over his disloyalty and party disrespect that he has now pitted himself against a hostile Democratic party whom he expects to nominate him for Governor.

This battle ensued when Jim Amann endorsed Joe Lieberman after he lost in a very honorable primary against Ned Lamont. Joe, most remembered for causing Al Gore's election loss, and aggressive stance to instate a Military Draft and wage war with Iran, is Jim Amann's choice of a candidate.

Jim Amann is a tyrant who has driven up our electric rates, opposed ethics in government, wasted millions in tax dollars, and built a list of enemies on the web that rival those of Osama Bin Laden. This Novemeber 2008 I wish for everyone to remember that he said you are an "Idiot" a quote taken from his tyrannical video now featured at the Fourth Anti-Amann website on the net. www.amann2010.com.

Jim Amann must be stopped dead in his tracks if we are to save our state. He has taken part in one of the most egregious acts of wasteful spending and indebtedness in all my memory in this state. Jim has lead a once beautiful sanctuary of a state 16 years ago to a now debt ridden, overtaxed, business exodus resulting in the hardest economic times ever. Jim also takes no responsibility for his part in any of this, and always finds plenty of people to blame. Jim never blames himself for anything! Even when we all can see with our own two eyes that he is acting against the public interest. The largest case in point is how he continues to use his position at his fundraising charity so shake down lobbyists for his personal financial gain. Perhaps there is more to this and that is why he is so adamantly against an ethics panel.

With Jim upping the anti to Governor, it is time to move into high gear and do our part in notifying every person in his district that his "tax and spend" policy will result in higher taxes, more poverty and hardship and possibly the the greatest exodus of this states remaining industry. Jim must be stopped if we care about our state, your childrens future (Now nearly 15 Billion in Debt), and the responsible continuity of government in a positive direction. Talk to your neighbors tell them not to vote for Jim this November and lets send him a message that we are tired of his pompous arrogant "tax and spend" disconnect from our needs.