Sunday afternoon the Wilton DTC hosted a party for volunteers which included many of the 4th Congressional District faithful who worked on Democratic candidate campaigns. Fat Cat Pie Company is always an excellent gathering spot for large crowds and did not disappoint with free flowing wine and a nice assortment of cheeses and charcuterie.
There were a few speakers, including Chairwoman of the State Democratic party, Nancy DiNardo, who set the agenda with encouragement to stay involved and start working on municipal races. State Attorney General Dick Blumenthal trumpeted his ranking by Competitive Enterprise Institute as the nation’s worst attorney general and reminded the crowd that he was fighting against the Broadwater Long Island Sound gas terminal. Secretary of State Susan Bysciewicz spoke briefly about the new voting machines that will be deployed for 2007 elections.
But overall this was a get together for campaign volunteers to reminisce about that might have been had Diane Farrell won. In all likelihood many were lamenting the Ned Lamont loss too, but fortunately conversations were mostly focusing on the local stuff that matters. Which is a good thing. Also in attendance, Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, who was warmly greeted by many who think he should have been the Democratic nominee for Governor.
Never far from discussion was the plight of the historical commission amongst local Norwalk Democrats. Todd Bryant, seized the opportunity to complain that I don’t post under my name, especially when writing about him. Obviously, my real life identity is no secret. Todd was offered an opportunity to post anything he would care to here, this is after all a forum for all sides of an issue, but he’d prefer to send caustic emails to advocate his issues instead. Too bad. But after a testy exchange with me, I will repeat what I said to him verbally, he is an asshole. His wife Marija Bryant is a nice person and we chatted briefly about the predicament of the historical commission. She claims that the commission has done many good things, not just the negative things that I’ve documented. She has also been extended an offer to post here.
I spoke to Common Council President Michael Coffey about rumors that he was planning to make a run for mayor. Coffey declined to announce, preventing me from getting a scoop, but otherwise said he was seriously looking into it. Another rumored mayoral candidate, Alex Knopp, made an appearance, kind of like Punxsutawney Phil perhaps indicating that winter is almost over and the campaign for the Democratic nomination is in full season. That might not please irascible Councilman Bill Krummel, who heads the short list of the short minded to make the run for mayor. That would be good pick for the Democrats, if only to free up a council spot (he would step down to run) to someone more in tune with District E.
It will be interesting to see if Norwalk DTC chairwoman Galen Wells, will use this event as the opportunity to reign in the warring factions of the Democratic party, or continue the disastrous laissez-faire course that has the Democratic side of the common council split. When pressed for insight into the common council problems, Coffey declined comment.
