The Hour digs into the presidential race today with a survey of local political flunkies and their thoughts on the presidential candidates. No daring revelations here, although Galen Wells’ continues her record of impolitic statements with this gem:
Galen Wells, Democratic Town Committee chairwoman, said the majority of the 35-member committee, including herself, had voted several months ago to back Dodd. She described Dodd as “Connecticut’s favorite,” while at the same time questioning if he had “a realistic bid for the presidency.”
“I really do like and respect what Dodd has done. Now I have to make another decision. There are reasons why I like Hillary, Obama and Edwards,” Wells said. “Democrats are now going to have to decide, I’m going to have to decide personally whom I will vote for in February. I’m sure the people have other preferences as well, and there is time to see how the other primaries work out.”
Doing a better job in rah-rah for Democrats is former Council President Mike Coffey.
Among those supporting Clinton is former Common Councilman Michael W. Coffey.
Coffey said Clinton has a record of accomplishment, solutions and, as a U.S. senator, has worked with members of both political parties.
“That’s what you need to do to be successful. You need to talk to people, you need to listen and you need to translate that into accomplishment,” Coffey said.
Coffey, however, also praised other Democratic candidates.
“The entire field of the Democratic presidential candidates is a testament to the diversity of the Democratic Party,” Coffey said.
State Rep Larry Cafero props up the twice divorced, thrice married, promoter of love shacks extraordinaire, (on the tax payers dime) Rudy Giulliani.
Two leading Norwalk Republicans, Mayor Richard A. Moccia and state Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-142, minority leader, are backing Giuliani.
“The times we live in call for a president who needs to be ready to lead immediately, and, therefore, they need leadership and executive experience,” said Cafero, co-chairman of Giuliani’s campaign in Connecticut. “If you look over the field of candidates, there are very few that have had that experience, either as governor or mayor, and Rudy is one of those.”
Um yes, let’s back someone who led by recommending the newly indicted Bernard Kerik as Homeland Security Director, after his stint as NYPD police commissioner.
Moccia traces Giuliani’s popularity among some Norwalk Republican’s to the city’s proximity to New York, and also to the former mayor’s personality.
“The next president has got to be someone who is very strong and very assertive, and is willing to take the risks sometimes that are necessary to be a strong leader, and I think Rudy is going to do that,” Moccia said. “As far as the other candidates, I follow Ronald Reagan’s rule: I don’t believe in criticizing Republicans in public. I think each of them bring their strengths.”
Reagan’s rule is a good one, if your a political flunkie. As a former fan of Rudy, dating to his NYC mayor role, I can unequivocally say that Giulliani’s judgement as evidenced by his preference for personal gain over the duties of public service do not belong in the White House.
Jeffrey M. Konspore, Republican Town Committee chairman, said he hasn’t decided.
“I’m impressed by Rudy Giuliani for his actions, especially after Sept. 11. He’s shown a lot of leadership abilities,” McCain[sic] said. “John McCain, I’ve been impressed by his maverick style and his ability to stay above the fight and being focused on getting things accomplished in Washington.”
Thankfully not support for the “vertical” politics of Huckabee here.
source: The Hour, City politicos realign support after Iowa results, By Robert Koch, January 5, 2007
