So it is finally official, Ned Lamont has declared that yes, he really wants to be Governor. Delightfully, and I say that as the pure political junkie that I am, this means all that Lieberman oppo research will now be repurposed. How green is that, in the brouhaha that will be this season’s political prize fight, the Democratic primary? Old rants about the millionaire from Greenwich can now be a 2fer.
Oh sure, the Senate Republican, sure to be a primary, race between Linda “Spandex” McMahon vs. Rob “Zenmaster” Simmons wrestling match is right up there. But that’s old mud. We thrive on new mud. Recycled mud, because, um, we are sustainable or something.
Out of the gates, like a Clinton era war room is the Malloy response:
“The contrast between us couldn’t be any sharper, or the choice more clear. I spent 14 years creating thousands of jobs, balancing budgets, making government more efficient, expanding access to health care, lowering crime rates, building affordable housing, investing in clean energy, and improving transportation systems – without ever losing sight of where I came from or the obstacles I’ve overcome to get here.
“Ned seems to think his millions of dollars and his background as a cable executive are why Democrats should choose him over me. I think he’s wrong. I think Democrats want a nominee who has the right kind of experience for the job.”
And then the Glassman response:
“I look forward to discussing with Ned the many issues that face Connecticut. As a daughter of New Britain who worked my way through school, worked at the state Capitol and became the First Selectman of Simsbury, I know that the issues that face our state are as diverse as our communities. The people of Connecticut want jobs, a state budget that requires us to live with in our means, and leadership from the Governor’s office. This is a time in our state when the most valuable currency is experience and ideas. That’s what I bring to the race.”
“I don’t have a lot of money, but I do have a lot of ideas. Public financing gives me the opportunity to serve. I am proud of what Connecticut has done to equalize the playing field, because no office should be up for sale. Most people in Connecticut aren’t millionaires, they work for a living and so do I. The Democratic Party has always represented these people and I believe Democrats need to be certain our candidate will continue to represent all of Connecticut and not just a moneyed few. That is one of our biggest contrasts to Tom Foley.”
So there you have it. Ned Lamont is a millionaire like Tom Foley, wait did Glassman break a rule by actually mentioning a Republican candidate? Oh those back handed, carefully crafted pressers … this is going to be a good political season.
But lest we forget, the Courant covers the Lamon announcement and sort of shows why Ned Lamont just isn’t ready for life in the pros.
In a 17-minute speech to a cheering, standing-room-only crowd on the first floor of the historic Old State House in downtown Hartford, Lamont pointed directly to Sikorsky Aircraft’s decision to move engineering jobs to Bozeman, Mont., after they were recruited by the Democratic governor of that state.
“Why, Connecticut, are we losing out to Bozeman?,” Lamont asked. “We have the best women’s basketball team in the world. They don’t lose to anybody, and we’re losing to Bozeman. What would Coach Geno say? Go on offense.”
Well, Ned, if you’re going to try and keep jobs in Connecticut, havin the best women’s basketball team in the world sure doesn’t sound like a pitch on a skilled workforce does it?
As governor, Lamont said that he would be the chief economic development officer and would be personally involved in recruiting and retaining jobs, particularly high-paying jobs.
Ned Lamont, losing to Bozeman, one line at a time.