spazeboy

New Britain DTC Meeting 6/22

One of the hopefully long-term side effects of Ned Lamont’s candidacy is that more people will get involved and stay involved in politics at the local and state levels. Were it not for Ned Lamont’s inspiring campaign, I would not have been at the New Britain Democratic Town Committee (DTC) last night. I’m glad I was, and I have some “happenings” from that meeting to report.

One major candidate was present last night, a fine gentleman by the name of Chris Murphy. By running for Nancy Johnson’s seat in the House of Representatives from Connecticut’s 5th, Murphy has his work cut out for him…but I’m convinced that he is up to the task. The man is articulate, impressive, endearing and inspiring–truly the kind of fresh young face we need to represent Connecticut. I mean to say “fresh young face” in a good way, because he’s certainly accomplished quite a bit as a State Senator for the past several years. No pressure or anything, but as Murphy himself mentioned when he rose to speak, the whole country is watching this close congressional race as an indicator of whether the Democrats can take back the House this year!

One candidate for governor sent a representative to speak. The district coordinator (I’m not certain that’s his actual title) for New Britain and eight other towns from John DeStefano’s campaign spoke to the committee for a couple of minutes. In my mind, the most noteworthy thing he said was that he is a veteran and if he weren’t already working for DeStefano he’d be working for Ned Lamont. New Haven Mayor John DeStefano is running in a contested primary against Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy. I’m leaning toward DeStefano, and when he wins the August 8th Primary will probably try to make some time to volunteer for him.

Joe Lieberman was rumored to be in New Britain for one of his infamous publicity stunts, but important business apparently kept him in Washington. That’s too bad, because he was also going to speak to the New Britain DTC. I can’t blame him for chickening out, New Britain did give Lamont the highest number of votes at the convention: 24. Fortunately, one of his staff members (possibly one who knew or recognized me?) was there and spoke briefly. Due to general lack of preparedness, I did not have any audio or video recording equipment going at the time, something for which I could almost never forgive myself. Then again, I didn’t blow an opportunity as bad as my friend CTBob did…so I’ll consider myself forgiven. Here’s what the kid basically said:

• Lieberman just opened an office in New Britain (He also recited the address, which I thought would be on Joe’s website…he probably doesn’t have the bandwidth for a list of local offices).
• Lieberman looks forward to running on his record (Obviously why Lieberman has already put out two negative ads attacking Lamont. One that he wasted a chunk of change on for TV airtime, and one that he put on his website so everybody in the world could see how shitty it was)
• Lieberman looks forward to earning every vote in New Britain, even changing a few (from Lamont, I presume). Seeming to acknowledge the fact that he was in New Britain, this youngster added five words that I will never forget: “That’s probably not gonna happen“

Damn right, kiddo. Joe’s going to have a hell of a time in New Britain as long as Spazeboy’s in town.

After the Lieberman staffer spoke, the committee delved into topics not nearly interesting enough for me to blog about with two notable exceptions:

1. Phil Sherwood, New Britain DTC member (and literally the first person I met at La Paloma back in January when I first came out to hear what Ned Lamont was all about) moved that the committee endorse the candidacy of John DeStefano in the Governor’s race. I do not remember who seconded or who amended, but a vote was taken on the sense of the meeting, and the sense of the meeting was to support John DeStefano. This was NOT an endorsement, but I only heard “ayes” in this crowded room…
2. Peter Tercyak, State Representative from the 26th House District moved that another vote be taken on the sense of the meeting in support of Ned Lamont’s bid for the Senate. The motion was seconded by Phil Sherwood and the sense of the meeting was to support Ned Lamont. Again, this was NOT an endorsement, and I heard at least one “nay” but I believe it was from someone (probably a Lieberman supporter) who thought it was best to remain neutral.

I submitted my application for associate membership to the DTC, and I look forward to getting more involved in the local political scene. I also met a “fan” of my article in the Bristol Press on my way back down in the elevator, so that was cool. Apparently she read my write-up and works in Bristol so saw the article too. Maybe one day I’ll do a diner tour. BEAUMENTUM!