Republican 1st District congressional candidate Joe Visconti is not happy about the way he was described in The Register Citizen's recent endorsement of incumbent U.S. Congressman John Larson. Below is Visconti's response, which will be printed in the print edition of tomorrow's Register Citizen. CLICK HERE to read the endorsement he's responding to.

Register Citizen Unprofessional and Irrelevant

The unfortunate descent by the Register Citizen's publisher into personal attacks and gutter language while ridiculing my campaign in its endorsement of John Larson (barely) is both unprofessional, and ultimately irrelevant.

I spoke with a roomful of area businesses owners at the Elks Club recently, answering questions on my approaches to government, national security, energy policies, immigration and many other concerns, all while this paper's publisher sat listening. Yet, rather than giving a professional report on the differences between my positions and the incumbent Democrat's, the Register publisher refers to me as a "loudmouth!"

My positions often have not been reported to this paper's readers, despite my campaign sending regular news releases and alerts. Obviously the Register Citizen seeks to misinform on one hand, and keep its readers in the dark on the other. It is no wonder that Americans rate the news media lower than the 9 percent approval rating we give Congress!

These positions are spelled out clearly on my website www.ViscontiforCongress.com. The news releases that were not reported by this paper also are posted there. See for yourself what I believe!

In our debates I have pointed out that John Larson is the face of what is wrong in Congress. I invite voters to decide whether you think the incumbent has done a good job, or is the problem, not the solution?

I have campaigned by using the Internet and good old-fashioned legwork. I have visited every town in this district repeatedly, met with the voters, the taxpayers, and community leaders. I have been here in person to answer questions and concerns. Where has the incumbent been when voters want to question or challenge his advertisements?

Voters can compare what John Larson has done both in Congress and for this area in the last 10 years, with my method. Larson has taken a "hands off" approach, meaning he never shows up, and thinks more of furthering his Congressional career than the voters.

I will regularly visit every town in the district, meet with the citizens, and work in Congress toward the betterment of our communities, our state and our country. Please compare that attitude with the incumbent's record, and then ask yourselves, will anything change in Congress if we follow the dictates of a biased publisher and re-elect an absentee landlord posing as a Representative?

Sincerely,
Joseph Visconti

Bill Riiska, the Norfolk attorney who stepped up as a write-in candidate for House District 63 after the unexpected/abrupt resignation of state Rep. George Wilber, sounds like a guy who has made the transition from wanting to make sure that voters still had a choice on Nov. 4 to a guy who really believes he has a shot at pulling off a huge upset and winning the seat.
Riiska said he's gotten a tremendous response since announcing he would run as a write-in, and in an extremely short period of time, has kicked a full-press campaign into gear.
He said that he has the knowledge and experience to be a strong state legislator for the district, and that he would have run for the seat if Wilber had chosen to step down or retire when people normally make those kinds of decisions (i.e., about 9-12 months ago).
Many people in the district know Riiska through his work as an attorney, serving on local boards such as the Norfolk Planning and Zoning Commission and as the longtime head of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce's government relations committee. He is also a Winsted native whose father was mayor and taught in the Region 7 school district.
The question will be, with voter turnout expected to be extremely high due to the presidential election, whether he can win enough votes from people who have no idea who their state rep is or what they do, to overcome the bloc of Republicans who will be supporting Republican newcomer John Rigby, when he's facing the teeny-tiny obstacle of not having his name listed on the ballot.

If you are confused about this year's election - don't be. The Register Citizen will publish a comprehensive Election Tab in this Sunday's paper that will help you understand the candidates, the races and some area charter changes.

Be sure to pick up your copy of the paper on Sunday to get a significant dose of politics!

For Immediate Release

Nick Creed for State Representative

October 30, 2008

Nick Creed, Democratic Candidate for State Representative, 66th District, today denounced charges that his campaign was being run by Democrats in Hartford.
Creed stated,” That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard of. My campaign is a local campaign focusing on the wants & needs of the residents of the 66th District. Unlike Representative Miner, when I’m in Hartford, my voting record will reflect the will of the majority, not just a straight-line Republican NO vote.”

Creed also responded to charges regarding his recent campaign mailing.
Creed stated, “Of the 8 votes listed in that mailer, the majority were signed into law by Governor Rell a Republican and a member of the same party as Representative Miner.
Representative Miner is not only out of step with the voters in his district, he’s even out of step with his own Governor.”

CLICK HERE to read about state Rep. Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) and his Democratic opponent, Nick Creed, sparring over last-minute campaign mailings. Even more entertaining is to read the comments at the end of the article from their respective supporters beating up on each other.

State Sen. David Cappiello, challenging incumbent Congressman Chris Murphy in the 5th District, announced today that he will visit all 41 cities and towns in the district one more time in the six remaining days before the election.

"I'm ending this campaign just as I began it- by visiting each of the 41 cities and towns I hope to represent in Congress and hearing directly from the voters about their concerns," said Cappiello. "I'll be visiting diners, speaking to students, and going wherever voters conduct their daily lives to listen to their concerns and ask for their support. As a State Senator representing a very diverse district, I have been able to effectively advocate for my constituents' interests because I have gone to great lengths to learn about and understand the communities I represent. The Fifth District is a very diverse mix of people and communities, and they deserve a representative that is committed to being in town and in touch with their needs. During the course of the last eighteen months, I have made it a point of earning the public's trust face to face, one voter at a time. As Election Day nears that effort will be redoubled, and I am confident it will result in a victory on Tuesday."

Cappiello will kicked off the tour with a visit to the New Fairfield Regional Hospice breakfast this morning in New Fairfield.

The tour's schedule will be updated on www.davidcappiello.com

Click headline below for The Register Citizen's endorsement of Congressman John Larson ...

EDITORIAL: Larson for Congress
We wish Congressman John Larson would pay more attention to the Torrington end of the 1st District he represents. We wish that his politics and legislative priorities were a better reflection of the values and priorities of the residents and small businessmen from this end of his district. We wish he didn’t embrace the system of “earmarks” that waste billions in federal tax dollars.

The Connecticut Chapter of the Sierra Club came out with an odd ranking today of legislators' votes on environmental issues important to the group.
It's odd because they didn't rank by specific legislator, but rather by town, and spread over a 9-year period.
Is it just us, or does this make the entire study a somewhat useless exercise?
For example, they rank Torrington as voting with the Sierra Club's stand on environmental issues 76 percent of the time, but different legislators have been in office over those 9 years, and right now, Torrington is represented by two different state representatives, from two different parties, with a pretty different approach to most issues.
Well, for what it's worth, here's their ranking of area towns:
Avon 88
Barkhamsted 67
Burlington 40
Canaan 74
Canton 92
Goshen 94
Granby 53
Hartland 74
Harwinton 40
Litchfield 54
Morris 57
New Hartford 53
Norfolk 74
North Canaan 74
Salisbury 94
Sharon 94
Simsbury 69
Thomaston 40
Torrington 76
Winchester 74
Here's the Sierra Club's explanation:
This study shows, from 2000 through 2008, how the representatives from each town voted on environmental issues. The spread of voting scores was dramatic. Some Connecticut towns scored close to 100%, while others failed to muster even 50%. The average score for all towns was 78%, which means that about four of every five votes was in support of the environment. The study was prepared by Martin Mador, CT Sierra Legislative and Political Chair.
John Blake, Sierra Chapter Chair, said “We believe this new study will help people understand how their representatives are either voting to support the environment, or are voting not to.”

Click below for the AP's story on the two statewide ballot questions:

Constitutional convention one of two questions on statewide ballot
HARTFORD - It's been more than 40 years since Connecticut has held a constitutional convention to consider major revisions to the state's highest law. Supporters will have the chance next week to call another one. There are two statewide questions on the Nov. 4 ballot in Connecticut. One asks if people whose 18th birthday falls between primary and general elections should be allowed to vote in the primary. The other, which is drawing the most attention, asks if the state should hold a constitutional convention.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell has created a Web site with the complete text of the state budget, as she gets ready to guide the Legislature through a solution to a deficit that could be as high as $800 million.

CLICK HERE to check it out. What do you see that could be cut?

Gov. M. Jodi Rell has submitted the following testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee of the U.S. Congress. The Committee held a hearing today, and lawmakers are considering a new economic stimulus package that could be voted on after the Nov. 4 election.


October 29, 2008

The Honorable Charles B. Rangel
Chairman, Ways & Means Committee
U.S. House of Representatives
1102 Longworth House Office Building
Washington , D.C. 20515

Dear Chairman Rangel:

As you know, all across our nation states are caught between the rock of budget shortfalls and the hard place of increased demand for services. States – almost all of which are constitutionally or statutorily required to have balanced budgets – are seeing revenues fall dramatically and economic activity slow even as they and their municipalities face increased difficulty in borrowing.

Ordinary Americans are seeing companies to which they have given years of dedicated service make sweeping layoffs in response to precipitous declines in stock price and staggering investment losses. Others – especially senior citizens and workers approaching retirement age – are simply too terrified to even open the statements from their retirement or savings accounts because of the wild Wall Street rollercoaster.

As your Committee meets today, I call upon the panel to approve a national economic stimulus package geared toward the states. This package should include grants-in-aid that could be used for a wide range of activities, from replenishing unemployment insurance accounts, making increased credit available to small business and providing enhanced job training services to new infrastructure projects, “green collar” job programs and other pro-growth, job-creating initiatives.

Additionally, Congress should relieve the unremitting pressure that skyrocketing health care costs are placing on states. As in previous economic crises, Congress should temporarily increase the federal contribution to Medicaid. Connecticut ’s non-profit providers, for example, cannot keep pace with the rising costs and are looking to the state for assistance even as Connecticut ’s personal income and sales tax revenues decline.

I also believe such a stimulus package should give maximum flexibility to the states, rather than imposing a top-down, one-size solution. State governments will be able to target specific industries and business sectors for assistance now and make investments that will position them to succeed when the inevitable economic upturn arrives.

Mr. Chairman, I know you agree that it is time for Congress to help the states. But more than that, it is time to put the “Help Wanted” signs back where they belong – on storefronts, office buildings, construction sites, factories, schools and hospitals.

I appreciate the work of your Committee on this issue. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of any further assistance.


Sincerely,

M. Jodi Rell
Governor

CLICK HERE for the text of the proposed charter changes that will be considered by Torrington voters on Tuesday.

A popular national Web site that follows polling data and other poltical news, www.politics1.com, is predicting that Congressman Chris Murphy will beat Republican state Sen. David Cappiello to win re-election to a second term in the 5th District, "solidifying his hold on the seat."

Gov. M. Jodi Rell has recorded a radio ad backing the candidacy of state Rep. Kevin Witkos, who is running against Democrat Art House for the open District 8 state Senate seat.

The ad, which is running on WZBG FM 97.3, she touts Witkos' effectiveness as a state representative.

From today's paper, endorsements on ballot questions in Torrington and Winsted, and the state constitutional convention ...

EDITORIAL: Consider the motives on ballot questions
Voters in Torrington and Winsted will consider charter change proposals Tuesday, Nov. 4, that could affect taxes, schools and economic development for decades to come. And all voters in Connecticut will consider a ballot question that won’t change the state constitution, but rather, consider whether voters will be allowed to eventually consider changes to it.

From a reader ...

"We live in Winsted and over the last 2 weeks our Obama / Biden sign has been ripped out and thrown in the road once and today a black pick- up truck stopped in front of our house pulled out the sign threw in the back of the pick-up and drove away. This was witnessed by our neighbor who called the police and reported the incident, but she thought it was a McCain sign. We have wonder if this is being done throughout the town and if it is politically or racially motivated. "

Joe Visconti, Republican candidate for the 1st District seat in Congress currently held by Democrat Rep. John Larson, left many scratching their heads after a speech to the Torrington Rotary Club today.
Stream-of-consciousness style, Visconti railed against "socialists, Communists," a press that is "for sale," a conspiracy by the media to not report about his campaign, the danger that Barack Obama poses to the country, how he really hasn't bothered to spend much time in Torrington, and various aspects of his long-running fight against a shopping center in his hometown of West Hartford.
Visconti then scolded the Rotarians in attendance for not asking him many questions, saying that the room must be full of Democrats.
It wouldn't have seemed possible last week, but Visconti managed to put in a more poorly received performance than Larson himself did at last week's Rotary meeting, when a third of the audience got up and left while the congressman continued talking and talking and talking about the minutiae of mortgage and banking policy through every throat-clearing hint and body language that he was going way over the Rotary's pretty strict schedule of wrapping up.

CLICK HERE for a story on Visconti's speech from The Register Citizen.

Art House's latest glossy political mailing to homes in the 8th District abandons all semblance of constrast between his positive attributes and opponent Rep. Kevin Witkos' negative aspects.
It attacks Witkos on the minimum wage, opposing the "morning after" abortion pill, expansion of the state's HUSKY health insurance program and a vote on home heating assistance aid.
The only mention of House or his campaign is a disclaimer, required by law, that appears in small print saying that the mailing was funded by House's campaign and "approved by Arthur House."

The Working Families Party is touting its door-to-door volunteer efforts for endorsed candidates, including Democrat Michelle Cook, running for the Torrington 65th District House seat currently occupied by Republican Rep. Anne Ruwet.

Cook is a Democrat, but is cross-endorsed, as is District 8 Senate candidate Art House, by the Working Families Party.

"With one week to go before Election Day, the state's fastest growing minor party is poised to have a major impact in some of the most closely watched races in the state," the party said in a press release. "The Working Families Party says it is closing in on an ambitious goal: knocking on 50,000 doors in targeted Congressional and legislative districts. And their efforts are getting notice by major party candidates – many of who are also cross-endorsed on the Working Families line."

"For some candidates, support from the Working Families party is more than just another line on the ballot, it's boots on the ground," the party said. "Michelle Cook is a Democratic challenger hoping to win a State Representative seat in Torrington against long-time incumbent Anne Ruwet. Cook says her district is a working class and middle class district – the kind of place where the Working Families message about protecting good jobs and making healthcare more affordable truly resonates. It's also the kind of district where the extra votes she receives from the Working Families party could change the outcome of the election. Ruwet defeated her last challenger by just sixty-two votes in 2006, and in 2002 she won the seat by literally a single vote. Working Families has sent canvassers to Torrington urge unaffiliated voters to support Democrats like Cook on the Working Families line."

"I truly think the issues that Working Families focuses on are issues that are very important in this district – reducing the tax burden on middle class families, raising the minimum wage, making healthcare more affordable. And they have not just been passive supporters, they've been out there knocking on doors," Cook said.

Northwest Democrats will hold a pre-election rally this coming Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at the Torrington Democratic Headquarters, 15 Main Street, Torrington. State leaders attending include Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, Comptroller Nancy Wyman, State Party Chairman Nancy DiNardo, former Senate Majority Leader George Jepsen, former U.S. Senate Candidate Ned Lamont and Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy. Candidates attending include 8th S.D. candidate Art House, 30th S.D. Candidate Mike Renzullo, along with House candidates 63rd District Bill Riiska, 64th District Rep. Roberta Willis, 65th District Michelle Cook, 66th District Nick Creed and 76th District Joe Acuri. The public is invited to attend. For further information call 860-482-3856 or 860-485-0044.

During a swing through Torrington today, this ringing endorsement of the Republican Party's chances Nov. 4 came from 1st District Congress Republican candidate Joe Visconti of West Hartford:
"It's hard to run when the Republican brand is in the toilet."

A judge ruled Tuesday that William Riiska, write-in Democratic candidate for Connecticut's 63rd legislative district, will be allowed on the ballot.

Read full story here.

From today's Register Citizen ...

ENDORSEMENT: Witkos for State Senate
The vacancy this year in state Senate District 8 provides an incredible opportunity for Torrington, because on so many important issues to the city over the past few years, its "other" state senator, Tom Herlihy, has been missing in action.

Art House, Democratic candidate for the 8th District state Senate seat, personally contributed $2,750 to the presidential campaign of Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd in 2006 and 2007.
House is a "senior vice president of public affairs," i.e., full-time lobbyist, for Webster Bank.
Dodd, embroiled in controversy and under the cloud of an ethics investigation in the Senate over "VIP" mortgages he received before the collapse of the mortgage industry, is the powerful chairman of the Senate Banking Committee.
House, according to the Huffington Post's campaign donation Web site, has contributed $9,100 to presidential candidates in the past two elections. In 2004, he contributed to the campaigns of Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman and Gen. Wesley Clark. In addition to Dodd, he contributed to the 2008 campaign of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.
A past supporter and advisor to Lieberman, House later became an advisor to the campaign of Ned Lamont, who challenged Lieberman successfully in the primary for Senate two years ago but unsuccessfully in the general election after Lieberman switched and ran as an independent.

This from a comment on The Register Citizen Web site ...

10/27/2008 04:02:55 PM
McCain Signs
Mr. Bentley should have stopped by Republican Headquarters and asked about what was going on with McCain/Palin signs. He would have found out the over 150 signs were handed out. There was and still is a waiting list. Many people came back the day after picking up their signs because the signs were stolen overnight. The McCain/Palin signs that are still up in yards are there because the property owners are taking them in at night. I would like to say the the sign thefts are not restricted to the signs for presidential candidates. It is a shame that the people of Torrington cannot peacefully express their political opinions.

Incumbent Andrew Roraback, R-30, hopes to see things through if he is elected to a fifth term in the 30th District.
Roraback spoke on a variety of issues on a stop at the Register Citizen last Thursday afternoon, including his foray into politics.
"I wanted something more satisfying than being a lawyer," he said, grinning. "To try and give something back was a very appealing opportunity for me."
Roraback spoke of the curiosity he had about the political system.
"How de we govern ourselves?" he asked. "How does this society hang together?"

One of the miscellaneous oddball things
about this election season can be found on East Main Street, next to the Java Joe's drive-through coffee shop.
We did a double-take driving by over the weekend when we saw a "Pollina for Governor" sign in the ground next to the signs we're used to, i.e. Michelle Cook for state rep and David Cappiello for Congress.
Of course, there is no race for governor in Connecticut this year.
That lawn sign is from Vermont, where Anthony Pollina, who at various times has run for governor and lieutenant governor as a Democrat and member of the Progressive Party, is running again.
Upon further scrutiny of the parking lot near Java Joe's, we also found a "Jeanne Shaheen for U.S. Senate" sign.
There is no race for U.S. Senate in Connecticut this year, either.
But those of us who've spent time in other parts of New England are familiar with her, too.
Shaheen is a former New Hampshire governor who is challenging incumbent U.S. Sen. John Sununu this year.

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters has released its survey of candidates for the Legislature this year and their stance on issues important to the group.

Click here for the survey summary, and Click here for detailed responses from the candidates.

As explained in the release below from Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, you've got to register to vote by tomorrow night if you want to participate in the election Nov. 4.

Bysiewicz: This Is It! In Person Voter Registration Deadline is Tuesday October 28th , 8:00 p.m.

Secretary of the State Says Citizens Can Still Register to Vote By Going In Person to their Local town Hall Before 8:00Pm on Oct. 28th

Hartford : Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz today reminded Connecticut residents that time is running out to register to vote for the November 4 th presidential election. Connecticut residents have until Tuesday, October 28 th, at 8:00 p.m. to register in person at their local Town Hall.

“This is it; tomorrow is the deadline to register to vote in the most important election since 1932,” said Bysiewicz. “Don’t be left out of the easiest way to influence the direction of our country. I am urging all eligible Connecticut residents to register to vote, cast a ballot on Election Day, and make a difference.”

While the October 28, 2008 is the deadline to register to vote for the overwhelming majority of Connecticut residents there are several exceptions. Anyone who moves within or into Connecticut after October 28 th but before November 3 rd can still register to vote in person at their local registrar of voters’ office. Connecticut residents who become United States citizens between October 28 th and November 3 rd and Connecticut residents who become 18 years of age between that time also may register in person at their local registrars of voters’ office.

Secretary Bysiewicz recently reported that a surge in new voter registrations has pushed the total number of registered voters in Connecticut to over 2,000,000 – one of the highest such figures in state history. Since January 1, 2008, nearly 220,000 Connecticut residents have become newly registered voters.

The total number of registered voters in Connecticut is 2,021,749. The largest group of registered voters in Connecticut is unaffiliated, accounting for 845,311 voters. There are 750,999 registered Democrats and 418, 531 registered Republicans.

Since the beginning of this year 217,126 Connecticut residents have registered vote. Of those, 92,752 new voters have registered as Democrats, compared to 28,652 new Republican voters and 94,342 new unaffiliated voters.

Once again, young people in Connecticut between the ages of 18 and 29 continue to be the largest group of new voters registering for the November 4th election. Since January 1st , some 91,485 young people have registered to vote. Of those new younger voters, 39,392 have registered as Democrats and 9,959 have registered with the Republican Party and 41,504 have signed up as unaffiliated.

The Office of the Secretary of the State maintains an aggressive voter registration program. As part of her effort to increase voter registration in Connecticut , Secretary Bysiewicz has registered more than 2,500 high school students since the beginning of 2007. The Office of the Secretary of the State and local registrars of voters have conducted more than 300 voting machine demonstrations highlighting the new machines and registering voters. The Office of the Secretary of the State also registers new citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies across Connecticut .

Visit www.Vote-EZ-CT.com to learn more about Connecticut ’s optical scan voting machines.

Here's a letter to the editor The Register Citizen received that raises several interesting observations - - one about the theft of campaign signs, the other about the trend this year of businesses placing political signs in their windows.

Dear Editor:
As we swing into the last week, the political signs abound pretty much anywhere that’ll capture eyes and votes. I wonder how many votes are actually captured or swung because the viewer says, Wow! A McCain sign. I never thought to vote for him, but seeing this 24x18 rectangle of 4-mil corrugated polypropylene has opened by eyes. God bless this epiphany.
Driving the streets of Torrington I’ve noted a decided lack of Obama signs. I questioned personnel at the Democrat HQ on Main, and sage councilman Michael Colangelo and the astute Michelle Cook candidate for the 65th seat, told me they can’t keep up with the thievery. Doesn’t surprise me. McCain/Palin supporters are apparently as desperate as their pseudo-maverick idols.
I walk the Riverside Avenue, Norfolk Road, Migeon Avenue loop almost daily and see lots of McCain/Palin signs. Personally I don’t care what someone sticks in their own lawn, they can die and plant themselves for all I care. But when a business stumps for a political favorite, that’s a different story to me. Five businesses in that area have deemed it appropriate to use their land to display Republican signs (I’m Republican myself) so as an anti-support gesture I’m making it my goal to not patronize any of them now or in the future. Call me Vito Corleone but whatever happened to, It’s not personal it’s business? Whatever happened to the idea that the business of business is business? If any Torrington small business wants to mix profit with politics they can do it without me.
Since I don’t normally patronize any of these but the family style eatery, my one-man- one-family protest will be fairly meaningless, but it’s important to me. The businesses I will be supporting down the road will be the ones that don’t serve up my eggs and hash on a placard. Nothing ruins a meal, or insurance policy, or straightened fender, or dropped tree, or electrical wiring like a political message. And that’s my message. Call it a no vote, or better still, call it my upfront 1-ply message.

Regards,
Paul Bentley
Torrington, CT 06790

The National Republican Congressional Committee fired off a press release yesterday, noting that Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank had recently contributed to Chris Murphy's re-election campaign in Connecticut's 5th District.
According to the NRCC, that links Murphy to Frank's recent comments that the defense budget should be cut by 25 percent, and that Democrats would "raise taxes ... eventually" once they control the White House and Congress.

“Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) said Democrats will push for a stimulus package after the November election, and called for a package reducing defense spending by 25 percent while saying Congress will ‘eventually’ raise taxes . Frank told the editorial board of the SouthCoast Standard-Times that he wanted to reduce defense spending by a quarter , meaning the United States would have to withdraw from Iraq sooner.”
“‘We’ll have to raise taxes ultimately,’ Frank said. ‘Not now, but eventually.’ Frank told the Standard-Times that if Democrats cannot secure the votes they need in November, they will try again in January, when they will likely have stronger majorities in the House and Senate.” (The Hill, 10/24/08)

“It’s no longer enough for Chris Murphy to ‘claim’ that he won’t raise taxes when all evidence points to the fact that the centerpiece of his party’s agenda is to enact devastating tax increases and cut critical Defense funding,” said NRCC spokesman Brendan Buck. “By taking campaign cash from Barney Frank, Murphy is showing voters that his loyalties really lie with the liberal Washington establishment, not Connecticut's hardworking families struggling with the current economic crisis.”

Speaking before the Torrington Rotary Club last week, Congressman John Larson, a Democrat from East Hartford who represents Connecticut's 1st District, which includes part of Torrington, said he wasn't afraid or ashamed to say that he likes "earmarks" and will continue to fight for "good ones" for the district.
He cited a multi-million grant he obtained for the Fuel Cell company, which is based in Danbury and has a manufacturing plant in Torrington.
Earmarks have been blasted in this election cycle by Sen. John McCain in his presidential bid, as well as numerous other politicians.
In fact, David Cappiello, a Republican state senator from Danbury challenging Congressman Chris Murphy in the 5th District, had used the Torrington Rotary Club just a week before to blast earmarks, going as far as to say that he would oppose an earmark for the Warner Theatre in Torrington if he had to, in order to clamp down on wasteful federal spending.
Below, a press release Larson sent out yesterday celebrating more earmark "success."

###

Congressman Larson and Department of Public Health Announce $8 Million in Federal Funds
to Support State’s Mobile Field Hospital Mobile Field Hospital to be developed into New England Disaster Training Center and model for civilian mobile hospital response

To: News Directors/Reporters

W hat : The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) will announce over $8 million in federal funds for the development of a national training center at Connecticut’s Ottilie W. Lundgren Memorial Field Hospital.

W here : Brainard Airport, Hanger
269 Maxim Road in Hartford, CT

W hen : Monday, October 27, 2008 at 10:30 AM

W ho :
· U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01)
· Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin
· Leonard Guercia, Jr., Chief, Operations Branch, Department of Public Health

###

CLICK HERE for a copy of the five charter change questions that will go to voters in Winchester on Nov. 4.

REGISTER CITIZEN ENDORSEMENT: Ruwet for House
Facing an $800 million state budget deficit, an economy in recession and approaching a make-or-break juncture for Torrington's downtown revitalization, the 65th House District in Torrington needs State Rep. Anne Ruwet more than ever.

Here's a selection of commentary from bloggers, journalists and partisans about the resignation of State Rep. George Wilber:

Lawmakers Wrong People To Judge Wilber Case
Column by Helen Ubiñas of the Hartford Courant

Shellysindlands Blog
I always felt a little sorry for State Representative George Wilber. At The Capitol, he seemed a little like a lost soul–like a fish out of water, the country-bumpkin trying to fit in with the more worldly, more experienced lawmakers. As a former country girl, I can relate. Whenever our paths crossed, he was always by himself looking for a friendly face to talk to.

The Everyday Republican's Take
Blog written by state Republican leader Chris Healy.

Copy of Wilber's resignation letter from ctnewsjunkie.com

Well, Winsted voters have rejected a town budget for the fourth time this year, something that seems to surprise selectmen each time, even though it maybe shouldn't be too surprising that a budget with only a $67,000 difference in spending from the original $32 million-plus proposal would get the same result over and over again.

Click on the headline below for the breaking news story from The Register Citizen:

Winsted rejects budget for fourth time
WINSTED - Voters in Winchester rejected a proposed town budget for the fourth time this year on Saturday, 1,005 to 772.

It will be interesting to see how this fourth rejection, only 10 days from the Nov. 4 election, will affect a collection of charter change proposals on the Winsted ballot. One of them is a proposal to limit the number of times that voters can decide on the budget. If they don't vote "yes" on some kind of budget prior to August, the charter change calls for an automatic 3 percent spending increase over last year's budget to take effect.

Michelle Cook, Democratic candidate in the 65th House District in Torrington, issued a brief press release on Friday to clarify a "mistake" that was made in a campaign mailer she sent to homes in the district.
It had quotes from various individuals endorsing her candidacy, including "Jacque Williams, Northwest Chamber of Commerce."
Williams is a member (one of more than 700) of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, but not a staff member or spokesman for the group.
Cook apologized if the mailer left the impression that the Chamber was endorsing her in some way.
The Chamber of Commerce doesn't endorse political candidates. It sponsored a debate of candidates a few weeks ago, but generally stays on the sidelines when it comes to individual races.
Cook's opponent is incumbent Republican Rep. Anne Ruwet.

Click below to check out The Register Citizen's candidate endorsements so far this year:

Still to come, the District 65 House seat coming tomorrow (Sunday), and the District 8 state Senate seat, coming Tuesday.

EDITORIAL: Roraback for senate
By far the easiest choice for us to make in endorsing candidates this election season is in 30the District of the State Senate, where incumbent Sen. Andrew Roraback stands out as the rarest of politicians.

EDITORIAL: Murphy for Congress
Unseating long-serving and well-respected incumbent Nancy Johnson two years ago was no small task, and voters did not capriciously entrust the job to the then-young and earnest state senator from Southington, Chris Murphy.

EDITORIAL: McCain for president
Today we are endorsing Sen. John McCain for president, not because of the tremendous amount of experience and wisdom he brings to foreign policy and national security in this post-9/11 world of terroristic threats, but because of his approach to the economy and government's role in our everyday lives.

2004: Litchfield County was the only county in Connecticut four years ago to favor President George W. Bush over Democrat John Kerry. The vote was 50,160 to 44,647. Ralph Nader, incidentally, picked up 1,054 votes running as an independent candidate, of which, only 89 came from his hometown of Winchester.
Litchfield County, in fact, was the only county in all of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island or Vermont to vote Republican.
2000: No Connecticut county supported Bush in 2000, when Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman was on the ticket with Al Gore. But Litchfield County came closest, with 39,172 votes for Bush and 41,806 for Gore-Lieberman. Nader, running with the Green Party, did much better that time in Litchfield County, picking up 5,413 votes, including 515 from his hometown.
1996: Litchfield County supported President Clinton over Bob Dole, 37,375 to 31,645, in 1996, but also cast 9,646 votes for independent Ross Perot.
1992: Litchfield County backed President George H.W. Bush over Clinton in 1992, 34,492 to 33,686, but Perot drew a strong 26.4%, or 24,639 votes.
1988: The last time a Republican ever won all counties in Connecticut was in 1998, when George H.W. Bush trounced Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis. Litchfield County supported Bush, 44,637 to 34,227.
1984: The last time there was a Republican landslide in Connecticut was four years earlier, when President Reagan won re-election over Walter Mondale, and Litchfield County supported him 52,583 to 26,564.
1980: When Reagan was first elected in 1980, he won 38,725 votes in Litchfield County to President Jimmy Carter's 26,705 and independent John Anderson's 10,027 votes.
1976: Four years earlier, Litchfield County supported Carter's opponent also, favoring President Ford 40,705 to 32,419.

John Rigby, the Colebrook Republican who appears to have won a seat in the state House of Representatives by default, with the sudden resignation of incumbent Rep. George Wilber over illness and the disclosure of a three-year-old sex abuse settlement, was talking Thursday about returning as much as $7,000 in unused campaign funds to the state ... until he heard that he might, yet, have an opponent Nov. 4.
State Democrats are preparing to file for an injunction that would block a Secretary of the State office ruling that William Riiska, a Norfolk attorney, could not run as a write-in for the seat because he faxed his signed application before the deadline rather than drop it off in person in Hartford.
Rigby qualified for public financing of his campaign (raising $5,000 from 150 different small donors in order to qualify for $25,000 more in campaign money funded by taxpayers). He said Thursday that he would return what hasn't been spent since he no longer has an opponent, but upon hearing about Riiska's progress in becoming an official candidate, he started to doubt his plans.

Michelle Cook, a Democrat challenging incumbent Republican state Rep. Anne Ruwet for the District 65 House seat that includes most of Torrington, has made door-to-door campaigning a centerpiece of her campaign.
She has been out knocking on doors almost every day since June, she said, and although you can "see some unusual things," has had no negative experiences with dogs, lawn sprinklers or other neighborhood hazards.
Rep. Roberta Willis (D-Salisbury), who convinced Cook to run, gave her some tips on avoiding the pitfalls.
"(Carry some) dog biscuits," a Cook aide said.

Up until this point in the (legislative, anyway) campaigns, the blizzard of oversized glossy cards being mailed to homes by the candidates have extolled, in somewhat superficial, graphics-heavy fashion, the virtues of the candidate doing the mailing.
Late last week, however, Art House, a Democrat running for the open District 8 state Senate seat, sent out a mailer attacking his opponent, Republican state Rep. Kevin Witkos, on the issue of abortion.
On one side of the flier is a picture of a woman apparently pondering "deep, personal decisions," as the flier makes reference to.
On the other side, there is a split screen ... Art House, his wife and two daughters on one side, smiling on a white background, and then Kevin Witkos, in a black and white photo, against an ominous black background.
It says, "Kevin Witkos: Wrong on Choice. Wrong for Us," in big letters and claims that Witkos "doesn't support the right to safe and legal abortions," without elaborating on the specifics of his position.

From now until Election Day, we will bring you the latest news and gossip from the campaign trail in Northwest Connecticut.
Check back here from updates throughout the day by Register Citizen reporters, and feel free to weigh in with your comments.