Today the Caligiuri campaign announces that the Torrington Republican Town Committee unanimously endorsed Sam Caligiuri's candidacy in the Fifth District Congressional District race. Mayor Ryan Bingham attending last night's meeting where he made the motion to endorse Caligiuri. The Republican Town Committee joins Mayor Ryan Bingham, State Senators Kevin Witkos and Andrew Roraback, and former State Representative Anne Ruwet in endorsing Caligiuri.

Torrington RTC Chair Susan Cogswell said, "When I worked with Sam during my tenure as State Insurance Commissioner, I was struck by his thoughtfulness and his strong grasp of the issues. We need a Congressman who understands the challenges of insurance issues, given the jobs at stake in our district and our state. The Torrington Republican Town Committee is in unanimous agreement that Sam is our strongest candidate, and we are eager to get to work for him in securing his nomination."

Caligiuri stated that he is honored to have earned this endorsement. Caligiuri believes that the Torrington Republicans support will be key to making this grassroots campaign a winning campaign.

Special education legislation introduced by State Rep. Michelle Cook (D-Torrington) has been approved on a bi-partisan vote by the Education Committee.

The bill will now move on to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

HB5426 requires the State Board of Education to develop a streamlined process for the administration of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and the creation of a form that clearly and adequately records all relevant information necessary for students in need of special education services.

"Every child's needs are unique, but the current IEP form is not flexible enough to allow sufficient explanation and detail," said Cook. By making changes to the IEP form and process the bill will allow for better identification of a student's needs, the creation of a more thorough plan to address those needs, and ultimately position the student for the greater success.

Mark Greenberg, Republican candidate for Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District, on Monday issued the following statement on the Democrat’s Health Care Vote:

“I am appalled at the arrogance of the Democrats’ House vote. Make no mistake about it, this is a government takeover of our health care system," Greenberg said in a written statement. (U.S. Rep.) Chris Murphy and his Career Politician Caucus have failed to listen to the American people. The last major overhaul of our health care system was Medicare in the 60s which included bipartisan support of 70 Republicans. This was passed with bi-partisan opposition.”

“When I am elected to Congress, I will fight to repeal this disastrous piece of legislation. We can find ways to lower the cost of heath care without government intervention. You don’t tear down the whole house to repair the kitchen floor.”

“This trillion dollar, job-killing piece of legislation endangers our children and grandchildren, and will saddle them with a debt that they can never repay.”

“One has to wonder what is next? The Obama –Murphy agenda has us clearly on the path to European socialism,” Greenberg said.

TERRYVILLE, Conn. (March 23) – The Plymouth Republican Town Committee (RTC) has endorsed Justin Bernier for U.S. Congress in the 5th District, it said via news release.
Plymouth is the tenth Republican Town Committee to endorse Bernier. He has been endorsed by twice as many RTCs than all other candidates combined.
“I am honored to have earned the support of the Plymouth Republican Town Committee,” Bernier said in a statement. “For the last year my campaign has been about winning the support of Republicans in the town committees because they are the people who will win this election come November.”
“I am committed to improving the business environment,” Bernier continued, “so we can create good-paying jobs in Connecticut. We need less government spending and taxes, cheaper energy, and real reforms that make health care affordable for all American families.”
Newly elected RTC Chairman Keith G. Golnik said he supported Bernier because of his energy and different approach to politics.
“Justin is a fresh face instead of an enshrined politician,” Golnik said. “We need to elect people who will go to Washington to change the way we do business in Congress.”
Golnik, an Army veteran, also praised Bernier’s service in the military: “Justin served his country in Afghanistan, so I know he will watch out for veterans and military families when he gets to Congress.”
Bernier congratulated Golnik on his election as chairman, citing his hard work in the 2009 elections.
“Keith is a tireless campaigner who understands the importance of creating jobs in central Connecticut,” said Bernier. “I know he will continue the fantastic job that David Goodwin, Plymouth’s previous chairman, did for the town committee.”
Importance of Town Committees
Bernier, a Plainville resident, has demonstrated growing support for his campaign in the greater Waterbury area. He was recently endorsed by Middlebury First Selectman Tom Gormley and key members of the Thomaston RTC.
In Connecticut, Republican Town Committees are important because the state party uses a convention system to endorse Republican candidates for federal office. In May, Connecticut Republicans will gather in Hartford to endorse candidates for the House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, and state-wide offices. About 95 percent of the delegates to the convention will come from the ranks for the RTCs.
Bernier has also been endorsed by eight State Central Committee members who collectively represent 27 of 41 towns in the 5th Congressional District.
Bernier continues to outpace his Republican competitors for the party nomination. He has outraised each of his Republican competitors by more than two-to-one, and he is the only candidate who has been put “On the Radar” by the National Republican Congressional Committee.

"The fight for health care reform has lasted nearly a century and frustrated Presidents and legislators of both parties. But [Sunday] we have won this fight on behalf of the American people. This vote makes it clear that scare tactics and the special interests are not match for the call of history and the need for change. No matter who they are or where they live or what they do for a living or have in the bank, every American family deserves good health care. And, with this historic legislation, they will be able to get it."

Demorcratic candidate for Governor and former Mayor of Stamford, Dan Malloy had this reaction to the passage of the health care reform bill:

"I want to congratulate Congress for passing landmark health care reform, especially the five members of the Connecticut delegation who all voted in favor. There are still a number of critical points to be settled through the reconciliation process - and we know that the final law won't be perfect - but this legislation will improve the lives and health of millions of Americans. It's a historic achievement, on par with the creation of social security, Medicare, and Medicaid programs."

"When it comes to the law's impact here in Connecticut, it's important to remember that most major changes will take years to implement. As I've said many times, Connecticut can't afford to rely on the federal government when it comes to making progress on big issues. That's why I supported the SustiNet and pooling bills last year, and it's why as Mayor of Stamford I implemented the Every Child Matters program, extending health insurance to more than 2200 uninsured HUSKY eligible children."

"This progress should serve as a reminder of not only what government can accomplish, but also of the work still left to be done in Connecticut."

Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) has this to say about the passage of the health care bill.

"Today, this Congress accomplished something that was almost 100 years in the making. When the President signs this legislation into law, the American people will see clearly whose side this Democratic Caucus is on. We are standing up to health insurance company abuses and decades of discrimination and mistreatment. We have lowered the cost of health insurance. We have lowered the budget deficit. And we have improved the quality of health care for all Americans. I am so proud to be part of this historic moment along the lines of the passage of Social Security and Medicare."

"This bill was repeatedly rejected by the American people and it is especially bad for Connecticut, the insurance capital of the world. It contains a number of job-killing provisions that will guarantee lost jobs in our state. It nearly doubles the tax on health insurers and triples the penalty on small businesses who don't offer health care insurance to their employees from $750 to $2000 per employee and applies the penalties to both part-time and full-time workers. Other provisions raise the top marginal rate on small business owners by 20 percent and the top tax rate on investment income by 60 percent - discouraging economic growth and job creation. These provisions will decimate small businesses and cost Connecticut jobs at the worst possible time."

"Providing health care to the uninsured is a worthy goal, but the one size fits all approach of this legislation is particularly harmful to states like Connecticut where about 95 percent of our citizens do have coverage. One of the stated goals of Obamacare is to provide coverage to 93 percent of our population - and while Connecticut has already achieved this - we continue our efforts to provide coverage to all the uninsured. But states should have the ability to tailor programs to reach the uninsured - as Connecticut has done with the Charter Oak program - without the "bigfoot" approach of this bill."

"I urge our Attorney General to join other states in filing suit to stop the implementation of this legislation."

Mark Greenberg, a Republican candidate in Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District race, today issued the following statement on President Barack Obama’s Reversal on the Reconciliation Process:

“This is another example of the politics of convenience that permeates the Washington establishment,” Greenberg said in a written statement. “In 2005 then-Senator Barack Obama lambasted the use of reconciliation on the Senate floor, saying that it ‘does not permit debate’ and is ‘the wrong place for policy changes.’ “Now that it suits his purpose, shutting down debate is just fine. This is the kind of political position-shuffling that causes people to lose faith in their government.”

“Under The Rules, The Reconciliation Process Does Not Permit That Debate. Reconciliation Is Therefore The Wrong Place For Policy Changes ... In Short, The Reconciliation Process Appears To Have Lost Its Proper Meaning. A Vehicle Designed For Deficit Reduction And Fiscal Responsibility Has Been Hijacked...” - (Sen. Obama, Congressional Record, S .14150, 12/20/05)

“In a memo to the heads of federal agencies and executive departments President Obama clearly stated that 'Government should be transparent,' but Reconciliation is anything but transparent and it should not be used to circumvent the will of the people,” Greenberg said. “Washington has become a place of career politicians willing to say anything and abandon principles in order to further their political agenda.”

President Obama’s 2005 comments related to the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

Sam Caligiuri announces that he has earned the endorsement of the Litchfield Republican Town Committee.

"Sam has the ideal combination of integrity, experience, and conservative credentials. No other candidate matches his depth of knowledge on the issues that matter most to voters in the fifth district. For these reasons, the Litchfield Republican Town Committee firmly believes that Sam is the most electable candidate, and that he is best poised to take on this tough challenge," said Christopher Blake, Litchfield Republican Selectman.

Caligiuri is honorer to have earned the endorsement of the Litchfield Republican Town Committee and of Selectman Blake. He feels that the work the Litchfield Republicans do is critical to ensuring victory in November.

The Litchfield Republican Town Committee joins Senator Andrew Roraback, and Representative Craig Miner in endorsing Caligiuri's candidacy.

Sam Caligiuri was chosen by the House Conservatives Fund as one of only ten candidates to be endorsed nationally.

Congressman Chris Murphy (CT-5) released the following statement explaining his voting decision on the Health Insurance Reform legislation:

"The message from the people I represent is clear - health care costs and health insurance practices are out of control. We need to make changes to the current system to provide people access to affordable care, to cut costs for businesses, and to strengthen Medicare for seniors. The changes we need to make to our health care system will only come by transferring power away from the health insurance industry and to the consumers. The current health insurance reform legislation does this, and that's why I plan on voting in favor of its final passage."

Murphy explained that this legislation will close Medicare drug donut holes, lowers small business health costs, and insures those that don't have health care. This bill will extend the solvency of Medicare for another decade and cuts the national deficit by $140 billion.

WARREN, Conn. (March 18, 2010) – Justin Bernier, Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Connecticut’s 5th District, will hold a reception and dinner at the Roosters Tail Inn in Warren on Monday, March 22.
The event is hosted by Ms. Barnes Brooks, Mr. Craig Nelson, and Mrs. Marsha Bobalik Smith. A meet-and-greet reception will begin at 6 p.m. followed by a sit-down dinner at 7 p.m. for which tickets are $50. Please RSVP to Megann O’Malley at (860) 351-5805or via e-mail at rsvp@bernierforcongress.org.
The Roosters Tail Inn is at 11 Cornwall Road in Warren. Justin Bernier is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan and a former member of Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s cabinet. For more information, visit www.bernierforcongress.org .

Washington, DC- Today, Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) announced that the health reform legislation coming to the floor of the House will be one of the largest deficit-reducing measures members of Congress will ever vote on. A new report by The Congressional Budget Office on health care reform finds that the health care legislation proposed by Democrats will create a $118 billion reduction in the federal deficit over the next 10 years, and cut the deficit by $1.3 trillion over twenty years. The legislation also expands health insurance to 32 million Americans, including 462,000 individuals in Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District, and improves health benefits for everyone.
“This bill represents the largest reduction to the federal deficit in our nation’s history. It is fully paid for and will reduce our deficit by 1.3 trillion over the next twenty years,” said Congressman Larson. “This bill is about putting the American people – not the government or insurance companies – in control of their health care. We are expanding health care coverage to 95% of Americans and improving care for everyone while we decrease our national debt, restore our economy and create jobs in Connecticut and across the nation.”
This legislation will make health care more affordable for everyone. It will hold insurance companies accountable by stopping their worst practices such as denying you coverage because of a pre-existing condition, dropping your coverage when you get sick, or arbitrarily hiking up your premiums.
The legislation will also rein in health care costs– cutting waste and fraud and compensating doctors for value of care, not volume. Small businesses will receive tax credits to make it easier for them to provide coverage for their workers – so they don’t have to choose between providing health care and hiring new employees. Middle class families will get tax credits to make their health care costs affordable – so they never have to worry about going bankrupt because of an illness, and seniors will see their prescription drug costs go down.
Congressman Larson added, “Health care decisions should not be made by the government or the insurance companies – they should be made by you, your family, and your doctor. This bill puts you in charge of your health care while placing our economy on sound fiscal footing for the future.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House Ways and Means Committee passed an amendment to a major jobs bill proposed by Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01). This amendment will expand the Build America Bond Program, which is used to fund public works projects, to include levee and flood control projects. This legislation is expected to be voted on and passed on the floor of the House next week.

Larson states, "It is vital that communities around the First District have the resources they need to protect our neighbors homes and businesses from flood damage. We know that many of the levees and flood control systems in our area are subpar. This legislation would lay out an alternative way for the state to fund the projects that will repair and improve our levee systems and keep our communities safe."

Build America Bonds have already been used by Connecticut to finance sewer, highway, and transit improvements.

This afternoon at 3:30 pm, Connecticut Socialist candidate Chris Hutchinson will announce his campaign for the US House of Representatives in Connecticut's first district at The CT Works Center at 3580 Main Street in Hartford.

Thousands of workers are competing for fewer jobs, education funding is being slashed, health care costs skyrocket, trillions are spent on wars that terrorize the world community.

Outraged by these attacks on their lives and the lives of their families and communities, Hutchinson and other Connecticut residents will speak out in defense of working people and advocate a socialist vision for the future.

"Despite the multi-trillion dollar bailout of the country's largest banks, the condition of working people continues to deteriorate at a break-neck pace," says Hutchinson, "We have chosen the CT Works Center to demand an emergency mass public works program and the elimination of forced unemployment. We call for the provision of free health care, quality public education for all for life. Bring all the troops home now and close all U.S. military bases."

Hutchinson believes that many figures of the establishment "fear the birth of a society that puts human need before profit."

Hartford- U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-1, announced the benefits health insurance reform will bring to this community. The plan will put Americans and small businesses back in charge of their health care choices. It will make coverage more affordable for everyone, hold insurance companies accountable and stop their worst practices – denying you coverage because of a pre-existing condition, dropping your coverage when you get sick, or arbitrarily hiking up your premiums.
Passage of health care reform legislation will improve health care coverage for over 462,000 residents and 7,200 residents with pre-existing conditions will be able to obtain health insurance in Congressman Larson’s district, all while reducing the federal deficit.
“I know where I stand on this issue, and it’s with the people of Connecticut and my district. We need to act on this legislation because so much is at stake for the small businesses and families of this community. I am on the side of my neighbors who are facing rising premium costs and discrimination because of a pre-existing condition,” said Congressman Larson. “I will not stand idle as families in my district are filing for bankruptcy because of their rising health care bills or watch as seniors are unable to pay for their prescription drugs. The time to act is now.”
In Congressman Larson’s District, the health care reform bill would:
• Improve coverage for 462,000 residents with health insurance.
• Give tax credits and other assistance to up to 138,000 families and 15,700 small businesses to help them afford coverage.
• Improve Medicare for 118,000 beneficiaries, including closing the donut hole.
• Extend coverage to 16,500 uninsured residents.
• Guarantee that 7,200 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage.
• Protect 700 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.
• Allow 50,000 young adults to obtain coverage on their parents’ insurance plans.
• Provide millions of dollars in new funding for community health centers.
• Reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and other health care providers by $23 million annually.

Washington, D.C. – A bipartisan group of legislators today introduced the American Job Creation and Investment Act to provide business tax relief estimated to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. The bill, introduced by Representatives Gary Peters (D-MI), John Larson (D-CT), David Reichert (R-WA) and Patrick Tiberi (R-OH), would allow companies to use existing Alternative Minimum Tax credits they now hold but otherwise must save for future years to be used this year for job creation, retention or capital investments.
The bill is estimated to directly create over 65,000 new jobs and help businesses retain 170,000 jobs in 2010 and 2011, plus spur $40 billion in additional job creating investment. A wide array of industry associations endorse the bill, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, Associated Builders and Contractors Association and the Association for Manufacturing Technology.
“This is an incredibly efficient and common sense way to spur job creation,” said Congressman Gary Peters. “Companies are sitting on these tax credits but under current law cannot use them until future years. This bill will allow them to use the tax credits they’ve already accrued to create jobs now when we need them most.”
“Businesses across my district – and the entire country – continue to struggle just to keep their doors open,” Rep. Reichert said. “The last thing we need to do is make it more difficult for them to retain workers or invest in their businesses. Our proposal is a common-sense approach that will use the tax code to provide another source of capital that businesses can use to produce more goods and services while retaining and creating new jobs.”
Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01, Chairman of the Democratic Caucus, said, “This bill will make it easier for companies around the country to speed up hiring and put more Americans back to work. Businesses are the engine of job creation in this country. When we make it easier for them to hire and invest in their business, we are helping to revitalize our economy for the long term. This bill will help every sector of our economy including, manufacturers, energy companies, auto companies and high tech. I commend my colleague Gary Peters, a member of the Democratic Caucus Jobs Task Force, for his creative bi-partisan approach to finding solutions to the unemployment crisis.”
“This bill would give employers tools they need to create jobs,” said Congressman Tiberi, Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue. “This is another policy we can put in place that allows businesses to expand and creates long-term growth and permanent job creation.”
A full summary of the American Job Creation and Investment Act follows.
The American Job Creation and Investment Act
Outline of Proposal
o This proposal would allow struggling companies that do not benefit from similarly-designed incentives to use existing alternative minimum tax (AMT) credits for future years this year instead to create jobs and invest in their businesses.

o Corporate AMT – Current tax law requires corporations to compute their tax liabilities under the regular income tax and corporate AMT and pay whichever is greater. Though it adheres to many of the rules of the regular tax, the corporate AMT applies a lower and fixed statutory rate to a broader definition of taxable income and a less generous set of deductions.
o AMT Credit Explanation - Differences in the timing of certain deductions, especially for depreciation allowances, account for a significant amount of the increase in tax liability under the corporate AMT. Firms paying the corporate AMT are granted a credit for those payments, which may be used only to offset future regular taxes at a time of positive tax liability. Companies with unused AMT credits essentially are making interest-free loans to the federal government, to be repaid only when the company has sufficient regular income tax liability in the future. Currently, the economic benefit of AMT credits is denied at precisely the time companies are in greatest financial need
o Creation of jobs and new investment – This would help companies create new jobs and invest in new manufacturing facilities and equipment. For 2010 and 2011, companies would be able to utilize their existing AMT credits up to: (1) 20% of new employee wages capped at $20,000 per employee per year and (2) 20% of new investments in manufacturing facilities and equipment purchased or placed into service in 2010 and 2011.
o Retention of jobs – A company would also be allowed to utilize existing AMT credits to help retain jobs in the U.S. AMT credit utilization would be capped at 10% of the companies’ domestic wages and based on their 2009 U.S. employment not to exceed $10,000 per employee.
o Rapid utilization – This program would apply only for 2010 and 2011, to encourage rapid utilization. To further accelerate the economic impact of allowing companies to utilize their AMT credits, the proposal would allow for an expedited refund process similar to current laws for net operating losses.
Job Creation and New Investment Estimates
o Over 65,000 new jobs created in 2010 and 2011
o Over 170,000 retained jobs in 2010 and 2011
o Over $40 billion in new investment in 2010 and 2011, which will have a substantial multiplier effect, creating significant numbers of additional jobs
Broad Industry Support
o This proposal helps multiple sectors of the economy including: manufacturers, airlines, energy companies, auto companies and suppliers, and high tech.
o The companies and industry groups that support this proposal include: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT), the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), and the Associated Builders and Contractors Association.

NEW FAIRFIELD, Conn. (March 17, 2010) – Susan Chapman, New Fairfield’s Republican Selectman, today endorsed Justin Bernier for U.S. Congress in Connecticut’s 5th District.
“I am proud to endorse Justin Bernier for Congress,” said Chapman. “With his service in Afghanistan as a Navy intelligence officer, he understands what it takes to keep our country safe; with his background in economics and the private sector he understands what it will take to jumpstart Connecticut’s economy.”
Bernier said he was honored to have Chapman’s endorsement: “Susan Chapman is a leader who listens and her commitment to public service is second to none. Her support will be a tremendous boost to our campaign in New Fairfield.”
Susan Chapman is serving her first term as New Fairfield Selectman. She previously served on the town Planning Commission for four years and has been a leader of the New Fairfield Middle School and High School PTO’s. Before moving to Connecticut Chapman was a proud Army wife, during which time she was involved in family support groups. She and her husband Ken are the proud parents of three children.
Justin Bernier is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan and a former member of Governor M. Jodi Rell’s cabinet. Unlike most congressional candidates, he has a background in both economics and national security. He is the only 5th District candidate who has been named to the National Republican Congressional Committee’s “Young Guns” program. He and his wife Jennie live in Plainville.

Martha Dean, an Avon attorney announced last week that she is seeking the Republican nomination for Attorney General.

Dean will be holding a press conference this coming Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at the Capitol building's north steps. The press and public is invited.

Dean states that Connecticut is entering a full-blown crisis - an economic crisis, cultural crisis, and a leadership crisis. She believes these crisis' means that the quality of the people who we elect is more important than ever.

As Attorney General of Connecticut, Dean promises to work with other state officials to take the legal steps necessary to save this great State and see it safely to the high ground of competitiveness and prosperity.

Martha Dean has maintained an active practice of law for 22 years. In 2002, Dean was the Republican nominee for Connecticut Attorney General. Dean's legal practice is dedicated to helping clients understand and comply with complex regulatory schemes, successfully challenge inappropriate government action, and recoup losses, while furthering their economic and individual rights guaranteed by state and federal constitutions.

Dean is a co-founder of the Hartford Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society for Law & Public Policy Studies. The Federalist Society is a national organization of law students, law professors, lawyers and judges who sponsor panel discussions and debates with leading scholars and authorities on important public policy issues of the day.

Dean is a graduate of Wellesley College '82 and the University of Connecticut School of Law '86. She is also a member of the Connecticut Bar, U.S. District Court (CT), U.S. Court of Appeals (2nd circuit), and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Washington, D.C. - Senator Christopher Dodd and Patrick Corvington, the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service to announce $2 million in "Summer of Service" grants.

The Learn and Serve America 2010 Summer of Service grants will engage more than four million low-income students in grades 6 through 9 in innovative service-learning programs that address environment and disaster preparedness issues in their community.

Senator Dodd, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Children and Families of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP), will discuss his leadership on service-learning and work to authorize the Summer of Service grants under the new Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.

Dodd will also announce that the Northwestern Connecticut Area Health Education Center (AHEC) will receive a $50,000 grant to support service-learning programs across the state.

Republican Tom Herrmann, First Selectman of Easton and businessman, announced his intentions to run for Congress against Democrat Jim Himes today.

"Our country is face with a perfect storm of challenges - high levels of unemployment, a struggling economy, staggering national debt and an undisciplined, out-of-touch Congress that aims to solve these problems by spending even more money that Americans don't have," said Herrmann.

Herrmann presented a detailed plan of action in addition to highlighting his experience and qualifications. He has lived and worked in the 4th Congressional District virtually his whole life. Herrmann believes that we need a Congressman that will serve the people, solve current problems, as well as provide for a prosperous and safe future; he hopes to be that Congressman.

Herrmann has over thirty years of experience saving and creating jobs, revitalizing failing businesses and building new ones, streamlining budgets and delivering results.

Herrmann faced five other Republicans before he earned the nomination to campaign against Himes.

Herrmann states that polling data demonstrates that Himes is vulnerable and that a well-funded and well organized Republican can win.

Herrmann is serving his second term as the First Selectman of Easton.

Washington, DC- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement in response to the announcement of Connecticut’s state unemployment numbers for January 2010:
“Creating jobs and improving our economy has and will remain my number one priority. I am proud of the steps we’ve taken to put the American people back to work, passing the Jobs for America Act, the Jobs for Main Street Act and the Recovery Act. But, I know that people are still suffering and we must do more.
“I believe that we are beginning to see signs of recovery. Connecticut added 2,300 new jobs in January-the largest increase since the start of the economic downturn. The Recovery Act has played an important role in saving and creating over 7,000 jobs in our state and it is on track to save or create 3.5 million jobs around the country. Recently, I received a letter from the owners of the R. Pelton Builders, a residential energy audit business in Berlin, extolling how, through the Recovery Act Weatherization program, they were able to create 5 new full time positions. As the owners Michael, Stephen, and Rebecca Pelton stated, the Recovery Act did what it was intended to do-- create jobs . Many small business owners are staying open and creating new opportunities for the unemployed due to the funding secured for the state through the Recovery Act.
“I will continue working to help spur economic growth in Connecticut and provide small business owners, like the Peltons, the resources they need to help create good paying jobs in our community.”

BETHLEHEM, Conn. (March 5, 2010) – Edward Roden, Republican Selectman in Bethlehem, today endorsed Justin Bernier for U.S. Congress in Connecticut's 5th District.
“I am proud to endorse Justin Bernier for Congress,” said Roden. “Justin understands that to jump start the economy we must control our nation’s spending addiction, and he has the plan to do it.”
Roden went on to say, “With his military service and background in economics, Justin Bernier is the best Republican candidate and will draw the clearest contrast with Chris Murphy.”
Bernier said the endorsement was a boost for his campaign because of Ed’s leadership in Bethlehem as well as his work in the medical community and the U.S. military.
“I am honored to receive Ed Roden’s endorsement,” said Bernier. “Ed is a respected leader in Bethlehem and on the Republican Town Committee, and as a medical professional I’ll turn to him for his insight on healthcare reform issues.”
“Our campaign is focused on earning the support of local Republicans, like Ed, because they are the heart and soul of the party in Connecticut,” Bernier added.
Roden is a nurse anesthetist and Air National Guardsman. He and his wife live in Bethlehem with their four children. Roden, in his first term as selectman, previously served on the town’s Board of Assessment Appeals.
Bernier was earlier endorsed by Jeremy Whitlock, Bethlehem’s Republican Town Committee Chairman.
Justin Bernier is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan and a former member of Governor M. Jodi Rell’s cabinet. He and his wife, Jennie, live in Plainville.

Waterbury, CT - Sam Caligiuri's campaign continues to build grassroots momentum, as evidenced by today's announcement that Southbury Republican Town Committee Chair Claire Dwyer has endorsed his candidacy.

Dwyer believes that Caligiuri has the best combination of attributes we need in our next Congressman. She elaborates, "Sam has a strong voting record when it comes to fiscal accountability. He is very passionate about voting for what he believes is right for our state rather than what the "herd" wants from him. He has the necessary knowledge, sincerity and tenacity to get things done. I have pledged to Sam as much of my time, talent, and energy as I can give to assist him in winning this very critical election because it is so important for the health and well-being of our state."

Caligiuri is honored to receive Dwyers endorsement. He looks forward to working with her and the Southbury Republicans to find legislative solutions that work for Southbury and the rest of the district.

Claire Dwyer has over twenty years of experience in education administration. She is currently a Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid at the University of New Haven.

Waterbury, CT - In the wake of the news that Representative Charlie Rangel will temporarily step down from his Chairmanship of the Ways and Means Committee due to alleged ethics violations, Sam Caligiuri argued that Rangel is a poster child for the meaningful government reform he has been advocating on the campaign trail.

"As Chairman of a powerful Committee, it appears that Rangel used his position to accept gifts from a company that was trying to get legislation through his committee. This latest Rangel debacle is a prime example of the problems that come with the typical career politician, and why we must fight for real government reform. I have been a strong advocate of government reform because the American people deserve better than this tired model of corrupt politics." said Caligiuri.

Caligiuri has made government reform a hallmark of his Congressional campaign, outlining three core reforms he will fight for as a member of Congress:

1. Prohibiting committee chairs and ranking members from accepting campaign contributions from the industries they regulate;
2. Enacting term limit legislation that would apply to the entire Congress;
3. Banning earmarks and forcing members to use existing competitive processes to fund qualifying projects in their districts.

As acting mayor of Waterbury, Caligiuri dismantled corrupt systems that awarded city contracts to politically connected service providers.

The three Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Chris Dodd have agreed to discuss their candidacies and take questions during upcoming meetings of the Litchfield-Morris Rotary Club.

Linda McMahon and Rob Simmons will appear separately on April 15. Peter Schiff will appear May 6. Their party convention will choose the nominee later that month.

The Rotary Club meets at noon in Litchfield. The site for these meetings will be announced soon.

Other upcoming guests include candidates for governor and the 5th Congressional District seat.

A number of invitations are pending.

McMahon, Simmons and Schiff debated this week at the University of Hartford, as did Democratic candidates Richard Blumenthal and Merrick Alpert. A Rasmussen poll released today showed Blumenthal with wide leads over all three Republican candidates.

Waterbury, CT - The Caligiuri Campaign announced today that House Republican Leader Larry Cafero has endorsed Caligiuri's candidacy in the Fifth Congressional District race.

"Part of my job as Republican Leader is to ensure that we are nominating our best Republicans for office. This means finding and promoting the strongest candidates so that we present voters with the best Republican slate possible. Sam has that strength, he is our best candidate in the Fifth Congressional District race, and as delegate selection gears up this month, now is the time for us to rally behind him as a party," said Cafero.

Caligiuri stated that he was honored by Cafero's endorsement and enthusiasm for his candidacy. He looks forward to having him as an ally in the months ahead.

Cafero was chosen by his colleagues to the House Republican Leader at the outset of the 2007 legislative session after serving as Deputy Leader for six terms. Cafero becomes the 12th Republican State Representative to endorse Caligiuri's candidacy.

State Rep. John Rigby to have office hours Monday March 8th at Town Hall in Norfolk from 6 to 8 p.m. Rigby, of Colebrook, invites constituents to share concerns, ideas and ask questions. He’ll provide information about recent legislation. Will speak about the current legislative session. Town Hall is located at 19 Maple Ave. For information, call Rigby at 800-842-1423.

Iraq Veterans for Congress, a national veterans group, today endorsed Republican Justin Bernier for U.S. Congress in Connecticut's 5th District.
D. Patrick Mahoney, Vice President of Iraq Veterans for Congress (IVC), said, “We need more veterans serving in Congress, and with his service in Afghanistan, Justin Bernier understands what it takes to defend our country. IVC is proud to support Justin’s campaign for Congress in Connecticut’s 5th District.”
Mahoney went on to say, “Justin served as Connecticut’s Director of Military Affairs, so he also has experience serving the military as a civilian.”
Bernier responded, “I am honored to have the endorsement of Iraq Veterans for Congress and I thank its members for their vote of confidence. We need more veterans in Congress, so I applaud Mr. Mahoney and his organization for their efforts to make this goal a reality.”
“We need more members of Congress watching out for our injured and retired veterans,” Bernier added. “I’m especially concerned that wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are not getting the health care and access to facilities they need to recover. The veterans spending bill needs to be the first priority in our budget – not the last.”
Iraq Veterans for Congress was founded in 2008 with the mission of electing veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan to the U.S. House and Senate. In 2008 two of IVC’s endorsed candidates, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Jr. (CA-52) and Congressman Mike Coffman (CO-6), won election. This year the organization has endorsed more than thirty candidates across the country.
Bernier, a Navy intelligence officer, is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan from 2007. He is a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Bernier served in Governor M. Jodi Rell’s cabinet as the Director of Military Affairs. He and his wife, Jennie, live in Plainville.

Mark Greenberg, Republican candidate for the 5th Congressional District seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, will speak at the Torrington Rotary Club meeting at noon tomorrow (Tuesday, March 2) at the Torrington Elks Club.

The club has already heard from one of Greenberg's Republican primary opponents, Justin Bernier, who spoke last fall.

Greenberg will speak to more Rotarians on Thursday, this time at the Litchfield-Morris Rotary Club.

Here's a bio provided by his campaign:

"As an independent businessman and entrepreneur, Mark Greenberg has dedicated his life to improving his community. He knows firsthand what it takes to create and sustain jobs, as he has done over the last 30 years, providing a livelihood for local families.

"After graduating from Cornell University, Mark founded two successful companies. His first company, Adirondack Mobile Telephone and Adirondack Radio Telephone, supplied mobile telecommunication service throughout upstate New York. It was also the official provider of pagers and mobile phones used during the Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid New York.

"In 1980, Mark created MGRE, a firm that is now one of the largest real estate management firms based upon residential properties managed.
Mark invested in our communities by opening several local businesses including The Market, a food market specializing in natural fish, meat, and groceries and Goshen Hardware, an old-time hardware store servicing the northwest corner.

"Mark and his wife Linda founded The Simon Foundation, Inc, an animal rescue shelter, which has helped adopt more than 500 dogs to loving homes. The foundation is slated to open its new Bloomfield, Connecticut rescue facility in December 2009.

"Mark and Linda live with their four young children in Northwest Connecticut."