When Lieutenant Governor Mike Fedele announced last week that he’ll seek the GOP gubernatorial nomination if Jodi Rell doesn’t run it got me thinking (I know, that’s a scary thought) does Fedele know something we don’t?
Why would he make that declaration? Is it possible Mother Rell is tired of the Hartford BS? No budget. Yucky economy. Democratic leadership frothing for tax hikes on her voter base. Is it possible she finishes a budget deal with Dems (hopefully this year) and then says sayonara, I’m heading back to Brookfield? Let Fedele be governor for a year and run on his own.
That could also throw open the door to other Republicans (Paging State Senator John McKinney) to seek the guber nomination. McKinney’s been building up lung capacity hitting Democrats over what Democrats do best: raise taxes. He’s been making the rounds, including Bridgeport, highlighting what additional tax increases will do to drive jobs out of the state. How about some additional tax credits to make the state’s largest city more enticing?
Connecticut is the highest taxed state in the country: income taxes, sales taxes, gas taxes, a variety of business taxes, to go along with property taxes and car taxes on a local level. For the privilege of starting a one-person business in Connecticut it costs $250. The state calls it a Business Entity Tax. Won’t be many entities left in the state if the Dems keep raising taxes. And then all of those state fees on top. Almost have to mortgage your home to snag a fishing license. Yes, Jodi increased a bunch fees, along with proposing lots of cuts, to try to close the budget gap. The Dems say she cuts too much.
Will Rell cave and give the Dems what they want…higher taxes on the wealthiest of Connecticut earners? That’s gonna make Fairfield County, her vote base, gag. It’s Fairfield County that supports most of the rest of the state. Not the way she wants to seek reelection. Mother Rell’s an interesting pol. She never pushes the GOP line, preferring to transcend politics. Maybe she’ll try to finally push the GOP in 2010 to bring in some additional Republicans? Or maybe she bails and throws it open to GOP candidates that take a hard line on spending and taxes?
Book ‘Em
The fight to decide library expenditures has entered Connecticut Superior Court. For an update check out my daily blog at www.onlyinbridgeport.com)
Cafero should run for Congressman in the 4th. He would be the ideal candidate to field. Could carry Norwalk, hold the base, and have some cross over appeal in the urban areas due to his down to earth style.
Former Bridgeport City Councilmen Ralph Mojica is contemplating running for Ct Gov.
Cafero for Gov 2010!