There are about four dozen supporters braving the blustery autumn wind outside Stamford High School ahead of the final gubernatorial debate. Around 6 p.m. there seemed to be about three dozen supporters waving signs for Democratic candidate Dan Malloy and only about one dozen supporting Republican candidate Tom Foley. Malloy does have the hometown advantage, however. The debate, which is also the kickoff of the 45th annual convention of the Connecticut NAACP, is taking place 0.6 miles from where Malloy grew up on 5th Street and Revonah Ave.
Malloy is a recognizable face in Stamford, having served as mayor for 14 years, and it is this familiarity that won the vote of Remus Romeus, 32, of Bridgeport.
“We’re used to him, what he can do and what he can do for the community,” said Romeus, who volunteered for several of Malloy’s mayoral campaigns. “That’s why we support him.”
For Romeus, the most important issue of the election is health care. For Foley supporter Rick Crusinski, 53, the gubernatorial race is all about the economy.
“I’m hoping to convince people that Tom is the right choice for governor,” Crusinski said. “We’re trying to get the word out so people come vote on Tuesday. When people look at both candidates they are going to see that Tom is the better candidate.”
Crusinski said he believes Foley is better qualified to lower costs, increase jobs and foster a welcoming business climate in Connecticut than Malloy. While Foley is behind in the polls right now, Crusinski believes he will pull ahead in the end.
As the sun went down and the temperature dropped, the supporters awaited their candidates, who were set to arrive at Stamford High School by 6:15. Some volunteers, as well as this reporter, ducked into John’s Pizza for a gyro and to warm up. The last of 17 campaign encounters between Malloy and Foley is set to begin in the Stamford High School auditorium at 7 p.m.
CT is in the top 5 worst taxed states! Only 7 states TAX SS…CT is one of them. If you combine sales, property, income, estate and social security tax, our state ranks in the worst 5 in the country. Particularly bad for retirees. We need someone with business sense…that’s Tom Foley…stop spending and reduce taxes! No more tax and spend…that’s Malloy’s policy!!! Wake up and smell the coffee, CT!!!
MIDDLE CLASS WOMEN VOTERS OF CT HAVE A POSITIVE MESSAGE FOR BILL CLINTON AND DAN MALLOY ON OCT. 31st —
MALLOY ENDORSEMENTS:
New York Times, Hartford Courant, Stamford Advocate, Bill Clinton, all Dem. Connecticut legislators, all of the major unions, among many others. This man has built a massive consensus, based on his proven track record as a dedicated public servant. He knows how to GET THINGS DONE. He will find compromises. He knows the system in CT. He will be EFFECTIVE, like he was in Stamford for 14 years against tough odds.
FOLEY ENDORSEMENTS:
Rich cronies in Greenwich, George W. Bush, hedge funds, investment banks, the Podunk Gazette, and his charmingly lovely wife. This man has not built an EFFECTIVE consensus, only shallow promises to “shake things up.” He is not a proven public servant with actual governing experience, he is a proven Corporate Raider with actual nasty experiences. He will be DIVISIVE and POLARIZING, and get nothing done. BUT! That polarization will assist him greatly in his HIDDEN AGENDA to vault onto the Washington stage in 2012. It is patently obvious that he is on a power hungry ego trip, not looking to serve the little people of CT, and his ambitions are fueled by millions of dollars earned off the backs of thousands of middle class people he laid off at places like Bibb Corporation. STOP HIM NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Foley has many black marks: I believe the voters of CT deserve a Governor who does not have to explain his two arrests, his federal security clearance problem, his close ties to George Bush, his faked exploits in Iraq, his horrendously ugly and protracted divorce, his linkage to Reverend Barbara Sexton and other weirdos, his massive layoffs at Bibb Corporation, and even the huge mansion and huge yacht (his conspicuous wealth rubs me the wrong way, like he’s BUYING THE ELECTION).
Malloy is the man. Foley will soon be forgotten.
SUGGESTION TO PRESIDENT CLINTON: Sir, you are one of the most admired ex-Presidents ever, with the Clinton Global Initiative, tsunami disaster relief, and other worthy causes. Please make the following statement on Oct. 31st in Hartford, in front of all the TV cameras and reporters:
“I whole-heartedly urge you to vote for Dan Malloy for Governor. He is a proven and dedicated public servant with a great track record…….and he is the only candidate who DOES NOT HAVE TO EXPLAIN HIS ARRESTS AND HIS CORPORATE RAIDER LAYOFFS, like his opponent.” –Bill Clinton
Dorothy B. & family
Darien