Connecticut GOP: Party of All, Not Just the Rich

BREAKING:   Grassroots Supporters Are Making the Difference for Republican Victory 2018

This morning, a memorandum from the Republican National Committee showed that the RNC is CONSISTENTLY outpacing the Democrats in fundraising among small dollar donors, disproving any notion that the GOP is "the Party of the Rich".   See more below:   Arthur Christopher -- Did you know? The very BEST way you can be a part of CONNECTICUT VICTORY 2018is to become of our state's dedicated grassroots investors, right away! Your generous support of as little as $5, $10, even $25 TODAY will be put into the key infrastructure that will help us secure victory on Election Day, November 6th. For Connecticut Republicans, our moment is NOW.   HELP US TAKE BACK CONNECTICUT   Chip in $1 immediately >> Chip in $5 immediately >> Chip in $10 immediately >> Chip in $25 immediately >> Chip in $50 immediately >> Chip in ANOTHER AMOUNT immediately >> Your contribution will be put into the field for VICTORY 2018 right away. Thank you! - CTGOP Grassroots Team

The Connecticut GOP is Fighting Back: Take Back Connecticut

This is amazing and also sobering. For a long time, New England has been a bastion of abject, secular liberalism. They have embraced and elected one Democratic Governor after another. In many of the state legislatures, Democrats have all but taken over.

But in Connecticut, a Republican renaissance is on its way.

The state senate is literally sitting at 50-50 right now. One more state senator, and Republicans will have control of that chamber. Four more Republicans in the lower house, and the GOP will take back that part, too.

Then there's the governor's race. The incumbent Democratic Governor, Dannel Malloy, is one of the most unpopular state chief executives in the country. He is rude, crude, with a bad attitude, and under his watch the state is going bankrupt, including the state capital of Hartford. Malloy has been an abject disgrace, attacking Second Amendment rights while taxing everything that moves.

Democratic candidates running to replace Malloy are running from his corrupt brand. One Dem candidate just dropped out of the race.

In contrast, Republican candidates are running on protecting Second Amendment rights, shoring up the pension debt to save the state, and taking on the public sector unions bleeding the state into bankruptcy.

I have so much hope for Connecticut, and I can only say that I wish California had the same kind of verve and momentum.

Please join me in the urgent fight to TAKE BACK CONNECTICUT by signing up today! Click HERE to Join!

Dear Arthur Christopher, There's no time to mince words. I'm asking for your help! As Chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party, I have set an ambitious agenda of grassroots re-engagement, enhanced digital micro-targeting, and going on offense against the Democrats like never before. Governor Malloy and his liberal allies are leading us down a dangerous path. We have had enough of outrageous tax hikes, unsustainable debt and recklessness saddled upon taxpayers and our future generations. For the sake of the state and country, Democrats MUST be defeated at the ballot box. That's why I need you -- not just today, but on an ongoing basis. The only way we can take the fight to the Democrats is with a sustained "Victory 365" campaign. That requires a grassroots army of dedicated Republicans, committed to a small and ongoing contribution to our Party. That's why I'm asking you to commit to our cause with your sustaining membership of just $5 per month to the Connecticut Republican Party. Your sustaining monthly contribution of $5 or more could make the difference in key races across Connecticut. For your dedication, I'll send you our TAKE BACK CONNECTICUT bumper sticker as our thanks. Please complete your sustaining membership today to show you're committed to our goals. With new tools and better visibility, we're going to elect more Republicans and put Connecticut back on a path to sanity. Don't delay. Together, let's go TAKE BACK CONNECTICUT! Sincerely, J.R. Romano State Party Chairman Connecticut Republican Party P.S. Our Take Back Connecticut program has attracted hundreds of grassroots supporters, and we are just getting started! Can I count on you to join today?  Thank you! - J.R.

Final Reflection

What has made Connecticut a GOP battleground state once again?

The state is smaller, which makes it easier to network and send information. It's cheaper to communicate through the internet and email services. Sure.

But the fact that the state is in such dire straits under 8 years of regressive leftist rule has awakened voters across the state. Republicans have maintained a fairly strong brand in the state in the past. The Bush family is originally from Connecticut, although they are not the stirring star example of what Republicans should be.

Still, even in a blue wasteland like New England, Republicans are not giving up the fight.

They are fighting back, and more blue-state Republicans need to follow their example.

Vermont GOP Governor Delivers 2018 State of the State Address (Tax Cuts, Spending Cuts!)

Share Tweet Forward to a Friend Greetings, Earlier today Governor Scott delivered his 2018 State of the State address highlighting the progress of the past year and strengthening his commitment to growing the economy and making Vermont more affordable, while protecting the most vulnerable.   MAKING PROGRESS   Last session, Governor Scott presented, fought for and signed a budget that did not raise a single tax or fee for the first time in memory. He drew a line in the sand and said the state budget would not grow faster than wages, which means state government actually helped Vermonters keep more of what they earn. In addition, over the last 12 months, Governor Scott and his administration closed a budget gap of nearly $60 million.  He also reduced education costs by $13 million in order to keep statewide property tax rates level for the first time in more than a decade.   His housing package (the most substantial investment in new housing in state history)will deliver 600 additional units of housing that working families can afford; employ 1,000 Vermonters; help attract new workers to the state, and generate $10 million in wages.   A few other key highlights from the past year include: the expansion of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts to help communities encourage private investment; the expansion of downtown tax credits; additional funding for the Vermont Small Business Development Center; investments in tourism and marketing; tax exemptions on forestry products; and alterations to the telecommunications permitting process...among others. These pro-growth investments are an important step toward a stronger economy and more opportunity to all four corners of Vermont.   The Governor provided leadership on the opiate crisis, by supporting the expansion of the “hub and spoke” treatment model that has substantially reduced, and in some areas eliminated, waiting lists for treatment. Also, over the course of the past year, the Governor’s PIVOT program worked to rethink and reform processes in state government to make them more efficient and effective. Just one example, one team streamlined construction permit applications, improving average turnaround time by 30%. There are currently 44 more of these projects underway.   And Governor Scott is just getting started!   SETTING THE AGENDA   In his State of the State, Governor Scott also asked the Legislature to work with him to restore the economic foundation of our state. He said he will continue to fight for affordability, expanding the workforce, and investing in pro-growth areas.   The Governor was crystal clear: He will not accept a budget with any new taxes or fees--including an increase in the property tax--again this year.   He outlined a workforce expansion plan and an innovative, data-driven campaign, focused on training Vermonters for existing jobs, creating the best cradle-to-career education system in the nation, and deploying innovative tools to recruit new working age people to our state.   The Governor underscored the importance of economic development to securing a prosperous future. He stated his intention to introduce new legislation to support rural economic development, affordable housing, help working families and young professionals, and revitalize our downtowns. Specific proposals will be outlined in his Budget Address on January, 23.   Finally, the Governor announced his plan to introduce a comprehensive Veterans package, which will support those who have bravely served our country, state, and communities. This includes tuition free higher education for Guard members, improving licensing and scholarship opportunities, and perhaps most importantly, eliminating Vermont’s tax on military pensions.   SETTING THE TONE   But in order to accomplish these goals, the Governor stressed that we must pull together. He said:   “The solutions we were elected to find are achievable, but we must not let our work be clouded by politics. We must resist the instinct to retreat to ideological corners.Progress requires a willingness to compromise, to listen, to find consensus and to be honest and respectful brokers on behalf of all Vermonters.   “We must do everything we can, to pull our nation out of darkness and restore civility and respect to our public process... “We have an opportunity to set an example with our actions, we can commit to meaningful dialogue and be guided by our shared principles, we can work together towards consensus whenever possible, and compromise when its required… “If we do these things we will make a difference in the lives of Vermonters, we will live up to the promise of our history, and in the decades to come the record will show, in our nation's hour of need, Vermonters, once again, led the way.”   To view the Governor’s complete State of the State address, click [here]. DONATE TODAY! JOIN THE TEAM!

Phil Scott for Vermont, Glen Wright, Treasurer, P.O. Box 988, Montpelier, VT, 05602

RI GOP: Rep. Patricia Morgan Leads Small Business Forum

RI Federation of Republican Women hosts a Small Business Forum with House Minority Leader Patricia Morgan.  Rebecca Schiff will moderate the panel as we learn about the laws, policies, and regulations that are hurting RI businesses and the uphill battle of the Republican Caucus, led by Representative Patricia Morgan, to make RI competitive in today's changed economy.  Members & Non-Members Welcome Light Refreshments will be served Donations appreciated but not required

Rhode Island Republican Party: Keep Your Paws off Tax Dollars for Pawtucket Pawsox Stadium

NO DEAL ON A $38 MILLION DOLLAR TAXPAYER SUBSIDIZED STADIUM

Two years after taxpayers widely rejected a $120 million taxpayer subsidized ballpark, the PawSox have come crawling back.  This time the PawSox owners are asking for a $38 million taxpayer subsidy ($23 million from state taxpayers and $15 million from Pawtucket taxpayers) to build a new ballpark.  

In response, Republican Party Chairman Brandon S. Bell stated: "This proposal is simply a bad idea.  Rhode Island taxpayers cannot afford to subsidize a new ballpark.  Rhode Island taxpayers are facing a budget revenue shortfall of about $100 million dollars.  Speaker Nicholas Mattiello is back tracking on his campaign promise to eliminate the car tax by saying he needs six years instead of five years to eliminate it.  Governor Gina Raimondo is talking about the possibility of cuts to social services to balance the budget. Does Mattiello and Raimondo really want to explain to the voters how they postponed car tax relief and pushed for cuts to social services while giving millionaires $38 million to build a new ballpark?!"

Bell continued:  "We all know that ballparks do not lead to economic development   In 2015, PolitiFact confirmed the assertion made by Steven Frias, the R.I. Republican National Committeeman, that: "Research performed by economists has shown no consistent, positive impact on jobs, income or tax revenues arising from stadiums or sports franchises."  

 

Bell concluded: "It is ironic that the Pawsox owners are now asking for a $38 million dollar taxpayer subsidy. The number 38 reminds Rhode Islanders of 38 Studios: the bright idea of a former Red Sox pitcher and some clueless politicians that cost Rhode Island taxpayers millions."  

The Connecticut Republican Party: Raising Money, and Winning!

The Connecticut Republican Party is on the upswing.

The current governor Dannell Malloy, is deeply unpopular.

He just taxes and taxes working Connecticut residents.

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So much so, that they sent ME -- a resident in Torrance, California, seeking to raise funds!

Granted, every state party sends out eblast and fundraising letters.

But we're talking about New England. We're talking about liberal Connecticut,  right?

Yet they're raising money.

They have hope. Connecticut was supposed to be this deep blue bastion of Democratic dominance.

However ...

The state senate is now 50-50 after Election 2016

The state party is going all out for a big win in 2018.

The Democratic Party has as record so bad, that even liberal New Englanders are willing to give the other party a chance to make things right.

Republicans were with single digits of ousting Malloy in 2014.

Since he won't run for re-election (he would get crushed badly), Republicans can take the executive mansion--and perhaps take back one chamber of the state legislature, too.

It's embarrassing for me, a California Republican, to see the GOP succeed in other states, even deeply blue New England, when here in the land of Nixon and Reagan we are slowly losing ground.

If major structural changes don't happen in the electorate and within the state party, I fear it could get worse, not better.

What will it take for the Republican Party to rebound stronger than ever in California?

What?!

Rhode Island GOP: No Providential Bailouts with Higher Taxes!

STOP THE BAIL OUT OF PROVIDENCE THROUGH A HIDDEN WATER TAX On Tuesday, there will be a hearing at the House Corporations Committee on House Bill 6122. This bill will create a regional water authority but it really aims to give more money to the City of Providence by increasing the water bills of any customer who purchases water from Providence Water directly or indirectly in such communities as Providence, Cranston, North Providence, Johnston, Smithfield, East Providence, Bristol, Warren, Barrington, Warwick, Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich and West Warwick. The proposed legislation specifically prohibits state regulators from using "any purchase payment, lease payment, or management fee payment" for the Providence Water system "to benefit directly or indirectly of the ratepayers" of the Providence Water system. Instead any payment will go the City of Providence although the customers of the Providence Water in fact paid for the water system. Rhode Island Republican Party Chairman Brandon S. Bell commented: "This ridiculous bill is just a scheme to bail out the City of Providence by hiking up the water bills of customers across Rhode Island. This was explained four years ago by Steven Frias, the R.I. Republican National Committeeman, in a column entitled "A hidden tax on the water you drink" regarding a comparable piece of legislation. Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and Governor Gina Raimondo should speak out against this bill. Rhode Islanders pay enough in taxes. We do not need to pay a hidden water tax to bail out the City of Providence."

What the New England GOP is Doing (and what California Should and Should Not Do ...)

Foxes and Hounds offers some telling intel, and sound analysis on politics in California and in reference to events across the country.

Their take on what California Republicans can do to ensure a Republican governor gets elected in 2018 should give us some pause. Yes, anything is possible. In spite of this abortive Prop 14 which has shut down Republican chances in otherwise competitive seats.

Repeal Prop 14--that is a must.

Model for CA GOP Gov. May Be Found in New England

The California gubernatorial election is 22 months away but already the media is filled with stories about the coming campaign. Given the superiority in Democratic voter registration in this state it is assumed that a Democrat will succeed Jerry Brown in the corner office. Yet, for Republicans there may be hope when witnessing the success of GOP governors in another blue section of the country, New England.

For the record, I was chomping at the bit over the 2016 US Senate race as early as January 2015, and even a little sooner than that. After all, Barbara Boxer wasn't raising lots of money in 2014, and her campaign accounts were really low for a re-election bid in the most populous state in the union with expensive media markets.

I reached out to staffers in the CA GOP to see if Condoleeza Rice would run (she didn't; she didn't want to), and then a whole slew of candidates jumped into the race. One candidate connected with me two months before the primary, as well. I could not believe how disorganized the whole process had become. Democrats can put force competing candidates into a run and dwindle the numbers down to one.

Why can't Republicans do the same?

Of the six New England states, Republicans head four, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. By voter registration, four New England states are ranked in the top ten as the most Democratic states in the Union as of early last year with Massachusetts number one and Vermont number five. California was number six on the list.

There is hope. New England has been notoriously hostile to Republican politics for the last ten to twenty years. Yet today, four states have Republican governors. New Hampshire is a GOP trifecta right now, in fact, even though the state has a Democratic tinge in its federal representation.

Connecticut's state senate is split 50-50, and Maine's state senate is under GOP control, too.

The GOP model needs more attention than just who is sitting in the governor's mansion. Charlie Baker is a complete disappoint, a RINO who is more interested in placating rather than confronting liberal Democrats. The Massachusetts variety are particularly vicious and destructive to life and liberty on every level.

In a Washington Post column last month, James Hohmann attempted to discover how Republican governors captured these Democratic strongholds.

The Washington Post is not friendly to conservatives, and whether Republicans in the Northeast or California or any other Democratic stronghold like it or not, the Republican Party is the pro-life, pro-liberty, and pro-family party. Pro-individual success, too.

I am a little loath to follow any WaPo journalist's take on what would make the Republican Party successful anywhere in the country. Notice how savagely Hohmann denigrated Paul LePage, the Governor of Maine:

-- Paul LePage, the Republican governor of Maine, is in a league of his own. He was catapulted into office amidst the tea party wave of 2010 and got reelected in 2014 with a plurality because an independent siphoned away Democratic votes. He’s polarizing and profoundly ideological. He’s also term limited and will be gone in two years.

The writer neglects to mention his respect for the Second Amendment, the expansion of concealed carry, comprehensive welfare reforms which have gotten tens of thousands off of welfare and back to work. His policies have given a reddish hue to an otherwise blue state. For the first time in two decades, a Republican has been elected to Congress for two terms.

LePage has shaped the culture to be more conservative, and his model should be the guiding light for Republicans in blue states. Of course, it is worth noting that LePage become governor in a five-way race in an off-year election.

Still, his win has been Maine's win, and will pave the way for future conservative victories in the Pine Tree State.

The Post’s Editorial Board, calling on him to resign and “seek help” this fall, outlined some of the more memorable illustrations of his “unhinged racism” and “wild-eyed ramblings.” Among other things, LePage declared in October that a Trump presidency is necessary because he will exercise “authoritarian power” to pull us back from “slipping into anarchy.”

The Washington Post editorial board is an elitist fraud. Once again, we should take WaPo Hate with a grain of salt.

Still, what can we learn from the four New England Republican governors ascent for California Republican interests?

Are there lessons for California?

Phil Scott

Vermont elected Phil Scott who told Hohmann he got involved in politics because the state was an unfriendly place to do business. That’s a theme that could resonate in California. Scott is a fiscal conservative. “But not unlike most Republicans in the Northeast, I’m probably more on the left of center from a social standpoint.”

Like Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (another success story which the Washington Post chose to ignore), Republicans in blue states need to focus on the basic issues which resonate with everyone. Most working people ... are not working right now. That has to stop. This perversion of statewide economies must be overturned, and only a Republican will take steps to do that in California.

Hopefully.

California Republicans have been battling internally for years on where to draw the line on social issues.

Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker enjoys a 70-percent-approval rating. Hohmann writes: “He’s viewed as a pragmatist and admired for his effective managerial abilities, even though many of his priorities have been blocked by liberals in the legislature.”

Charlie Baker, Republican Faker

Baker has gone along with much of the Democratic program, including transgenderism as a civil right instead of a mental disorder (which it is.) This legislation is anti-free market, too, since it invites more lawsuits, regulations, and fees.

The argument about fiscal v. social is a dead on arrival distraction from the regressive left. Why do we care how they view the world anyway?

Besides ...

With Democrats overwhelmingly controlling the Massachusetts State House, Baker is seen as a check on overreach. Baker said, “The fiscal discipline issue is for real, and so is the ability to be part of the constructive friction that people like to see.” Politics benefits from competition the same way everything else does. Most people think competition is a good thing and creates an urgency and a tension that works for the so-called consumer, which in this case is the taxpayer or the person who relies on government.”

Massachusetts and Vermont have overwhelming Democratic legislatures. Instead of accommodating the culture, though, Republicans need to shape the culture and make it more in line with constitutional principles and sound governance.

The last thing that California needs is another governor who will continue the leftward lurching of the state of California. We need someone who will stop this madness and  make California great again. 

There has been talk that San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer fits the mold associated with the successful GOP governors in heavily Democratic states. Whether he runs or not is a question.

Kevin Faulconer has gotten mixed reviews from partisans. I am not sure that he will command the open respect from all segments of the state which a candidate for Govenror will need. Can he resonate with the Central Valley as well as with Los Angeles and Orange Counties? Will he be the team player that we need?

Reflection

There are some things that California Republicans can learn from the four New England governors.

1. Message that appeals to all voters in the state.
2. Focus on ethics and quality of life issues
3. Make school choice, privacy, fiscal discipline key platforms in the campaign

It's also important to look at the legislatures which will be facing these four governors.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has the best chances to reshape the culture in his state. Let's hope that the legislature takes a lead on many issues, particularly right-to-work and other economy an liberty enhancing issues.

Whoever throws the hat into the ring for Governor, they would best following the Larry Hogan model, with a staunch fiscal, pro-economic growth message, without touching on divisive cultural issues, but also without alienating the Republican base.