From the Hartford Courant:
Mr. Malloy, 59, is something Connecticut hasn’t seen in a while, a hands-on manager who took on the serious problems facing the state. He bit off a lot, perhaps too much. He made mistakes (as all politicians do). His sharp-elbow combativeness didn’t always serve him well. But he was a leader who made enough progress on enough fronts to merit re-election. The Courant endorses him for a second term over Republican Tom Foley, 62, who narrowly lost to Mr. Malloy in 2010.
A strong Republican challenger with a focused vision could have made great headway against Mr. Malloy. Mr. Foley has not been that candidate.Mr. Foley is an odd mix. He has a blue-chip educational background and apparently has made millions of dollars in the little-understood world of private equity. Yet as a candidate, he often seems disinterested and incurious, his knowledge of issues superficial, his campaign sloppy at times. His message is purposefully vague, something on the order of: “I’m not Malloy. I’m a businessman. Trust me.”
Mr. Foley says he will make the state more business-friendly, get control over spending and reduce taxes–noble goals all. But he needs to provide a pathway. Mr. Foley’s election would not eliminate the $1.3 billion projected deficit. In addition, Mr. Foley says he will cut half a percent off the sales tax, cap car taxes in large cities and not lay off state workers. The “urban agenda” he released last month appears to include considerable spending. How do those numbers work?
Full editorial here.
I really don’t care about newspapers’ endorsements but wow, this one is right on point about both candidates. This election is right there for the taking for Republicans but no, they had to keep the same policies and ideas and they refuse to expand their Party.
Ain’t that the truth!!!
What a surprise!
First off, I’m for Malloy.
This Foley strategy is sure to backfire.
Up next, the CT Post and NH Register.
I can’t imagine any city endorsing Foley. McKinney/Walker would have been a much more interesting race. I’d say this was a very impressive endorsement. Looks like the tide is shifting back to Malloy.
I truly hope Bridgeport is where Malloy loses the most votes when compared to 2010. It would by hysterical if he lost by about 6,400 votes. This is certainly not a ringing endorsement.
Maria Pereira, really, I know you don’t like Malloy and I don’t care for him but I’m not going to sit home and not vote and I’m not going to vote for a candidate and a Party that has never shown any interest for people of color so I’ll hold my nose and vote for Malloy.
Ron, I don’t believe I stated or implied anyone should stay home and not vote. I also did not say or imply anyone should vote for Foley. I have publicly stated I will be voting for Pelto and Murphy. Malloy received 18,000 votes in Bridgeport in 2010. There really is no enthusiasm for this election either city or statewide.
“Mr. Foley’s election would not eliminate the $1.3 billion projected deficit.”
First, I page Auden Grogins. What was it you said to me a few weeks ago about no deficit?
The HC is taking a page from Malloy with half-truths. By 2017 the deficit is projected to be more than double the number above.
The HC fails to acknowledge and recognize Malloy with a Democratic-controlled House and Senate; the highest tax increase in Connecticut history; later, massive cuts like $120,000,000 to Social Services; borrowing $750,000,000 to plug the old deficit, has failed in stopping the bleeding of red ink. Malloy made deals with the State Unions and his rich friends, he simply doesn’t know what to do and lacks the cojones and expertize to make the tough choices. It’s time for change. I’m not talking about changing a flat tire here.