Election Reform & Thank You Teamsters

Email Update

2 April 2009

Voters Should Decide Who Fills Senate Vacancies

It was a remarkable day when Barack Obama took the oath of office on January 20th, and in doing so shattered a racial barrier by becoming our first African-American President. Unfortunately, the controversy surrounding the selection of President Obama's successor in the U.S. Senate cast a pall over this historic moment.

The revelation that ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois was caught on tape by the FBI allegedly trying to sell the Senate seat to the highest bidder was downright appalling. Former Governor Blagojevich is not the only governor who has abused the awesome power to appoint a Senate successor through corruption, cronyism, or nepotism. These concerns point out the need to make a long overdue reform to Connecticut's election laws: U.S. Senate vacancies should be filled by the voters in a special election, not appointed by governors who might succumb to greed or their personal self-interest.

In Connecticut, special elections determine who fills vacancies for the U.S. House and the Senate should not be any different. In fact, prior to 1947 special elections were used in Connecticut to fill U.S. Senate vacancies. We should not wait for the next political scandal to occur in Connecticut before codifying into law that the voters should decide who should fill the term of a Senator who leaves office prematurely.

I have proposed a bill that would put in place a special election to choose a U.S. Senate successor within 150 days of the vacancy occurring. This was passed overwhelmingly by the legislature's Government, Administration and Elections Committee on Friday March 20th and I urge the full General Assembly to approve it.

Governor Jodi Rell has called this a political move. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is not about politics. This is about preserving our democratic rights by making a long overdue reform to our election laws. Let's put the power back in the hands of the voter.

Thank You Connecticut Teamsters!

As I explore running for governor in 2010, I was most honored and humbled recently to be endorsed by two Connecticut locals of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Locals 1150 in Stratford and 443 in New Haven represent nearly 7,000 working men and women in Connecticut and their families. Local 1150 represents over 3,500 employees of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation that manufactures helicopters for the United States Government. Local 443 represents over 3,200 employees of UPS, the Hospital of Saint Raphael, public works employees, and many other organizations.

I am truly appreciative of the support of organized labor representing thousands of hard working Connecticut families who make our state and our country proud. As I talk to Connecticut voters about our state’s future, it’s clear that we need bold, visionary leadership. With our state and the nation grappling with a difficult economy, we also must ensure good paying jobs, quality affordable health care, the best schools and a high quality of life.

Robert Bayusik, Secretary/Treasurer and Principle Officer of Teamsters Local 443 in New Haven said of the endorsement, “Our economy is hurting. We need a big change in Hartford. Over the years, Susan has always shown that she understands the needs of hard working men and women. We believe that as Governor Susan will carry forward the legacy of the late great Ella T. Grasso. As Secretary of the State, Susan has been a strong advocate of democracy; she has protected the right to vote for the citizens of Connecticut and has ensured that all votes are counted honestly and accurately on Election Day.”

Thank you Teamsters. I'll see you all on the campaign trail!