It’s Not Time to Panic Yet
While fundraising is an important measure of electoral competitiveness and can be a key indicator of future strength or weakness, the year-end numbers (XLSX) can be quite deceiving. The 2011 figure for CTGOP combines the account totals for the party’s federal and state accounts to reach the $13,000 amount – $13,108.18 to be exact. But really, it isn’t time to panic just yet.
» Read MoreI Wish I’d Worn a Suit with Deeper Pockets
The $53.5 million spent by candidates for state offices is important but it tells only part of the story. In total, Connecticut’s candidates for public office spent a staggering $139.3 million during the 2010 election cycle. They are big numbers but to really appreciate their size, they have to be considered in context.
» Read MoreWill Obama’s Sagging Popularity Impact CT Senate Race?
President Barack Obama’s polling numbers are down – not just nationally but in Connecticut, a state he won by 22 points in 2008. If he can’t recover by November 2012, what will the top-of-the-ticket weakness mean for the down ballot races in Connecticut?
» Read MoreWhich GOP Presidential Candidate Can Win Connecticut?
EAST HAMPTON, CT – It is easy to understand why Connecticut doesn’t get much attention in the race for the Republican Presidential nomination. But in an era when politics seems so divided and broken, perhaps a greater focus on difficult-to-win states would be a good remedy. In Heath W. Fahle’s opinion-editorial for CT News Junkie, he explores which Republican candidate could appeal in the most Pro-Obama state in the union.
» Read MoreHow Much is Campaign Fundraising Worth?
EAST HAMPTON, CT – Office seekers spend much of their “free” time fundraising these days, it seems, as the perpetual campaign continues. Millions of dollars are compiled to spend on glossy mailers, kitschy television ads, and those loathed weeds of autumn – lawn signs. But how much is this maddening money chase really worth? Less than you might think.
» Read MoreYankee Institute Profiled in Hartford Courant
HARTFORD – The Hartford Courant profiled the Yankee Institute for Public Policy in the wake of labor union allegations that the organization was somehow involved in hacking into the state e-mail system. Calling Yankee “the Little Think Tank That Roared”, the Courant delved into how 3.5 people are playing a growing role in Connecticut’s policy [...]
» Read MoreWatered Down but Not Drowned
Both the Chairman of the State Elections Enforcement Commission, Stephen Cashman, and former State Rep. Jonathan Pelto have keyed in recently on big changes to the State Elections Enforcement Commission included in the budget deal between Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Democratic leaders in the General Assembly. There is no doubt that the State Elections [...]
» Read MoreWhat Common Cause Should Have Written
Several weeks ago, I wrote about my experience of hearing oral arguments in the US Supreme Court case McComish v. Bennett, which challenges a key component of publicly financed campaign systems, matching grants. As Connecticut is one of a handful of states experimenting with such a system, the constitutionality of this provision is of particular [...]
» Read MoreGetting a Day in Court
Though Washington, D.C. is a town that prides itself on being a perpetual hub of activity, it was still mostly asleep at 5:30am yesterday morning when a small group of people from the Yankee Institute for Public Policy, including myself, lined up in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building for a chance to hear [...]
» Read MoreDoes Mr. Malloy Want to Be Mr. President?
Of the 44 men that have served as President of the United States, 20 served as Governor of their state beforehand, including four of the six most recent Presidents. Considering Gov. Dannel Malloy’s moves in recent days, one can’t help but wonder whether he might like to join that exclusive club. Over the past several [...]
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