Radiofree West Hartford - Rell Shows Confidence Blumenthal Takes A Dive by Christopher Healy

Rell Shows Confidence

Blumenthal Takes A Dive

By Christopher Healy

June 23, 2005

There really hasn't been a more enjoyable time to be in Connecticut politics. A year ago this week, Republicans were marching to Channel, a bedraggled army looking for the lift out of Dunkirk to await our doom on the home island. Democrats were measuring the drapes for the Prospect Street Mansion. Jo McKenize had put her house up for sale down the street and the state Republican Party couldn't meet payroll. Finally, it seemed, Dick Blumenthal could literally walk into the second floor office of the Governor the way he has always desired - by acclamation.

Funny how authenticity, some good luck and Democratic hubris can turn fate on a dime. We owe it to the gentle lady from Brookfield, Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who took the Democratic rabble by the collar and made them take off their dirty shoes and sit up straight in their chairs - all with a smile.

Republicans in the House and Senate showed some spirit and some deft footwork in the recently concluded Legislative session - including a filibuster over a $27 million rip-off dressed up as farmland preservation. House leaders lifted the veil on this beauty and this Brinks Job on the public purse will probably be vetoed by the governor.

In the end, Republicans can become a majority if they show some discipline as a minority. State party coffers are refilling and most of the inherited debt has turned to resources for campaigns, not cruises and road trips.

While Republicans are standing a little straighter these days, the Democrats are wondering who hid the butter.

And Dick Blumenthal? Where has Sir Richard been for the last few months? Running around the parking lot at Wal Mart watching teenagers do wheelies with the forklifts?

Where he wasn't was on the debate on campaign finance reform - the dominate issue for the last seven days of the Legislative Session. Blumenthal has an opinion and a class action suit for about every contingency. All you have to do is check out his website. The Library of Congress doesn't have that much storage capacity. But a year after the first Connecticut Governor was sent to jail after the first state Treasurer was sent to jail, the people's lawyer didn't even offer a wave of the hand at reforming the manner in which Connecticut elects its office holders. Not a word. Not a Friday night 5 p.m. media advisory. Not a late phone call from his car to the AP. Radio silence from State Car 6.

Here's why: Dick Blumenthal is not going to run for governor and if he did, he would buy the office with his own money. Besides, what businessman would give a plug nickel to the man who has made Connecticut the most treacherous state to employ people and make a profit? What local yokel would throw Dick a double sawbuck when he checks out his digs - a gated mansion in Greenwich - after leaving another restricted enclave - Dolphin Quay Cove in Stamford a few years ago? No, no, Dick Blumenthal will have to touch the principle to pick up that check. But have faith Mrs. Bluemthal, he won't be breaking up the assortment of blind trusts anytime soon.

In fact, what other proof do we need that Blumenthal is not interested than the entrance of Lt. Governor Kevin Sullivan into the Governor's race? This week, Sullivan gave up a $150,000 part-time gig at Trinity College (hmmm) so his calendar could be clear for fundraising and delegate counting. Sullivan and Blumenthal detest each other, so clearly Sullivan isn't planning to share the ticket with the Attorney General. For his part, Blumenthal gave that rote response on his intentions, "right now I am trying to be the best Attorney General I can for the state."

Maybe the state pension board could offer Blumenthal a buyout. We'll give him four years and he can collect down by the shore and cash the check at Wal Mart.