Rumors swirling
Interesting developments in this neck of the
woods.
Rumor has it that Cathy Cook,
the Republican State Senator from the 19th District, will be leaving the State
Senate to be a sacrificial offering in one of the state wide campaigns-
Secretary of State or Comptroller. The expectation is that after she gets
crushed in that election, she'll be named commissioner of DMR by a newly elected
Jodi Rell. Like many Republicans, Cathy believes in social services programs
from which she directly benefits, while failing to see the virtue in those from
which she draws no direct sustenance. She has a son who has benefitted from DMR
programs, so she's been a DMR supporter.
If this rumor is true, then dominos
start falling. Diana Urban and Lenny Winkler reportedly have their eye on the
State Senate from the Republican side. If they battle it out in a a primary that
will leave two open seats in the state legislature. Lenny's seat, which was last
held by a Democrat in pre-history, seems ripe for the plucking, in what should
be a Democratic-friendly year (always with the caveat that if anyone can blow
it, the Democrats can). I'm not knowledgeable about Ms. Urban's seat, but it's
certainly possible that the Dems could win there. Neither Diana nor Lenny are
shoo-ins to win in November-it's a big district (and not decidedly Republican
leaning) and neither one is necessarily well known outside her own district. If
Andy Maynard runs again, he probably tops them both in district wide name
recognition.
This blog lends its
powerful voice to urge Natalie Billing to run for state representative in
Lenny's district. My sources tell me that a likely Republican candidate is a
current member of the Town Council who is known for her piercing intellect.
Well, piercing might not be the best word... Let's see...Hmmm.... What's the
opposite of piercing? Anyway, she does have an intellect, but she doesn't like
to show it off. I am also given to understand that Lenny, who despite her
Republicanness is a good person, has drawn the line at the idea of being
succeeded by the blond bombshell, so we might have some fireworks
there.
So, for the first time in years,
the State Senate and the some state rep races may be within our grasp. The good
thing is that even if the Republicans retain all of these seats, the public will
still be net winners, because Cathy will be gone.
Posted: Friday - March 31, 2006 at 10:56 PM