Darien Democratic Town Committee

Himes Endorsed for a Third Term

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:51:20 +0000

On Monday, May 14th, Congressman Jim Himes was nominated by Connecticut's 4th District to run for re-election in the U.S. Congress. Here's Jim's message after receiving the nod at Monday's convention:

Dear Friends,

I was just endorsed by the Democrats of Connecticut's Fourth District to run for a third term in the United States Congress. I am humbled by this honor and excited by the campaign ahead. Thanks to all of the delegates who joined us today. I look forward to working with all of you in the coming months to share a vision for our country that gives the next generation the same opportunities I had growing up.

When I took office just over three years ago, the country was losing over 500,000 jobs every month. Since then, we've averted a second Great Depression, reformed our health care system, and put safeguards in place that protect consumers and prevent the risky financial behavior that played a huge part in causing the recession from which we are starting to emerge.

Slowly, things are getting better. But, families are still struggling, many kids don't have access to the education they need and deserve, and our transportation system is in disrepair. On top of all of this, we need to reduce the deficit. The problems we face are complicated, but I am working hard, trying to provide thoughtful solutions to these challenges.

I'm running for Congress because there is still a lot of work to do. I look forward to your continued support as I fight to protect the priorities we share.

Sincerely,
Jim

Paid for by Himes for Congress

Murphy Wins Democratic Nomination by 3 to 1 Margin

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 01:33:12 +0000

Becomes Democratic Nominee with 76% of vote at State Convention

NEW BRITAIN—May 12, 2012, Chris Murphy won an overwhelming majority of delegate votes today at the Democratic State Convention, winning 1,378 out of 1,842 delegates to secure the Democratic nomination for the United State Senate.

“The foundation of our message on this campaign is that nothing is impossible if we set our minds to it. I know this because almost every fight I’ve taken on in my 15 years of public service involved the conventional wisdom telling me it couldn’t be done, but we proved them wrong,” said Murphy. “It’s been a long time since a statewide convention delivered this kind of resounding margin, and it came today from every corner of the state, from every congressional district, from cities, from suburbs, from small towns. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all of you.”

Since announcing his candidacy in the beginning of 2011, Murphy has built an unparalleled grassroots coalition, propelling him to the head of the field. He has received the endorsement of the National Organization for Women, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, State Council of the Service Employees International Union, the Working Families Party, the Connecticut Hispanic Democratic Caucus, the Connecticut Education Association, Connecticut Fire Fighters, United Auto Workers, Connecticut Laborers, the Connecticut State Building and Construction Trades Council, the Communications Workers of America, the League of Conservation Voters, Connecticut’s entire Congressional House delegation, Governor Dannel Malloy, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, Attorney General George Jepsen, Comptroller Kevin Lembo, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, dozens of state Senators and state Representatives and over 10,000 Democratic and progressive activists from all across Connecticut.

Local Leaders Applaud President Obama’s Comments on Marriage Equality

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:24:46 +0000

Here's a sampling of some of the positive comments from our local leaders on President Obama's support for marriage equality:

Governor Dannel Malloy:

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today released the following statement following President Obama’s announcement of support for marriage equality:

“I applaud President Obama’s support for same-sex marriage. This is an historic day for civil rights.

“Equal rights should be granted to all. We in Connecticut agree.”

Senator Dick Blumenthal:

Today, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) issued the following statement praising President Obama’s comments on same-sex marriage:

“I am pleased that President Obama endorsed same-sex marriage today, and his support will help gay and lesbian Americans find the equal respect and recognition that comes through marriage. The issues of equality, and basic human rights, should not be up for debate, and the President’s comments today make that clear.

“In my view, federal law should not discriminate against citizens of Connecticut who lawfully exercise rights under our Connecticut Constitution. Nor should government disadvantage people on the basis of whom they love. That is why I am a cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. Very simply, this legislation ensures that individuals married in one state can continue to receive the federal benefits they are entitled to receive as a married couple, regardless of their state of residence.

“I will continue to fight for equality for same-sex couples to ensure that they are guaranteed all the same rights as heterosexual couples. Marriage equality is a human right, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to see this through.”

Congressman Jim Himes:

Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) released the following statement today following President Obama’s affirmation that gay marriage should be made legal:

“I commend President Obama for announcing his support for marriage equality, which I have supported for years. Today’s historic announcement, made the day after North Carolinians voted to ban gay marriage in their state, serves to remind us that, as the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., said, ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’ While the pursuit of justice for LGBT Americans will take many more years, many more battles, and many more setbacks, I remain encouraged by the President’s announcement and remain committed to the founding American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people.”

“Ultimately, everybody wants the same thing: to love and be loved, to raise our children in a stable home, and to have the same protections under the law. Thousands of Connecticut couples are still waiting to be recognized by the federal government, and until the Defense of Marriage Act is repealed and same-sex marriage becomes legal at the national level, they will continue to be denied the over 1,000 benefits that straight married couples receive.”

Himes: Time for Action on Real Budget Plan

admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:37:54 +0000

BRIDGEPORT, CT—May 10, 2012, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) opposed appropriations measures presented by both parties today because neither takes a balanced approach to deficit reduction. The GOP plan cuts vital services to vulnerable citizens to avoid reductions in Pentagon spending. The bill guts funding for food stamps, free school lunches, cancer screenings for women who can’t afford them, and services that help elderly and handicapped individuals remain independent.

“It’s unconscionable that some in Congress refuse to cut Pentagon spending, even when it means taking food out of the mouths of starving children to pay for their unwillingness to make real choices,” Himes said. “We’ve left Iraq and we’re drawing down troops in Afghanistan. Our tax code is broken, and we won’t be able to afford programs like Medicare that people desperately need if we do not make reforms. Our deficit problem is serious now, but it will become grave if we do not act quickly. The games on both sides need to stop—it’s time to act on a real plan to reduce the deficit in a way that doesn’t ask the poor to the carry the burden of tax cuts for the most affluent among us and decades of poor fiscal decisions.”

H.R. 5652 would impose deep budget cuts that cost jobs and hurt middle class and vulnerable Americans – especially seniors, veterans, and children. It slashes billions in vital services and cancels the budget cuts to defense spending Republicans and Democrats agreed upon in the Budget Control Act (the August 2011 debt-limit deal). The bill Republicans passed today protects Pentagon spending from the BCA agreement and does so in a way that undermines critical domestic priorities, such as efforts to prevent hunger and support low-income families and communities; to expand health care access and implement the Affordable Care Act; to protect consumers and implement the Wall Street Reform Act; and to support homeowners struggling to stay in their homes.

Click here for a fact sheet on specific cuts in H.R. 5652.

In March, Himes was one of 38 Members of Congress to support the only House budget plan that garnered bipartisan support. Unlike other budget proposals offered thus far, the bipartisan budget amendment Himes supported mixes cuts and revenue increases to reduce the deficit by $4 trillion over the next 10 years while improving the nation’s safety net.

Senator Carlo Leone – Helping a Hero

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:33:27 +0000

Senator Carlo Leone helps volunteers to collect clothing and personal care items for homeless veterans at an event he hosted outside the State Capitol. All donations will go to the South Park Inn homeless shelter in Hartford.

Convention to Nominate Jim Himes

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:55:19 +0000

On Monday, May 14th, Connecticut's 4th Dsitrict will convene to nominate Jim Himes for re-election.

The convention is being held at Cesar Batalla School, 606 Howard Ave in Bridgeport on May 14th at 6:30pm. Following the convention, join the Congressman for a celebration and fundraiser at Matty's Corner, 2816 Fairfield Ave in Bridgeport from 8-9:30pm (suggested donation of $25). You can RSVP for the event by clicking here.

Here's what Congressman Himes had to say about the upcoming convention:

Dear Friends,

On Monday, May 14, the people of the seventeen towns of the Fourth District will convene to formally nominate the Democratic candidate for Congress. It's an absolute honor to represent you, and I stand ready to accept the nomination.

At the upcoming convention, delegates who were chosen by their fellow Democrats in each city and town will come together to recognize how much we have achieved together and how much difficult work still lies ahead.

When the framers of our Constitution assigned Representatives a two-year term, they did so to ensure that the members of the House remained keenly aware of the needs of the people they serve. As I have traveled to the four corners of this district and spoken to business owners and teachers, engineers and manufacturers, mothers and fathers, and concerned citizens from every walk of life, my resolve to continue working on issues dear to the people of Connecticut has only strengthened.

The local convention marks the start of a formal process leading up to the November election. Your encouragement and support have been the keys to the victories we've enjoyed in the past. In 2012, your help will be more important than ever.

Your Chance for Dinner with Senator Bob Duff

admin — Sat, 05 May 2012 19:13:15 +0000

Bob Duff's campaign is giving you the chance to win dinner with the Senator. To enter, send in this donation form – the minimum is $5, the maximum is $100. And anyone who has already donated is automatically entered. The winner will be picked randomly at the campaign rally announcement on May 21st. Good luck!

Friends of Bob Duff, John Mola Treasurer | 50 Toilsome Avenue | Norwalk | CT | 06851

Gov. Malloy discusses the death penalty repeal with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow

admin — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:15:17 +0000

Gov. Dannel Malloy tells MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow that he will sign the death penalty repeal bill in his state. The Connecticut House of Representatives voted Wednesday, by more than a 20-vote margin, to abolish the death penalty.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Himes Votes for Only Bipartisan Budget

admin — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:08:32 +0000

March 29, 2012 – WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) continued his push this week for a balanced, long-term federal budget plan with his support of the Cooper-LaTourette Budget Amendment. This plan was the only budget to garner bipartisan support as the House considered various spending plans for the 2013 fiscal year. Himes supported this budget plan, which drew votes from across the political spectrum, including from Members of both the Congressional Black Caucus and the Republican Study Committee, because it uses a balanced approach to stabilize the nation’s fiscal condition.

Himes and the authors of the amendment, Congressmen Jim Cooper (TN-5) and Steven LaTourette (OH-14), have worked with a small, bipartisan group of Members over the past several months to codify the budget recommendations of Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles, who headed the President’s Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. This amendment realizes that legislation.

The plan Himes supported is based on principles key to any responsible fiscal plan:

Establishing a 10-year framework to stabilize the debt;
Protecting and improving programs to assist the most vulnerable citizens;
Simplifying and reforming the tax code while lowering individual and corporate rates;
Making smart, strategic cuts to spending; and
Extending the solvency of Medicare and Social Security.

“The longer we wait, the more difficult our budget problems become,” Himes said. “It’s time to move forward with a long-term deficit reduction plan that cuts the deficit through shared sacrifice and invests in what we know is essential to our future success—renewable energy, education, and transportation.”

The bipartisan budget amendment Himes supported mixes cuts and revenue increases to reduce the deficit by $4 trillion over the next 10 years while improving the nation’s safety net. It also directs Congress to establish a tax reform plan that simplifies the tax code, broadens the base, eliminates the backdoor spending, and lowers individual and corporate income tax rates, all while producing about $100 billion a year to reduce the deficit. The amendment replaces the immediate, across-the-board spending cuts established in the Budget Control Act (August 2011 debt limit deal) with targeted, thoughtful cuts and reorders spending in a way that eliminates outdated and duplicate programs to instead invest in America’s future. These cuts include substantial reductions in defense spending and a decline in the percentage of federal spending required to service the debt.

Unlike other budget proposals offered this week, the bipartisan budget amendment Himes supported improves the sustainability of Medicare and Social Security while increasing benefits for the most vulnerable beneficiaries. The budget gives specific direction for provisions to reduce health care costs and improve care, including encouraging coordinated care based on quality, not quantity, and increasing prescription drug discounts. It also establishes a more progressive framework for Social Security benefits. Under this plan, low-wage workers would see their minimum benefits increase. In comparison, the budget offered by House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan (WI-1) passes the burden of rising health care costs onto seniors and cuts Heat Start and Pell Grants.

Source: Jim Himes

Sen. Duff: Protecting Consumers at the Gas Pump

admin — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 02:13:01 +0000

Senator Bob Duff explains how the Senate will vote today on a proposal that will help provide relief at the pump and protect consumers from profiteering and price gouging by big oil wholesalers.

Source: Connecticut Senate Democrats