Amann’s Bid for Governor Welcomed By Many, Protested by Few
by Christine Stuart | January 31, 2008 10:40 PM
Posted to State Capitol
Democratic Speaker of the House James Amann of Milford and his supporters weren’t bothered by the hearse parked in front of Milford City Hall on Thursday. Nor were they bothered by the four protestors who came with it to Amann’s announcement that he is exploring a run for the governor’s office.
Speaking for the protestors, New Haven activist Ed Anderson explained their presence to a curious Amann supporter by saying, “he’s not getting the Democratic nomination … He stabbed us in the back.”
Anderson, who organized the protest with Branford resident Keith Crane, said Mr. Amann failed to support Ned Lamont after he won the Democratic primary against U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman in 2006, and as such should not be asking for support from Democrats for a gubernatorial campaign.
“Now he can come to the party and ask for party loyalty?” Crane asked sarcastically. Aside from the question about Mr. Amann’s loyalty, many Connecticut Democrats believe it’s Attorney General Richard Blumenthal’s turn to run for governor, should he decide to do so.
Later, surrounded by a standing room only crowd of family, friends, and more than 20 state legislators, Mr. Amann said he wasn’t bothered by the protestors. During his 20-minute speech highlighting his 25 years in politics, Mr. Amann even acknowledged the protestors’ presence by saying, “I hope they all join the team.”
When asked if Mr. Amann’s announcement to explore a campaign for governor in 2010 politicized the legislative session, which starts next week, Crane said, “of course it does.” However, many of the legislators that attended Thursday’s event didn’t agree.
“It’s a good move for Jim,” Rep. Toni Walker of New Haven said, adding that everyone has a different way of approaching higher office and Mr. Amann has decided to start working toward it now.
Rep. Michael Lawlor of East Haven said Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell has already announced an exploratory committee for a 2010 campaign. He said he’s supportive of Mr. Amann’s “right to push his political career and agenda as much as he wants.”
“Jim is one of the nicest guys I know,” Lawlor added.
Asked if some of the legislators attended the event because they were afraid they would lose their committee assignments if they hadn’t, Rep. Chris Caruso of Bridgeport said that’s not how Mr. Amann operates. Caruso said Mr. Amann would never use his leadership to be vindictive. Caruso said he wouldn’t be in Milford supporting Mr. Amann if that was the case.
After all his supporters left, Mr. Amann himself said Thursday’s announcement won’t interfere with the legislative session. He said the first thing on his agenda is to take care of his caucus. He said that as Speaker of the House, he won’t be playing any games. In fact, he said he’s excited about the new campaign finance rules because they help “us get back to our grassroots.”
While he didn’t set out a specific agenda Thursday, Mr. Amann did do a little posturing toward the end of his speech when he unleashed a criticism of Gov. M. Jodi Rell.
“We will not be strong or compete in a global economy by appointing task forces or writing letters. We cannot make the lives of our citizens better by issuing daily press releases or holding press conferences. That doesn’t make change, it only makes newspapers,” Mr. Amann said.
Comments (10)
Posted by: TrueBlueCT | February 1, 2008 12:36 AM
Hey, in making his first steps towards raising a $375,000 slush fund, I'm sure no one amongst the Hartford contigency was worried about the spector of accountability.
However, us lowly handful of "protestors" were well aware of the rules of the game, and the fact that the DINO Speaker of the House was about to raise be in charge of $375,000 definitely factored in.
Folks want to believe the opposition to the status quo is...
Posted by: TrueBlueCT | February 1, 2008 12:40 AM
I guess what I'm saying and that you incredibly forget is the majority of CT Democrats who, unlike Jim Amann, are for gay rights, and against the Lieberman/McCain insane foreign policty.
I would hope you might poll the Amann2010 attendees, and ask them where they're really at..
Posted by: RealityIS | February 1, 2008 12:48 AM
Amann's best buddy Lieberman could help Joe's best buddy McCain get elected President, meaning Amann could be a big part of McCain's cross-over vote, meaning Shays/Lieberman is getting V.I.P., and what have you..
Posted by: ctkeith | February 1, 2008 8:47 AM
Nice quote from Lawlor,LOL.
I think everyone here recognizes when a politician has to resort to calling someone "one of the nicest guys I know" he's really saying "there's absolutely nothing of substance I can say about this guy".
Jodi Rell has 70+ percent approval rating BECAUSE of Jim Ammans ineptitude as a Leader.Every time he stands in front of a microphone,sweats profusely,and rambles on incoherently in the thuggish manner that is his trademark style her approval ratings go up.
Amann 2010,Thankfully and rightfully, is indeed DOA.
Posted by: doug | February 1, 2008 4:22 PM
Ugh, commenting on the story you're featured in! That's got to be a foul of some kind.
Posted by: ctkeith | February 2, 2008 9:31 AM
Hey Doug,
Not that it matters but Jim Amann was the "feature" in this story.
In the old media your comment may have been relevent because those who were "featured" in a news story had no way to comment.
Welcome to the new world.
PS- I'm certain Christine and the entire press corps in Hartford would be thrilled if the staffers at the LOB took the time to teach our Speaker how to use a computer.Of course this should only be done after they teach him how to give a press conference without making an ass of himself and improving Jodi Rells approval ratings.
Posted by: doug | February 2, 2008 9:42 AM
(whistle!) foul 2!
i'm kidding... i am a kidder
Posted by: doug | February 2, 2008 9:55 AM
I actually like what you folk did the other night... it's rare that anyone remembers the actions of politicians long enough to hold them accountable.
Amann's also been on the wrong side of at least one piece of legislation over the years.
Posted by: Vecchiarelli | February 3, 2008 12:00 PM
Folks, the time is upon us to humble this arrogant dino! We all need to help Frank defeat the the speaker this November. If Amann fails to get Re-Elected it will derail his bid for Governor. You will all get your wish!
Put your energy where it counts! Contact us soon!
www.rfrank118.com
Posted by: Paul From Norwalk | February 4, 2008 1:47 PM
Frank has been amazing at blasting that loser Morris here in Norwalk.
You guys in Milford ought to be proud that you have a person like Frank who has the balls to try and take down this corrupt wicked politician.
Support Frank or risk losing CT.
Paul