A U.S. congresswoman danced the tarantella up and down the aisle kissing old friends as she goes. The majority leader of the State Senate handed out lovely green potholders from a canvas bag. And a state rep whose name is Bob happily distributed square sponges.
No, the scene Monday night was not a charming old-fashioned variety show but the 24th annual election eve get-out-the vote soiree at that Democratic fortress on Eastern Street, the Bella Vista elderly=housing complex.
It starred U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who led the dancing, state Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, 97th General Assembly District Rep. Robert Megna, along with the state’s two senators, the comptroller, a handful of alders, and the star guests of the evening. Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.
Allan Appel Photo
Vote- puller Kurtis Kearney asked the governor to pose for a selfie on his new Kindle.
All were there to charge up the Democratic faithful — - about 125 Bella Vista residents including phone callers and poll workers — with the message that while the music was cute and the ziti and meatballs (provided by Nica’s Restaurant) tasty, the electoral moment is very serious: A neck-and-neck race for governor between incumbent Malloy and his Republican challenger Tom Foley, where every vote counts Tuesday and the turnout, especially from vote-rich locales like Bella Vista, is crucial.
Although a Republican candidate made an appearance or two at Bella Vista last month trying to storm the place with cannolis, there wasn’t an electoral Elephant in sight Monday night.
Nor were there undecided voters in attendance, or at least willing to identify themselves, according to this reporter’s informal survey.
Had there been, Lillian Morrison and Shirley Crite (pictured) would have given them an earful.
“A Republican is not welcome at our table,” said Morrison.
Democratic Ward co-chair Dorothy Harper and Fair Haven Heights Alder Barbara Constantinople, who lives at Bella Vista, both said that of the approximately 3,000 voters in the ward, maybe 4 per cent are unaffiliated voters.
Harper said the the volunteers are “just getting out the vote, urging people to call their neighbors.” The average crew working the phones was about ten or 12 callers, she estimated.
Probate Judge Jack Keyes, who’s running unopposed, had no swag.
To charge up the voters, DeLauro and Looney offered a history lesson, with Looney concluding his recital of Democratic Party achievements by saying “Republicans want to take you back to 1932.”
“We stand on your shoulders,” DeLauro said, calling her listeners representatives of the “greatest generation.” Then, with her fist pumping the air, she called out, in reference to Republicans like Tom Foley, “Hands off Social Security! Hands off Medicaid!” And when people are suffering, government has a responsibility to provide food stamps if necessary, DeLauro said, “to make sure you have what you need for dignity, respect, and economic security.”
“This building has always come through. Mark Row B down the line,” she urged the sneiors.
When Malloy arrived, he spoke only briefly. He referenced his previous visit to Bella Vista in September when he reminded people — pizza was served at that event — of his achievements on behalf of seniors.
They include more affordable housing, expansion of rent rebate programs and new proposals to extend property tax relief for qualifying seniors to stay in their homes, as well as state tax credits for those who care for the elderly he said.
Then his remarks dipped into the ad hominem hits that have characterized both campaigns, especially in the last weeks.
“You asked me [at that last visit] to look into bus routes,” Malloy said. Then he repeated that Foley has promised cut every bus route that requires a subsidy “because he’s never taken a bus in his life. I’m counting on you,” he concluded. All bus routes, Malloy said, need subsidies.
Jewish Guilt
The selfie.
That tone was picked up by several of the other politician/speakers.
“I want to use Jewish guilt on you,” remarked Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman. “Like many of you, I have grandchildren in Connecticut. I don’t want my grandchildren to grow up under Tom Foolery, I mean Tom Foley. Call friends. Vote for the B team, the best team.”
Democratic State Rep. Robert Megna, who’s being challenged by Republican John Cirello, reminded his listeners, who were now moving onto the assorted cookie dessert and coffee, that under the governor’s leadership 12,500 more seniors benefited from the senior rent freeze program.
“Every Republican in my house voted against it. When you go to the polls, you tell them they’re not welcome at Bella Vista. Tomorrow tell them, and we’ll see you at the victory party,” he said.
Malloy, whose staff said he had been planning to stay for 20 minutes or a half hour, stayed for barely half that before heading out. His last rally of the night was scheduled for 9 p.m. in Bridgeport.