State Senator Judith Freedman, Rep. Toni Boucher, First Selectman William Brennan, Rep. John Hetherington and Congressman Christopher Shays in the backyard of RTC Chairman Al Alper's house on Sunday. The Republicans held their annual fund-raiser on a day which coincided with Judith Freedman Day in Wilton. —Justin Reynolds photo
After holding their annual summer fund-raiser at Republican Town Committee Chairman Al Alper’s house on Sunday, one thing is clear for Wilton’s Republicans: there’s a lot to be excited about.
“It was a huge success, there’s no other way to describe it,” Mr. Alper said of the fund-raiser, which attracted roughly 80 people to his Pin Oak Lane home. “It was the most successful fund-raiser in the RTC’s history. There’s no doubt about it.”
Mr. Alper said he was excited younger professionals are now joining the RTC, “realizing that tax rates are forcing people who want to support their family” out of Connecticut.
“The Democratic leadership has driven my business out of the state,” Mr. Alper said, adding that he chose to open his business in midtown Manhattan because tax rates were cheaper there than in Stamford.
With eyes set on winning five elections — the presidential, congressional, two state senatorial and one state House — the Republicans will look to keep building on this momentum as the calendar turns towards November.
In one of the most important races this fall, Congressman Christopher Shays, Republican of the 4th District and the only New England Republican in Congress, will battle it out with Democrat Jim Himes.
Mr. Shays has represented the 4th District since 1987 and is seeking his 12th term.
“I think he’s fabulous and I think it’d be a tremendous loss for us if he wasn’t sent back to Washington,” former RTC chairman Mike Kaelin said. “Chris is absolutely honest and sincere, doesn’t play games and does what he thinks is right.”
Praise for Mr. Shays echoed throughout Mr. Alper’s backyard.
“I have respected and admired him,” said Second Selectman Susan Bruschi, herself running to be state representative of the 143rd District against Democrat Peggy Reeves, one of Wilton’s registrars. “I have called him over the years with issues, questions, problems and I’ve always gotten a response. If he has a different take on an issue, he always has a very good and reasonable argument.”
Mr. Shays said that record turnout in the Democratic presidential primaries earlier this year doesn’t spell victory for Mr. Himes. More Democratic voters doesn’t equal more support, he said.
“All candidates should be reaching out to members of all parties,” Mr. Shays said. “There are going to be McCain-Shays voters, Obama-Shays voters, Obama-Boucher voters.”
In any case, Mr. Shays said he was encouraged by increased voter registration.
“The more people that come out to vote, the easier it is to accept the results,” he said, adding that Americans come first and Republicans and Democrats come second. “Most Americans aren’t red or blue, they’re purple.”
The RTC is also looking to help Toni Boucher succeed Judith Freedman as state senator of the 26th District. In Wilton, Sunday was proclaimed Judith Freedman Day by First Selectman William Brennan. Ms. Freedman is the longest tenured state senator and longest serving woman in state Senate history.
“Judi is going to be a big loss, but Toni and Susan are going to be big gains,” Mr. Alper said.
“It is nice to recognize Judi,” Mr. Brennan said of the state senator. “She’s done so much for this town. We’re really very fortunate for her service.”
Ms. Boucher, who is in her sixth two-year term as state representative, will be running against Democrat John Hartwell.
“Toni is just a great legislator,” Mr. Shays said. “She does a great job and works hard to get her message heard.”
Ms. Bruschi, who is running for Ms. Boucher’s current seat, said that her fellow Republican served Wilton and will continue to serve the town as a state senator.
“Toni votes what’s best for the seven towns of the 26th District,” she said.
Ms. Bruschi — who has also served as chair of the Board of Education, an officer of the League of Women Voters, a member of the Wilton Education Foundation and a board member and president of the Parent Teacher Association — aspires to advance from Wilton’s second selectman to the 143rd District’s representative.
“I feel really good about November,” Ms. Bruschi said. “I know the issues, I know this town. I have the energy, it’s a perfect time in my life for this.”
Mr. Brennan said Ms. Bruschi is “very well qualified” to be state representative.
Ms. Bruschi said she’s been going door to door in Wilton and Norwalk, introducing herself to voters and asking them about their biggest concerns. Ms. Bruschi said the price of gasoline is an issue “that touches everybody” and that residents seemed concerned about education and taxes as well.
“Even though the people in Wilton know me, you don’t want them to think you’re taking them for granted,” Ms. Bruschi said of knocking on her neighbors’ doors. “With every door I knock on, I feel better and better about November.”
Ms. Bruschi said the issues most important to her are the price of gasoline, the Democrats’ desire for universal health care (93-95% of Connecticut residents are insured and we should focus only on those uninsured, she said) and the insufficient frequency of trains through Wilton.
Members of the RTC remained confident in Senator John McCain’s ability to defeat Senator Barack Obama in the presidential election. The announcement of Senator Joe Biden as Mr. Obama’s running mate gave the Republicans all the more reason to celebrate.
“I couldn’t have asked Obama to pick a better candidate for the Republicans,” Mr. Alper said. “In his own words, he said he’d like to be McCain’s running mate.”
Mr. Alper said that with 35 years of experience in Washington, Mr. Biden also “decimates” Mr. Obama’s desire of “change.”
“Time and again, he’s proven himself to be part of the establishment,” Mr. Alper said of Mr. Biden.
Mr. Kaelin also thought Mr. Obama made a bad choice with Senator Biden.
“Strategically, I think it’s a bad pick,” he said. “I don’t think he’s going to get Obama one more vote than he would have already gotten.” Also in attendance were Steve Papadakos, whom the RTC hopes can defeat Democrat
Bob Duff in Connecticut’s 25th District Senate race and John Hetherington of New Canaan, Republican of the 125th Dstrict
© 2008 Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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