Submitted by Joe Angland – Chair, Greenwich DTC; Christina Fagerstal – Chair, New Canaan DTC; Josh Fedeli – Chair, Stamford DCC; Beth Krumeich, Democratic State Central Committee; Howard Richman – Democratic State Central Committee
Dear Editor:
Two years ago, Senator Alex Kasser became the first Democrat since 1930 and first female ever to represent Greenwich, Stamford, and New Canaan as State Senator from the 36th Senate District. During her time in the legislature, Alex has proven to be the pragmatic problem solver, independent thinker, and bold leader she promised to be. We worked hard to elect her then and we are committed to re-electing Senator Kasser this November.
Now more than ever, we need leaders who will give voice to the values we hold dear and address the critical issues we face as a state. From day one, Alex’s approach to public service has been rooted in working collaboratively to craft policies and solutions that benefit our communities. She understands that effective and fair public policy comes from paying attention to facts and science. As others use their platform to mislead those they were elected to represent, Alex has never wavered from her principles, speaks the truth, and continues to use her voice to seek the best for her
constituents.
As we head into the final weeks of the most consequential election of our lifetime, it’s important to reflect on the choices before us. While Alex remains focused on the issues and advocating for our communities, the Connecticut Republican Party, the local Republican town committees, and her opponent are doing anything but that.
Instead, and consistent with how the Republican party operates nationally, Connecticut Republicans are deploying a covert disinformation campaign, engaging in candidate harassment, and promulgating distasteful anti-woman rhetoric online, in letters to the editor, and in the community.
This is not an aberration. Just months ago the State GOP was exposed for knowingly nominating a candidate for Congress accused of partner abuse. Women in its own party called for change at the highest levels, and that call has been ignored.
This makes the State Republican Party’s behavior towards Senator Kasser even more repugnant. That this is being orchestrated at the highest levels of the Connecticut Republican Party, and with the tacit approval of local Republicans and the candidate himself, is cause for alarm.
One need look no further than the events that unfolded Friday in Fairfield, where a volunteer at the Fairfield DTC Headquarters was attacked by an enraged Trump supporter, to see how angry, vitriolic and aggressive Republican party messaging can escalate to become a violent and dangerous confrontation. We applaud and thank the Fairfield Republican Town Committee Chair for joining with the Democratic Party Chair in denouncing this behavior, labeling it “disturbing,” and calling for civility in our political discourse. Here in our communities, the local Republican Party remains silent and in doing so, is complicit in supporting and encouraging the hateful comments and bullying language that is constantly assailed on Senator Kasser.
We, the Democratic Party Leaders in the 36th Senate District, choose to demand and expect more from our elected and party officials, volunteers and supporters. We expect honesty, decency, and integrity in those we elect to represent us and involve in our voter engagement efforts. This shouldn’t be the exception – it should be the norm. Senator Alex Kasser embodies these values and is exactly the type of leader we need in Hartford and we’ll be fighting hard for the next five weeks to ensure she is re-elected on November 3.
Signed,
Joe Angland – Chair, Greenwich DTC
Christina Fagerstal – Chair, New Canaan DTC
Josh Fedeli – Chair, Stamford DCC
Beth Krumeich, Democratic State Central Committee
Howard Richman – Democratic State Central Committee
Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor in support of local candidates in the Nov 3, 2020 election may be submitted to [email protected] for consideration beginning July 15 and with a hard deadline of Oct 26, 2020 at noon.