Suzio concedes race, final margin 214 votes

Republican Len Suzio, running for the 13th District state rep seat  which includes parts of Cheshire, Middletown, Middlefield, & Meriden conceded to Democrat incumbent Sen. Dante Bartolomeoon Friday Nov. 21, 2014. According to an article in the New Haven Register, Suzio will decline asking for a judge to re count votes.

Suzio lost the election to Bartolomeo by   614 votes, however, the town of Cheshire amended its official count several times and the final margin was 214 votes. WTF At the Insider, we scratch our heads at home a margin could be so misreported to begin with?!

Suzio in Middletown

Suzio told the Registrar :“During the 2000 presidential election, Democrats rallied under the mantra ‘every vote counts’ and an intensive audit process was conducted to confirm the vote count,” Suzio said in a statement released Friday.”I do not intend to put the voters through such a prolonged experience that could potentially leave the results in doubt for a considerable amount of time.”"

Suzio encourages reforms to Connecticut's election process. Suzio will remain at his post as the State's Victims Advocate. Suzio has been an advocate of repealing the state's absorbitant gas tax, for the ending of early release of violent criminals, as well as education and fiscal accountability. If he had been elected, he vowed to not support any tax increases.We wish Len Suzio the best and hope he stays involved in local politics; a true asset to Middletown and Connecticut.

Reminder Fill Up Your Gas Tank This Weekend!

Reminder: Connecticut gas tax increase scheduled to take effect on Monday July 1, 2013 - beat the tax increase and fill your gas tank this weekend!

Dear friends,

On Monday the biggest tax increase in the history of Connecticut's gas taxes will take effect. This is a friendly reminder to fill your tank this weekend before the increase in Connecticut gas taxes is imposed on you. When the added tax is implemented Connecticut gas taxes will be $0.51/gallon compared to Massachusetts gas tax of $0.23/gallon! None of the additional tax will go into road and bridge repair. So expect the Hartford politicians to say they need a tax or a toll to pay for needed road maintenance. But don't be fooled.

Len Suzio

Message from Len Suzio : Stop the Gas Tax Increase scheduled for July 1

Stop the Connecticut gas tax increase scheduled for July 1, 2013.

Dear Fellow Citizens, ,

"The biggest single increase in Connecticut gas tax history is scheduled to be imposed on Connecticut's hard pressed families effective July 1, this year. This increase will push Connecticut state gas taxes well above $0.50/gallon (not including federal gas excise taxes). With the increase Connecticut will have the biggest gas tax burden of any state. It's no wonder why gas prices in Massachusetts are $0.25 to $0.30 per gallon cheaper than Connecticut.

We will be holding a gas tax protest rally at Danby's Gas Station at 872 East Main Street in Meriden on Thursday May 30, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Danby's will reduce its gas price during the event by $0.22/gallon, the equivalent of Connecticut's hidden gas tax, the Petroleum Gross Receipts tax that makes Connecticut the most expensive.

This is a great opportunity to vent your opposition to Connecticut's high gas taxes and get a break on your gas that day. Please join us to protest Connecticut's outrageous gas taxes.

If you can't make it please sign the petition by clicking on the link below.

So, don't be discouraged. Be motivated and act to stop the big gas tax increase. Call the governor's office and sign the petition!

1. Visit Us: Connecticutpetitions.com Contact Info: Phone: (203)-530-1544 Email: lensuzio@gmail.com

Gas Rally: Thursday May 30 at Danby's Gas Station 872 East Main Street- Meriden

PRESS RELEASE: Gas Tax Rally Thursday May 30 at Danby's Gas Station 872 East Main St. Meriden - gas price will be lowered by $0.22/gallon from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm - protest the July 1 tax hike

The Petroleum Gross Receipts tax, the so-called "hidden gas tax" will increase by another $.04/gallon adding to the highest state gas taxes in the continental US right here in Connecticut. We are trying to get people to show up to protest the scheduled hike and to sign a petition to go to the governor asking him to stop yet another tax increase.

Insider commentary: While the Democrats will try and take credit it was Suzio who originated the idea of capping the gas tax. Why  it when a GOP has an idea the D's don't pass it but reword the same proposal and then take credit?
Insider photo, one of many last year's Cap the Gas Tax Rally Middletown

Not only can you make your voice loud and clear, you can get the benefit of a substantially lower gas price during the rally. Come out and join us.

Len Suzio

New Laws on the slate for Corrupticut!

Remember how Gov. Dannel "Big Danny" Malloy proposed that the municipal car tax be eliminated? Well, you didn't think this opportunity to tax citizens would go unnoticed for long. Brought to you by the the state of Corrupticut, a proposed state wide car tax. Just in time for the gas tax reduction that will expire July 1. You should have been aware of that too, previous state senator Len Suzio (R) campaigned long and hard to shout it from every street corner. Geez we miss you Len, especially since we can't leave our basement since we don't have gas money and the bus way to nowhere is nowhere near done!

A "bi-partisan" committee to propose a statewide mill rate for property taxes on vehicles. Proponents say that because Connecticut is like no other state where each separate city or town decides it's own tax rate on vehicles, good, bad, or ugly, a state mandated tax would level the playing field. It's baaaccccck! Proponents of reinstating a car property tax say it is to cover for missing money in municipal coffers that the town's are missing from their budgets because of the first proposed elimination of the tax. The bill would also increase the age of what is considered an antique car- and eliminate the cost of registering an antique vehicle. Basically, since the economy is so screwed, no one can afford new cars- so the government wants to make sure it penalizes everyone way down to the people who are still driving their grandma's Buick's they inherited and scraping by. THANKS!

The proposal HB-5012 -would cap the rate at 80 mills for all municipalities, then the next year lower it to 72 mills. After that, the tax would be reduced 10 mills every consecutive year until it’s eliminated. Confused yet? So are we!

Proposed legislation SB113 would eliminate the need for public notices in newspapers and alike about public meetings and hearings. Already in the dark what is happening in your town? Prepare to be more in the dark! How is "democracy" in a vacuum a good thing?

No need to pack your girlfriend's bra with nips when you visit the Dodge Theater for a concert on the lawn this summer! Also up on the slate for a new law is HB 6540 which you can read here: http://cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=6540&which_year=2013.
This bill would allow beer to be sold in plastic pouches like various sugary beverages are now. No need to painstakingly fill colostomy bags taped to your body with booze anymore. New pre-packaged beer pouches will make for much easier packing under rolls of skin for an nearly invisible appearance under clothing. Tuck one under today!

The state DEP opposes for this bill for environmental reasons, however,opposing environmental studies have been done to say that pouches are less of an impact on the environment than bottles. Yup, some sciencey person actually got paid probably via a grant (other people's money, probably some of your tax money)to figure out how beer in pouches is a good thing. 

Election Results & Conclusion

      Middletown residents voted overwhelmingly across the board yesterday for Democrats proving party affiliation matters most in this City. It can also be surmised that national party identification translates to local voting tendencies as well. This does not surprise the Insider that many locals cannot make this jump. Many individuals say they vote for the candidate and not that party, but in reality do not. 


    We have received numerous sentiments supporting Republican candidates, but, asking that we do not publicly acknowledge them because they do not want their neighbors or liberal friends to know they have crossed party lines. 
     Sadly, as a result of the contentious presidential election, this  fear of peer pressure and persecution from both sides against friends and family with rivaling views was illustrated in heated arguments on social media sites through out the country. Have you expressed your political persuasion at all this year and gotten an ear full from a "friend" on your facebook wall? Have you felt the need to put your two cents in when someone you know shows who their picks are on their wall? Our case in point; free speech resulting in unsolicited advice on both sides was rampant!
     It does no good to claim one supports a candidate but do so privately! This election proved this point.
       City residents chose to re-seat two decade plus long incumbents (Serra, DeLauro) proving the "new blood" adage irrelevant. 84% of eligible voters came out for the presidential election. To say the Democrats were the only party to advocate for women and minorities was a falsehood that stuck around all through this election. Democrats exploited this exaggerated myth to their advantage. 
    The walking contradictions to the lie spread by Democrats that conservatives don't care about women, family, and minorities being Republican candidates  Len Suzio, Wayne Winsley, Deborah Kleckowski, Callie Grippo.  Winsley, a minority, unfortunately could not overcome the DeLauro machine, which campaigned heavily this cycle in minority communities. Delauro campaigned in   Middletown churches with predominately minority parishioners for example, specifically under the guise of " explaining Obamacare to women" as we reported earlier this year. We hope Winsley stays in the game and his plan of economic reform & development don't end with this bid for office.

      The surprise of the night was the dent the new face on the block Republican Callie Grippo put in the cult like following of 22 year incumbent Joe Serra's tally. The Insider hopes to see Grippo back in two years to finish the job!

     Kleckowski held steady over Lesser; the Insider feels and had this not have been such a contentious presidential election year, she could have easily over taken Lesser for the 100th Distric.t Again, Wesleyan (of which ironically Kleckowski is a graduate of, but we are doubtful students know that, and Lesser a drop out of), with the aide of the Middletown Democratic Town Committee, provided pizza and buses to to get students to the polls.

     Probably the most unfortunate results of the evening were that of the close race between one term incumbent Suzio and Bartolomeo who eeked ahead with 450 votes. Suzio championed the cause to end the early release program of violent criminals such as sex offenders, rapists, and murders. He also lead the fight to suspend the crippling gasoline tax. The week before the mayor's of both Middletown and Meriden, orchestrated by Bartolomeo, held a press conference on false charges of push polling by the Suzio campaign. During the press conference, both mayor's admitted that there was no evidence to prove the allegation. Suzio also used his position to advocate and vote for spending cuts at the state and vowed not to raise taxes, something which no Connecticut Democrat in office has stated on record to date.

     The Insider surmises (because Suzio's messages were SO clear) that Middletown and other 13th District residents enjoy the gas tax, higher taxes all around, and are ok with the release of violent offenders into our community! Hey, maybe they are relatives, you never know. We hope Suzio makes a come back and sticks around to keep the vital messages he put forth out there.

      Our own blogger SteadyJohn pointed out that National commentator Bill O'Reiley summarized the presidential election as this:

"It's about FREE STUFF, at least half of the nation's folks want FREE STUFF! The murders of four Americans at Benghazi mean nothing to the drones and leeches. Only the military can save us now. Until now the generals have been quiet lap dogs in uniforms licking the master's boots. The usurpation in our highest office continues unopposed; it's the end of America the Beautiful."

     While one theory out there is that the increased dependency on government aide attached with larger government, caused voting strictly across party lines in favor of the Democrats who advocate this dependency; hope should not be lost for our country or Middletown community.

     An Anonymous commenter left a statement on our previous post this morning saying: ""Haha you lost completely across the board. Be nice and respect people you disagree with, it may come to help you in the future." 

     Staff at the Insider unanimously agree that this is something we should never do, nor should readers. NEVER stop questioning your government. Elected officials are not deities to be feared, worshiped, and "respected" without fault.  NEVER suck up to get favors. Its that simple. To disagree civilly is what the Constitution is based on. The First Amendment allows for this blog to exist and allows for us to examine our government and force transparency; something  we owe ourselves to do. 

Working together does not mean blind acceptance of status quo in federal government or on even the small scale locally right here in Middletown. The "favor system" of who knows who can end if we want it to.
(Of course when the same faces who hurt the system are voted in over & over, this can't happen... )

     The Insider would like to congratulate all the victors of the election no matter what party! We sincerely hope that the Democrats this time around take steps to actively stop the persecution of conservatives, work across the aisle for once, and over all stop bleeding tax payers dry! Working families are hurting, education is hurting; that hurt is something that surpasses party divisions, races, ethnic groups, sexes, sexual orientations, religions etc. -it is a universal hurt.  Time to move forward.

The complete precinct by precinct results from the City Clerk are here:https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1OYjxtLEgUwOHBtRnUtVlZnOW8

Question #1, $37M appropriation and bond for connection to the Mattabassett Regional Sewer Project

YES: 11,003

NO: 4,942

Question #2, $4.85M appropriation and bond for Senior Community Center at Eckersley Hall

YES: 10,881

NO: 5,259

State Assembly District 33

Joe Serra(D): 6,349

Callie Grippo(R): 2,519

State Assembly District 100

Matt Lesser (D): 6,673 

Deb Kleckowski (R): 3,055

State Senate District 9

Paul Doyle (D): 8,871

Joe Dinunzio(R): 3,024

State Senate District 13

Danté Bartolomeo (D): 3,886

Len Suzio (R): 2,704

U.S. House District 3

Rosa DeLauro (D): 12,833

Wayne Winsley (R): 3,802

U.S. House District 1

John Larson (D): 1,493

John Decker: 599

Michael DeRose: 43

Matthew Cora: 10

U.S. Senate

Chris Murphy (D): 12,487

Linda McMahon (R): 6,470

Paul Passarelli: 396

President

Barack Obama (D): 13,830

Mitt Romney (R): 6,105

Johnson: 206

Anderson: 76

Jill Stein: 31

Tom Hoefling: 2

Letter to the Editor: A Confirmation...

Letter to the Editor:
A Confirmation…

Reading the paper recently, I am intrigued by what I am reading on the 13 th District State Senate Race.
In 2011, I watched Len Suzio run in a special election in a heavily Democrat district, and win. In that
time, I have seen Len travel throughout his district proudly and unapologetically fighting for a smaller,
leaner, less intrusive government.

Whether it has been on the price of gasoline in trying to cap but ultimately do away with the gross
receipts tax (which taxes gasoline on the wholesale level and goes up with the price but doesn’t go
down when the price retreats and adds a third level of taxation on gasoline), to stopping the early
release of criminals. Throughout these instances, Len has held press conferences and public events to
inform his fellow citizens of major issues in Connecticut.

I recently read where a man from Middlefield, Charles, complained that Len has refused to engage in
public events. This is a total falsehood as Len has been holding a number of events some of which I have
attended, (regarding gas prices in my case) and also press conferences on Early Release.

On Early Release, I read an article in the Record Journal from October 26 th, where his opponent
stated, “I’m not going to be on street corners letting people know how I feel. But I would understand if
the governor wants to suspend the program.” How ironic considering many people feel our politicians
don’t relate to or want to make time for us. I think this statement is quite telling because it shows how
the people of the 13th and everyone all around Connecticut are looked at by the bulk of the majority in
Hartford.

Therefore I implore all of you to support Len Suzio for State Senate on Tuesday, November 6 th, because
we all need men of character and integrity who are doing what they said they would in both word and
deed. Remember, politicians work for we the people, not the other way around.

Bob Beaumont, Wallingford, Conn

http://www.myrecordjournal.com/election/2012/13th/article_095323e0-1fe7-11e2-ba71-001a4bcf887a.html

A Letter to the Editor on Len's lack of meeting with constituents

http://www.myrecordjournal.com/towntimes/election/article_4f59d652-08b0-11e2-b8b1-0019bb2963f4.html

Letter to the Editor: Suzio Works for Working Class

To the Editor:

This letter is to urge all voters in the 13th District to re-elect Senator Len Suzio.

Need I enumerate all the reasons why? Do you like paying high gas prices? Senator Suzio single-handedly spearheaded the call to cap the gas tax. How about violent criminals being released onto our streets?

He has vowed to suspend the Prisoner Early Release Program. Senator Suzio has an admirable voting record and has accomplished much during his first term in office. I am confident he will accomplish even more in his second term.

Sue James, Middletown

Letter to the Editor: Kleckowski Goes the Extra Mile

To the Editor:

     This letter is to urge ALL voters in the 100th District to elect Deborah Kleckowski as our next state representative. A dedicated mother of two and councilwoman, Deb always goes the extra mile for her constituents.

She is a proponent of making the Board of Education its own taxing authority, has made public safety a top priority and will work to repeal the prisoner early release program.

Matt Lesser is all about voting the party line — which means HIGHER TAXES, violent criminals being let loose on our streets and no capping of our exorbitant gas tax.

The choice is obvious — vote for Deb.

Patricia Knowles, Middletown

Kleckowski Has Independent Voter Support

To the Editor:
     I should point out that one of the reasons I am an Independent is that I agree with different points on both sides. As a member of Middletown’s Independent Party, I was in attendance at the meeting when my party voted in favor of endorsing Deborah Kleckowski for State Representative of the 100th District over the incumbent.
     In her acceptance, Deb said, “This nomination is important because I believe the issues are community-based and not party-based and we all need to work to ensure the problems that we face are reconciled through solutions and not party ideology.”
     These are my sentiments exactly. Deb is a Middletown taxpayer and homeowner. She is the mother of twin boys, and her husband, Tom, is a small business owner in Middletown, and a Navy veteran.
     Deb is in touch with the day-to-day issues that we all face each day. Deb is a two-term councilwoman and holds a job as an adjunct professor at Middlesex Community College. Deb volunteers her time as an advocate for Middletown residents like you and me.
     I’m voting for Deb Kleckowski because she actively supports suspension of the state’s early prison release program and she actively supports reduction of the state tax on gasoline.
     Deb was on the forefront, relentlessly pursuing the Middletown Board of Education in regards to the “scream rooms” as well as the debacle of the BOE's financial well-being.
     During Storm Alfred, Deb placed her political hat aside and did right by the citizens of Middletown by volunteering diligently at the shelter at Middletown High School. After spending hours at the shelter she still persevered in keeping up with her job at MXCC, her family needs and her duties as a councilwoman.
     Deb Kleckowski is a huge advocate for special needs students and their families.  It is one thing to “be on” and/or “support” an education committee. It is another to “act on” ones principles and get the job done like Deb does!

     Now I know that there are a few organizations within Middletown who have backed Deb’s opponent, even though it was Deb who was the one that went to bat for them. To this I simply say, when you vote, consider whether you want someone who will help you get things done or just support the effort?
     We need a representative for the 100th District who understands the issues Middletown residents are concerned with and who will go to bat for them regardless of party politics.
     If you want fiscal responsibility, vote for Deb Kleckowski. If you want a person who is a true advocate for her constituents, vote for Deb Kleckowski! As a resident of Middletown, I for one would be honored to be one of Deb’s constituents.
     Respectfully,
Christine Carta, Middletown, Independent Party member

Suzio Derails Democratic Accusations, Opposition Party Backpedals

Republished with permission from author/columnist Dan Lovallo, originally published on his website here:
http://www.danlovallo.com/1940/suzio-derails-democratic-accusations-opposition-party-backpedals/

     Connecticut Democrats have gone wild in the CT-13th District Senate race, doing anything possible to smear incumbent Sen. Len Suzio, R-Meriden.  The 13th District has been a Democrat stranglehold for years, until longtime Sen. Tom Gaffey ran afoul of the law, pleaded guilty to  misdemeanor charges and resigned from office two years ago.  That opened the door for Suzio, a fiscally-responsible conservative Republican, to win a special election.  Suzio’s victory, combined with his overall knowledge of finances and Connecticut’s slight-of-hand state budget, has left the Democrats sore ever since.
     Suzio A Budget Expert
Suzio has forgotten more about the state budget than most Democrats know.  Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s budget chief, Benjamin Barnes, does everything possible to avoid Suzio’s questions at hearings on budget matters.  It was Suzio who predicted one month into Malloy’s first budget – which increased spending and imposed the largest tax hike in Connecticut history –  that it would be out of balance.  Suzio was correct and the administration used every trick in the book to balance the budget, as mandated by the state constitution.  It was Suzio, who led the charge against key components of the Democratic platform, such as increased taxes and fees and early prison release.  It was Suzio who successfully fought Democrats and the administration on using  taxpayers’ money to renovate Connecticut’s Communist Party headquarters.
Democrats Up To Tricks Again
     So it came as no surprise that Democrats were up to their old tricks again, calling a news conference on the steps of Meriden’s city hall Tuesday.  All the usual Democrat participants were there, Meriden Mayor Michael Rohde, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, and of course, Suzio’s opponent in the election,  Dante Bartolomeo.  Except the Democrats did not plan on one attendee, Suzio himself.
Then the Democrats did, what they always do, when they lose on the issues, started throwing mud against the wall.  Suzio was accused of underhanded tactics.  He was involved in “push polls” and “dirty tricks.”  Before it was over, you would have thought it was Suzio who cost the Yankees a trip to the World Series.
However, when Suzio asked the Democrats to prove the charges, they couldn’t.  Then Suzio delivered what this pathetic trio on the steps of City Hall could not: proof.  “My financial report from the state Elections Commission shows that we haven’t paid for a poll to be conducted,” Suzio was quoted as saying in the Middletown Press.
     “It’s a manufactured scandal to distract from the outrageous taxes, this outrageous early release law, the outrageous, out-of-control spending that my opponent doesn’t want to talk about. That’s what this is about…I can win this campaign on the issues. I don’t need to resort to dirty tactics” he said.
The Democrats were left to wilt behind their own microphones.   Drew offered some lame comment, admitting Suzio was not a participant but that he didn’t denounce the practice.
Pathetic.  Just pathetic.
     Suzio won the day, because he challenged these three wind bags, who tried to divert attention from the fact the blueprint they support has left the state, essentially bankrupt.  My only regret is that

Sen. Suzio

     Suzio doesn’t live in my district, so I could vote for him.  Voters of the 13th District should reject these tactics and send Bartolomeo and her likes a clarion call by re-electing Sen. Suzio.

Video Part II Westfield Residents Candidate Forum: Suzio & Bartolomeo, Kleckowski & Lesser

Video Courtesty of Palin Smith.  Planning and Zoning Commissioner Dan Russo (D) gets rather nasty with Suzio about and the gas tax at the 20 second mark, but Suzio stands strong. Bartolomeo, along side Rep. Matt Lesser (D),  who was also present at the Reduced Gas event that Russo refers to does damage control. When challenged by an audience member about her presence at the event she so condemns, Bartolomeo attacks her constituents.

In the second video, Deborah Kleckowski talks gas taxes, small business owner taxes, and healthcare. She wishes to cut taxes and also reform education. Lesser attempts to hug every issue. Kleckowski reiterates the fact that she personally helped a number of families with special needs get justice and better education for their children during the events that lead to the ending of the contract with Superintendent Michael Frechette.

In the second part of the discussion, Kleckowski talks about the misconduct of the board of regents at Middlesex Community College and consolidation of services to cut costs to tax payers.

Insider Staff would like to thank the Westfield Residents Association and Jennifer Mahr who did a great job (moderator) for hosting this event. Thank you to Palin Smith for providing video.

For more videos from the event see Palin Smith's youtube channel at :http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5wsVsNCEygpfRXWa_4vUw5T3r4qeY1aW&feature=view_all

Guest Blog: The Real Story of the Gas Rollback Event Meriden

The Real Story of the Gas Rollback Event Meriden :
Part of a series of articles on Political Events in Connecticut by Tim D. Enchanter
Thursday, October 18th, 2012 from 4-6pm at Danby’s Gulf Station in Meriden, CT
http://americansforprosperity.org/connecticut/newsroom/americans-for-prosperity-connecticut-to-host-gas-rollback-event-in-meriden

I was part of the Gas Rollback Event sponsored by Americans For Prosperity.  They had me directing traffic because they had run out of places in the line for the low gas price.  Here’s the TRUTH from an Eyewitness as to what transpired:

The event was a special lowering of the price of gas to the price it was under President Bush … $1.84/gallon … any other price you have seen is either a mistake or misprint.  AFP paid the difference between the regular price and the $1.84 for 15 gallons per car.  This was available to the first 150 cars in line and the event started at 4pm and was scheduled to end at 6pm.  For The Record, it took until 7:30pm to get the last car through at only 15 gallons per car, so 150 cars was actually generous because it took 3½ hours instead of just 2.

However, people had started showing up early and the line was filled at 11am.  When I showed up at 3pm, the CT Director, JR Romano, told me he had gotten there at 1pm to find more cars than they could handle and gave me the sad task of turning people away.

The sign I was holding read “Sorry, Last Car, Back To High Obama Prices” and I held it because that was my job.  I wish it had just read “Sorry, Last Car, Line Full” because there were many people who were obviously living in their cars, some with children, and I felt that spiking the point was insensitive.  Unfortunately, they were unprepared for this huge turnout and we could only work with what we had.

What was truly insensitive and downright dishonest was the Democrat reaction.  A couple obnoxious college kids showed waving Obama-Biden lawn signs and saying, “It’s all a scam!”  One car I turned away had some guy who kept claiming that he was an Obama supporter and should be allowed to get some “Obama Gas” because he saw the lawn signs.

These signs were not allowed but some people felt that it was better to show up in violation of policy and make false accusations than to ask permission and not show up at all.  When Democrats campaign, truth is the first casualty, rules follow soon thereafter.  One young man who was the classic I-know-better-than-you college liberal brought a sign listing “Len Suzio’s Ethics Violations” and claimed that Len Suzio was buying votes with gas.

This was a blatant lie told by Democrats like Suzio’s challenger, Dante Bartolomeo, in an attempt to make as many false charges as possible in order to disqualify her opponent.  We have seen this before and it seems to be the Democrat Standard Operating Procedure.  They used this against John McCain, Sarah Palin, and everyone they don’t like.

The tactic is simple: File so many ethics charges against your opponent that the public thinks they are corrupt even when they are not.  The ethics charges being dismissed never get reported and the name of the target is never exonerated, but nothing can stand in the way of getting a loyal Democrat elected … not even actual ethics.

For The Record, Len Suzio and Wayne Winsley each showed up, along with Dante Bartolomeo, to an event to promote what they feel is important.  Wayne Winsley discussed Federal Policy while Len Suzio discussed State Policy.  Each discussed the solutions they saw to the high gas prices that hurt the people of Connecticut.  Len’s focus was on the Connecticut Gas Tax and trying to lower it.  He was there to raise awareness and encourage people to call their legislators. Continued

Mudslinging Drew Condemns Suzio, Ignores Presence of Lesser & Bartolomeo

Mayor Drew and Mayor Rohde sling mud campaigning on the taxpayer's dime during work hours.

     Today Democratic Meriden Mayor Michael Rohde, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, and Candidate & Town Councilwoman for Meriden Dante Bartolomeo held a joint press conference  to denounce state Sen. Len Suzio's campaign for re-election to the 13th District state senate seat as "dirty."
Rohde went on record at the press conference to accuse the Suzio campaign of using push polls as a campaign technique, but admitted he had no proof to tie the calls to the Suzio campaign. Suzio stated the calls did not come from his campaign and he does not condone such calls. Rohde asked Suzio to in some way make it stop, however had no suggestions as to where the calls originated from. Mayor Drew joined in in the false accusations.
It seems Drew has taken to slinging mud  along side candidates even when he himself is not up for election, all at the expense of tax payers who pay his salary. Why Drew has so much time on his hands to campaign for others during the work day, when he should be devoting it to his job, is unclear. While speaking to residents last night at the Westfield Residents Association's candidate forum, Drew ,who was asked to explain upcoming referendum items only, managed to name drop & thank Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D) 3x during his explanation of the Mattabasset Sewer district referendum.

At 1:30 pm today Drew and Governor Malloy will campaign with DeLauro during an appearance at a re-dedication ceremony for the Arrigoni Bridge in Portland. This was not announced until this morning, and only state Democrats were invited.

     Bartolomeo issued a campaign press release stating the conference was a joint effort (text copied below).  At the press conference today, Drew made no mention of the fact that Lesser was caught on video at the $1.84 a gallon gas rally held by American's for Prosperity last week. The State Democratic Committee chair filed a complaint against Suzio for alleged vote buying with the State Elections Enforcement Commission. Suzio's challenger for the 13th District Dante Bartolomeo gave a video interview to the New Haven Register at the gas event as well, yet was not named in the complaint.
 ________________________________________________________________________

Suzio Launches inaccurate Push Poll in Effort to Deceive Voters 

WHO:     Middletown Mayor Dan Drew

   Meriden Mayor Michael Rohde

   Dante´ Bartolomeo, City Councilor and State Senate Candidate  

WHAT:    State Senator Len Suzio has stooped to dirty tricks as he attempts to hold onto his Senate seat. The Mayors of Meriden and Middletown will condemn Senator Suzio's tactics, which most recently include resorting to misleading push polling in an attempt to deceive the voters of the 13^th Senate District.

WHERE:   Steps of Meriden City Hall

      142 East Main Street, Meriden, CT 06450

 WHEN:    Tuesday, October 23^rd; 11:30 A.M.

--

Jared D. Savas

Campaign Director

Dante for State Senate

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Guest Blog: Suzio Opening Night & Election Wrap Up

Suzio Headquarters Openining Night &; Election Wrap Up
Opinions expressed are those of the author, not necessarily the editors of the Insider
Part 4 of a short series of articles on Political Events in Connecticut by Tim D. Enchanter

Thursday, October 4^rd, 2012 from 7-9pm near Zorba’s in Gianni’s Plaza, Meriden, CT

When I went to Len Suzio’s campaign headquarters to do some phone banking for him, it was at the invitation of Robin Goss, a local patriot who is a lady in every classy sense of the word.  It turned out to be the grand opening of the headquarters and we encouraged people coming for the party to help us out with the phones while waiting for the festivities to start.

Full Disclosure: I was the Republican Candidate for the 13^th State Senate District in 2008 and became a sincere supporter of Len Suzio for that seat in 2010.  This was because I got to know Len and became convinced that he would do the job better than I would have.  In fact, I am glad that I lost in 2008 because the people deserve the best representation available.

It warmed my heart to talk to a handful of people on the phone that actually remembered me fondly from 2008 and were happy with their current State Senator.  One even said I had been “a breath of fresh air” who had prepared the way for a wonderful change.  While I fought the lumps in my throat and dried tears of joy, I went on to speak to people who were not aware of state or local politics but happy to hear from the campaign.  Of the 65 calls I made, I spoke to a dozen people.  Ten were interested, six of them being new voters who would support Len Suzio.

When the party started, I became re-acquainted with people I knew and met new rising stars.  Len Suzio shared his headquarters with others running for other offices and encouraged people to help out their campaigns as well as his.  He gave special attention to the following:

Meriden State Representative Candidates:

Arlene Dunlop running in the 82^nd District

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqb_GDu7bso

Pablo Soto running in the 83^rd District

http://www.facebook.com/electpablosoto

Dave Swedock running in the 84^th District

http://www.daveswedock84th.com

Middletown State Representative Candidates:

Callie Grippo running in the 33^rd District

http://www.calliegrippo.com

Deborah Kleckowski, Middletown Councilwoman running in the 100^th District

http://www.debkleckowskiforstaterepresentative2012.com/Home.html

Since the Middletown Insider has some excellent articles on State Senator Len Suzio and the two State Representative Candidates from Middletown, I shall post links to those articles at the end of my article so that you, the reader can read these insights.

For now, I will detail what I know about State Senator Len Suzio and why I feel it is important that he be re-elected so that he can continue to serve the residents not only of the 13^th State Senate District but also the entire State of Connecticut.

He has been the State Senator for Cheshire, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown, and Rockfall for two years and has proven my previously stated feelings correct.  He has been actively available for all the residents of those towns and has demonstrated that he cares about their concerns regardless of their politics.Continued:

Letter to the Editor: Truth Behind High Gas Prices

The Insider posts Letters to the Editor as a courtesy to readers, opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Insider.

Truth Behind High Gas Prices

Many of us were taught that supply and demand of a commodity establishes the market price of a product. The higher the demand and the shorter the supply, the higher the price.

Always stated but not really explained. Suddenly the same gas costs more just like magic. Rather than supply and demand, let us call it supply and greed. The poor slobs need it so let's rip it to them. Remember this one, "charge what the market will bear"? This means the price is held higher and higher until people cannot afford the commodity and demand drops off. The commodities cost never went up they just get more and more for it. They did not teach us any of this in Economics 101 did they?

Tom Salafia
Middletown, CT

Suzio & Lesser attend Cheap Gas Event

     Connecticut Democrats  are accusing  State Senator Len Suzio of vote-buying after he attended an event organized as protest against rising gas prices. Suzio spear headed the effort to cap the gas tax in Connecticut, however, the effort was stopped by Democrats in the legislature.

Photo Credit: Palin Smith

     Republican state Sen. Len Suzio participated yesterday in an event organized by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative political action group that paid a Danby's Gas Station in Meriden to offer discounted gas as criticism of President Barack Obama's energy policy. American's for Propspertity paid over $10,000 to the gas station to allow 150 cars to purchase up to 15 gallons of gas for $1.87 a gallon. See details in our previous post
here:http://www.middletowninsider.com/2012/10/join-senator-suzio-for-187-gas-thursday.html

Jonathan Harris, chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee, said the Democrats have filed a complaint with the state Elections Enforcement Commission.

Photo Credit: Palin Smith

     In a video shot by the New Haven Register and posted on their site and that of the Middletown Mess, Suzio's challenger, Democrat Dante Bartolomeo says that Suzio just came to the event for "attention" Bartolomeo is present at the event and Suzio is shown in the background as she makes this statement.

      Democratic Incumbent Candidate Matt Lesser (100th District) also attended the event and spoke to citizens. Earlier in this spring , the Record Journal reported Lesser originally reported he would like to challege Suzio for the 13th District himself in the future.

The 13th Senate District which Suzio represents includes Meriden, Middlefield and parts of Middletown and Cheshire.
Over 150 cars showed up in the 2 hour period to fill up. Lines of cars with drivers eager to get reduced gas caused traffic delays along the route, some cars had to be turned away after the 2 hour fill up period.

Join Senator Suzio for $1.87 Gas Thursday

Suzio at a Gas Tax Rally in Middletown held in spring of 2012, one of many held state wide by the senator.
Currently CT's state gas tax is 47 cents per gallon. The gross receipts tax that is 7.5% on the is in addition to the state flat tax of 25 cents on each gallon of gasoline.

The Connecticut chapter of the national group Americans for Prosperity is holding “a gas rollback event,” Thursday October 17, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Danby’s Gulf Express on E. Main Street.

American's for Prosperity ties the price per gallon is tied to the level of gas prices before President Barack Obama took office.
          13th District State Sen. Len Suzio is attending an event sponsored by American's for Prosperity Thursday October 18th in Meriden to make a statement about the state's rising gas prices. Suzio has lead the charge in the state to reduce the state’s gas taxes. This was voted down by Democrats earlier this year. Customers will be able to purchase up to 15 gallons of gas at a reduced $1.84 price for a 2 hour period at the gas station.
Currently CT's state gas tax is 47 cents per gallon. The gross receipts tax that is 7.5% on the is in addition to the state flat tax of 25 cents on each gallon of gasoline.
     JR Romano, the CT Director for American's for Prosperity stated in a press release earlier this week: “We are pleased to provide this opportunity for hard working CT residents to see some much-needed relief at the pump. The rise in the price of gasoline is just one example of how President Obama and Congressman Chris Murphy’s out-of-control tax and spend policies are hurting CT families.”

Suzio is running for re-election in the 13th District which represents parts of Middletown, Meriden, and Middlefield.
http://www.middletowninsider.com/2012/02/gas-tax-cap-rally-success.html

Letter to the Editor: Suzio is Fearless

To the Editors of the Insider:

I strongly encourage all voters residing in the 13th state senate district to vote for Sen. Len Suzio (R-13) in the upcoming election. Sen. Suzio has seemed to be everywhere as our state senator.
He is fearless, challenging the way the state does business, and is unafraid to expose why failed state policies need to be changed.
Tireless, passionate, business-friendly legislators are few and far between in Hartford.
Vote for Len Suzio. He will continue to make us proud.

Sincerely,

David Furgess, Middletown

Letter to the Editor: Facts about Suzio Speak Volumes

To the Editor of the Insider blog:

 I am writing to urge all voters in the 13th District to re-elect Republican Sen. Len Suzio.

The facts are as follows:

1. Sen. Suzio has accomplished more as a freshman senator from the minority party than any freshman senator ever has ... even from the majority party. He has far exceeded everyone's expectations.

2. The "Cap the Gas Tax" Initiative: Sen. Suzio single-handedly boxed the majority party into a corner wherein they not only were all for it ... but tried to take credit for it as well!

3. The Prisoner Early Release Program: Sen. Suzio says that it needs to be suspended. He has said this repeatedly and emphatically. It was thrown in at the last minute during the last legislative session and has already resulted in 2 deaths. That is 2 people that would be walking around today had this program NOT been in place.

The bottom line: Sen. Suzio is a tireless advocate for the people in the 13th District. Do yourself a favor and re-elect Sen. Len Suzio.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Tomaszewski, Middletown