Message from Fasano

Sen. Leonard Fasano shares his final thoughts on the convention:

I know, I fell behind again.

Sen. John McCain’s speech was exactly what he had to deliver, and he didn’t need to have the polished speech like Obama. All Sen. McCain had to do was to talk from the heart.

Unfortunately his speech was interrupted by protesters.

The first were a few Ron Paul supporters. We were told that at some point in the convention, these Ron Paul supporters were going to cause an interruption and were told to chant “U.S.A.” to drown them out. The second protest were two women who were either anit-war or anti-something, and again we chanted them out with the same “U.S.A.” slogan. These two women had credentials to get into the convention, where they began to take off their dark clothing exposing clothes with bright pink (certainly not my choice of color) and glitter. Secrete service reacted relatively slow, but when they finally made their way to these two women, one ran and the other was lifted off the ground and carried out of the building.

The excitement as McCain finished his speech was overwhelming. It was a true party atmosphere complete with the traditional balloon drop. The balloon drop was really cool. People were dancing and singing, and the real party began.

One of the most exciting events was when our very own Republican state senator, Dave Cappiello from the Danbury area, was given an opportunity to address the crowed at 6:17 p.m. on the last day.

I went with David, and it was really a great experience. We went behind the stage and met a lot of high profile political people like Sen. Graham, Sen. Lott, Newt Gingrich, Republican minority leader Cong, John Boehner and many others. Behind the stage David was given pointers on how to speak at the podium, which were very helpful. He had make-up put on him and was taught the basics on how to present himself in front of the camera, The person giving him the pointers apparently was a speech instructor who only gives instruction of podium speaking (go figure).

After the preparation work, Dave practiced back stage using the same type of teleprompters used on the stage. When the speech is on the teleprompters, there are signs to tell the speaker what to do. For example a “#” sign means look straight ahead and “*” means look to the side. This behind the scenes was particularly interesting, because very few people see this type of activity.

Well, the experience was unbelievable. The nomination of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for vice president made it a historic event for which I am most pleased that I was involved. I have been asked if I would do it again, and I guess the answer is it depends. The next time I would go is if I were more involved. I attended this event purely as a spectator, and I think the next time I would like to play a role in the actual event. And I don’t mean as a speaker. I mean in the development of the program or on a committee. Nevertheless it was great to see this type of event up close.

For those who read my blog, I hope you enjoyed what I wrote, and I apologize for the tardiness of some the entries. I also want to thank Amanda Falcone for reading the blog and making the necessary corrections so that it could be read more easily, and I thank her for her patience. Amanda covers the state Capitol for the Record Journal, and she does a great job. I also want to thank the Record Journal for giving me the opportunity to place this blog on their Web site.

Thanks and god bless.

Photo courtesy of Sen. Fasano.

Farrell shares final thoughts

Jerry Farrell Jr. on Sunday, 7 a.m., Wallingford time:

I have not had access to a computer since Thursday afternoon, so this is my somewhat belated report on what occurred on Thursday at the Republican National Convention.

On Thursday night, the convention nominated Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., as their presidential candidate, and he accepted.

In contrast to some of the speeches that had been given earlier in the week, such as Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin's speeches, McCain's acceptance speech was very direct. It was surprisingly lacking in rhetoric and did not talk much to what his policies will be. But, actually, I think it succeeded very well in doing what McCain needed to do - bond with the American people. In essence, his speech said, "this is who I am, I will do the right thing, your trust in me is well-placed."

To win, a presidential candidate - no matter their ideology or platform, has to bond with the American people; they have to feel "I trust this guy, with my economic well-being, with the security of our country, with shaping my future and that of my children." A presidential candidate who can't bond in that way with the American people isn't going to win.

Given the difficulties McCain faces - the war in Iraq, a difficult economy at home, and dis-satisfaction with Bush - the most essential thing that McCain had to do on Thursday night was establish that level of trust between himself and the American people. And I think his speech succeeded very much in that regard.

It was great to have a ringside seat to this moment in American history. No matter your background - Republican, Democrat, or Independent - to sit there and watch this part of what is going to be one of the most hard-fought races for the American presidency was one of those moments you don't forget.

Special thanks to our bloggers

With the Democratic and Republican national conventions now behind us, I want to publicly thank those who blogged for Myrecordjournal.com over the past two weeks.

So, thank you to state House Majority Leader Christopher Donovan, D-Meriden, Meriden Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Mildred Torres-Ferguson, Meriden City Councilor Hilda Santiago, Meriden resident Mia Lilienthal and Wallingford's Sam Carmody for telling everyone about Denver. Also, thank you to Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele, state Sen. Leonard Fasano, R-North Haven, and state Commissioner of Consumer Protection Jerry Farrell Jr., of Wallingford, for sharing their stories from St. Paul.

Although the conventions are over, please continue to check this blog over the next few days. We may have additional pictures and stories for you!

Amanda Falcone
Record-Journal staff

Fedele announces state's vote

Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele checks in:

Things are rocking in St. Paul, Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele said Thursday. After Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's speech, Republicans were pretty energized and excited, he said.

Fedele continued to say that Palin did a great job showing that she is confident being a vice presidential nominee. She showed she was qualified and ready to take on any one, he said.

"She had to lay all her chips on the table," Fedele said.

And she did just that.

Palin was sincere about special needs, and her speech reinforced that she is just a regular person trying to make a difference, Fedele said.

"She's just a normal person--a mom," he said, adding that Palin was quick on her feet, using humor during her speech that was not in the script.

Fedele should know. From where he was sitting, he could see the teleprompter.

Thursday evening was also exciting for Fedele for another reason. The lieutenant governor had the honor of announcing Connecticut's delegate votes during the roll call.

- Reported by Amanda Falcone

Convention moments captured

The photos below are courtesy of state Sen. Leonard Fasano, R-North Haven.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, above, accepts her nomination as the Republican Party's vice presidential candidate Tuesday.

State Sen. Leonard Fasano poses with Karl Rove, former White House chief of staff for President Bush.

Farrell heads to Mall of America

Jerry Farrell Jr. sends an e-mail update:

Wednesday was a very busy day for the Connecticut delegation. We started our day with a trip to the Mall of America, known as the largest mall in the world. It was interesting to see so many stores all in one place, but other than buying $5 toy elephants for my kids, I did not buy anything. Sorry, Minnesota, I need to save my money for spending back in Connecticut!

By mid-afternoon, we were on our way to the convention hall, stopping for an early dinner at a local Italian restaurant. U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao addressed the delegation on a number of issues related to upcoming changes in labor law. Her visit with the delegation was thanks to Barbara Franklin.

We forget that Connecticut's own Barbara Franklin was the U.S. Secretary of Commerce in the Bush 41 presidency. Barbara and her husband, Wally Barnes, are part of the Connecticut delegation and very nice people.

Wednesday night's convention line-up brought on stage former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, and Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle. They all gave speeches that built up to the nomination and acceptance speech of Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska, as the vice presidential nominee. There was certainly a lot of energy in the room last night!

Very tired, our delegation returned to our hotel around midnight, but got up early this morning, because our breakfast speaker was U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn. Former Congressman Larry Denardis, who all those years ago (1980) beat Lieberman in his run for Congress, had asked Lieberman last night if he would come to address the Connecticut delegation, and he graciously accepted.

We will head back to the convention hall mid-afternoon for the final session and the nomination and acceptance speech of John McCain.

That's all for now...

Republicans energetic in St. Paul

State Sen. Leonard Fasano comments on Tuesday events:

Ok, I am a little behind in my blogging, but Tuesday night turned out to be a long night. Although there were no protesters to deal with, the night was very eventful. The crowds were much larger than previous nights and the entire spirit of the convention was filled with energy.

The night began with some routine speakers, but then the appearance of President Bush (the father) and BarbaraBush excited the crowd and caused a spontaneous applause. This was the beginning of a Republican Convention that was about to inspire an enormous amount of voters.

Following tearful and moving stories about Sen. McCain’s heroic actions and a salute to all, veteran Laura Bush, the first lady, gave her speech in a manner that is indicative of all her speeches. Her speech was warm, sincere and profound. Mrs. Bush's speech, coupled with a video from the president, resulted in establishing a base for the party for which Wednesday night will undoubtedly be a turning point in this election.

Also, U.S. Sen. Lieberman, I-Conn., gave a terrific speech. His emphasis on doing the right thing for this country, without regard to party, is the quintessential element of the McCain campaign. Lieberman layed out the elements that result in the only responsible vote is a vote for the McCain ticket. His logic and reasoning is solid. This speech ended the night in preparation for Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s speech tomorrow

As you sit in the audience, with the hurricane fears behind the nation, you feel the energy and excitement building and you can feel the anticipation of really getting this campaign--and more importantly the campaign message--off to a running start.

I have some pictures of Tuesday's events, but not all of them came out the way I thought they would. I hope a few aren’t too bad.

Photo courtesy of state Sen. Leonard Fasano. U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., above, addresses those attending the Republican National Convention Tuesday.

Cruising the Mississippi River

Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele by phone:

Today is a beautiful, 70-degree day in St. Paul, Minn., and Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele spent it on a boat, traveling the Mississippi River.

While fun and relaxing, the trip was not only about leisure, but also about business. The boat doubled as a meeting place for Republican lieutenant governors throughout the country and their spouses, allowing the group to discuss important issues facing the United States. Fedele's wife, Carol, also attended.

Later today, Fedele will get to hear Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, speak. She will tell us who she is and offer rebuttal to some of the criticism she has recently received, he said, adding that the issues concerning Palin are more distractions and that those attending the Republican National Convention have already put the comments that have appeared in the media behind them.

"We're moving forward," Fedele said. "Everyone is on pins and needles waiting for her to speak tonight...Just because no one knew her doesn't mean she hasn't done anything."

As for one of Tuesday's convention speakers, U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., Fedele said he was pleased with the message the former Democrat delivered, noting that Lieberman stressed that he was supporting the best candidate for the presidential position. It was the message Fedele expected, and Fedele said he respected Lieberman for taking a personal political risk to support U.S. Sen. John McCain for president.

- Reported by Amanda Falcone

Farrell reacts to Tuesday speakers

Jerry Farrell Jr. e-mails Tuesday, 11 p.m. Minneapolis time:

The Connecticut delegation spent the morning with a tour of the St. Paul area, highlighting the history of the area, specifically as a haven for organized crime during Prohibition. It was interesting to hear of this period and what went on, particularly as we are about to mark the 65th anniversary of the end of Prohibition, which happened in October 1933.

Security for our delegation as it went to and from the Xcel Center today was considerably heightened with police officers and private security guards, arranged through the intervention of Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele, as well as Connecticut Republican National Committee member Pat Longo.

The convention turned from Monday's more somber and abbreviated program to more traditional fare tonight, consumed with speeches from U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., of "Law and Order" fame, and Connecticut's own U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn.

Fred Thompson's speech this evening was considerably better than the one he gave to Connecticut Republicans back in June 2007, when he was first beginning his own presidential campaign. Given at the Prescott Bush annual dinner, the 2007 speech was very flat and uninspiring for someone who was, by trade, an actor. I knew back at that time that his presidential campaign would go nowhere if he could not give a more inspiring stump speech. And indeed his campaign fizzled soon after that. But tonight he related the life story with the kind of drama we saw him capable of during his "Law and Order" years.

Many in the Meriden-Wallingford area have followed Joe Lieberman's political career as he rose from a New Haven-area state senator to U.S. congressman, onto Connecticut Attorney General, then U.S. senator and Democratic candidate for vice president. His speech tonight was perhaps more notable for its location - a Republican National Convention - rather than its substance - choosing country over party, a theme we have heard in some variations from Joe over the past few years.

So, for tonight, that's all the news I have that's fit to print and will sign off until tommorrow.

Republicans put country first

Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele calls:

When Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele arrived in St. Paul, Minn., Monday, he was greeted with a problem. He spent his first few hours at the Republican National Convention making sure Connecticut's delegates and guests would have proper security for the remainder of the affair.

He learned upon arrival that a Connecticut group got accosted by protesters Monday.

But Monday was not a loss for Gov. M. Jodi Rell's stand-in. Even though the first day of the convention was shorted because of Hurricane Gustav, Fedele said it was an excellent day. Republicans did what needed to be done to officially open the convention and reinforced the idea of putting the country first, he said.

"I think that's key," Fedele said.

And Fedele said the idea of people putting their country first is something that was not seen at the Democratic National Convention, which he deemed a "Hollywood spectacle."

"We are really excited about the message we are bringing to this great country," Fedele said.

Today, Fedele is looking forward to hearing U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., speak. Lieberman and Fedele are both from Stamford.

But aside from wanting to listen to someone from his hometown, Fedele is also anticipating Lieberman's message. Having Lieberman, a former Democrat, address the crowd shows that Republicans are willing to put partisan politics aside, he said.

- Reported by Amanda Falcone

Festive atmosphere at Xcel Center

The photos below are courtesy of Sen. Leonard Fasano, R-North Haven.

The sign above welcomes Republicans to the convention.

The Xcel Center, above, is patriotic for the convention.

Fedele to check in from Minnesota

We have a new addition to our blog!

Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele will check in daily with the Record-Journal during the Republican National Convention. We are expecting his first phone call this afternoon.

Farrell talks about protesters

Jerry Farrell Jr. at 10 p.m. Monday, Minneapolis time:

As I reported earlier, the Republican National Convention formally began today. The Connecticut delegation left our hotel at noon, stopped for a brief bite to eat and then arrived at the Xcel Energy Center at 2 p.m.

As the delegation was making its way the two city blocks from where our bus dropped us to the convention center, we were attacked by a group of protesters. My aunt Lynne Farrell, here as a delegate herself, got shoved into a concrete wall. Fred Biebel, who many in the Wallingford area know from his service as the Republican state chairman many years ago, had a protester grab his neck and take his credentials from him and was doused with bleach. Others in the delegation also got shoved and had bleach tossed at them.

I am going to guess that Biebel is in his mid-80's and has been a delegate at every Republican convention going back to the 1956 convention. Not exactly the best commentary on these protesters that they chose someone in their mid-80's to physically assault.

Police in riot gear did move in as the melee continued, but somewhat after the fact. After the police moved in, we were able to make our way to the convention hall and Fred got checked out by a doctor. The Secret Service was also able to get his credentials back to him; apparently the protesters are said to want to put their hands on the credential "tags," in order to come into the convention hall itself.

As was expected, today's session strictly consisted of reports by the various convention committees - credentials, platform, rules - and motions to approve those committee reports. Following the motions, First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain came on stage and made an appeal for delegates to donate to charities doing work to help those along the Gulf Coast.

The day's session concluded by 6 p.m. and we were back on the bus to the hotel, where Lynne and I chatted with Lt. Gov. Mike Fedele and his wife, Carolyn. After dinner, we were walking back from a local restaurant and encountered state Sen. Dave Cappiello, who is running for Congress and had just arrived here in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

The delegation will gather tommorrow morning (Tuesday) at 8 a.m. for breakfast, and hopefully, at that time will get a better idea of what the schedule will be for the next few days, as to which parts of the convention will proceed and which will be abbreviated.

That's all for tonight...I will report back in sometime tommorrow.

Fasano takes on protesters in scuffle

From Sen. Leonard Fasano, R-North Haven:

Monday was the second day of the convention and a lot was still up in the air. What was to be a routine, low-key day turned out rather exciting. The day began with breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by a get-to-gether on the Mississippi, which was really just a lunch. Then we headed over to the Xcel Center for the convention, and that is where it got exciting.

After the Connecticut delegates left the bus and walked about one block or so, some of us were accosted by protestors, apparently not Sen. McCain loyalist. These protesters walked toward us clapping their hands and yelling. State Sen. Tony Guglielmo, R-Stafford Springs, and I were separated from the delegation, and we were shoved into a wall. I shoved back and then a scuffle broke out at which point someone threw some liquid at Sen. Guglielmo who reacted to demonstrate his concern over their antics. At this point, the protesters circled around him and I came to help him and another scuffle broke out. The SWAT team came and separated us.

Guglielmo and I again got into a “discussion” with the protesters about politics at which point the police held back the protesters, and we proceeded into the convention.

At the convention, it was really exciting. To see the setup and all the different states was really cool. I managed to stick my face in on FOX News. First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain spoke about everyone donating to the hurricane victims, and then like that it was over.

I ended the night acting like a kid and going to Dave and Busters for a burger and to play video games. By the way, I beat the Mayor of New Britain at basketball two out of three.

The word is President Bush will address the convention tomorrow. It should be fun.

Photo courtesy of Sen. Leonard Fasano. The SWAT team, above, at the Republican National Convention.

Breakfast speakers educate Connecticut

Jerry Farrell Jr. at 10:30 a.m. Minneapolis time:

Today marks the official start of the Republican National Convention. So, naturally, things become more serious in tone today, especially with Hurricane Gustav currently hitting Louisiana.

The Connecticut delegation began the day with an 8 a.m. breakfast at our hotel, at which Connecticut Republican party chairman Chris Healy brought us up to date on the schedule for today. The convention session, he confirmed, will run a brief two hours today, to take in some of the committee reports necessary to legally convene the convention and nominate John McCain. These would include reports from the platform committee, credentials committee, and similar convention committees.

Once this is done, the rest of today's schedule will not go forward. Where that leaves the speech by Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., which had been on the schedule for tonight, I cannot guess.

After being brought up to speed by Healy, there were three additional speakers at the breakfast. Michael Duhaime, a surrogate from the McCain campaign, spoke to the delegation. A number of people in the Connecticut delegation know Mike, as he was initially a Guiliani supporter (as was I in early 2008) and had been the Connecticut organizer for Guiliani. Mike set the tone for the somber nature of the next day or two, as convention delegates are being asked by McCain to focus on what is happening to the Gulf Coast more than on the political happenings of the convention.

Another informative speaker at the breakfast was Dorcas Hardy, who had been the head of the Social Security Administration in the Reagan admininstration. She spoke of some of the challenges that the Social Security program faces in the decades ahead, but generally was of the belief that with some minor tinkering (maybe raising the retirement age by a year), the program can be put on firmer ground and be there when I hit retirement age - some twenty five years from now. I think that's good news for everyone, those retiring soon and those whose retirement is decades out, that the money paid into the program will indeed be there when needed.

The breakfast speaking program was rounded out by a Captain Hudeck, one of a number of military veterans speaking on McCain's behalf. Like McCain, Hudeck was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and spoke of his experience as a naval pilot in the Korean war and some of the parallels between the Korean War and the Vietnam War, in which McCain fought.

We leave our hotel at noon, stopping for lunch on our way to the Xcel Center, where the convention takes place. I will further report tonight when we have returned from the convention proceedings.

Farrell comments on Civic Fest

Jerry Farrell sends an update at 11:15 p.m. Sunday, Minneapolis time:

We have returned from Civic Fest, which was an interesting event held at the Minnesota Convention Center. Most convention delegates, I believe, attended it - there were thousands of people from all across the United States there.

Part of the fest was a series of historical displays having to do with the history of the race for the U.S. presidency over the last 200 years. That was very interesting. There was also an area where vendors were selling things that might appeal to convention goers. I bought three items, including two T-shirts; one for my two-year-old daughter Emilia and one for my one-year-old son Michael. Both shirts were emblazoned with the phrase, "Future Republican President."

Given how much Emilia talks for a two year old, she already has the "gift of gab" that goes far in politics. Michael, not talking quite yet, has a winning smile, also a helpful thing in politics. So, I want both of them to know that, yes, they can grow up to be the president of our country.

The other item that I bought was a pin commerating Connecticut resident Samuel Huntington. You thought George Washington was the first president of the United States? You are wrong - George Washington was the first president after adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1789; Samuel Huntington was president under the prior Articles of Confederation in that period immediately after American independence came in 1783. I believe he was from the town of Scotland, Conn.

We have run into many people we know - former Congressman Larry Denardis, New Britian Mayor Tim Stewart, former Congressman Rob Simmons - and met new people - Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, Newington Mayor Jeff Wright and former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson. Rep. David Labriola, brother-in-law of former Wallingford Town Clerk Barbara Thompson, is here as well, and state Sen. Len Fasano has also arrived.

Tommorrow we will attend a very abbreviated session of the convention - about two hours - that must legally occur for the candidate to be nominated. We are also being told that there will be some major fundraising effort, perhaps for the American Red Cross, coming out of the convention. It would benefit those affected by Hurricane Gustav. I will report in again when I can get access to a computer.

Fasano writes while waiting for plane

State Sen. Leonard Fasano, R-North Haven, checks in:

Well, I have never blogged before, so forgive me if this doesn’t look like your typical blog. I figured I would kind of do this as a diary. Now, I have never been good at sending letters (or not to show my age, e-mails), so I hope I can keep up with this diary. I guess the best place to start a diary is at the beginning. While I wait for my plane, I thought I would share some thoughts.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell asked me to be her delegate to the Republican convention. I was truly honored about even being asked. I am excited about going to the convention, but I didn’t like missing my kids' first days of school. After having conversations with my wife and children, however, everyone agreed that this may be the only opportunity to go to a convention, and I decided to attend.

I was once a football player, and I had been a guest to a Super Bowl in California , which is a story for a different time. Nevertheless, I guess the Super Bowl of politics is a presidential convention.

After Sen. John McCain announced his running mate, Sarah Palin, I have done a number of interviews to talk about his pick. These interviews served to heighten my excitement about participating in the convention. I have no idea what to expect, don’t know how the convention will be handled, and I don’t know how I am going to react to it.

As I sit in LaGuardia International Airport waiting to take off, many people in this nation have their eyes fixed upon Hurricane Gustav, which, by all accounts, could pose a disaster for the southern region of the United States. My brother-in-law lives and works in New Orleans, and his house was practically destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. He called recently and said he and his entire family have already left the area and are heading east on Route 10 toward Atlanta to stay with my sister-in-law and her family.

Less than one year ago, they finished fixing the inside and outside of their entire house, because of the damage Katrina caused. Now, they face the same heartbreak and emotional stress that comes with a more powerful hurricane.

The impact of Gustav upon the lives in Louisiana and that region dwarfs the significance of the Republican convention. There is no doubt that all those attending, as well as the entire nation, will be focusing on those who will be the getting ready for this major storm. Already President Bush has cancelled his speech on Monday, as he should.

I guess we will have to see how the Republican Party can have the required convention and balance that against the possible human tragedy that could await this nation on Monday and Tuesday and maybe the entire week. Our prayers and thoughts are with them.

Gustav impacts convention

3:30 p.m. Minneapolis time:

Lynne and I just returned from the Minnesota State Fair to the news that Monday's session of the Republican National Convention will be abbreviated in light of Hurricane Gustav and that other changes may be made to the schedule for the rest of the week.

At 5 p.m. tonight, the Connecticut delegation will be meeting to attend, as a group, Civic Fest. At that time, I assume we will be briefed on schedule changes from our delegation leaders.

Everyone we have spoken with is keeping the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in their thoughts and hoping that the area will not be hit as severely as the weather maps suggest.

When I know more, I will update. We did very much enjoy visiting the Minnesota State Fair, somewhat similar in nature to our region's "Big E."

Farrell arrives at Republican convention

From Jerry Farrell Jr., state commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection:

It's Sunday morning here in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., where the Republican National Convention will start tommorrow. I traveled here yesterday with my aunt, Attorney Lynne Farrell, who is also a delegate to the convention.

Though Lynne practices law in Wallingford with my former law firm, Farrell, Leslie and Grochowski, she lives in Shelton, where she is an alderwoman. She also sits on the State Board of Education, as an appointee of Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

We flew out of Westchester airport, layed over and changed planes in Detriot, and got to the Minneapolis airport by 9 p.m. The Connecticut delegation is staying at a hotel in the St. Paul suburb of Maple Grove. A few delegates, likes ourselves, were on their way early. On the plane ride, Lynne and I talked at length with Redding First Selectwoman Natalie Ketchum about many of the issues facing government today.

There was several other familiar faces already gathered at the hotel as we arrived at 10 p.m. Wallingford Town Council Chairman Bob Parisi would probably find it interesting that his name was the topic of conversation at the hotel bar, as several people who were long ago connected with former Congressman Larry Denardis, R-Conn., also a delegate to this convention, discussed the salient points of Larry's 1980 and 1982 campaigns. Bob, of course, had run those campaigns, winning the first and losing the second. I just took the conversation in and listened, remembering having been a 14-year-old volunteer on that 1982 campaign.

Most delegates are expected to come today. Since Lynne and I are a bit ahead of the curve, we are going to spend a few hours at the Minnesota State Fair, which we hear is quite the event.

We need to be back to our hotel by about 4 p.m, from which the whole Connecticut delegation will travel to the Minnesota Convention Center to attend an event called Civic Fest. It is a prelude to the convention. Rell and Lt. Gov. Mike Fedele are expected to arrive sometime this afternoon. At the conclusion of Civic Fest, the delegation returns to our hotel for a poolside party.

So, that's all the news for now, from your intrepid Record-Journal correspondent!

Convention excitement captured

Photos are courtesy of Meriden Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Mildred Torres-Ferguson.

The crowd at the Pepsi Center, above, cheers for Michelle Obama.

The crowd, above, waves signs for Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass.

Carmody gets a closer sighting

From Sam Carmody:

After hearing Sen. Barack Obama address a packed stadium Thursday, Wallingford's Sam Carmody went to a party at an Invesco Field club suite.

While the party was fun, the highlight of the event was seeing Obama and Sen. Joe Biden, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, enter the room.

Carmody was not able to personally meet the Democratic duo, but he said both gave short speeches and thanked those in attendance for their support.

- Reported by Amanda Falcone

Santiago navigates Invesco Field

Hilda Santiago by phone:

Exiting Invesco Field and finding her shuttle was quite an ordeal for Meriden City Councilor Hilda Santiago Thursday.

With about 84,000 people packed inside the stadium, all were looking for a way out at the close of the Democratic National Convention, and Santiago found herself lost in the crowd.

"It was horrific," she said. "No one knew where they were going."

Santiago said she was lost for about 45 minutes before she found her shuttle and her Connecticut friends. During that time, she was on the lookout for prairie dogs.

When she first arrived in Denver, Santiago thought the prairie dogs were cute. Denver residents, however, warned her that the animals carried disease. They come out at night, and I was scared I would run into one, she said.

- Reported by Amanda Falcone

Coming home with memories

Mia checks in:

The Democratic National Convention is over, but Mia Lilienthal will take home many memories she intends to treasure for years to come.

"It was really worth it," she said of her trip to Denver.

She mingled with Connecticut's top leaders, attended Lead America programs and witnessed history at Invesco Field when Sen. Barack Obama made his acceptance speech. And along the way, she made new friends, starred in a public service announcement for Rock the Vote and acquired a taste for burritos from Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Lilienthal's time in Denver was unlike the experiences of other Record-Journal bloggers.

A high school student, she was able to attend the convention by participating in a Lead America program that came with its own schedule and rigor. Getting to the Pepsi Center and Invesco Field was often a challenge, and she did not always get to see the convention live. Instead, she went to watch fests--gatherings in Denver where people watched the excitement on television.

But those watch fests were never dull, Lilienthal said, noting that one night she watched the convention with members of the Kennedy family and several celebrities.

And Lilienthal said she was never far from the action. Those from Connecticut often reached out to her and two other Connecticut students involved in the Lead America program, inviting them to several events and finding them excellent seats at Invesco Field.

"I felt like V.I.P.," she said.

Lilienthal recalls one breakfast event fondly.

"Guess who walked in? Robert Kennedy Jr.," she said. "Our jaws were on the floor."

Lilienthal said it was the other people from Connecticut who helped make her trip to Denver one to remember.

"Everyone from Connecticut was really, really welcoming," she said.

Lilienthal will return to Connecticut today with many pictures, pieces of confetti from Thursday's convention celebration and a sign she was given.

"It says "change," and it's the coolest thing ever," she said.

- Reported by Amanda Falcone

Snapshots from Denver

The following photos are courtesy of state House Majority Leader Christopher Donovan, D-Meriden.

A group from Connecticut, above, gets together for a picture on the convention floor at the Pepsi Center.

Former President Bill Clinton, above, walks on the stage at the Pepsi Center Wednesday.

Meriden City Councilor Hilda Santiago, above, holds a sign that shows support for Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama.

Torres-Ferguson cast her ballot

Mildred Torres-Ferguson chats from Starbucks in Denver:

Meriden Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Mildred Torres-Ferguson filled out her ballot Wednesday, casting her vote for Sen. Barack Obama.

Torres-Ferguson is representing the Fifth Congressional District at the Democratic National Convention this week and was a pledged delegate for Obama.

Connecticut Democratic Committee Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo was in charge of collecting the votes for Connecticut delegates, which were documented on paper ballots and included delegate signatures.

After casting her vote Wednesday, Torres-Ferguson headed to Coors Field for Sen. Christopher Dodd's luncheon, which she labeled a great event. It even included a comedian!

Torres-Ferguson's Wednesday evening was fun, but long and included listening to President Bill Clinton.

"He really captured the entire audience," she said, adding that she thought both Bill Clinton and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., were sincere in their remarks.

Following official convention festivities was a reception co-sponsored by state House Majority Leader Christopher Donovan, D-Meriden, and state Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn. Early Thursday, she stopped by a party DiNardo was hosting.

"It was like a little Connecticut day," Torres-Ferguson said.

Torres-Ferguson also had a celebrity sighting. She brushed shoulders with actor, comedian and musician Jamie Foxx, but did not ask for an autograph.

"I just kept walking," she said.

Next up is Obama's acceptance speech, and Torres-Ferguson will be at Invesco Field to see it.

- Reported by Amanda Falcone

Sam sends more pictures!

The following pictures are courtesy of Sam Carmody:

Sen. Hillary Clinton, above, speaks at the Democratic National Convention.

Michelle OBama, above, speaks at the convention.

Riding the light rail

Check out this picture from the Democratic National Convention sent to the Record-Journal by state House Majority Leader Christopher Donovan, D-Meriden!

Meriden City Councilor Hilda Santiago, House Majority Leader Christopher Donovan and Meriden Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Mildred Torres-Ferguson on Denver's light rail to the convention.

Waiting for Obama to speak

From the laptop of Sam Carmody:

Tonight's speech by Sen. Obama at Invesco Field will conclude a remarkable week.

I have been very fortunate to attend every day of the convention and to hear the speeches of some of our nation's greatest politicians. I will forever remember hearing Sen. Ted Kennedy, President Bill Clinton, and Sen. Joe Biden address the Democrats.

Additionally, I thought Sen. Hillary Clinton's motion last night to suspend the roll call vote for the nomination and to cast one ballot in acclamation for Barack Obama was extraordinary.

However, tonight's event will most likely surpass all the excitement of the week.

On the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, Barack Obama will appear before nearly 75,000 people to accept the Democratic nomination and share his plans for America's future. I imagine that his speech will be looked back upon as a monumental occasion as well, and I am overcome with anticipation to be witness to this historic event.

Photos are courtesy of Sam Carmody. Carmody captures the environment in the Pepsi Center, top, and poses with Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn., at the senator's invitation-only lunch at Coors Field Wednesday, bottom.

Donovan set to entertain tonight

Christopher Donovan calls from the convention:

When state House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan, D-Meriden, called the Record-Journal today, music and the voice of Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean could be heard in the background.

They are accepting nominations for Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, Donovan said.

Donovan said he, along with other people from Connecticut, arrived at the convention early today to ensure themselves a seat. With former President Bill Clinton and vice presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., scheduled to speak, Donovan said a large crowd was expected.

In addition to listening to Bill Clinton, Donovan said he was interested in hearing what Biden has to say.

"I'm anxious to see how he does and to find out more about him," he said.

Donovan's Wednesday included an invitation-only luncheon with Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., at Coors Field -- home of the Colorado Rockies. After the convention, he will co-host an event will state Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn, at the Denver Mariott Tech Center, the hotel where those attending the convention from Connecticut are staying. There will be late snacks for all!

"Reporting from the Democratic National Convention, this is Chris Donovan signing off," the Connecticut House leader said as he hung up the phone.

- Reported by Amanda Falcone

A few minutes later:

Donovan called the Record-Journal to tell reporters to turn on the television. Donovan and Meriden Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Mildred Torres-Ferguson could be spotted on C-SPAN as Connecticut announced its votes -- 38 for Obama; 21 for Clinton.

Volunteerism comes with perks

Sam Carmody checks in:

A volunteer with the Democratic National Committee, Wallingford's Sam Carmody says he is responsible for registering members of the committee's finance division every morning. He must also give them their credentials.

The downside of his job is that he is on duty at 8 a.m., which means getting up early to allow for the 45-minute commute from the University of Denver, where he is staying, to his job site.

Carmody, however, said there are perks. His volunteer duties are done by 2 p.m. every day, and he is then awarded credentials to the convention and passes to events.

Sunday, he got to attend an event held for the Democrat's finance division. It included a musical performance by the Goo Goo Dolls and a cocktail party attended by Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean.

"I didn't get a chance to say hi to him," Carmody said.

While Carmody said he enjoyed Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer's speech, the highlight of his Tuesday was seeing Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. Carmody began this year supporting Clinton, but now is backing Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., as a result of the primary.

"The crowd went wild for her," he said, noting that he was sitting only a few sections away from former President Bill Clinton at the Pepsi Center. "Hillary stood behind Obama last night."

Bill Clinton, who Carmody labels the best president in his 22 years, will speak at the convention tonight, and Carmody is psyched.

"I'm very excited," he said. "I think it's going to be quite a night."

- Reported by Amanda Falcone

Hilda gets involved in the hype

Hilda Santiago by phone:

Meriden City Councilor Hilda Santiago enjoyed a nice lunch at a Denver Chinese food restaurant Tuesday. The event was hosted by Stamford Mayor Daniel P. Malloy and state Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford.

Santiago says she is enjoying Denver. The people are friendly and the streets are clean, she said. But adjusting to the lower oxygen level has been a challenge for Santiago, who noted that an oxygen bar has helped to clear her head.

Unlike her travel companions, state Rep. Christopher G. Donovan, D-Meriden, and Meriden Democratic Town Chairwoman Mildred Torres-Ferguson, Santiago did not make it into the Pepsi Center Monday for Democratic National Convention festivities. Being a guest, Santiago did not have first right to Connecticut credentials for the event.

Instead, she watched the first day of the convention from the Colorado Convention Center, a facility that seats about 5,000. The center featured large screens, and there were speakers at that location as well. People were clapping and cheering just as if they were at the Pepsi Center, Santiago said.

Santiago, however, will not be watching Sen. Hillary Clinton's speech tonight from the convention center. Today, she finds herself in the middle of the action and that will be where she will remain for the next few days. Some people from Connecticut did not claim their credentials, giving Santiago the opportunity of a lifetime.

"Tonight, I'm getting into the actual convention," said an excited Santiago.

- Reported by Amanda Falcone

Oxygen, prairie dogs and more

Mildred Torres-Ferguson calls from Denver:

After attending a breakfast event in Denver this morning, Meriden Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Mildred Torres-Ferguson and Meriden city councilor Hilda Santiago headed for the Denver Marriott Tech Center's oxygen bar.

The pair spent five minutes each breathing in different scents through an oxygen mask. Torres-Ferguson went for apple and cranberry.

Torres-Ferguson said the oxygen bar is suppose to help those not from the area adjust to a lower oxygen level, noting that participating cost $1 per minute.

Prior to her oxygen bar experience, Torres-Ferguson said she met fellow blogger Mia Lilienthal at the breakfast, and she invited the 17 year old to other events that will be attended by Connecticut residents. There are 155 delegates and guests from Connecticut in Denver this week.

Being that Lilienthal is from Meriden, Torres-Ferguson said she was already trying to recruit her to help with local politics.

In her phone interview with the Record-Journal, Torres-Ferguson also reflected on Monday's events. She spoke about the emotional speech made by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., and about John Legend's performance. She also mentioned that she saw anti-gay and anti-abortion groups protesting near the convention.

And there were the prairie dogs. Connecticut attendees thought the animals were cute, but Torres-Ferguson said Denver residents hate them because the prairie dogs have been known to spread disease.

Prairie dogs aside, Torres-Ferguson said she is liking Denver and is looking forward to her second day in the city.

- Reported by Amanda Falcone

Fasano will blog from Minneapolis

Good news! State Senate Minority President Pro Tem Sen. Leonard A. Fasano, R-North Haven, has agreed to tell us all about Minneapolis next week. Fasano represents Wallingford in the state legislature, and this will be his first Republican National Convention.

"I've been to a Superbowl, but I've never been to a political Superbowl," Fasano said Tuesday.

Greetings from Denver!

From Mia Lilienthal:

It's amazing up here and much different than what I expected. The landscape is so beautiful, but so much different from anything I've seen in Connecticut. There are a few buildings, mostly concentrated within the city of Denver, but surrounding the city is, as it seems to me, complete nothingness.

The three-lane highway that takes you in and out of the city also leads to our hotel. On the way, all you see is suburbia and tons of vegetation. There are so many trees, and you can almost feel the affect that it has on the air. The air here feels so fresh and clean, and it only adds to the relaxed feel that Denver and the area surrounding gives off.

To top it all off, the scenery is completed by the backdrop of the Rocky Mountain range. The mountains can be seen from almost anywhere, and they seem so close that you want to reach out and touch them.

As for activites, the program propelled at full force Sunday, just a few hours after we arrived in Colorado. We had an awesome dinner of rice, beef burritos, and guacamole, and following that, Sen. Jamin Raskin, D-Maryland, came to speak with us about his new book, "We the Students."

The book goes into detail about court cases that effect high school students, but his lecture was more than that. He added an interactive part to the seminar in which the room was split in half, and we were given a fake court case to examine. One side of the room supported an the case, while the other side represented the opposition. We got to present our different arguements to a mock Supreme Court. Although my side of the room ultimately lost the case, I learned so much in the process.

We began today by visiting the Colorado Capitol, which was wonderful. My group got to climb the 99 steps to the dome of the building. While we were there, another group was just around the corner at the 16th Street Mall, where a war protest was taking place. My group had just missed the protest, but we had seen the SWAT team and police forces throughout the area earlier that day. Also, helicopters have been in protest training all week, and you see one fly by at least every five minutes.

Later, back at the hotel, we broke up into our groups and participated in mock primary elections in which any of us could run to be the next presidential candidate. I ran and gave my two minute speech, but my friend Elliot won the nomination from our group. He is now going up against two other candidates from other groups to win the mock nomination.

We also attended a lecture given by Andrew Potter. He spoke to us about the election process and how a president wins an election. The most interesting part of his lecture was when he pulled up a map of the United States, showing which candidate was predicted to win which states. So far, according to his map, the election is still up in the air, seeing as some key states are still too split between parties to see which way they will swing.

Tomorrow morning I am attending the Connecticut State Delegate Breakfast, prefaced by a lovely 5:30 a.m. wake-up call.

Convention kicks off

As the first day of the Democratic National Convention was coming to an end Monday, state House Majority Leader Christopher Donovan, D-Meriden, checked in with the Record-Journal by phone.

As he chatted, he waited with other local attendees for the train that would take them to their hotel. People are carrying Obama signs and wearing T-shirts and pins, he said. Donovan also said that while waiting at the train station, he was able to tell several people about Meriden.

The first day of the convention included several speakers, such as Sen. Edward M. Kenndy, D-Mass., and Sen. Barack Obama's wife, Michelle Obama.

Donovan said Kennedy's speech was moving, and he said the senator told the large crowd that he will be there when Obama is sworn in as president next year. Kennedy is battling brain cancer.

"People were just very glued to him," Donovan said.

Donovan also said Michelle Obama's speech was very good. She talked about the importance of family and working hard, he said.

"It was a really warm, powerful presentation," Donovan said.

Donovan summed up the atmosphere at the convention by saying that people are caught up in the quest for change.

Donovan, along with others from Connecticut in Denver for the convention, will start their Tuesday off with a breakfast that will allow for social mingling. A full day, which includes a speech by Sen. Hillary Clinton, will follow.

But until Tuesday's activities begin, Donovan said he and his travel companions want to rest. An early morning flight, jet lag and a lower level of oxygen in the Mile High City tuckered those representing the Nutmeg State out, he said.

- Reported by Amanda Falcone

Carmody lands in Denver

From the laptop of Sam Carmody:


My anticipation for the weeklong festivities surrounding the Democratic National Convention escalated Friday morning as I boarded my plane to Denver at Bradley International Airport.

I was not the only one on the plane eager about the journey. I ran into Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo and the state party's staffers who were also making their way to the convention. They could not wait to be a part of this historic event too.

As soon as our plane touched down in Denver, I said my goodbyes to my fellow Connecticut Democrats and set out to explore the city. Downtown Denver, an impeccably clean and beautiful city, was bustling with activity.

People packed the streets, many obviously visiting for the convention. There were merchants selling Barack Obama pins and T-shirts, protesters for peace, and a number of Green Bay Packers' fans sporting their signature cheddar cheese hats in preparation for the Broncos versus Packers' practice game that evening at Invesco Field – the same arena in which Barack Obama will give his acceptance speech to nearly 76,000 people Thursday night.

I walked over to the Pepsi Center where the convention proceedings will be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Hundreds of police vehicles were present and even more satellite trucks for the news media were gathered around the convention center. Workers were decorating the area with red, white, and blue banners and attaching giant stars to the building.

There is no doubt that months and months of work went into this event.

On Saturday, I attended orientation and training for my volunteer assignments. Some of my tasks for the week seem quite glamorous, while other tasks appear rather dull. However, just being a part of the whole process is exciting enough.

This week will surely be one of great magnitude, and I cannot wait to get to work and share with all of you the details.

The pictures above are courtesy of Sam Carmody. Workers are getting a MSNBC studio, top, and the Pepsi Center, bottom, ready for the Democratic National Convention.

Introducing convention coverage

This is a space where local people attending the Democratic and Republican national conventions can share their experiences with those visiting http://www.myrecordjournal.com/.

State House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan, Meriden Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Mildred Torres-Ferguson, Meriden city councilor Hilda Santiago, 17-year-old Mia Lilienthal, of Meriden, and Wallingford's 22-year-old Sam Carmody will be nice enough to tell you all about the Democratic National Convention in Denver. We may even be lucky and get them to submit pictures!

The Democratic convention kicks off Aug. 25 and ends Aug. 28.

Jerry Farrell Jr., a Wallingford resident and the commissioner of the state Department of Consumer Protection, will keep us updated on the Republican convention, which is Sept. 1 through Sept. 4. We hope he sends pictures too!

So, stay tuned. Campaign season is about to officially begin, and we have six people waiting to fill you in on the details.

Amanda Falcone
Record-Journal Staff