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.