battles insurance norwalk
Governor M. Jodi Rell, he will not seek re-election next year, said Monday it plans to devote his last 14 months in office to solve problems Connecticut economic increasingly dark.
"It is time," Rell said, his voice cracking. "I want to thank the people of Connecticut by honor of serving as governor. "
Rell of Connecticut has been governor since 2004, when former Gov. John Rowland resigned in a corruption investigation eventually leading to a conviction and prison sentence. She was elected to his own term in 2006, becoming the first elected Republican woman time executive director the state.
His announcement was a surprise on Capitol Hill and his staff. Although his family knew of her plans, she said she gave them a warning about the time that he was going to make the decision public.
Saying there was no reason for his decision, Rell said she is not trying to avoid a fight, but said the problems state budget will require your attention.
Connecticut does not approve a budget until September to allow Rell to become law without his signature. The budget already in deficit, and the governor has said he plans to call lawmakers to make more cuts.
"It will not quite be a year," said Rell. "That's why right now I need to focus my attention on getting our budget in balance and dealing with the legislature."
The 63 years, Rell said her health and the health of her husband are fine. Both have had successful battles with cancer during their term. The governor, in 2004, underwent surgery for breast cancer, while her husband, Lou, had a small cancerous growth removed from his esophagus in 2007.
Another woman in Connecticut only governor, Ella Grasso, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1980, while in the office, and died of the disease in 1981.
Last year, Rell has welcomed its second and third grandchildren, prompting speculation among some observers of the Capitol that she would not seek reelection.
"I know everyone is looking for something in particular, or a lot of things, "Rell told reporters gathered for a conference earlier Evening News." Not only do we so difficult, bad year, and is not improving. "
Rell, who has no college degree, started his career in politics on the organization Parent-teacher in Brookfield, Conn., was elected to the state House in 1984 and lieutenant governor in 1995.
As governor cultivated a folk image, the buying clothes at discount stores and greeting voters at the feet of people after a long day of campaigning. His job approval peaked historical 83 percent by 13 January 2005, of the survey.
Rell choked while listing his favorite memories while at the office, including compliance with those affected by the passage of health insurance for the poor, mass transit upgrades and improvements in the educational system in the state. He cited a gay couple who embraced at Stafford Motor Speedway after the country signed the first bill voluntarily adopted civil union.
"All he said was:" Thanks, "he said.
However, their numbers have declined in recent polls by Quinnipiac due primarily to state budget problems. A survey of 16 September showed 59 percent approve of how he is handling his job while 34 percent do disapprove – the lowest number of approval during his tenure.
Rell administration has also become the focus of two investigations into the recruitment of a professor at the University of Connecticut, to oversee two years, the $ 220,000 project aimed at streamlining state government. Democrats say e-mail messages obtained by The Day of New London show that at least part of the work done by Professor Ken Dautrich, former director of polling institute school was made to help the governor politically.
His departure, a week after Republicans won the governorships in Virginia and New Jersey, left the party without a candidate with strong credentials statewide in Connecticut, where a Democrat has been governor since William O'Neill left the position in 1991.
The Democratic Governors Association, said it was moving the race in the top of their list of potential pickups, which means receive more attention and funding.
Minority Leader Lawrence Cafer Jr. of Norwalk, the minority leader of the Senate, John McKinney, Fairfield and Lt. Governor Michael Fedele, a political unknown before being named a candidate for Rell in 2006, are considered potential candidates for the Republican Party.
Cafer and McKinney said they were surprised by Rell's announcement, hoping it would be.
"The timing of the class surprised me," said Cafer. "No I have absolutely no idea. "
McKinney said: "I think the state needs."
Fidel said it was "a pretty good bet" to be executed.
Among Democrats, businessman Ned Lamont, who became a national political figure in 2006, defeating Senator Joseph Lieberman in the Democratic primary in the Senate, announced last week it was forming an exploratory committee.
"Now is the time for a new beginning," said in a statement Monday night.
Former House Speaker James Amann has already declared his candidacy, and exploratory committees have been formed by the Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, state Sen. Gary LeBeau and Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi.
"Clearly this no more open to Democrats, "said state party Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo.
About the Author:
Quoting & Saving just got easier…EasyToInsureME Health Insurance Quotes… Quote all carriers in seconds
Pennsylvania Health Insurance
Connecticut Health Insurance
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Conn. governor decides not to seek another term
