Press Release / Audrey Blondin 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

From: Audrey Blondin
Subject: CT Secretary of the State Race 2006
No. of Pages: 1

Democratic Secretary of the State 2006 Candidate Audrey Blondin announced today that for the time being she is staying in the race for CT Secretary of the State.

Blondin stated: “I have been campaigning for almost a year for this position and have visited over eighty Democratic Town Committees throughout our state.

I care very deeply about the issues we have been discussing throughout the campaign: ethics, support for small businesses, campaign finance reform, more voter participation and increasing local communication and outreach as we now face the transition to voter verified electronic paper trail voting machines.

For the last two weeks, I have been speaking to supporters and political leaders around the state. Right now statewide the political situation is too fluid and up in the air for anyone to make an informed decision about next year’s political races.

I believe it is best now to take a wait and see approach before making a final decision. The time now is to focus on getting Democrats elected locally in our municipal races and then we can turn our attention to next year’s statewide races.”

Decision time for Blondin

09/16/2005
Decision time for Blondin
By: Dawn Caminiti

Litchfield resident Audrey Blondin has a tough decision to make, based on the recent news that Democrat Susan Bysiewicz will run for another term as Secretary of the State, dropping plans for a gubernatorial bid.

The Torrington attorney has been campaigning for the Democratic nomination to run for Secretary of the State since Ms. Bysiewicz announced in October 2004 that she would run for governor. At the moment, Mrs. Blondin is still deciding whether to drop out of the race or continue."When the situation changes very abruptly, I think you have to step back and take stock and figure out, as I said before, not only what to do personally, but for the campaign and for Democrats in the state of Connecticut," Ms. Blondin said. "And that's what we're doing, taking a little more time, thinking about it a little more. I have many calls still to make to people. Once it's over then we'll make a decision."Ms. Blondin, who served as a Litchfield selectman for 10 years, is one of six Democrats that were campaigning for what was expected to be an open seat for Secretary of the State. Two, former State Rep. Robert Landino and State Rep. Andrew Fleischmann, have already announced their withdrawals from the race. "Irrespective of my decision one way or the other, there are still others. So it's a crowed field," Ms. Blondin said, adding that she has not spoken with any of the other candidates.Ms. Blondin had been considering a shot at a statewide office for a few years, but wanted to wait until her three children were older-the youngest is now in junior in high school. She also chose to run in the 2006 race because Ms. Bysiewicz had declared her intentions to run for governor."I felt that the stakes are so high for us as the Democrat Party that our primary focus and our resources have to be put in place for the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. So I did not go into this race for Secretary of the State with the intention that this was going to be a contested position as well," she said. "Certainly I was very surprised to learn of her decision."Since Ms. Bysiewicz's announcement to seek another term, Ms. Blondin's phone has been ringing nonstop. People from around the state are inquiring about her intentions now that the incumbent is a factor again.Ms. Blondin already has a lot invested in the race. She has a campaign staff, manages a $10,000 Web site and has raised more than $100,000 in campaign donations."I have a lot invested in this personally, and we as a campaign have a lot invested in this," she said.Ms. Blondin has been campaigning for the nomination since she announced her intentions to run Dec. 1, 2004. Since then, she has visited more than 80 Democratic Town Committees and attended countless events in an effort to gain recognition and discuss her platform."I loved it, I loved every minute of it," Ms. Blondin said about her campaign. "I've been involved with the state Democrats for more than 25 years, and even though I was somewhat known on a statewide basis, it is a very different experience to actually go out into all five of the congressional districts, to all the towns. And each town is very unique and has its own personality."audrey blondin

Blondins join Katrina victim aid effort

09/10/2005
Blondins join Katrina victim aid effort
KARSTEN STRAUSS , Register Citizen Staff

TORRINGTON - With the country mobilizing to send food, supplies and money to Hurricane Katrina victims, Torrington optometrist Dr. Matthew Blondin and wife, city attorney Audrey Blondin, are helping out in a different but equally important way. The couple announced Wednesday that they will be donating 1,000 pairs of eyeglass frames to assist with vision care needs of flood evacuees.
The Blondins, who founded the Connecticut Chapter of the international organization Volunteer Optometry Services to Humanity (VOSH), will be shipping the supply to the organization’s Texas chapter. Student volunteers from the University of Houston College of Optometry are setting up an eye-care clinic in Houston, where the frames will be sorted and fitted."As soon as the disaster hit, Matt and I, on behalf of VOSH - Connecticut, wanted to find out what we could do to help," Audrey said.The Blondins paid for the 1,000 frames to be sent to Houston."It’s a variety of stuff--men’s, women’s and kids," Matthew said. "Not having a pair of glasses can incapacitate a lot of people."The Blondins, who operate a free eye-care mission every year in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, said VOSH chapters all over the United States are sending supplies to assist those along the Gulf Coast who require eyeglasses and lost them in the melee following Hurricane Katrina. The organization’s mission is to offer free eye care to those who cannot afford it, or have no access to quality optometry."We try to help people where they need it," Matthew said. "Right now that is in the United States."The donation will not affect the couple’s January mission to Nicaragua, they said."In Nicaragua, you’re either healthy or you’re dead," Matthew said. With the devastation and contamination brought on by the floods along the gulf coast, many are more susceptible to illness, similar to less fortunate nations, he said."It’s like the Third-World came to the United States for a few days," he added.For more information on VOSH - Connecticut, contact the Blondins at 489-2781.Karsten Strauss can be reached by e-mail at torrington@registercitizen.com.

Bysiewicz Plans To Drop Out Of Governor's Race

Bysiewicz Plans To Drop Out Of Governor's Race
September 8, 2005

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz has told others seeking her job that she will drop out of the race for governor and instead run for re-election.

Bysiewicz, 43, intends to announce Friday that she will withdraw from the three-way race for the 2006 Democratic gubernatorial nomination, according to three of the six people who had been vying to replace her.
A campaign adviser with direct knowledge of the decision, speaking on the condition of anonymity, also confirmed Bysiewicz's intentions Thursday.
"We're not making any announcement today," Bysiewicz said Thursday. "I will have a statement on Friday."
Rep. Evelyn Mantilla, D-Hartford, and Litchfield Democrat Audrey Blondin told the Associated Press that Bysiewicz informed them of her plans Wednesday. Former Rep. Robert Landino of Chester told the Hartford Courant that he had a similar conversation with Bysiewicz.

"She said that she had done a lot of thinking herself about where her race was going and where she wanted to be and that this just seemed like the better option right now," Blondin said.
If she does leave the governor's race, the Democratic field would shrink to two: New Haven Mayor John DeStefano Jr. and Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy. Malloy said he spoke to Bysiewicz Thursday.
"She confirmed that changes were under way in her campaign and she'd make a public announcement of that shortly," Malloy said.
DeStefano said Thursday he had not spoken to Bysiewicz. He said her decision to leave the race would unite the Democratic Party sooner. State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has not announced his campaign plans, but few Democratic leaders expect him to run for governor.
Bysiewicz, 43, was first elected secretary of the state in 1998 and is the youngest statewide office holder in Connecticut. She formerly represented Middletown in the state House of Representatives. She officially announced her campaign for governor in October 2004, and she had raised $1.7 million for the race as of July 1. DeStefano reported $2.2 million in funds and Malloy $1.2 million.
On the Republican side, Gov. M. Jodi Rell has not announced her plans, but many expect her to run.
Bysiewicz' decision also throws the secretary of the state's race into question. Landino and state Rep. Andrew Fleischmann, D-West Hartford, who had not spoken with Bysiewicz, both said they will drop out and throw their support behind the incumbent.
"Our top goal has to be winning back the governorship, and I think that to do that it makes sense for me and others to support Susan in her pursuit of the secretary of the state's office," Fleischmann said.
Mantilla, Blondin and another candidate, New Haven newspaper publisher Norma Rodriguez-Reyes, said they have not yet decided whether to abandon their bids. Blondin said she is somewhat reluctant to drop out after she campaigned for more than a year, raised more than $100,000 and visited 80 town committees.
"This isn't something I went into lightly, so it's not something I'm going to give up lightly," Blondin said, adding that she had repeatedly asked Bysiewicz about her plans before entering the race. "In all my conversations with her, this was going to be an open seat, so now that it's not, we have to re-evaluate where we're all going with this."
A message seeking comment was left with the sixth candidate, New Haven businessman John Nussbaum.

Please lend a helping hand to those in need...

Dear Friend,

The destruction and loss of life caused by Hurricane Katrina has left all Americans feeling a little helpless and has energized the kindness and ingenunity that makes America so great. Now we must help those who are still living the tragedy, those who are starving, have had thier homes taken and those who are still in harms way. The Blondin Campaign would like to help in anyway that we can with the relief effort. Please visit the American Red Cross website and make a small donation or find a local charity near you, go to: https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp
The Blondin campaign would like to extend the deepest heart fealt condolenses to those people who have lost loved ones and have had thier homes ruinied in this tragedy.
You can also visit your local Red Cross chapter near you to volunteer, by going to:
http://www.redcross.org/where/chapts.asp

Sincerely,
Jeremy Kincaid
Campaign Communication Director
Audrey Blondin for Secretary of the State 2006

Rainy day picnic in red cities

Hello all,
I found an interesting blog on the Destefano site yesterday (about the Danbury Picnic) and thought it would be important to post up on Audrey's blog. It's important because it shows the readers of this blog (thats you) the energy of some Democrats around the state to change the political landscape and the level of commitment that Audrey Blondin has shown to the Democratic party over some 30 years of service (in many capacities).

I think that Aldon Hynes hit the message home when he says " Let’s make this fall a good practice run at replacing Republicans that are not doing enough for their localities with strong leaders with vision." We need to be sure to give Democrats, especially young Democrats a message that we are a party that is active and is a "can do party". Democrats must make voter participation a top priority by pushing strong candidates and a message that fellow Democrats who aren't in politics can agree on and discuss with their families around the dinner table. If Democrats have a populist, proactive, progressive message then we will give voters a reason to vote and get involved. Our party needs to be in the business of increasing inclusion. (end of quote)

I would like to mention that Audrey Blondin, Candidate for Secretary of the State was also in attendance at the Danbury Picnic and her race is one that focuses a great deal of time on the issue of voter participation. Audrey strongly believes that Connecticut should be first in the nation when it comes to voter participation. She believes that it is more than showing up at the voting booths. It is about being involved in a array of events and supporting a range of Democrats that are running for office from: mayors to selectmen to city council and even candidates for the board of education. Audrey has come out and has fought for Democrats through most of her 30 year career in politics. She believes that it is about encouraging great candidates like Dean Eaposito to run for Mayor, or Lori Kabeck, who has never run for office before to run for Town Clerk. Picnics are a great way to energize your base and voters in the public. You can see the oringinal blog on: http://www.destefanoforct.com/node/502#comment
or look at Aldon's original post below:

Rainy day picnics in red cities
Posted by Aldon Hynes on August 29, 2005 - 4:10pm.
Heading out of Church, Kim and I wondered if the rain would postpone, or at least dampen the spirits of Democrats gathering for their annual clambake in the largest municipality in Connecticut that has a Republican mayor. We drove up to Danbury, where Dean Esposito is running an exciting campaign to defeat an incumbent Republican mayor who is increasingly out of touch with his constituents.
It was packed at the clambake. The energy level was incredible and Kim and I spoke not only with Dean, but also with Lori Kabeck who has been working as assistant town clerk in Danbury for many years and is now running for Town Clerk. This is her first time running for office and Kim and Lori compared notes. We also spoke with a few of the city council candidates and were asked by several people to volunteer to help the campaigns. The Danbury Democratic Town Committee Clambake is a good example of how Democrats should be reaching out to get new people involved.
Mayor DeStefano worked the crowd and one person who had received an MPA from UConn spoke about Mayor DeStefano as a standard bearer for UConn MPA students.
The primary goal of this blog is to help replace a Republican who has not done enough for our state with Mayor DeStefano, a strong leader with vision. A good way to work towards that goal is to support Dean Esposito, another strong leader with vision, seeking to replace another Republican who has not done enough for his city, as well as helping him get more Democrats elected to the city council and other important seats.
After Danbury, Kim and I drove down to Stratford. Stratford is the fifth largest municipality in Connecticut with a Republican at the helm. Stratford has revised its charter and will be having its first Mayoral elections this year. Several Democrats and Republicans are fighting it on in a primary which will be held September 13th. This is another great opportunity to pick up a Mayor’s seat.
Mayor DeStefano spoke briefly to the crowd before running off to the end of the Pilot Pen tournament.
On September 10th, the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee will hold its annual picnic. Peter Berg is running for First Selectman in the third largest municipality with a Republican at the helm. Kim and I came to know Peter when Kim ran for State Representative, and we’re excited that he is running. He has the same energy and intellectual acuity that has attracted many of us to support Mayor DeStefano. I hope many of you will get involved in his campaign this fall as well and join us at the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee picnic on the 10th.
There are other interesting Mayoral and First Selectman races around the state, and if you are involved in any of them, please add a comment, or drop me an email. Let’s make this fall a good practice run at replacing Republicans that are not doing enough for their localities with strong leaders with vision.

Blumenthal, Sullivan endorse Chiaramonte

08/29/2005
Blumenthal, Sullivan endorse Chiaramonte
ROBERT CYR , Register Citizen Staff
HARWINTON - Prominent state officials Sunday joined with the Democratic Town Committee at the home of first selectman hopeful Frank Chiaramonte to give their official endorsements. Chiaramonte was joined by his running mate, Sandra Davis.
Democratic Committee Chairman Myrna Watanabe began the talks by recognizing former Harwinton First Selectman Lloyd Shandey, who died recently and was a fixture in town government.Watanabe went on to introduce the day’s guests, Lt. Gov. Kevin Sullivan, State Comptroller Nancy Wyman, and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. Audrey Blondin, current chairman of the Democratic state central committee, continued to receive support from her fellow Democrats in her run for Secretary of the State."Grassroots Democrats, grassroots government is the most responsive type of leadership, day in and day out," Sullivan said. "We will do anything we can to help out the Harwinton Democratic party."Wyman spoke next, stressing the impact that small, local government has on the everyday lives of citizens, and the immense responsibility that town government has to its residents."We have a chance this year, we have a very good chance," Wyman said. "We’re ready to take back the town for the people of this town. The local level is the most important level. It is also the hardest job in state politics, because you see the people every day, at the grocery store. We’re looking for a big victory in 69 days." Blumenthal, who recently filed a suit against the federal government for lack of funds to the federal mandate No Child Left Behind, said that accountability in government, although not always iron-clad near the top, could make a strong example with the integrity of a smaller town’s leadership."This is the year, the year where there can be a shift, a fundamental paradigm shift in the quality of government in Harwinton," Blumenthal said. "These are two people that are known, accomplished, and respected, and can bring integrity and intelligence to the voters."Sandra Davis, who is running for town selectman with Chiaramonte, said that the issue of integrity struck a chord in her."I think integrity is very important to our whole team," Davis said. "We have a group of people that believe in accountability and responsibility."Robert Cyr can be reached by e-mail at litchfield@registercitizen.com.