Connecticut Commentary: Red Notes from a Blue State

The Headline on the story was “ New State Laws Take Effect: Gas Taxes, Gun Restrictions, Pool Safety ” and, in the body of the story, Governor Dannel Malloy was quoted to this effect after he had been questioned on his increase of Connecticut’s gas tax, already the highest in the nation: “I wasn't governor in 2005. I wasn't the minority leader of the House or the minority leader of the Senate in 2005.'' In 2005, during the administration of Governor Jodi Rell, the Republican governor and the Democratic dominated General Assembly had decided to increase the tax as part of a long term plan. Mr. Malloy, a Democrat, and the Democratic dominated General Assembly this year decided to play the role of bystanders and let the tax increase happen.

Heath Fahle, associated with the Yankee Institute , has done a splendid job mapping the possibilities for Republican gains in the General Assembly. If you want to climb the mountain, you have to map the terrain. This is the map. Have a Look. Under the watchful eye of Christine Stuart of Connecticut News Junkie, some good reporting may still be found in a state in which newspapers have reduced staffs to dangerously low levels.