Connecticut Commentary: Red Notes from a Blue State

Is the long, amicable honeymoon between Governor Dannel Malloy and Democratic leaders in the General Assembly over? One report points to trouble in Eden. Following a Democratic majority caucus, Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey confided to reporters that his people pointed a crooked finger of blame at Mr. Malloy for raises that the University of Connecticut gave to non-teaching staff. The raises were rescinded following a budget address given to the General Assembly in which Mr. Malloy noticed, apparently for the first time, that a “new reality” would henceforth require the General Assembly to pare back spending. Like the near approach of execution in the morning, the prospect of elections clears the mind wonderfully.