tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25485758526971544922012-02-16T03:25:53.223-05:00A commentary on political, cultural and every day matters.Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.comBlogger1111100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-57974916843962932452011-08-21T10:16:00.008-04:002011-08-21T10:44:59.820-04:00

Column first published in The Day of New London August 20, 2011 This will be my last column for The Day. No, I'm not being pushed out in some sort of corporate purge. My almost two years writing for The Day was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. My day job has changed and I am now going to be spending more time working with government in Connecticut and Washington. Thus the

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-72204813535438781052011-08-10T16:58:00.004-04:002011-08-10T17:08:10.115-04:00

First published in the Day of New London August 6, 2011 With all the drama in Washington over raising the debt ceiling, Connecticut residents could be lulled into forgetting that right here in Hartford we have our own fiscal drama. A $1.6 billion hole remains in the state's budget. The shortfall was to have been made up for by a comprehensive labor agreement between the State Employees

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-16160969968318816392011-07-23T09:19:00.003-04:002011-07-23T09:37:28.559-04:00

Daniel C. Esty is commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection and he is obviously a crook, liar, thief and all-around bad guy.Why else would Mr. Esty recuse himself from any potential cases involving 26 private companies and two environmental groups for whom he has worked?Let's be honest, Esty must recuse himself because his background clearly indicates that if

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-58447733664459953152011-07-10T07:22:00.004-04:002011-07-10T07:38:52.704-04:00

First published in The Day of New London July 9, 2011This state needs to move from the state of Connecticant to the state of ConnectiCan!The leadership debacle in Hartford that is resulting in legislative and governmental chaos should be the final canary that has died in the state's cave.With the union rejection of the Gov. Dannel Malloy's proposed agreement the state sits with a $1.6 billion

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-62503124317735059662011-06-25T09:18:00.004-04:002011-06-26T10:36:04.710-04:00

First published in The Day of New London, June 25, 2010On June 16 The New York Times listed the death of Pfc. Eric D. Soufrine from Woodbridge, along with the deaths of three other brave men killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Soufrine was 20 years old, not even old enough to have his first drink.We are approaching the July Fourth holiday. Sadly there will be little celebration in Woodbridge. A young

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-70470899720991386272011-06-12T15:52:00.004-04:002011-06-12T16:12:03.762-04:00

Showing up for work with a lunch pail, blue jeans and work boots may not fit your typical Dartmouth Phi Beta Kappa and Harvard Law school graduate, but that's how Connecticut's Attorney General George Jepsen comes to work each day as the working man's AG.Well, perhaps the uniform is a bit more formal but in Jepsen's short six-month tenure he has already carved out a very different persona and

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-84168076045632794362011-06-07T08:21:00.005-04:002011-06-07T08:32:27.811-04:00

FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE DAY OF NEW LONDON FEBRUARY 14, 2008IIt's been a good run, but the Gang of Four, Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Laura Ingraham are being exposed for the pernicious empty vessels of thought they truly are. They are neither conservatives nor Republicans. They are opportunistic hate mongering hucksters more interested in self-promotion than advancing the

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-70960072420251239392011-05-28T08:20:00.004-04:002011-05-28T08:32:29.987-04:00

First published in The Day of New London May 28, 2011Christopher Healy will no longer be chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party.As the outgoing chairman made the rounds of media interviews last week, Richard Nixon came to mind. After losing back-to-back campaigns in the early 1960s, Nixon declared "You won't have Dick Nixon to kick around anymore." It was a threat, but Nixon didn't quit

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-74669862966011367912011-05-21T11:32:00.005-04:002011-05-21T11:47:42.600-04:00

As mayor for 14 years and through two gubernatorial campaigns, it was Dan. Then once he lowered the gubernatorial sash across his chest he became Dannel. Dan was once considered a pro-business "new" Democrat. Perhaps Dan was. Dannel is not.Gov. Malloy has gone all in. He is a proud beacon of hope for the union movement and a liberal orthodoxy that believes government is the foundation of a

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-85621801223639073322011-05-02T16:41:00.003-04:002011-05-02T16:46:27.362-04:00

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-66937514697378836402011-04-30T13:18:00.002-04:002011-04-30T13:25:23.064-04:00

Unemployment is at 9 percent, gasoline approaching $5 a gallon, the nation is fighting in three wars and a recent poll indicating 70 percent of Americans believe the country is going in the wrong direction. That's the tableau on which President Obama has launched his re-election campaign.Good luck.On the political side, Obama has become the Typhoid Mary of campaigns. From throwing his muscle

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-74166024784141205612011-04-16T17:25:00.006-04:002011-08-02T21:14:50.977-04:00

First published in The Day of New London, April 16, 2011Last Saturday night I attended, as a guest, the Prescott Bush Award Dinner. This annual Connecticut gathering of Pachyderms is a fundraiser and a chance for Republican Party activists, candidates, elected officials and hangers-on to see and be seen.It was the first such gathering since the Republicans went 0-12 in the marquee political races

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-65168147044978015622011-04-02T06:47:00.006-04:002011-04-10T12:11:39.979-04:00

Published in The Day of New London April 5, 2011There is a big difference between politics and government.Politics is largely theater. From advertising campaigns and grand promises, to the color of the balloons, it’s all calculated to sell. Like selling soap. Except soap gets you clean.Government is a large complex and many times intractable creature that is ostensibly organized to help society

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-33440267431775556772011-03-19T09:03:00.004-04:002011-03-19T15:42:31.590-04:00

First published in the Day of New London 3.19.11"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success."The great British explorer Ernest Shackleton placed that advertisement in The London Times trying to recruit men for his trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1914.Updated to include women, the

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-57885180084910543892011-03-05T14:46:00.004-05:002011-03-07T16:49:10.143-05:00

First published in the Day of New London, CT March 5,2011The chance of a Wisconsin-style occupation of the Capitol in Hartford is remote. Connecticut doesn't have a state university with 45,000 students next door who can ditch class and stand in "solidarity" with the union cause.At least the students did show up for the protest. In contrast to the earnest students, 14 Democratic members of the

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-2442361350403210742011-02-19T08:45:00.002-05:002011-02-19T08:55:33.576-05:00

First published in the Day of New London February 19, 2011"My dad wasn't the governor. I wasn't born with a gigantic chipon my shoulder. But, there's this thing that I carry around.Everybody has something they carry around. It's a miracle that I'm here. That's why I have a desire to do good for people who it's more expensive to do good for.- Gov. Dannel MalloyGov. Dannel Malloy delivered his

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-87635983295527434502011-02-05T09:02:00.004-05:002011-02-05T09:28:15.613-05:00

First published in The Day of New London 2.5.11President George W. Bush liked to call himself the "decider." It is time we all begin to decide what we want in health care.Bush's party, the Republicans, have decided to repeal Obamacare. The repeal of this landmark legislation is one of the key tenets of the tea party. The logic goes that it is the tea party movement that led to the Republican

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-60282916765479583652011-01-22T18:57:00.002-05:002011-01-22T19:10:36.330-05:00

Chutzpah is the quality of audacity, for good or for bad. Susan Bysiewicz has it.After running for governor, dropping out and running for attorney general, only to be disqualified, Bysiewicz finished her lackluster tenure as secretary of the state by not providing enough ballots for the last election. Madam "I want to be elected to something" has now announced she wants to join the world's most

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-48472413539487836792011-01-08T12:55:00.006-05:002011-01-20T16:56:03.038-05:00

On New Year's Day Urban Meyer coached his last football game for the powerful University of Florida Gators. Coach Meyer finished with a win over Penn State in the Outback Bowl.At the post-game press conference Meyer said, "That was two teams going at it as hard as they possibly can. Not a bunch of nonsense going on. Just playing hard."Wouldn't that be a great summation to the upcoming battles

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-31213769281983392912010-12-25T11:28:00.007-05:002010-12-25T11:40:28.828-05:00

Published in the Day of New London December 25, 2010Jeopardy, one of the most popular and successful game shows in American history, could do a show focused on health care."Alex, I'll take political leaders for 200!""And the answer is, Republicans won't pay for it and Democrats think it's free."Bev from Oshkosh, "What is health care?""Right you are!"That is where we are. All the hand-wringing

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-16611269237036976652010-12-13T21:41:00.005-05:002010-12-13T21:51:10.036-05:00

From our popular, but historically ineffective governor, M. Jodi Rell, to the newly elected tea party-backed Republican members of Congress and even President Barack Obama, our political leaders must think we are fools.Perhaps we are.Gov. Rell came to office after her political mentor and running mate for three campaigns, Gov. John G. Rowland, avoided impeachment by resigning and spending 10

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-63128799099081679742010-11-28T22:18:00.003-05:002010-11-28T22:24:04.304-05:00

First published in The Day of New London, CT., 11.28.10The time between Election Day and the swearing in of new political leaders is a time of opportunity for both winners and losers. Much is expected of the winners and speculation about the futures of the losers abounds.Certainly the tea party movement proved to be a force nationally. Its impact in Connecticut was muted. The Republican Party is

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-11553512959531345182010-11-16T15:52:00.004-05:002010-11-16T16:08:55.852-05:00

The publication of record in the most powerful city in the world, POLITICO, linked to THE TIDE'S column, "Dan Malloy: Democrats Chris Christie?". Politico's Alexander Burns is editor of the MORNING SCORE where the TIDE column is referenced. (The column first ran on WVIT NBC 30's web site.)CATCH A RISING STAR – CONN. EDITION: Former Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy will face a grim budget situation when

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-10590107099906570622010-11-15T20:51:00.005-05:002010-11-15T21:19:28.746-05:00

On November 8, 2010 Democrat Dan Malloy heard what he had wanted to hear from his Republican gubernatorial rival, Tom Foley, a concession speech.The good news for Malloy is that he will fulfill his dream of becoming Governor of the State of Connecticut. The bad news for Malloy is that he will be Governor of the State of Connecticut.Governor Malloy is facing a budgetary challenge of epic

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-81811820030245753222010-11-14T07:56:00.006-05:002011-04-10T09:15:31.773-04:00

PUBLISHED IN THE DAY OF NEW LONDON, 11.14.2010One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. If the early whispers from some in the Connecticut Republican Party - and the rumors attributed to them - are true, the state's GOP needs a checkup from the neck up.Already talk show hosts and Republican insiders are saying that Senate hopeful

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-41363923095614684132010-11-05T06:30:00.004-04:002010-11-05T14:15:59.127-04:00

The number one question since election day has been, "who is our governor?" The answer is simple, M. Jodi Rell.Although you can be forgiven if you forgot. Governor Rell and her collection of platitudes, bromides and vapid leadership is still leading our ship of state until January 5. As the state faces the greatest challenge, to the most fundamental aspect of our democracy the execution of a

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-81337367904620760882010-11-02T11:04:00.012-04:002010-11-02T11:36:48.092-04:00

I will be on Connecticut NPR tonight from 7pm until the vegetable crudite runs out. Joining me will be former Connecticut Democratic Gubernatorial nominee, the world's most loyal and prominent Democrat William "Bill"---no not that Bill---Curry. We will be led through the night by the heart and soul of NPR, John Dankosky and Connecticut's second coming of Mark Twain, Colin McEnroe.Comments and

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-18068034373849076162010-10-31T20:48:00.005-04:002010-10-31T21:25:59.672-04:00

First published in the Day of New London 10-31-10In two days one of the most volatile and interesting election seasons will end. Though Connecticut is not immune to the strange and furious winds of change that have been circling the country, I will nonetheless forge ahead with my Election Day forecast, hopefully with more accuracy than a weatherman.Congressional:• 1st District: Rep. John Larson

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-28175970260114504762010-10-27T19:19:00.005-04:002010-10-27T19:30:35.309-04:00

First published on WVIT NBC 30 web site 10.27.10.With the conclusion of the 2010 campaign we can, once and for all, declare that winning political campaigns is not as simple as having great name recognition or a big wallet. As John Housman stated so clearly years ago, "you have to earn it".This election is full of green candidates. Not the environmental green the legal tender green. Ned Lamont,

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-26498346121148452962010-10-19T07:49:00.004-04:002010-10-19T07:58:12.336-04:00

Beam me up, Scotty," was the command Capt. William T. Kirk would relay to the starship Enterprise when he and his landing party were under attack on some distant planet.Voters across Connecticut and the country must be wishing they too had the ability to be vaporized and transported to a place where those seeking office resemble something close to normal.The latest freak show is Republican Rich

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-26132413742928611082010-10-08T09:37:00.001-04:002010-10-08T09:45:54.480-04:00

Aesop would have had a great time with the Tea Party. The 7th century Greek slave and author wrote, "After all is said and done, more will have been said than done." That statement certainly describes this toothless and empty political movement called the Tea Party.Many point to the February 2009 rant by CNBC reporter Rick Santelli regarding the Obama stimulus program as the beginning of the Tea

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-33397597710346670412010-10-03T18:53:00.004-04:002010-10-03T19:10:42.499-04:00

Of all the constitutional offices, comptroller is the one few Connecticut voters know much about.They should know more.When the renowned Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks, he answered "Because that's where the money is." It's the same with the Office of the Comptroller; it's where the money is.The money in this case is the $7 billion Connecticut spends on health care-related services.

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-62460579369596742492010-09-19T09:58:00.004-04:002010-09-19T10:26:56.806-04:00

First published in the Day of New London, CT, 9.19.10Many in the chattering class and public are asking, "Why would anyone want to be governor now?"No question the next Nutmeg State leader will have a full plate after the past six years of rudderless leadership. In reality, it is a great time to be governor. The challenges before our next governor are great. Republican Tom Foley and Democrat Dan

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-83043327135535112232010-09-08T20:08:00.005-04:002010-09-08T20:32:19.714-04:00

The current controversy over the New York City mosque is a classic example of how fear grows like a cancer through the veins of a free and open society. It also shows a willingness of our society to latch onto an issue that is simple and stark with "good guys" and "bad guys" instead of understanding the far more complicated nuances involved.Those opposed to the mosque feel its location is an

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-14211575894880171952010-09-05T10:20:00.007-04:002010-09-05T10:37:26.357-04:00

As we bob and weave our way to Election Day Nov. 2 the marquee campaigns for governor, U.S. Senate and Congress will take up a great deal of the oxygen.There are also statewide races for the constitutional offices that deserve voter attention. The race for treasurer is between incumbent Democrat Denise Nappier and Republican Mayor Jeff Wright of Newington. It is a race to watch.Ms. Nappier has

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-39089035836537694152010-08-22T19:14:00.004-04:002010-08-22T19:24:41.058-04:00

First published in the Day of New London, Aug 22, 2010After the liberal lion of the United States Senate Edward M. Kennedy died, the Massachusetts Democratic Party chose Attorney General Martha Coakley to fill his seat. The voters in the bluest of blue states had other ideas and chose Republican Scott Brown.Could the Connecticut Democratic Party "pull a Coakley" or two come November? Comparisons

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-24843239505928601762010-08-14T08:31:00.005-04:002010-08-14T08:42:01.000-04:00

First published on NBC WVIT-30 web site August 12, 2010Jim Morrison of the Doors wrote what perhaps could be interpreted as the best song for defeated and vanquished political candidates entitled "The End."Morrison wrote: "This is the end, beautiful friend, this is the end, my only friend, the end, of our elaborate plans, the end, of everthing that stands, the end, no safety or surpise, the end.

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-16621801983905662162010-08-09T06:10:00.006-04:002011-08-21T09:56:35.104-04:00

Article published in The Day Newspaper of New London, CT Aug 8, 2010 We are in trouble. Last week on the front page of the New York Times was the following opening paragraph: "With pressure mounting on the federal government to find new revenues, Congress is considering legalizing, and taxing, an activity it banned just four years ago: Internet gambling." So it has come to this. Running

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-7502387117194876502010-07-31T08:57:00.008-04:002010-08-14T08:41:31.806-04:00

First published on NBC 30-WVIT web site July 31, 2010"Can't anybody play this here game?", was the refrain from Hall of Fame Manager Casey Stengel as he watched his hapless New York Mets once again steal defeat from the jaws of victory.If the Old Professor, as he was known, were looking at the current race for the Untied States Senate in Connecticut he most surely would offer much the same

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-70218501655004531702010-07-25T08:07:00.005-04:002010-07-25T08:29:18.766-04:00

First published in the Day Newspaper of New London, CT July 25, 2010After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done."This old saying could apply to most politicians and political campaigns. In the current election cycle it will be most representative of the tea party movement.The movement, with its many iterations across the country, appears long on rhetoric and short on

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-89110031511922092252010-07-15T22:08:00.004-04:002010-09-25T17:06:22.681-04:00

Article published Jul 11, 2010, The Day of New LondonAt one time Connecticut was a leader in new inventions and patents. We were at the hub of the Yankee can-do spirit. From the invention of the steamed cheeseburger and Wiffle ball to the design and construction of aircraft and nuclear submarines, Connecticut led the way.Thanks to an enlightened legislature and a governor who realizes that tax

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-26363444587959503342010-06-27T07:22:00.007-04:002010-06-27T11:13:50.501-04:00

Article published in the Day Newspaper Jun 27, 2010On Aug. 10 Connecticut will hold its own political version of college basketball's March Madness.On the ballot across the state will be an unprecedented number of men and women looking to win their party's nomination for a spot on the November ballot. From state representative to governor, Aug. 10 will be a day of decision-making for Republicans

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-43512858358795510902010-06-13T10:14:00.010-04:002011-01-15T16:42:23.944-05:00

First published in The Day of New London June 13, 2010President Barack Obama, CEO of BP Tony Hayward and Gov. Chris Christie - who doesn't belong and why? Answer, the governor. He's the fat guy who is showing leadership.Obama and Hayward are smart guys. They are like the smart guys at Goldman Sachs. Dispassionate statistical wonks who look at emotion as a failure. They consider strict discipline

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-89517801833870231072010-05-27T16:10:00.005-04:002011-02-01T21:36:23.095-05:00

First published in The Day of New London 5.27.10The mantra of today’s political world is “throw the bums out.” While it makes for great slogan it lacks real insight.Two politicians from southeastern Connecticut who are anathema to the current political winds are longtime U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, a Democrat, and former 2nd District congressman, Republican Rob Simmons. Both were

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-28605155082536446752010-05-18T19:40:00.006-04:002011-02-01T16:38:48.918-05:00

First published in the Day of New London, 5.18.10. Linda McMahon's business, World Wide Wrestling Entertainment, is a business built on fantasy.Beyond meeting the basic requirements of being over the age of 30 and a U.S. citizen, McMahon offers little evidence that she ever aspired to serve in public office. Even just voting, a basic civic duty, appears to have been spotty.There is scant

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-14645065220450462322010-05-04T06:53:00.001-04:002010-05-04T07:00:42.273-04:00

"They (political parties) serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community." These are the words of the original malcontent, radical and some may say founding member of the tea party movement, George Washington.President

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-64695694204521496042010-04-18T07:58:00.001-04:002010-04-18T08:01:43.882-04:00

Connecticut's venture into public financing of campaigns, the Citizens Election Program (CEP), was sold as the antidote to what had become, "Corrupticut."“Bid-rigging, influence-peddling and pay-to-play scandals cost the taxpayers of this state hundreds of millions of dollars in the bad old days of 'Corrupticut.' That ended with the clean elections reform we adopted in 2005," says Common Cause,

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-18344479136577009612010-04-10T21:43:00.002-04:002010-04-10T21:51:09.411-04:00

It's spring and as the crocuses begin to bloom so too do the names of those rumored to be possible gubernatorial running mates.Three come to mind from our area, one Republican and two Democrats, they being Sen. Tony Guglielmo from Stafford Springs, Scott Bates from Stonington and Sen. Andrew Maynard, also of Stonington and representing the 18th senatorial district.Republicans from eastern

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-63054227195927557692010-03-21T09:37:00.003-04:002011-02-17T07:37:13.063-05:00

Connecticut's political system must change. With each new day it is becoming clearer that the state can no longer operate the way it has been. When one of Connecticut's most revered companies, United Technologies Corp., hints at leaving the state because the government is simply too hostile to business, it's time to stop and listen. Changes on the margins will no longer suffice.State government

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-39062527142647576092010-03-08T22:26:00.004-05:002010-03-08T22:44:29.520-05:00

Sly and the Family Stone may be called upon in the state's 2010 attorney general race to provide a campaign song.Similar to Bill and Hillary Clinton's, "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow" and Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "Happy Days are Here Again," there's a chance both the Republican and Democratic candidates for attorney general could use the 1970's funk band's "It's a Family Affair."On one

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-55587137595724911432010-02-21T14:04:00.008-05:002011-01-07T08:28:58.205-05:00

First Published in the Day of New London February 21, 2010Recently weather prognosticators across the state predicted the "snomageddon" that paralyzed our nation's Capitol was on its way to Connecticut. Schools were canceled a day ahead of the wintery assault. Travel plans changed. Businesses shuttered. Workers told not to report. Everyday life as we know it was ending and it was best to be home

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-89240213187696487632010-02-09T17:23:00.005-05:002010-02-09T17:41:53.891-05:00

"If You Don't Know Where You Are Going, You'll Probably End Up Somewhere Else," is the title of a self-help book advocating the benefits of having a plan. David Campbell authored the book in 1974 that some believe is the genesis from which an entire industry of advice books was spawned. Oprah, Suze Orman, Steven Covey, Anthony Robbins and hundreds more have followed in Campbell's footsteps to

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-49914610002128065152010-01-24T12:00:00.008-05:002011-02-01T21:26:11.328-05:00

First published in The Day of New London 1-24-10 The latest political tome that has sent Washington and the political world all a dither is "Game Change," an entertaining look at the 2008 presidential campaign.Not to be outdone, Connecticut's political environs are currently experiencing their own game change with the sensible decision of Sen. Christopher Dodd to retire and the subsequent

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-21020506223325358722010-01-10T08:16:00.003-05:002011-02-17T07:43:25.781-05:00

Article published Jan 10, 2010 The New London DayIt's time to stand up and serveBen DavolAs you read these words another 700 Connecticut citizen soldiers are on their way to Afghanistan because it is in our national interest. This deployment is one of the largest since the Connecticut National Guard was established in 1672. Since 2001 the state has deployed 16,000 guard troops into Iraq and

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-33211588503728424262009-12-27T14:10:00.005-05:002009-12-27T14:24:06.131-05:00

Article published in The New London Day Dec 27, 2009To-do list for gubernatorial candidatesBen DavolEveryone into the pool!With virtually every Connecticut Democrat at least "exploring" a run for governor the state's Republican Party is beginning to fill in its side of the draw. Add to the list of financier Tom Foley and Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele potential candidacies by current president of the

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-63567720961831201002009-12-16T07:23:00.002-05:002009-12-16T07:30:27.894-05:00

Column published in the New London Day Dec 13, 2009Ben DavolDear President Obama:As an American who didn't vote for you but wants you to succeed, I am writing you this holiday letter with advice for 2010. Let's face it, 2009 is ending with a real thud.Conservative Karl Rove just got weak-kneed praising your Afghanistan speech, writing "Victory can still be won. It won't be quick and it won't be

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-41806137528589103162009-11-29T22:00:00.002-05:002009-11-29T22:09:34.712-05:00

Article published in The Day of New London, CT Nov 29, 2009Not since the days of Gov. William A. O'Neill has a Democrat crushed the carpet of the governor's office in the state Capitol. That is 18 years ago. The last time a Democrat won an open gubernatorial campaign for governor was when Ella Grasso defeated Robert Steele Jr. in 1974, 35 years ago. So why can't the Connecticut Democratic Party,

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-8142736470412172502009-11-21T20:33:00.003-05:002009-11-21T20:49:16.047-05:00

Article published in The Day of New London 11-15, 2009The day after the 2009 election, Republicans claimed that the Republican renaissance had begun. The Democrats, meanwhile, saw positive signs for their future in the defeat of a Rush Limbaugh endorsed Conservative Party congressional candidate in New York's 23rd District.Don't believe a word of any of it.I have a friend who is now a state

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-25400505228523860872009-11-01T08:21:00.003-05:002009-11-01T08:35:45.915-05:00

Democrats watching the canaryPublished in The Day 11-1-09Could East Haven's mayoral election next week be the canary in the cave for Connecticut Democrats?The outcome of Democrat Mayor April Capone Almon's re-election bid will test the political air for fellow Democrats looking ahead to 2010. That will be a critical year with embattled Sen. Christopher J. Dodd facing the stiffest challenge of his

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-37632761671319224442009-10-11T21:17:00.006-04:002009-11-01T08:55:22.664-05:00

Article published Sep 20, 2009The Day NewspaperPart-time governor in a full-time jobGov. M. Jodi Rell is a person with integrity who has dedicated much of her life to public service. She is certainly someone you would be honored to call a friend or neighbor. But it is disappointing that her tenure as governor has been weak and ineffective. There is more to leadership than poll numbers. President

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-87976344699424492072009-10-11T09:22:00.005-04:002009-10-11T21:28:48.732-04:00

McMahon wrestles with her Senate run strategyPublished on 10/11/2009 THE DAY”Shock and Awe” is what the Bush administration called the invasion of Iraq. Here in Connecticut, one could give the same moniker to the upstart Senate campaign of the Queen of all things spandex, sequined and steroidal. I'm referring to Ms. Linda McMahon, former President of the Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment. That's

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-45391742266216588882009-09-22T07:19:00.002-04:002009-09-22T07:40:15.049-04:00

"Backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Treasury", is what one is told when you make a deposit at your local FDIC backed bank.Well, to turn that phrase in a political context the Dodd Senate campaign is "Backed by the full faith and credit of the office of the president of the United States of America Barrak Obama". In the end that is why Chris Dodd will get re-elected and the

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-53691908432186056922009-09-15T07:15:00.004-04:002009-09-15T07:51:09.226-04:00

The Daily Kos, just about the most left wing blog out there has a very good poll on Dodd versus all comers. The senior Senator remains mired under 50%. Dodd is still 4 pts below Rob Simmons. Dodd supporters are crowing about the fact that Dodd has "closed the gap". Not really. Three basics in handicapping campaigns. One, if a incumbent, long time in Dodd's case, is below 50% that is very bad. Two

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-10066012335649923842009-09-09T07:33:00.010-04:002009-09-09T08:09:44.743-04:00

M. Jodi Rell and her loyal side kick, M. Lisa Moody, launched a radio media blitz across the fruited plain of Connecticut stating that although they were not going to sign or veto the budget, M. Rell proclaimed with great gusto, "I will line item veto the extra spending the Democrats put in". With the news this morning that Connecticut's "eternal general" has informed Governor Rell and her "crack

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-78210316612704580922009-09-04T06:28:00.005-04:002009-09-04T06:49:10.180-04:00

Finally I now know why my over 20 op-ed submissions to the Courant were never published. My thoughts were my own. If I had ripped off say, Frank Rich, perhaps I could have made it past Peter Pach and the rest of the Courant gang.Today we have a incipient and embarassing apology from Richard Graziano. "The Courant wants to assure its readers and news staff that we vigorously subscribe to strict

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-31709836796439251712009-08-30T17:51:00.005-04:002009-08-30T21:04:02.331-04:00

Continuing a long tradition of political kin getting top flight media jobs Jenna Bush Hager will join the ranks of Maria Shriver, Alexandra Pelosi, Chris Cuomo and others who, because of name and station in life, get plum jobs and assignments over young upstarts with journalism degrees, years of writing and who, rightfully, deserve a break.The "fluffy" press release from NBC NEWS states that

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-87439817975437065162009-08-28T20:43:00.003-04:002009-08-28T21:10:44.597-04:00

I have advocated for complete public financing or no rules but full disclosure of all contributions. The law passed in Connecticut for public financing was found by Judge Underhill to be unconstitutional largely because it excludes minor parties. The Judge is right. We simply can not have true "public" financing of our campaigns by requiring citizens to join either of the "major" political

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-44262570440430846032009-08-17T10:23:00.013-04:002009-08-17T11:30:03.042-04:00

The opening paragraphs from the state's largest newspaper read this morning "Cities and towns trying to cope with some of the toughest financial pressures in memory are turning to their unions for relief and are getting it to unprecedented degree.In community after community, officials have reached wage and benefit concessions with organized labor to compensate for reductions in state aid,

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-71530921604792902722009-08-12T08:58:00.003-04:002009-08-12T09:37:35.632-04:00

Thank God for Larry Cafero! At least the GOP Minority Leader has said out loud what so many in the rank and file of the GOP have said for months if not years. Governor Rell cares not a wit about the state GOP.In today's Courant Cafero expresses his frustration and anger at being excluded from current budget negotiations. (Why do I think this is another Moody move.)In a phone interview, Cafero

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-73749905877468148372009-08-06T08:29:00.006-04:002009-08-06T18:19:02.001-04:00

Simmons, Foley, Caligiuri and Albert get beat by Schiff. The non-candidate Peter Schiff appeared on Morning Joe this am. How a guy who has raised no money, has no staff and little political chops gets on "Jo", after the four announced challengers to Prostate Joe is beyond me.Yes, Mr. Schiff has gained notoriety by being on John Stewart and "Jo" before. But, really, the fact that he gets on before

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-90757334726804381482009-08-06T06:27:00.004-04:002009-08-06T07:27:44.078-04:00

Nancy Pelosi is the very definition of a limo liberal. What people dont know is that this woman of the "working families" gang is nothing but a fraud. To begin she has never had to work. She grew up in Baltimore to wealthy family that was politically connected. Fancy Nancy began family get togethers with the Kennedy's in her youth. When she ran for congress against 14 others in the democratic

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-38967158844546910252009-08-05T08:54:00.004-04:002009-08-05T09:11:54.528-04:00

Jon Lender of the Courant writes about another Rell "leadership by PSA". Apparently the governor has been sending letters to all graduates from state universities congratulating them on their accomplishments.Lender talks about the cost which is minimal compared to the total state spending. What remains is how this governor believes that leadership is all about ceremony and thank you notes.

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-27549752973222649372009-07-31T20:18:00.007-04:002009-08-04T17:46:51.477-04:00

OK, so lets begin with the usual preamble; Jodi Rell is a nice lady.As a governor she is a train wreck. It is Sarah Palin with a Connecticut Yankee veneer. Her lack of leadership on ethics reform, advocating for our state to Washington and the world, innovation in business development, ruderless leadership of the CTGOP and finally, a fiscal policy so disjointed and lacking in any credible long

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-35062770861309182502009-07-27T14:54:00.003-04:002009-07-27T15:01:38.677-04:00

There are tragedies in life and then there are real tragedies.For the folks in San Antone' this like the end of something really good. Oh the humanity of it all! Anto think Bob was going to play there tonight!

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-52976092350926573052009-07-26T14:44:00.003-04:002009-07-26T15:00:32.444-04:00

Today Colin McEnroe adds his take to the upcoming showdown between Robbie Simmons and Chris Dodd. Sure we have a primary to go through but the dye has been cast. Its the Vietnam War vet versus the Peace Corp. Dragnet versus the Mod Squad. This last Cold War battle will be epic. It is the final battle for both men. They will leave it all on the canvas. They may even thrown off the quad cane

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-62016297389903420592009-07-25T22:15:00.005-04:002009-07-25T22:34:43.268-04:00

My daughter, Emily, is getting ready for her senior year and where she will choose to matriculate for the next four years. The schools in the running; George Washington, Syracuse, UDUB, Lehigh and U of M GO BLUE! There are others as well.At present it appears BIG BLUE is first in the running. A "public Ivy" as it is known. Other advantages, great rowing programs, wonderful college town and Aunt

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-45221767879555319302008-09-15T12:52:00.015-04:002008-09-15T16:53:19.253-04:00

Luke Russert made his network premier at the Democratic and Republican Conventions. I watched those events pretty closely and only saw one on-air interview that young Master Russert conducted. He was fine. Of course I have never understood how hard a job it really can be to stick a microphone in a persons face and ask, "how do you feel". Of course NBC, and Master Russert, are fully aware that

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-21422825465815580712008-09-07T17:04:00.004-04:002008-09-07T17:30:58.893-04:00

Last night at a Lobster Bake I found out that my neighbor's wife was once the official driver of the "wienermobile"! Now, there are few things in life that i want to do before the last whistle blows. Driving the wiener mobile is one of them. You never know who lives next door to you! Hey, one of my wife's colleagues Dad is a Hall Fame Football coach.Greatness is all around you! Look for it.

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-69152962069431636312008-09-05T07:56:00.005-04:002009-04-27T21:23:31.667-04:00

This morning on CNN "The Lady" Sally Quinn Bradley continued her sexiest diatribe against a woman who EARNED he place in life, Governor Sarah Palin. Ms. Quinn and her ilk are the reason John McCain will win this election. She and her followers are so blind to their own prejudices and faults they can't make a coherent argument against Palin. Is it any wonder? Ms. Quinn got her start in journalism

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-3346177758798738302008-07-06T22:11:00.015-04:002008-07-06T22:37:47.854-04:00

In yet another example of why we, in the Colonies, needed to cast off the shackles of the Kings Law we now hear that in a British Court one of the worlds finest snack foods has been maligned and declared not a chip!Although the court ruling has a distinctly "rebel" ring to it. You see, since the Pringle is not considered a chip by the wig toting barristers of the Kings legal system it is not

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-44690222887048539152008-06-29T07:11:00.000-04:002011-07-03T22:00:41.762-04:00

Article published Jun 29, 2008 in The Day of New London(Although McCain has continued to slide away from the rational my observations of Obama three years ago remain true today. the Mo Do column on Obama being BI of June 26 highlights this)Barack Obama is the liberal Democratic nominee for president. He is not change. There is nothing un-American or disloyal about being a liberal or a

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-23191099049585957322008-06-11T20:52:00.004-04:002009-06-24T09:27:17.019-04:00

BO loves the nails! Nails in the coffin that is. The presumptive Dem nominee has a problem with the devil weed, tobacco! Funny though, you'd think the folks of the nanny state, all card carrying members of the Dem Party, would be outraged outraged I say that their standard bearer is a supporter of TOBACCO!Let me jsut say that buying those "hausersticks" at about 7 bucks a pack does more to

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-38696495849566789362008-06-09T21:01:00.008-04:002008-06-10T19:31:19.417-04:00

I felt Scott McClellan was wrong to write his book What Happened that was nothing more than a rehash of everything we knew. My old fashion values are similar to the signs all over NYC after 9-11, "when you see something say something". The fact that Scotty filled himself at the Bush trough until full and then cried "uncle" shows a real lack of character.Now he has accepted an "invitation" from

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-85019506120868664882008-05-04T19:01:00.006-04:002008-05-21T20:36:57.679-04:00

Senator Andrew Maynard, one of the real, and few, leaders in Connecticut is a true advocate for our state's veterans. As the story from the Day of New London below highlights. Well done Senator Maynard:HARTFORD: The National Guard Association of Connecticut recently presented its Meritorious Service Award to state Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington, to recognize his support of the organization.

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-29947609107757796072008-04-22T21:46:00.008-04:002008-04-22T21:57:28.229-04:00

This Saturday morning, April 26, the fog will lift but the chill in the air will remain. Soon the quite and bucolic waters of Connecticut's historic Farmington River will be turned into a bubbling cauldron of foam and devastation as Farmington High crew officially kicks off its Spring sprint season. Making the brave choice to take on the FHC are teams from Stonington and Glastonbury. The FHC

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-16601547011575554942008-04-08T16:56:00.004-04:002008-05-21T20:38:41.118-04:00

Yea, we got Eliot Spitzer and Guv McGreevy but the Europeans have got real class. Old boy Max "Maxy" Mosley really knows how to turn a boring Tuesday afternoon in jolly old London into some fun. Four hookers, probably a few pints, some whips and assless chaps all mixed up with a Nazi theme. Hmmm Hmmm now that's a good time.I was shocked, shocked I say to find out Max's Daddy was a drinking buddy

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-41187001147039785812008-04-06T09:31:00.017-04:002008-04-06T10:34:19.428-04:00

Kevin Rennie tags Governor Rell with the "pander bear" moniker and it sticks.The Gumner's comments on the recent home invasion in New Britain were a clear example of her lack of leadership, intellectual foundation and flimsy political abilities. Rennie writes;"Rell's grandstanding looked worse when she called for a 50 percent increase in the penalties for a second sex offense conviction. The

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-88069044132536065262008-04-02T21:38:00.006-04:002008-04-02T23:15:44.955-04:00

OK, OK, I admit it. I watch Larry King Alive, barely. If there was ever an example of life not being fair ole Lare is it. The guy has been married more times than days of the week--and with reason. He's a deadbeat. And abandoned his kids. Now he spread his seed and goes to Little games where its reported he has been banned to the center field bleachers. When I worked in DC I would see him on my

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-58690361087734951622008-03-31T08:08:00.008-04:002008-03-31T08:34:25.038-04:00

Those who know me know that I am not a fan of President Bush or his administration. But, I do need to give the guy all 10's when it comes to tossing out the first pitch each year.Dubya is a big baseball fan, and I'm sure the next commissioner of baseball post White House. Pictured above we have great shots of Dubya. The first, on the left, the leader of the free world burns one in at Yankee

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-4874868732429154382008-03-28T20:29:00.003-04:002008-03-28T20:47:02.108-04:00

Now I don't want to alarm you but this summer could be very itchy. Bats, are dying all over the place. The bats are great at gobbling up those skeeters. No this isn't another global warming casualty. "They" arent sure what's going on. But sumton is goin' on. Hopefully we can get Batman to get out of Gotham City and lead a hand to this unknown destruction of our mosquito magnets, BATS!

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-335829991839748102008-03-26T10:07:00.022-04:002010-07-05T10:21:36.283-04:00

I just don't get it. Senator Ed Meyer, Chairman of Connecticut's Environment Committee is a very accomplished man. His predecessor, Mayor Bill Finch remains a dedicated public servant as Mayor of Connecticut's largest city Bridgeport. But, for some reason both these men exemplify what is so wrong with our political leaders in Connecticut. They want to do what feels good. Not, what is right. In

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-86111151442088837692008-03-25T16:40:00.004-04:002008-03-25T17:28:16.983-04:00

Once again we have another study that is showing how awful the BIG PHARMA companies are. Well, its getting a little ridiculous. Let's just ban the drug companies from operating altogether. Or, lets have government and the doctors determine how best to market pharmaceuticals.Are there abuses by PHARMA reps? Yes. Are there politicians who use campaign and tax payer dollars to procure hookers? Yes.

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-71349340661126878462008-03-24T08:20:00.007-04:002008-03-24T09:12:19.888-04:00

Newsday, the Long Island paper of record reports today that Roger Stone, swordsman extraordinaire, dropped a dime on the New York Governor who hired hookers---not to be confused with the current Guv who just took his paramours to Days Inns!Roger Stone, who with his bisexual wife, was apparently on more swingle web sites than Fred GarvinFred Garvin "Male Prostitute", contacted, through his

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-3929128571227476962008-03-20T09:27:00.004-04:002008-03-20T09:42:51.629-04:00

Ivan Dixon, who played the role of "Kinch" on the great sitcom, Hogan's Hero'sdied yesterday. Kinch was one part of a great ensemble cast that turned the horrors of prison life into a running gag on the Nazi's. Every horrible German stereotype is used. Done so that remains amusing, without being cruel. Of course, Im not German. But hey, they started it.Dixon went on the play important roles

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-65256385575931560242008-03-18T17:03:00.010-04:002008-03-18T18:19:06.706-04:00

If you are a guy, under 30 and NOT an investment banker, but do have a tatoo and drink bud light, run, dont walk, to Phoenix. I have the girl for you.Megan McCain shows GQ's Greg Veis that being a republican Senator's daughter does not subscribe one to a life of country clubs, Junior League outings and dating a guy named Tad.MM has at least one tat and is looking for another. She drinks bud light

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-13754477022673760082008-03-17T21:28:00.005-04:002008-03-17T21:52:02.107-04:00

Colin McEnroe, columnist for the Hartford Courant, radio talk show host and prolific writer is someone I pay attention to. I don't always agree. One of Colin's problems is he is steadfast in his opinion and is rarely willing to concede a point.In his blog and radio show today Colin spins the caustic comments by Rev. Wright by attributing them to essentially an old crank black minister. That's

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-74113533046714626642008-03-12T16:51:00.005-04:002008-03-12T17:58:13.841-04:00

With the win by the CTGOP, in the special election filling Senator Bill "Ban Plastic Water Expand Deposits Regardless of Whether Or Not Containers Get Recycled" Finch's seat, the Connecticut Democratic Party is being shown for the old rusting hulk that it truly is. I'm a member of the the largest political party in the state, Independent, and don't have a real dog in this fight. But, really, the

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-40070110614833603712008-03-12T09:02:00.004-04:002008-03-12T09:22:11.676-04:00

As Casey Stengel used to say, "Cant anybody here play this game?". Between BO's surrogate's calling the HilBil team "monster" and now the first Fem VP candidate calling BO an affirmative action candidate---the Dems are driving into a bridge abutment.Geraldine "Gerry" Ferraro needs to drop the shovel and stop digging. Not only did she proclaim that BO got where he is because he's a black man, she

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-77733203612030220172008-03-11T16:46:00.004-04:002008-03-11T16:55:34.141-04:00

Mary Ann, the girl next door that you loved as a kid, is a doper! And at 69! I knew I should have hitched my wagon to Ginger! Hmmmm what about Mrs Howell?

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2548575852697154492.post-71131883335971098792008-03-11T09:51:00.002-04:002008-03-11T10:07:01.898-04:00

Eliot Spitzer is probably doing some spitting of his own right now. Spitting out his teeth. Although current reports are that his wife is one of the few people who are suggesting he "hang in there" I am reminded of the great comments of former GOP majority leader Dick Armey when asked what would his wife do if he, Armey, "strayed" the way Bill Clinton had:"I would be lying in a pool of my own

Ben Davolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06635522873020344967noreply@blogger.com0