“Everyday, legislators in Hartford and every state capitol and in Washington as well, they make decisions that are going to impact the state, the community, the country for decades to come, and they often do so without the input of the next generation.”
Read MoreDemocratic wunderkind Will Haskell has taken Fairfield County by storm over the past six months energizing young people and old-school party leaders around progressive politics and the hope that a Democrat may take the 26th senate district seat for the first time since 1973.
Read MoreWhile knocking on doors, Haskell is approached by a dozen well-wishers. A couple walking their dogs asks for a picture so they can post it on Facebook.
Read More“Senator, respectfully, when you say ‘some’ have implied that you think that we went too far in regulating guns after Sandy Hook, that was you. It was a forum just like this and you were running for governor at the time. It was Republicans only in the audience, I believe, and your words were ‘I think Connecticut went too far regulating guns after Sandy Hook.’”
Read MoreAnd as the appointment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court puts the rights of women in clear and obvious jeopardy, it will fall on the Connecticut State Senate to defend reproductive health and freedom at every turn — including access to affordable contraception, protection from deceptive pregnancy crisis centers, and comprehensive sex education in our schools.
Read MoreHaskell called Boucher out for discussing costs “when we don’t even know where tolls would go yet.” He pointed out Connecticut is the only state between Maine and North Carolina that does not have out-of-state drivers and trucking companies contribute to road maintenance as they pass through.
Read MoreOn gun safety, environmental stewardship and because I believe that he knows what it will take to attract young professionals like him — the key to Connecticut’s future — I support Will Haskell. He is smart. He is incredibly prepared.
Read MoreListening to Will, the light bulb in my head flickered. Standing before me was a well-informed, eloquent young man, dedicating his life to public service. The light at the end of the tunnel that I was seeking was standing right in front of me and Senator Blumenthal was right.
Read MoreHaskell received high-praise from debate attendees, including Westport resident Nancy Axthelm who said, “He’s the brightest young guy we’ve seen in a long time,” and former Board of Finance member John Hartwell who said, “Will Haskell was by far the most articulate and the most engaging. He’s become a real superstar.”
Read MoreA crowd approaching 200 filled the Ridgefield Library’s program room, with folks standing in the back, for the debate featuring six candidates — Boucher and Haskell, plus the candidates from Ridgefield’s two state House of Representative districts.
Read MoreFor Sue Scannell, a registered Republican who has lived in New Canaan for almost 40 years, Mr. Haskell has shown his worth. Ms. Scannell, 75, said she has consistently voted for Ms. Boucher in the past, but she will support Mr. Haskell next month. She said it was time for a generational change in Hartford.
Read MoreIt is wonderful to learn that Barack Obama has endorsed Will Haskell in his campaign against Toni Boucher in Connecticut’s 26th senate district. Will is among a handful of Connecticut candidates endorsed by President Obama, which reflects on the optimistic, forward-looking vision that Will brings to Wilton. Anyone who meets Will quickly learns how extraordinary a state senator he will be. He brings the intellect, knowledge, and energy that Wilton and the 26th need in Hartford.
Read More“I think that is what is so inspiring about President Obama deciding to get involved in races like mine, where, frankly, U.S. presidents don’t typically weigh in," Haskell added. "I think President Obama, as a former state legislator, knows the importance of what happens in state capitol buildings."
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My WestportMom is the hardest working person I know. As a single mom, she worked tirelessly to have a career all the while providing me with an amazing childhood filled with family and community. My mom is a force to be reckoned with — but she couldn’t have done it alone. She could rest easy knowing that she put me on the bus every morning to an amazing public school.
“Today, I’m proud to endorse even more Democratic candidates who aren’t just running against something, but for something — to expand opportunity for all of us and to restore dignity, honor, and compassion to public service,” Obama tweeted this afternoon, Oct. 1. “They deserve your vote.”
Read MoreI knocked on more than 3,000 doors this summer, and I heard from people who are more passionate about politics now than ever. Women and men — right here in Ridgefield — who see what has gone on in our national and state governments and have a visceral reaction. They are frustrated, righteously angry and energized.
Read MoreWill understands that the towns in South West Connecticut must work together to maximize funding, reduce duplicative waste and enhance public transparency around spending priorities. Will’s opponent, who currently serves as the co-Chair of the Transportation Committee, continues to perpetuate our region’s disarray choosing to blame others instead of advancing solutions, like transportation planning reform.
Read More“I'm going to spend the next 47 days like I spent the past 203; talking about issues, knocking on doors and listening to voters. I think it's worrying that our state senator has focused more on lawn signs and polls than on improving public transportation, closing the pay gap between men and women, or addressing Connecticut’s fiscal crisis.”
Read MoreState senate candidate Will Haskell was the last to speak, who Murphy said has a “value set and a moral compass that is rare, frankly, in somebody of his age and a willingness to work his tail off.” Haskell recalled Murphy’s filibuster in the senate on gun legislation and used that as a jumping off point to say, “We in this community know what happens if guns fall into the wrong hands, the tragedy that can ensue.”
Read MoreHere’s a real number: Connecticut’s income tax accounts for 56% of our general fund—the money that pays for our schools, protects our natural environment, and maintains our infrastructure. That’s why I’m baffled to hear our incumbent state senator propose eliminating the income tax entirely.
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