Connecticrats: The CT Dems Podcast: Recent Episodes
Connecticut Democratic Party
What's going on in Connecticut politics? Elected officials and candidates join the CT Dems for a discussion about the issues that matter to Connecticut voters.
With the VP candidate named, the convention on the horizon, and the enthusiasm through the roof, we are feeling the energy of campaign 2024! Lt Gov Susan Bysiewicz joins to talk about this political moment and another inspiring election 50 years ago – when CT elected the first woman Governor in US history.
With the VP candidate named, the convention on the horizon, and the enthusiasm through the roof, we are feeling the energy of campaign 2024! Lt Gov Susan Bysiewicz joins to talk about this political moment and another inspiring election 50 years ago – when CT elected the first woman Governor in US history.
Suddenly, it's a whole new campaign! We discuss the new energy and enthusiasm, the weirdness on the the other side, and recap the CT Women for Harris event. State Senate candidate Brandi Mandato chats with with Bridget Tulikangas about the intersection of policy and politics, her history of service, and the sense of community in the 34th senate district.
We take a look at the debate last week and its potential effect on the race. We hear from Tom Gardner, poll aggregator at borntorunthenumbers.com, for some insight, and talk about how you can get involved next week to help at all levels. Don't panic. Organize.
This week, the panel considers the effect of the many, many guilty verdicts handed to the CT Republicans' favorite candidate in a New York courtroom. Plus, we chat with Aaron Zimmer, candidate for the CT State Legislature and host of the podcast The 107 (which you should listen to next!)
Newly-elected Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves joins us to reflect on his first few months leading the Hat City and the challenges mayors face. Plus, the panel looks at close elections and the big difference a few votes can make.
This week, we take a look at the results of our Presidential Primary, look back on some predictions from last September about the GOP field, and hear from Treasurer Erick Russell about Connecticut's progress and financial health, baby bonds, and his first year in office.
CT votes EARLY for the Presidential Primary and we're back with all the info on that, a few bills before the state legislature, and an in-depth talk with Rep. Christine Palm about the Climate Protection Act.
Comptroller Sean Scanlon joins us from the road. We also look at efforts to ban books, discuss the importance of local elections (see: the effort to ban books), and predict the fate of GOP Presidential candidates (including one you never heard of).
Comptroller Sean Scanlon joins us from the road. We also look at efforts to ban books, discuss the importance of local elections (see: the effort to ban books), and predict the fate of GOP Presidential candidates (including one you never heard of).
Voting rights! Red Lights! Witchcraft! We look at some of the legislation passed this term, shine a spotlight on the book-banning efforts we're fighting in CT, and talk with CT Sen. Bob Duff of Norwalk.
Voting rights! Red Lights! Witchcraft! We look at some of the legislation passed this term, shine a spotlight on the book-banning efforts we're fighting in CT, and talk with CT Sen. Bob Duff of Norwalk.
New year, new format! Mike and Dave welcome Grace to the team as they discuss the GOP own-goal in Tennessee and the implications of expelling sitting legislators, Eerily Voting in Connecticut, and what to do about Earth Day.
New year, new format! Mike and Dave welcome Grace to the team as they discuss the GOP own-goal in Tennessee and the implications of expelling sitting legislators, Eerily Voting in Connecticut, and what to do about Earth Day.
It's Eastern CT Day on the podcast (with ghost stories!) Congressman Joe Courtney, who knows a thing or two about close elections, chats with Mike about the urgency of 2022 and the work he's done for Connecticut's second district. And CT Senate candidate Lisa Thomas talks with Jesse about the value of face-to-face conversations when it comes to both solving problems and winning votes (even if the voter lives in Illinois).
joecourtney.com lisaforstatesenate.com
It's Eastern CT Day on the podcast (with ghost stories!) Congressman Joe Courtney, who knows a thing or two about close elections, chats with Mike about the urgency of 2022 and the work he's done for Connecticut's second district. And CT Senate candidate Lisa Thomas talks with Jesse about the value of face-to-face conversations when it comes to both solving problems and winning votes (even if the voter lives in Illinois).
joecourtney.com lisaforstatesenate.com
Life informs legislating for both US Rep Jahana Hayes and CT Senate candidate Paul Honig. On this week's episode, Rep. Hayes talks about her path to Congress, her approach to the job, and the urgency of this election. And Paul Honig discusses advocating for legislation as his "on-ramp" to running, his experiences talking to thousands of voters, and what he learned by building a net-zero energy house.
On the road edition! Comptroller candidate Sean Scanlon joins Mike for a wide-ranging chat as they drive from Stamford to UConn (!), and CT Senate candidate Eva Bermúdez Zimmerman calls in from the road to talk about putting her history of activism and action to work for NW Connecticut.
See: seanforct.com | eva4senate.com
On the road edition! Comptroller candidate Sean Scanlon joins Mike for a wide-ranging chat as they drive from Stamford to UConn (!), and CT Senate candidate Eva Bermúdez Zimmerman calls in from the road to talk about putting her history of activism and action to work for NW Connecticut.
See: seanforct.com | eva4senate.com
Let's talk money! Treasurer candidate Erick Russell joins to discuss the state of the state's finances, the role of the Treasurer, and another way the state can expand access to abortion. Plus, CT Senate candidate and veteran Tim Gavin on what drew him to public service, what he's learned from both his military and civilian careers, and how to put it all to use to be a better representative for people in the 28th district.
Let's talk money! Treasurer candidate Erick Russell joins to discuss the state of the state's finances, the role of the Treasurer, and another way the state can expand access to abortion. Plus, CT Senate candidate and veteran Tim Gavin on what drew him to public service, what he's learned from both his military and civilian careers, and how to put it all to use to be a better representative for people in the 28th district.
Do other politics podcasts talk about UFOs and competitive figure skating? Well, ours does! Rep. Jim Himes joins us to talk about Democratic accomplishments like the Inflation Reduction and CHIPS Acts, the nature of hearings and debates in the House (even when they're about UFOs), and the best way to spend a day in Fairfield County. And CT Senate candidate Trevor Crow (whose TikTok you need to go see ⛸️) on defending and expanding abortion rights, economic growth, and running in a swing district.
All eyes are on Secretary of the State races around the country, and CT is no exception. Stephanie Thomas talks with Jesse about her race for that critical office, and State Rep. candidate Dominque Johnson joins David at a festival in the district to talk about what it means to be a true representative.
Ned Lamont believes in Connecticut, and it comes through loud and clear. He chats with us about what it takes to keep our schools, our workforce, and our state's appeal to families among the best in the nation. And Rebecca Hyland, candidate for the 90th district in the state House, joins to talk about her desire to represent all of Wallingford and Middlefield and what you can learn about constituents one door-knock at a time.
Nobody knows CT as well as Susan Bysiewicz. The Lt. Governor joins us to discuss the remarkable difference four years makes: detailing the Lamont-Bysiewicz record of accomplishment, helping Connecticut families under pressure from the pandemic and rising costs, defending abortion rights, and learning a thing or two from all those conversations at the doors. Also, Kevin Brown talks about his plans for representing the people of Vernon in the CT House and the power of listening.
With voting rights under attack nationwide, we talk to Connecticut’s Sec. of the State Denise Merrill about our efforts to EXPAND voting rights and the lessons of the 2020 election. We also sit down with Maryam Khan, the Democratic nominee for CT House in the March 1 special election.
Madison’s Superhero First Selectman, Peggy Lyons, joins us to chat about overcoming the multiple “once-in-a-hundred-years” crises that marked her first term, and what she will get done in her second. Listen, then go VOTE on Nov. 2!
Stratford is distressed, and needs new leadership. Immacula Cann knows how to lead a team and solve problems. Immacula talks about the challenges Stratford faces, the problem with municipal gerrymandering, and the 100-year-old woman who’s ready to help her make history.
Climate change is a big threat and traffic is a major headache for Westport residents. Jonathan Steinberg is ready to tackle both. He’s also eager to promote Westport’s arts scene and make sure downtown thrives. He joins us to talk about his campaign and the promise of making Westport better than ever.
Vernon is a purple town with a far-right Mayor. Democrat Jesse Schnoolnik is running to bring bipartisanship back to Vernon, ensure voting rights for all, and focus on economic development. He also talks with Michael Cerulli about public safety, improvement in the schools, and where you should be sure to go next time you visit Vernon.
Ted Hine was born and raised in New Milford and is ready to revitalize the town he loves. He talks transparency, teaching, taxes – and tells a story or two from his conversations at the doorsteps of New Milford voters.
In New Canaan, a small group of GOP ideologues have kicked tradition to the curb and are threatening the town’s long tradition of co-operation on the Board of Education. This year, reason is on the ballot. Penny Rashin, Janet Fonss, Fatou Niang, and Jennifer Hladick join us. Learn more at newcanaanboecandidates.com
Cromwell needs new energy, and Aigné Goldsby has it. She joins us to talk about the importance of good schools, economic development, and that promise to deliver homemade mac n cheese (to one person in particular).
Roberto Alves’ family immigrated to the US when he was 5 years old and settled in Danbury. Now, he’s running to lead the city. He discusses his vision for Danbury — its schools, its incredible diversity, and its amazing potential. Then, there’s that Trashers documentary…
Redistricting! Co-chair of CT’s redistricting committee, Rep. Gregg Haddad joins us, along with national expert Michael Li of NYU, to discuss this year’s redistricting in Connecticut (where it’s bipartisan), the process in other states (where it isn’t), how YOU can participate, and the promise of HR 1 in Congress.
We’re on the scene in the August 17 special election with candidate Alexis Gevanter, and behind the scenes of the Governor’s office with Chief of Staff Paul Mounds and Chief Operating Officer Josh Geballe.
What’s on the legislative agenda and what’s on Senator Duff’s playlist? He fills you in on both, while Nick Kapoor joins us to discuss his priorities and background as he runs in the April 13 special election in Monroe and Newtown.
As a municipal election year gets underway, we talk with Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and Veronica DeLandro, who is exploring a run for Mayor in New Britain.
US Senator Chris Murphy joins Mike for a talk ranging from US Foreign Policy to UCONN basketball, and Dave chats with CT's Presidential Electors about their experience casting two of the 306 Electoral Votes for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Election 2020: What Just Happened? Democratic strategist Joe Trippi looks back at Nov. 3 and ahead to the Georgia Senate races, while Susan Bigelow and candidate Jim Jinks discuss the election here in CT.
It's the Doddcast! Former US Senator Chris Dodd talks about the national scene, landmark legislation, and his take on the way forward. Michelle McCabe on why she was inspired to run for CT Senate, the enormous challenge of COVID recovery, and the ways CT can go even more green.
Get fired up! The great Rosa DeLauro talks with Michael about fighting to help Connecticut's people and through COVID and beyond. And CT Sen. Christine Cohen runs down the accomplishments of the legislature and what can go wrong on Long Island Sound cleanup day.
Rep. Joe Courtney and Sen. Norm Needleman on the landmark legislation they've been working on to help people in eastern CT, and an inside look at campaigning in 2020.
Politics and policy! US Rep. John Larson on the urgency of the 2020 campaign and saving Social Security, and CT Rep. Pat Wilson-Pheanious on Taking Back Our Grid, school construction, and helping constituents with crumbling foundations.
When was Ruth Bader Ginsburg in Middletown? Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz tells the story, reflects on the incredible legacy of the great Justice, and more. CT Senate candidate Jeff Desmarais discusses health care and education for western CT families and the reality of facing an opponent who promotes QAnon.
Mayor Florsheim talks about his (very) recent marriage proposal, and Sen. Kushner has tough, but fair, words for John Oliver. They also discuss the response to COVID, holding utilities accountable in the aftermath of the August storm, and serving a diverse community.
What's that in your mailbox? It's an Absentee Ballot application! Listen as Secretary of the State Denise Merrill discusses sending out 2.1 million applications this year, helping CT vote safely by mail, staffing polling locations, and defending your vote against foreign interference. Senate candidate Lisa Thomas talks about what it takes to REALLY represent eastern CT and hitting it out of the park.
CT Governor Ned Lamont speaks with Michael about the ongoing COVID emergency, attracting and retaining young workers in CT, and the greatest college basketball program in the country. Also, State Senate candidate Jorge Cabrera discusses his race in a district that's a "microcosm of America."
Tornado! Juggling! And all the political talk you crave. Rep. Jahana Hayes and CT House candidate John-Michael Parker are both former teachers whose experiences in the classroom inform their approach to legislating. Listen in as they discuss schools, the Post Office, helping their constituencies, and creative campaigning in 2020.
CT Attorney General William Tong joins CT College Dems President Michael Cerulli for a discussion of the sabotage of the Post Office, accountability for Eversource and UI, and being late for law school class when the professor is Barack Obama. Also, candidate Mary Welander chats with CT Dems' David Kostek about what makes Derby, Orange, and Woodbridge tick, the challenge of school reopening, and how the pandemic has changed campaigning.