Today marks one year anniversary of the historic day when Ned Lamont defeated Joe Lieberman and the people took back their Democratic Party from the establishment.
As many know, I followed Lamont's campaign across the state from his beginnings in New Haven to his eventual loss in November. For me, August 8th stand out as the day when it was finally possible to talk openly about the war and raise objection to politicians who rubber stamped the policy of President Bush (e.g., Joe Lieberman).
I'll never forget those "established" Democrats who said Lamont had no chance as well as those who never gave Lamont a chance...the look on their faces (as well as their "embrace" of Lamont the next day) was priceless.
Although Ned lost in November, his victory in August ushered in a progressive tidal wave that helped Chris Murphy, Joe Courtney win re-election, gave the Democrats majority status in both the House and Senate, and will probably keep the Republicans in the minority for the foreseeable future.
In short, as a former resident of Danbury told me, if you believe in something, and fight hard for what you believe in, anything is possible...
In honor of this day, I'd like to take the new readers of HatCityBLOG on a trip down memory lane back to primary day in Danbury as well as footage from Lamont Headquarters.
04.25.22 (RADIO): WSHU Latino group call on Connecticut lawmakers to open a Danbury charter school
06.03.22 (OP-ED): KUSHNER: "Career Academy ‘a great deal for Danbury"
On September 26, 2007, ten plaintiffs filed suit in response to an arrest of aday laborers at a public park in Danbury, Connecticut. Plaintiffs amended their complaint on November 26, 2007.
The amended complaint states that plaintiffs sought to remedy the continued discriminatory and unauthorized enforcement of federal immigration laws against the Latino residents of the City of Danbury by Danbury's mayor and its police department.
Plaintiffs allege that the arrests violated their Fourth Amendment rights and the Connecticut Constitution because defendants conducted the arrests without valid warrants, in the absence of exigent circumstances, and without probable cause to believe that plaintiffs were engaged in unlawful activity. In addition, plaintiffs allege that defendants improperly stopped, detained, investigated, searched and arrested plaintiffs. Plaintiffs also allege that defendants violated their Fourteenth Amendment rights when they intentionally targeted plaintiffs, and arrested and detained them on the basis of their race, ethnicity and perceived national origin. Plaintiffs raise First Amendment, Due Process and tort claims.
Plaintiffs request declaratory relief, damages and attorneys fees.
On September 26, 2007, ten plaintiffs filed suit in response to an arrest of aday laborers at a public park in Danbury, Connecticut. Plaintiffs amended their complaint on November 26, 2007.
