It's not official yet, as far as announcements and such go, but a fundraising letter is out and a conversation with Tony Nania confirms he is running for the U.S. Congress in the 5th Congressional District.
The Republican has long considered a candidacy, but his attention to the matter up to now has primarily been a matter of saying "No" to the suggestions of his supporters.
Nania's commitment to running does not come from a passionate desire to campaign and step into the spotlight in Hartford. It's about his disappointment in the Republican leadership, his belief in democracy and a feeling that he is compelled to take on a difficult task he often won't enjoy, but for which he is highly qualified. It's about a sense of responsibility.
"I said 'No' for almost a year," Nania said. "I finally realized in looking over the district's problems that I was probably the best Republican candidate. As much as I'd rather do something else, I felt I had to run. Since I've made the decision, I'm very happy with the challenge."
Throwing his hat into the ring will force a September primary with state Sen. David Cappiello of Danbury. They will compete for a ballot slot to run against incumbent Dem. Chris Murphy, who defeated longtime incumbent Republican Nancy Johnson two years ago.
Nania plans to kick off his campaign Jan. 24 with a reception at Geer Village in North Canaan, hosted by a committee of supporters. Many are members of the Geer Board of Directors who were part of the news Nania made a year ago. They are many of the same people who fired him from his position as the Geer Corp. president.
"Back then, we agreed to disagree," Nania said, summing up the evolution of that managerial relationship after the completion of the Geer Village/YMCA senior housing complex in North Canaan. "As individuals, they are supporting me as a candidate. I think that conveys an important message."
It's almost an analogy for his approach to the Legislature. There will always be difference of opinions, he believes. The key is being able to be constructively debate beliefs.
[...]
"Democracy only works with public participation. If we're going to have candidates and legislators who truly represent the public, and if we want to be organized in how we select them, the party system is what works."
In his fundraising letter, Nania wrote, "We don't need to avoid candidates with strongly held beliefs, but we do need candidates who have the humility, humor, patience and resolve to work productively with those with whom they might fundamentally disagree, and candidates who also trust the voters enough to tell them the truth.
"I hope that I am such a candidate. You can decide for yourself."
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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.
