Connecticrats: The CT Dems Podcast

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).

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.

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

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.