Statement of Governor M. Jodi Rell on the
Death of State Rep. Richard O. Belden of Shelton

“Dick Belden was one of my closest friends in the Legislature and was for many years my mentor. He will be greatly missed, not only by his devoted wife, Bert, and family and the people of Shelton whom he served so long and so well, but by all of Connecticut. As the longest-serving member of the General Assembly – the ‘Dean’ of the House of Representatives – his knowledge, insight and personal warmth were treasured by colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

“The Capitol will be a sadder place without Dick Belden. His advocacy on so many issues – from fiscal restraint to open space preservation to tough drunk-driving laws – helped to make our state a better place. As a dedicated servant of the public he worked not only on behalf of his constituents but as a long-time member of the State Bond Commission, the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority and many local boards and committees. Public service was truly his calling: Dick Belden set a remarkable standard for us all and we mourn his death for the terrible loss it is.”

Governor Rell has ordered state flags across Connecticut lowered to half-staff in memory of Rep. Belden. Flags will remain at half-staff until the day of his interment, which has not yet been determined.

Mitt Romney today lands in Las Vegas, where he will huddle with the native “Team Mitt.”

Romney’s stump is spreading roots in Nevada: the former Governor of Massachusetts also visited Elko last Monday, validating Bill Richardson’s claim to Nevadans, “You’re now important.”

Indeed, there’s a reason Barack Obama opened headquarters in Elko, disregarding Romney’s gibe: “Doesn’t he understand there are no Democrats allowed in Elko?” In 2006, the Nevada Democratic Party shoved its caucus to January 19th, wedging it in between Iowa’s caucus on January 14th and New Hampshire’s primary on January 22nd. The Nevada Republican Party hesitated to follow, initially voting to hold its caucus on February 8th, but eventually moving it to January 19th. Now, party officials hope the early caucus will focus candidates’ attention on so-called “minority, union, and western issues.”

In the primary election, it seems earliness equals importance. Following Romney and Richardson’s lead, Senator Obama visited Elko on August 5th as part of a “rural American listening tour.” Of course, Nevada lacked the ear of any presidential candidate in 2004, when it held its caucus on February 14th and consequently, was ignored.

Perhaps the political parties should change the primary system. If candidates favor states with early primaries, then maybe states should rotate their primary dates every four years. That way, different types of states would receive attention each election cycle, instead of the same ones - or whichever ones race to the forefront. Of course, Iowa and New Hampshire will not forfeit their early dates eagerly.

And for our policy wonks, this coverage of Nevada’s caucus adds some muscle to Romney’s political skeleton:

He also stressed states’ rights, telling reporters he backed Nevada’s decision decades ago to legalize gambling even though gambling generally isn’t something he supports. He also said Nevada, where 87 percent of the land is federally controlled, should have more of a say in how that land is used. Continued mining, particularly for resources such as coal that can help meet the nation’s energy needs, is necessary, Romney added.

Romney asserts, “I’m someone who believes in the right of the states to set their own courses on important issues.” And perhaps Romney should emphasize his respect for states’ rights more often to assure Republicans of his conservative credentials. Fred Thompson’s talk on federalism appeals to some party faithful, and Ron Paul’s campaign cries “Constitution!” In 2007, our Constitution haunts Republican voters’ conscience, as it should.

And if our readers were wondering, Romney leads the primary pack in Nevada with 23% of the vote. Hillary wins the Democratic nod with a hefty 40%.

House Republican Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. on the passing of State Rep. Richard O. Belden of Shelton

“It is with deep sadness and a profound sense of loss that we learned of the passing of our friend and colleague, Dick Belden. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wonderful wife Bert and the Belden family.

The City of Shelton and the entire state of Connecticut have lost an incredible leader and we have all lost a true friend. Anyone whose life was touched by Dick appreciated his trademark wisdom and wit, his quick smile and laughter.

As the Dean of the House – Dick was the longest serving member in the history of the Connecticut State House of Representatives – we all relied on his institutional memory, but just as importantly his innate sense of fairness and respect for the legislative process. As the new leader of the House Republicans his advice and sage guidance to me were invaluable.

The kindness he exhibited to all, and his sense of what was right, will be sorely missed.

Men and women come and go in their service to the Connecticut General Assembly but few if any will have had the tenure and effectiveness or command universal respect as Dick Belden.

Statment by Chairman Chris Healy on the passing of the Honorable Richard O. Belden, State Representative from Shelton.

“The passing of Richard O. Belden is a tremendous loss to his family, the people of Shelton, the Connecticut Legislature and the State of Connecticut. As the longest continuous serving member of the House in Connecticut history, Dick Belden represented his constituents with determination, hard work and class.”

“There was no one who took more time being decent and fair to others who crossed his path. Dick Belden embodied the word “service” in everything he did – service to the people who elected him, service to the Republican Party and service to his state and country.”

“Dick Belden was a gentleman and a gentle man and there are few who ever had a cross word with him. He could work across party lines, be resolute in his beliefs and always took the time to counsel the next generation of leaders.”

“Every Republican joins in expressing their prayers for his wife, Bert, the Belden family and rejoicing in the work of his life. Dick Belden was a true patriot and we are all in his debt for his years of service to the betterment of his community.”

The longest serving member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, Republican Dick Belden, of Shelton, has passed away.

UPDATE:
The Day (New London) has the story, though his name was Richard, not Robert.

House Republican Leader Larry Cafero has released a statement as well, which we will post shortly.

The Connecticut Young Republicans are a dynamic group that have a number of exciting activities going on. Be sure to check them out at these websites:

Official Website: http://www.ctyr.org/
Official Blog: http://ctyr.blogspot.com/
Official Meet Up Group: http://youngrepublicans.meetup.com/203/
Official Myspace Page: http://www.myspace.com/ctyr

Do you struggle mightily to feel clever and insightful? Do you continually hunger for “gee-whiz” moments that validate your shaky confidence in your own abilities? Feel clever today by reading the Los Angeles Times piece by Peter Wallsten under the title, “Clinton may be a target of Rove’s reverse psychology”:

“Their thinking went like this, Dowd explained: Democrats, in a knee-jerk reaction to GOP attacks, would rally around Kerry, whom Rove considered a comparatively weak opponent, and make him the party’s nominee. Thus Bush would be spared from confronting Edwards, the candidate Republican strategists actually feared most.”

I’m shocked, shocked I say that Republican strategists have looked at the Democratic field, assessed strengths and weaknesses, decided on a strong contender, recognized a weaker candidate, and then implement a strategy to draw the weaker candidate Kerry to the front of the Democratic field. That Democrats played into the scheme without recognizing it at the time speaks more to the knee-jerk reactions of the Democrats, not the quality of Republican scheming.

But alas, read and feel smart. Or not.