Yesterday’s mentioned “Lost Works” have been returned to us by none other than mattw of MyLeftNutmeg.  Many thanks to Matt for his generous contribution.

I’m going to post them all here in this one post, with the exception of the Iowa piece, which will remain on its own.

Mike McLachlan Considering Bid for 24th Senate Seat
The Everyday Republican
12/29/07 5:03 PM
Heath
News, SD 24
Comments
The Danbury News-Times is reporting today that Mayor Mark Boughton’s
Chief of Staff, Mike McLachlan, is exploring a run for the
Connecticut State Senate’s 24th Senate District. The seat,
currently held by Republican Senator David Cappiello, will be vacated
as Senator Cappiello challenges Congressman Chris Murphy for a seat
in the United States House of Representatives.
McLachlan is quoted in the News-Times article thus: “”I’m
meeting with Republican leaders to seek their support. I am seriously
considering a run,” McLachlan told The News-Times this morning.”
You can also see the video of McLachlan talking about his potential
run here.
McLachlan has long been an active member of the Connecticut
Republican State Central Committee (RSCC).

+ + + + +

Gov. Rell to State Gov’t: Tighten Your Belts
The Everyday Republican12/27/07 10:30 PMHeath Governor Jodi RellComments

The Courant is reporting today that Governor Rell has ordered state
government to tighten their belts a notch as she looks toward a very
tight budget year. Our Governor was thus quoted:

“I am instructing [the Office of Policy and Management] to once
again request from you any ideas or suggestions that you may have to
reduce expenditures in your agency both this year and next,” the
Republican governor said in a letter, dated Dec. 21, to commissions
and executive directors throughout state government.”

There is a terrific graph out there somewhere that shows government
spending in Connecticut over the history of the state. For more than
150 years, the state budget bounced along with a consistent level of
spending. In the last 25 years (remarkably, since the income tax!)
spending has skyrocketed. The Governor is rightly taking the first
step in reversing the trend.

Eliminating duplicative services, waste, and inefficiencies are key
facets of trimming the state’s budget down to size. With the
Governor’s leadership on this, as well as “outside the box”
thinking on property tax reform, perhaps our state may yet be on the
right path toward fiscal discipline.

+ + + + +

CTLP Praises Chairman Healy
The Everyday Republican12/27/07 10:05 PMHeath NewsComments

From Connecticut Local Politics:

“1/31 - Chris Healy is selected to chair the state Repiblican Party,
replacing George Gallo. It’s arguably the best thing to happen to
the Republicans all year. Well, that and Jim Amann’s announcement
that he might run for governor.”

++++++++

A Great Year
The Everyday Republican12/24/07 10:30 AMChris Healy NewsComments
As everyone takes to their families in these closing hours of
Christmas Eve, we at the Connecticut Republican Party wish each of
you a Merry Christmas, joyous holiday and best in the New Year.

Looking back on 2007, we have a lot to be grateful for as Connecticut
Republicans. After a disappointing 2006, we have emerged stronger and
more resolute in our purpose. Each day, the Connecticut voter knows
the Connecticut Republicans are on point, with a vision for a better
state and country.

Governor M. Jodi Rell enjoys record approval ratings for her honest
and compassionate stewardship. Her generosity of spirit and attention
to everyday issues separates her from all others.

In the Legislature, Republicans rallied against overwhelming odds to
led the public debate on taxes, spending and public safety. Led by
our new leaders - House leader Larry Cafero and Senate leader John
McKinney - Republicans placed the Democrats rightly on the defensive
and offered positive solutions to the issues families deeply care about.

Congressman Chris Shays continues to be a national leader on the
fight against terror while remaining a strong advocate for lower
taxes and spending.

Each day, more candidates eager to run for office in 2008 are coming
forward with contagious energy and a winning attitude.

We continue to build out our network of friends and donors through
our exciting new website and Internet capacity, sharing a vision of
smaller government, communicating and following through the programs
and policies that meet our primary goal - elect more Republicans
leaders at the local, state and federal levels.

There are so many people to thank for the many successes we have
enjoyed. But those accomplishments are tempered by the hard work and
boundless opportunities that await us in 2008.

Next year will be the year where we will put all our hard work and
vision into the battle of ideas and hope. We will need every
Republican on deck, to help us in this endeavor and we know you will
be there.

For now, we hope you enjoy the good cheer and love of the holidays
and remember those who we have lost over this last year to greater
glory.

Peace be with you and we look forward to a new year with hope and
thanks.