West Hartford Town Councilor Joseph Visconti received the Republican nomination for Congress this morning during a packed First Congressional District Convention in the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium.  Delegates from all 26 towns in the First Congressional District were on hand to nominate Joe Visconti by unanimous voice vote.

The Convention opened with Temporary Chairman Art Mocabee calling the proceedings to order and welcoming many of the dignitaries, including Mayor Jeff Wright of Newington, Mayor Lou Spadaccini of Manchester, and Mayor Ryan Bingham of Torrington, who was unable to attend the Convention.  The Convention mood was upbeat - with many of the delegates enthused with Visconti’s infectious sense of humor and boundless energy.  You would never have guessed that this was the Convention for a Party that hadn’t held the First Congressional District seat since 1956, and hadn’t really fielded a credible candidate since Kevin O’Connor in 1998.

Visconti’s nomination was made by Ralph Capenera, who is running for the 9th State Senate seat (Cromwell, Newington, Middletown, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield) against Sen. Paul Doyle.  In nominating Visconti, Capenera told the Convention about the “can do” spirit that Joe Visconti and his father, Joe Sr. brought to every construction project they had, including numerous renovation projects for Capenera and his family.  Capenera referenced the recent passing of Joe Sr., saying, “I know he is looking down on us now from Heaven.”  Theresa McGrath, candidate for State House against Rep. Beth Bye in the 19th District (portions of West Hartford, Avon, and Farmington), seconded Visconti’s nomination, calling him a “good friend” and “a fighter”.

In his acceptance speech, Joe Visconti sounded themes that all First District residents can identify with: the need for a new Representative in Washington, D.C. who is a career citizen, not a career politician.  He called for a fiscal policy that doesn’t waste federal tax dollars on pork barrel projects and massive growth to the size of government.  Visconti talked about the national need for a more sensible and humane immigration policy.  And he wants to end “corporate welfare”.  These principles drew the delegates to their feet in enthusiastic applause.

And so, for the first time in a decade, Congressman John Larson – whom Chairman Healy recently admonished with the famous line from Animal House, “”Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son,” – will now be challenged by a credible, energetic candidate who wants to have a real debate about the future of the United States.  After 50 years, it’s time for change in the 1st Congressional District.

Check out the photos from the Convention at the CTGOP Photo Gallery.  Also, visit Joe Visconti’s cool new website for more from him.