You know, I figure that, since David has his hands full doing, um, whatever it is that ambitious attorneys do all day, I should seize the moment and completely overhaul the Swing State Project. Perhaps I’ll start with a name change. How does “RichterBlog” sound to you?
Anyway, in all seriousness, everyone’s favorite former New York Ranger turned prospective Democratic politician has been busy testing the waters in Connecticut for a potential run against lonely Republican Chris Shays. The Associated Press has a great piece up which I suggest you read. The latest scoop: it looks like we’ll know whether or not Richter will run within a few weeks. Here are some key pieces:
Richter, a 40-year-old Democrat who lives in Guilford, said he expects to make a decision in the next few weeks about whether to run for the Fairfield County seat in 2008.“I’ve considered entering public office in some form for a long time,” Richter told The Associated Press. “I’m getting positive responses.”
[…]
Richter worked last year for U.S. Rep. John Hall, a Democrat and former musician who upset six-term incumbent Republican Sue Kelly in upstate New York. Richter helped Hall, who opposed the Iraq war, win over police officers, fire fighters and other constituents who might not have otherwise voted for him, said Tom Staudter, Hall’s spokesman.
“He was hugely popular,” Staudter said, describing Richter as bright and friendly. “He’ll be great.”
In a sign of his status, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani named his dog “Goalie” after Richter.
[…]
But Richter could pose a big threat given the reverence many Americans hold for sports stars, Rose said.
“That hockey background could actually be an attraction to some voters here,” Rose said. “It would be sort of a blast of fresh air in the 4th District.”
After two unsuccessful kicks at the can by former nominee Diane Farrell, who could not even beat an increasingly and bizarrely erratic Shays in a wave year like 2006, I’m ready for that fresh air. Are you?
And don’t worry: SSP will resume its regularly scheduled programming soon.
Race Tracker: CT-04
Richter’s an attractive candidate who would probably pull some from the large ‘registered but non-voting’ public.
I don’t really mind you covering him, just make sure you look at the bigger picture as well. 😀
I am thrilled.
Himes is the real deal. And he actually lives in the district. While the conservative local press trashed Ned Lamont as a “millionaire businessman”, I have a hunch that Lieberman’s 180 has given them and the state’s voters a generous helping of regret and embarrassment. Himes has not only worked in investment banking, but has worked hard in the non-profit sector to boost affordable housing, and the fluent Spanish speaker has done extensive volunteer work with Hispanic students in Bridgeport.
Jim Himes is by far the best positioned to give this district a congressman it can finally be proud of.