Official Connecticut for Lieberman Party Website/Blog

Results of Statewide Party Caucus

2011-02-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers of the party were elected unanimously at the February 1, 2011 statewide party caucus:

Party Chair: John Mertens
Party Treasurer: Tomoyo Wakamatsu
Party Secretary: John Kilian
Two additional State Central Committee members:
Emanuel Lorenzo Blake
Ann Marie Krupski
Parliamentarian: John Kilian

In addition, Allen Hoffman was endorsed as the CFL candidate for State Representative in the special election on February 22, 2011 for the 20th State Rep. District, in a 9-5 vote.

Statewide Party Caucus on Feb. 1, 2011

2011-01-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

The Connecticut for Lieberman Party is holding the 2011 Statewide Party Caucus on Feb. 1, 2011 at 8 PM, at 86 Sisson Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut. Elections of party officers and nominations of candidates for special elections will be held.

Dr. John Mertens on third ballot line for U.S. Senate

2010-10-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

Here is how the ballot will appear for U.S. Senate:
1. Linda E McMahon (R)
2. Richard Blumenthal (D)
3. Dr. John Mertens (CFL)
4. none
5. none
6. Richard Blumenthal (WF)
7. Warren B Mosler (I)

Please visit John's website here, and read his 30 detailed position statements and solutions to problems:
www.Mertens2010.com

Two excellent editorials criticizing Joe Lieberman's position on Iran

2010-10-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Hartford Courant editorial on October 8th:
Lieberman Too Ready To Attack Iran
Military strike could have disastrous consequences
http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/editorials/hc-ed-lieberman-iran-sanctions-1008-20101008,0,3997251.story

and

An op-ed piece in the Hartford Courant on October 6th:
Lieberman Wants Bombing Iran On Fast Track
by ROBERT DREYFUSS
http://articles.courant.com/2010-10-06/news/hc-op-dreyfuss-1006-20101006_1_iran-military-action-bomb

Final list of CFL candidates running for office in 2010

2010-09-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senate: Dr. John Mertens
State Representative, 1st District: Emanuel Lorenzo Blake
State Representative, 4th District: Andrew McCarthy
State Representative, 20th District: John P. Kilian
State Representative, 29th District: Richard Lion
State Representative, 34th District: Earle Roberts
State Representative, 90th District: Peter Votto
State Representative, 100th District: John Szewczyk

Final Results of Statewide Caucus

2010-09-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

The continuation of the August 12 CFL statewide caucus was completed today (Sept. 13, 2010) as announced (see previous blog entry). Two items were concluded:

1. The 34th State Representative ballot line, vacated by John P. Kilian in August, was filled in a replacement election with the following results:

Earle Roberts 7 votes
Gail Hamm 2 votes
None of the above 2 votes

Only members who lived in the 34th district chose to vote. Congratulations to Earle!

2. Two changes to the party rules were approved with a 15-0 vote. The changes are in bold below:

CONNECTICUT FOR LIEBERMAN PARTY RULES (adopted at Sept. 13, 2010 continuation of August 12, 2010 statewide party caucus):

1. These party rules supersede any other party rules filed with the Secretary of the State’s office. All previous rules are null and void.
2. The Connecticut for Lieberman Party (CFL) rejects the fraud perpetrated on the members of this party and the citizens of Connecticut by Joe Lieberman when he used the creation of this party to get on the general election ballot in 2006. The CFL is an independent, anti-war, anti-corruption, pro-fiscal responsibility, pro-democracy party, that stands for individual liberties and real problem-solving in government. The CFL wants everyone to know that in the United States of America, voters are free to join any party they wish, and participate in the democratic process according to the laws of Connecticut and the United States.
3. Party officers and State Central Committee members must be registered members of the party.
4. Candidates for public office for the CFL may not be registered members of the Republican or Democratic parties, with the following exception: the CFL may cross-endorse candidates who will appear on the ballot for any other party.
5. Statewide party caucuses will be presided by the chair of the party. Party caucuses will follow Robert’s New Rules of Order, Revised.
6. One must be a registered member of the CFL for a minimum of 90 continuous days prior to a caucus to have voting rights at that caucus.
6.1) in addition to those above, members of the Realistic Balance Party of Middletown shall have voting privileges at a statewide party caucus.
6.2) in addition to those above, members of the Chatham Party of East Hampton shall have voting privileges at a statewide party caucus.
6.3) in addition to those above, candidates nominated by the CFL for public office shall have voting privileges at a statewide party caucus in perpetuity.
6.4) Members of other parties granted voting privileges in CFL (see 6.1,6.2) must be members of such party for 90 continuous days prior to a CFL caucus to have voting rights at that caucus.
7. A statewide party caucus will be held a minimum of once per calendar year. One caucus will be held no later than May 1. The date and place of the first caucus will be determined by the chair of the party. Additional meetings may only be called by a majority vote of the State Central Committee.
8. The time and place of statewide party caucuses will be announced by the chair of the party on the party website (www.ctforlieberman.org) a minimum of 30 days in advance. Notification will also be delivered to the Secretary of the State's office a minimum of 7 days in advance of the meeting.
9. The four officers of the party (chair, treasurer, secretary, parliamentarian) shall be elected at the first statewide caucus of each calendar year. All registered members of the party may vote for any and all nominated candidates. The top vote getters for each office will be elected. An individual can only hold one office at a time, with the exception of parliamentarian. Terms will last until the first statewide caucus of the following calendar year. Candidates may run for re-election.
10. The State Central Committee will be composed of the chair, secretary, and treasurer of the party, and two additional registered members of the party. The two additional members will be elected at the first statewide caucus of each calendar year. All registered members of the party may vote for any or all nominated candidates. The top two vote getters will be elected. Terms will last until the first statewide meeting of the following calendar year. Candidates may run for re-election.
11. Candidates for public office will be chosen at a statewide party caucus. All registered members of the party may vote for any and all nominated candidates. The candidate for each office who receives the most votes at the caucus will be the nominee. There will be no primary elections. All eligible members may vote for any nominated candidate for any office, regardless of the district of residency of the voting member of the party.
12. Nominations of candidates for public office chosen at a statewide party caucus can only be changed with permission of the nominated candidate. A request by a majority vote of the State Central Committee must be made in writing, with proof of delivery, to the candidate to step down. The candidate must respond in writing to the party chair within two weeks of the delivery of the request. If the candidate agrees to step down, the State Central Committee will call another statewide party caucus to nominate a new candidate. No written response from the candidate within two weeks of delivery of the request will be considered agreement of the candidate to step down, and gives the State Central Committee permission to call a statewide party caucus to replace the nominee.
13. Party members who meet the voting eligibility of (6) above may deliver proxy votes in writing to the party chair a minimum of 24 hours before the caucus.
14. Following any nominating party caucus, the chair of the CFL will file an endorsement letter for each nominated candidate with the Secretary of the State's office within 5 business days, and apply for all necessary paperwork (petitions, etc.) to get the candidate on the ballot in November.
15. Party Rules can only be changed by a majority vote at a statewide party caucus. The chair of the party will deliver any changes to the party rules to the Secretary of the State’s office within 5 business days.
16. Proposed amendments to party rules must be posted on the party website at least 10 days prior to a vote at a statewide caucus.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm, Sept. 13, 2010.

Results of August 12, 2010 Statewide Party Caucus

2010-08-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

The following candidates were nominated to run for public office:

State Representative, 1st District: Emanuel Lorenzo Blake
State Representative, 4th District: Andrew McCarthy
State Representative, 29th District: Richard Lion
State Representative, 34th District: John P. Kilian
State Representative, 100th District: John Szewczyk

The following CONNECTICUT FOR LIEBERMAN PARTY RULES were adopted by a unanimous vote:

1. These party rules supersede any other party rules filed with the Secretary of the State’s office. All previous rules are null and void.
2. The Connecticut for Lieberman Party (CFL) rejects the fraud perpetrated on the members of this party and the citizens of Connecticut by Joe Lieberman when he used the creation of this party to get on the general election ballot in 2006. The CFL is an independent, anti-war, anti-corruption, pro-fiscal responsibility, pro-democracy party, that stands for individual liberties and real problem-solving in government. The CFL wants everyone to know that in the United States of America, voters are free to join any party they wish, and participate in the democratic process according to the laws of Connecticut and the United States.
3. Party officers and State Central Committee members must be registered members of the party.
4. Candidates for public office for the CFL may not be registered members of the Republican or Democratic parties, with the following exception: the CFL may cross-endorse candidates who will appear on the ballot for any other party.
5. Statewide party caucuses will be presided by the chair of the party. Party caucuses will follow Robert’s New Rules of Order, Revised.
6. One must be a registered member of the CFL for a minimum of 90 continuous days prior to a caucus to have voting rights at that caucus.
6.1) in addition to those above, members of the Realistic Balance Party of Middletown shall have voting privileges at a statewide party caucus.
6.2) in addition to those above, members of the Chatham Party of East Hampton shall have voting privileges at a statewide party caucus.
6.3) in addition to those above, candidates nominated by the CFL for public office shall have voting privileges at a statewide party caucus in perpetuity.
7. A statewide party caucus will be held a minimum of once per calendar year. One caucus will be held no later than May 1. The date and place of the first caucus will be determined by the chair of the party. Additional meetings may only be called by a majority vote of the State Central Committee.
8. The time and place of statewide party caucuses will be announced by the chair of the party on the party website (www.ctforlieberman.org) a minimum of 30 days in advance. Notification will also be delivered to the Secretary of the State's office a minimum of 7 days in advance of the meeting.
9. The four officers of the party (chair, treasurer, secretary, parliamentarian) shall be elected at the first statewide caucus of each calendar year. All registered members of the party may vote for any and all nominated candidates. The top vote getters for each office will be elected. An individual can only hold one office at a time, with the exception of parliamentarian. Terms will last until the first statewide caucus of the following calendar year. Candidates may run for re-election.
10. The State Central Committee will be composed of the chair, secretary, and treasurer of the party, and two additional registered members of the party. The two additional members will be elected at the first statewide caucus of each calendar year. All registered members of the party may vote for any or all nominated candidates. The top two vote getters will be elected. Terms will last until the first statewide meeting of the following calendar year. Candidates may run for re-election.
11. Candidates for public office will be chosen at a statewide party caucus. All registered members of the party may vote for any and all nominated candidates. The candidate for each office who receives the most votes at the caucus will be the nominee. There will be no primary elections. All eligible members may vote for any nominated candidate for any office, regardless of the district of residency of the voting member of the party.
12. Nominations of candidates for public office chosen at a statewide party caucus can only be changed with permission of the nominated candidate. A request by a majority vote of the State Central Committee must be made in writing, with proof of delivery, to the candidate to step down. The candidate must respond in writing to the party chair within two weeks of the delivery of the request. If the candidate agrees to step down, the State Central Committee will call another statewide party caucus to nominate a new candidate. No written response from the candidate within two weeks of delivery of the request will be considered agreement of the candidate to step down, and gives the State Central Committee permission to call a statewide party caucus to replace the nominee.
13. Party members who meet the voting eligibility of (6) above may deliver proxy votes in writing to the party chair a minimum of 24 hours before the caucus.
14. Following any nominating party caucus, the chair of the CFL will file an endorsement letter for each nominated candidate with the Secretary of the State's office within 5 business days, and apply for all necessary paperwork (petitions, etc.) to get the candidate on the ballot in November.
15. Party Rules can only be changed by a majority vote at a statewide party caucus. The chair of the party will deliver any changes to the party rules to the Secretary of the State’s office within 5 business days.

The meeting was continued to September 13 in Middletown at 181 Court St. for the purpose of choosing and endorsing replacement candidates, if any current candidate happens to withdraw from their ballot line.

CFL U.S. Senate nominee John Mertens in Debate July 27 in Hartford

2010-07-22T22:39:00.000-07:00

From John's website: http://www.mertens2010.com/

Dr. John Mertens will be one of four candidates participating in the U.S. Senate debate on Tuesday at 7 pm. The event will be broadcast by CT-N. See the press release below for details. Admission is free.
PLEASE COME!

PRESS RELEASE July 21, 2010
From: Susan Kniep, President, The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE JULY 27 DEBATE For the U. S. Senatorial Candidates
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Trinity College, Mather Hall, The Washington Room
300 Summit St., Hartford, CT

The Federation is delighted to announce a U. S. Senatorial Debate to be held on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at 7 PM at Trinity College, Mather Hall, in the Washington Room.

All candidates for U. S. Senate have been invited to attend. We have received confirmation of attendance from Rob Simmons, Peter Schiff, John Mertens, and Warren Mosler. We would be delighted to have Linda McMahon and Richard Blumenthal participate as well.

The moderator will be a representative of the Journal Inquirer Newspaper of Manchester. We have invited various nonprofit organizations to submit questions of importance to their mission, to include CBIA, the Federalist Society, Yankee Institute and Voices for Children.

CFL U.S. Senate Candidate John Mertens Delivers Address on How to Fix and Protect Our Economy

2010-07-13T10:44:00.001-07:00

You can watch it here:

http://ct-n.com/ondemand.asp?ID=5597

Statewide Party Caucus on August 12, 2010, to Nominate Four Candidates for State Representative

2010-07-04T15:37:00.000-07:00

The Connecticut for Lieberman Party is holding a second 2010 Statewide Party Caucus on August 12, 2010 at 9 PM, at 86 Sisson Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut. The purpose of the caucus is to formally nominate four candidates running for State Representative, according to party rules and Connecticut statutes. Three of the candidates have been collecting signatures to get on the ballot. One ballot line (Rocky Hill, 29th District) is open. Interested candidates should email the state central committee:
CFL@ctforlieberman.org

CFL Candidate for U.S. Senate John Mertens to Give Major Address

2010-06-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senate Candidate John Mertens will deliver a major address on the economy on Thursday, July 1st at 3pm, followed by an open question and answer session. The event will be held in the Garden Room of the Pond House Cafe, located in Elizabeth Park, 1555 Asylum Ave., West Hartford, CT. This event is free and open to the public.

It will be broadcast on CT-N, Connecticut's State Public Affairs Television and Streaming Network.

You can view John's website here:
www.Mertens2010.com

Joe Lieberman's "Citizenship-Stripping" Proposal

2010-05-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

The Connecticut for Lieberman Party strongly opposes this proposal. See the link below:

http://www.aolnews.com/the-point/article/sen-joe-liebermans-citizenship-stripping-bill-raises-questions/19467447

Joe Lieberman's Approval Hits All-Time Low

2010-01-14T06:16:00.000-08:00

From a Public Policy Polling survey Jan. 4-5:
"81% of Democrats now disapprove of Lieberman's job performance with only 14% approving, and he's not real popular with Republicans who disapprove of him by a 48/39 margin or with independents who do so by a 61/32 spread either. It all adds up to a 25% approval rating with 67% of his constituents giving him bad marks."

We in the CFL like to think that the commercial starring CFL chair John Mertens that ran throughout Connecticut in December helped contribute to people's views of Joe Lieberman:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTXmjIbzU_M

Details of the survey are here:
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_CT_107.pdf

CFL Nominates John Mertens to run for U.S. Senate in 2010

2010-01-14T05:01:00.000-08:00

John Mertens was nominated to run for U.S. Senate for the Connecticut for Lieberman Party in 2010 at the January 13, 2010 statewide party caucus (votes shown below).

John Daniel Mertens (West Hartford, CT)
52 votes

Peter Reed Anderson (Bozrah, CT)
2 votes

CFL Nominates John Kilian and Peter Votto to run for State Representative in 2010

2010-01-14T04:55:00.000-08:00

The following CFL candidates were nominated to run for State Representative in 2010 at the January 13, 2010 statewide party caucus (votes shown below):

20th District:
John Kilian 23 votes
Average Joe (no plumbers) 1 vote

90th District:
Peter Votto 50 votes
Shoeless Joe 1 vote

ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS

2010-01-14T04:44:00.000-08:00

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers of the party were elected by a 25-0 vote at the January 13, 2010 statewide party caucus:

Party Chair: John Mertens
Party Treasurer: Tomoyo Wakamatsu
Party Secretary: John Kilian
Two additional State Central Committee members:
Karen Erlandsson
Ann Marie Krupski
Parliamentarian: John Kilian

Statewide Party Caucus on Jan. 13, 2010

2009-12-13T10:33:00.000-08:00

The Connecticut for Lieberman Party is holding the 2010 Statewide Party Caucus on Jan. 13, 2010 at 9 PM, at 86 Sisson Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut. Elections of party officers and nominations of candidates for public office will be held.

Candidate for U.S. Senate Dr. John Mertens seeks nomination of CFL

2009-11-23T08:28:00.001-08:00

Dr. John Mertens is seeking the nominations of four political parties for U.S. Senate in Connecticut in 2010: The Independent Party, the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, and the Connecticut for Lieberman Party. He presents 30 detailed position statements and solutions to long-term problems on his website: www.Mertens2010.com

Mr. Colbert gets it right!

2009-10-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/253944/october-28-2009/joe-lieberman-is-a-true-independent

Joe Lieberman deliberately impedes real health care reform

2009-10-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.courant.com/news/nation-world/hc-lieberman-health-plan-1028.artoct28,0,2266306.story

And yet, 64% of CT voters support the public option. Mr. Lieberman doesn't understand what representative government is.

John Mertens, chair of CFL, announces candidacy for U.S. Senate

2009-09-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

Watch the kickoff speech at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh3Tsl2V1_w

View his website at:
www.Mertens2010.com

Stuart Korchin meeting on August 27, 2009

2009-09-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

Here are minutes from a meeting called by Stuart Korchin on August 27, 2009. There should no longer be any question about the legitimate rules of the CFL party, or the identity of the officers.

Minutes for the meeting of Connecticut for Lieberman members on 8/27/09 in Middletown, CT on Main Street.

As per notice provided to myself (John Kilian) via email from Stuart Korchin, the annual meeting required by the rules filed by Korchin on Jan. 12, 2007 with the Secretary of State’s office was convened at 9 PM at the Buttonwood Tree on Main Street, Middletown. The purpose of convening party members under these rules is to allow the adoption of changes to the rules, election of officers, and all other business of the Connecticut for Lieberman Party. Stuart Korchin professes to be the chairman of the party.

No temporary officers for this meeting were pre-determined by any action under Korchin's rules or by Stuart Korchin in any other manner.

A sign-in was conducted by members of the party who have been registered in the party for 90 or more days prior to this meeting.

Attendees included:

John Kilian, Middletown
Valerie Tralongo, Middletown
Ann Marie Krupski, West Hartford
Carl Erlandson, West Hartford
John Mertens, West Hartford
Sonja Mertens, West Hartford
Tomoyo Wakamatsu, Rocky Hill
Paul Borucki, Rocky Hill
Paul Mertens, West Hartford
Stuart Korchin, Cheshire
Fred Carroll, Middletown
Peter Votto, Cheshire

The meeting began with John Mertens asserting that he should be considered the chairman of the party under the rules adopted on 2/12/09 on Sisson Avenue in Hartford by members of CFL and filed with the Secretary of State on 2/13/09 at 1:47PM.

Stuart Korchin moved that the meeting be adjourned and another meeting convened in August of 2010. No one seconded the motion. Stuart Korchin left the premises at this point in time.

Valerie Tralongo moved that John Mertens be chair of this meeting. Paul Borucki seconded the motion. The motion was agreed to by unanimous consent.

John Mertens moved that John Kilian be secretary of this meeting. Valerie Tralongo seconded the motion. The motion was agreed to by unanimous consent.

Valerie Tralongo moved that the rules adopted on 2/12/09 on Sisson Avenue in Hartford by members of CFL and filed with the Secretary of State on 2/13/09 at 1:47PM replace the rules Korchin placed on file, under which this meeting had been called. Paul Borucki seconded the motion.

Discussion of the motion took place: Valerie Tralongo mentioned the importance of having 30 days notice for meetings posted on the website and 7 days notice with the Secretary of State, which are included in 2/12/09 rules. She also stated that the same rules restrict terms to until the next year’s caucus. Korchin rules contain no procedure for nominating candidates and party leaders, and no requirements of notification to party members of the time and place of any meetings. The general consensus was that the Korchin rules as executed by Stuart Korchin purposely dispossessed members of their ability to participate in all material party functions, whereas the 2/12/09 rules purposely and legally provided members with basic rights of participation. The motion was agreed to by unanimous consent.

Valerie Tralongo moved that the officers elected at the 2/12/09 Connecticut for Lieberman Party meeting be immediately instated as the officers for the party under the Korchin rules. Paul Mertens seconded the motion.
Officers:
Party Chair: John Mertens
Party Treasurer: Tomoyo Wakamatsu
Party Secretary: Karen Erlandsson
Two additional State Central Committee members:
Paul Borucki
Ann Marie Krupski
Parliamentarian: Karen Erlandsson

The motion was agreed to by unanimous consent.

John Kilian motioned that the video record of this meeting be posted on YouTube. Ann Marie Krupski seconded the motion. Everyone thought it was a great idea.The motion was agreed to by unanimous consent.

The meeting adjourned at 9:36 PM.

These minutes are accurate descriptions of the meeting of CFL members on 8/27/09 at 9 PM in Middletown at the Buttonwood Tree.

signed:

John Mertens, Meeting chair

John Kilian, Meeting secretary

John Mertens announces 2010 U.S. Senate campaign, Sept. 9 in Hartford

2009-08-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

West Hartford Resident John Mertens Announces Candidacy for 2010 U.S. Senate Race
http://www.mertens2010.com/

Press Conference/Campaign Kick-Off Event:
Scheduled for September 9, 2009, 6:30 PM, 2071 Park St., Hartford.

West Hartford Resident John Mertens will publicly announce his candidacy for the 2010 U.S. Senate Race during a campaign kick-off event & press conference scheduled for September 9, 2009, 6:30 PM, at 271 Park Road, Hartford (the outdoor stage at Lena’s Pizzeria). The event will be followed by music and food.

Dr. Mertens is seeking the nominations of four political parties: the Independent Party, the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, and the Connecticut for Lieberman Party. Dr. Mertens was the Independent Party candidate for U.S. Senate in 2006. Dr. Mertens has been the chair of the Connecticut for Lieberman Party since March, 2008. (http://www.ctforlieberman.org/)

Accompanying Dr. Mertens at the event will be Mike Telesca, State Agent of the Independent Party, Stephen Fournier, State Co-Chair of the Green Party, and Richard Lion, State Chair of the Libertarian Party.

A tenured Professor of Engineering at Trinity College in Hartford, Dr. Mertens also teaches environmental science and public policy, and conducts research in combustion and air pollution. He earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from California State University, Chico, graduating summa cum laude, and earned a Masters and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. He began teaching at Trinity College in 1990. He has done volunteer work with Hartford public schools for over eighteen years, and is well informed about public school and urban issues. He has lived in West Hartford since 1996, where he has raised four children. They will join him on the stage on September 9th.

Dr. Mertens’ campaign will focus on solutions to long-term problems, using non-partisan, analysis-based public policies. According to Dr. Mertens, “The country is facing huge long-term problems: an $11 trillion national debt, a giant budget deficit, a $12 trillion social security shortfall this century, prisons that are bursting at the seams, urban schools that are struggling, a wounded economy with rising unemployment, a health care system that needs major reform, the lack of a coherent national energy policy that will protect our economy and the environment, and a government that has been encroaching on our civil liberties. The solutions exist. But we need to elect non-partisan problem-solvers who will fight for them. For decades we have lived with irresponsible public policies from career politicians in Congress who care more about increasing their party’s power and getting re-elected than they care about solving long-term problems. They haven’t been honest with us, and they have been lousy public servants.”

The Sept. 9th Press Conference/Campaign Kick-Off event at Lena’s Outdoor Stage in Hartford is free and open to the public. Dr. Mertens is holding the event in Connecticut’s capital city and New England’s ‘Rising Star’ to emphasize the need for coordination of federal and state policies to address issues such as education, health care, urban revitalization, and economic recovery.

Press photos and campaign materials can be requested in advance by contacting event coordinator Anne Marie Krupski at (860) 707-2800 or john@mertens2010.com

CFL Chair John Mertens gives speech on July 4th at State Capital

2009-07-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKHvQWPzaDM

A nice editorial about John Orman

2009-07-08T07:09:00.001-07:00

http://www.connpost.com/editorials/ci_12769467

John Orman, former CFL chair, passes away

2009-07-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

John will be sorely missed. The world needs people like him.

By CHRISTOPHER KEATING, The Hartford Courant
John M. Orman, a well-known political science professor at Fairfield University who considered running for the U.S. Senate in 2005 against incumbent Joseph I. Lieberman, died suddenly on Sunday night.

Orman was one of the university's best-known professors as he was widely quoted in newspapers around the state, along with national television outlets like CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and National Public Radio. His death was announced Monday by the university, where he had been a teacher since 1978.

In line with his mantra of telling his students to get involved in politics, Orman ran as a Democrat for the U.S. Congress in 1984 against longtime incumbent Rep. Stewart McKinney, a powerhouse at the time in Fairfield County politics. McKinney won, as usual, but Orman gained enough publicity that he was quoted even more often on political races in the coming years. After his defeat, Orman invited McKinney to speak to his students in class.

Two decades later, Orman considered running against Lieberman in 2006 - before throwing his support to little-known Greenwich entrepreneur Ned Lamont, whose campaign generated national attention by defeating Lieberman in the August 2006 primary. Lamont, a former member of Greenwich's board of selectmen and 12-member Board of Estimate and Taxation, then lost to Lieberman in the general election.

As the chairman of the political science department at Fairfield, Orman authored or co-authored five books, including "Celebrity Politics'' that was written with a Brown University professor, Darrell West. Orman was once named the "Teacher of the Year'' at Fairfield, and his classes included examinations of the U.S. Congress, the Presidency, public opinion, and policy-making, among others.

Still seeking new challenges after more than 30 years in teaching, Orman recently traveled to the Ukraine to deliver lectures about the 2008 presidential election of Democrat Barack Obama. While there, he participated in interviews on Radio Free Europe Ukraine and the Vatican radio station.

Results of February 12, 2009 Statewide Party Caucus

2009-02-13T11:40:00.000-08:00

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers of the party were elected by a unanimous vote at the February 12, 2009 statewide party caucus:

Party Chair: John Mertens
Party Treasurer: Tomoyo Wakamatsu
Party Secretary: Karen Erlandsson
Two additional State Central Committee members:
Paul Borucki
Ann Marie Krupski
Parliamentarian: Karen Erlandsson

The following CONNECTICUT FOR LIEBERMAN PARTY RULES were adopted by a unanimous vote at the February 12, 2009 statewide party caucus.

REVISED CONNECTICUT FOR LIEBERMAN PARTY RULES, ADOPTED FEBRUARY 12, 2009.

1. These party rules supersede any other party rules filed with the Secretary of the State’s office. All previous rules are null and void.
2. The Connecticut for Lieberman Party (CFL) rejects the fraud perpetrated on the members of this party and the citizens of Connecticut by Joe Lieberman when he used the creation of this party to get on the general election ballot in 2006. The CFL is an independent, anti-war, anti-corruption, pro-fiscal responsibility, pro-democracy party, that stands for individual liberties and real problem-solving in government. The CFL wants everyone to know that in the United States of America, voters are free to join any party they wish, and participate in the democratic process according to the laws of Connecticut and the United States.
3. Party officers and State Central Committee members must be registered members of the party.
4. Candidates for public office for the CFL may not be registered members of the Republican or Democratic parties, with the following exception: the CFL may cross-endorse candidates who will appear on the ballot for any other party.
5. Statewide party caucuses will be presided by the chair of the party. Party caucuses will follow Robert’s New Rules of Order, Revised.
6. One must be a registered member of the CFL for a minimum of 90 continuous days prior to a caucus to have voting rights at that caucus.
7. A statewide party caucus will be held a minimum of once per calendar year. One caucus will be held no later than May 1. The date and place of the first caucus will be determined by the chair of the party. Additional meetings may only be called by a majority vote of the State Central Committee.
8. The time and place of statewide party caucuses will be announced by the chair of the party on the party website (www.ctforlieberman.org) a minimum of 30 days in advance. Notification will also be delivered to the Secretary of the State's office a minimum of 7 days in advance of the meeting.
9. The four officers of the party (chair, treasurer, secretary, parliamentarian) shall be elected at the first statewide caucus of each calendar year. All registered members of the party may vote for any and all nominated candidates. The top vote getters for each office will be elected. An individual can only hold one office at a time, with the exception of parliamentarian. Terms will last until the first statewide caucus of the following calendar year. Candidates may run for re-election.
10. The State Central Committee will be composed of the chair, secretary, and treasurer of the party, and two additional registered members of the party. The two additional members will be elected at the first statewide caucus of each calendar year. All registered members of the party may vote for any or all nominated candidates. The top two vote getters will be elected. Terms will last until the first statewide meeting of the following calendar year. Candidates may run for re-election.
11. Candidates for public office will be chosen at a statewide party caucus. All registered members of the party may vote for any and all nominated candidates. The candidate for each office who receives the most votes at the caucus will be the nominee. There will be no primary elections. All eligible members may vote for any nominated candidate for any office, regardless of the district of residency of the voting member of the party.
12. Nominations of candidates for public office chosen at a statewide party caucus can only be changed with permission of the nominated candidate. A request by a majority vote of the State Central Committee must be made in writing, with proof of delivery, to the candidate to step down. The candidate must respond in writing to the party chair within two weeks of the delivery of the request. If the candidate agrees to step down, the State Central Committee will call another statewide party caucus to nominate a new candidate. No written response from the candidate within two weeks of delivery of the request will be considered agreement of the candidate to step down, and gives the State Central Committee permission to call a statewide party caucus to replace the nominee.
13. Party members who meet the voting eligibility of (6) above may deliver proxy votes in writing to the party chair a minimum of 24 hours before the caucus.
14. Following any nominating party caucus, the chair of the CFL will file an endorsement letter for each nominated candidate with the Secretary of the State's office within 5 business days, and apply for all necessary paperwork (petitions, etc.) to get the candidate on the ballot in November.
15. Party Rules can only be changed by a majority vote at a statewide party caucus. The chair of the party will deliver any changes to the party rules to the Secretary of the State’s office within 5 business days.

Statewide Party Caucus on Feb. 12, 2009

2009-01-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

The Connecticut for Lieberman Party is holding the 2009 Statewide Party Caucus on Feb. 12, 2009 at 10 PM at 233 Sisson Ave, Hartford, Connecticut. Elections for party officers will be held.

Fox News Channel segment on CFL

2008-11-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3HixNgLqtU

Nice Article in the Meriden Record Journal

2008-10-31T16:26:00.000-07:00

A well written article discussing Joe Lieberman's future and the CFL, by Dave Moran of the Meriden Record Journal:
http://www.zwire.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=20183677&BRD=2755&PAG=461&dept_id=592709&rfi=6

CFL Chair John Mertens on FOX News Endorsing Obama

2008-10-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

Fox News Channel finally ran the CFL segment yesterday between 3 and 4 PM. We will be posting a copy here soon.

CFL on NPR

2008-10-13T18:06:00.001-07:00

This was on CT NPR Morning Edition Friday, October 10, 2008
http://www.wshu.org/news/story.php?ID=6117

CFL Chairman NOT on national TV Friday, Oct. 3

2008-10-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

Fox News Channel has postponed the airing of a segment that will include John Mertens, Chair of the CFL, talking about the takeover of the CT for Lieberman Party, and its endorsement of Barack Obama for President. We are told it will be this coming week.

CFL on front page of Hartford Courant

2008-09-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-joeparty0916.artsep16,0,5483457.story

Connecticut for Lieberman Party endorses Barack Obama

2008-09-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

The Connecticut for Lieberman Party voted to endorse a candidate for the 2008 Presidential Election at the March 6, 2008 statewide party caucus, with the following results:

Barack Obama----------------------------19 votes
Ralph Nader-------------------------------3 votes
Party should not endorse a candidate-------1 vote

We reject Joe Lieberman's endorsement of John McCain and Sarah Palin.

CFL Candidates Are On The Ballot

2008-09-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

The 2008 CFL candidates for state representative have received notification from the Connecticut Secretary of the State that they have qualified for the ballot in November. Congratulations to:

1st District: Mark Friedman
4th District: Bryce Snarski-Pierce
20th District: John Mertens
29th District: Tomoyo Wakamatsu
90th District: Peter Votto

CFL Supports Effort to Remove Lieberman from Chair

2008-07-10T05:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/hc-caucus0710.artjul10,0,2139852.story

visit this website to sign the petition

http://liebermanmustgo.com/

Lieberman says yes to Hagee

2008-05-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

Read the AP article below. Joe Lieberman has announced he will speak at Rev. Hagee's conference. Hagee has referred to the Catholic Church as "the great whore" and made extremely offensive statements concerning Hitler and the holocaust. Even John McCain, who had actively sought Hagee's support, has since repudiated Hagee, saying he has made statements that are "crazy and unacceptable."

It seems to us (the State Central Committee of the CFL) that Joe Lieberman is exercising the same incredibly poor judgement he used in his vigorous support of the invasion of Iraq.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080529/ap_on_el_pr/lieberman_hagee

Interesting column by Joe Klein:

2008-05-16T09:44:00.001-07:00

http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/05/zell_lieberman.html

Statewide Caucus June 11, 2008

2008-05-09T08:06:00.001-07:00

The Connecticut for Lieberman Party will have a statewide caucus on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 10 PM at 2071 Park Street, Hartford, to confirm the nominations for candidates from the March 6, 2008 statewide caucus under the new party rules. According to state statutes, new party rules go into effect 60 days after they are adopted.

RESULTS OF 2008 Statewide Caucuses:

ANNOUNCEMENT:The 2008 CFL Statewide Caucus was held March 6, 6:30 PM, at 243 Zion St., Hartford. Invitations to the statewide party caucus were mailed to all members of the party a week in advance, in addition to posting the meeting on the party website. More than 50% of all party members attended. A petition of support of the votes at the March 6 caucus was signed by 59% of all statewide party members, and was submitted with the new party rules to the Secretary of the State’s office on March 10. Members passed new party rules, elected new officers and state central committee members, and nominated candidates for public office. To see results, view March blog postings.

CFL Nominates Candidates for State Representative
The following CFL candidates for State Representative were nominated at the statewide caucus on March 6, 2008, and again under the new party rules at the second CFL Statewide Caucus on June 11, 2008, 10:00 PM, at 2071 Park St., Hartford. By state law, new party rules take effect 60 days after being approved. (This information was added to this blog entry after the June 11 meeting.)

1st District: Mark Friedman
4th District: Bryce Snarski-Pierce
20th District: John Mertens
29th District: Tomoyo Wakamatsu
90th District: Peter Votto

Column in Greenwich Time and Stamford Advocate

2008-04-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

Lieberman's 'party' may backfire on him
by Sarah Littman

http://www.greenwichtime.com/ci_8927138?source=email

or if that doesn't work:

http://saramerica.livejournal.com/43849.html

CFL Position on Housing Bill

2008-04-02T05:21:00.000-07:00

At this moment Senator Dodd is working on a compromise with Republicans on a plan to deal with the housing crisis that has resulted from the sub-prime debacle. Republicans oppose a portion of the bill that would enable bankruptcy judges to cut interest rates on troubled subprime mortgages written in recent years. Judges are currently prohibited from doing so for a person's principal residence. President Bush and other Republicans argue that giving judges this power would prompt lenders to tighten their standards and raise interest rates. (The above is paraphrased from a Washington Post article by Lori Montgomery.)

The CFL would like to urge Senator Dodd to work towards a compromise that would grant judges this power on a temporary basis, perhaps for one year. This would accomplish the goal of allowing judges to help alleviate the current foreclosure crisis, and should remove the fears of the long term effects the GOP are using to argue against it.

(Posted by your chair, with approval from the State Central Committee.)

Connecticut for Lieberman Party endorses Barack Obama

2008-03-10T16:38:00.001-07:00

The Connecticut for Lieberman Party voted to endorse a candidate for the 2008 Presidential Election at the March 6, 2008 statewide party caucus, with the following results:
Barack Obama------------------------------------19 votes
Ralph Nader---------------------------------------3 votes
Party should not endorse a candidate----------1 vote

CFL Nominates Candidates for State Representative

2008-03-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

The following CFL candidates for State Representative were nominated at the statewide caucus on March 6, 2008:

1st District: Mark Friedman
4th District: Bryce Snarski-Pierce
20th District: John Mertens
29th District: Tomoyo Wakamatsu
90th District: Peter Votto

ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS

2008-03-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

The following officers of the party were elected by unanimous vote (24-0) at the March 6, 2008 statewide party caucus:

Party Chair: John Mertens
Party Treasurer: Tomoyo Wakamatsu
Party Secretary: Mark Friedman
Two additional State Central Committee members:
Paul Borucki
Ann Marie Krupski
Parliamentarian: Mark Friedman

Dr. John Mertens, a former candidate for U.S. Senate for the Independent Party, was elected as party chair, with former chair Dr. John Orman declining to run for re-election. More than 50% of all registered members of the party attended the caucus.

The passing of the torch: John Orman (right) to John Mertens

NEW PARTY RULES!

2008-03-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

The following Connecticut for Lieberman Party Rules were adopted by unanimous vote (24-0) at the March 6, 2008 statewide party caucus.

Invitations to the statewide party caucus were mailed to all members of the party a week in advance, in addition to posting the meeting on the party website. Understandably, not all members of the party were able to attend. However, a petition of support of the votes at the March 6 caucus was signed by 59% of all statewide party members, and was submitted with the party rules to the Secretary of the State’s office on March 10.

Note: There were two changes to the original motion posted on this website by friendly amendments at the March 6 caucus, prior to the vote. Item 3 below was added, and item 4 below was modified to include the capability to cross-endorse candidates of other parties.

The rules will go into effect 60 days after the vote, in accordance with state statutes.

CONNECTICUT FOR LIEBERMAN PARTY RULES, ADOPTED MARCH 6, 2008

1. These party rules supersede any other party rules filed with the Secretary of the State’s office. All previous rules are null and void.
2. The Connecticut for Lieberman Party (CFL) rejects the fraud perpetrated on the members of this party and the citizens of Connecticut by Joe Lieberman when he used the creation of this party to get on the general election ballot in 2006. The CFL is an independent, anti-war, anti-corruption, pro-fiscal responsibility, pro-democracy party, that stands for individual liberties and real problem-solving in government. The CFL wants everyone to know that in the United States of America, voters are free to join any party they wish, and participate in the democratic process according to the laws of Connecticut and the United States.
3. Party officers and State Central Committee members must be registered members of the party.
4. Candidates for public office for the CFL must be registered members of the party, with the following exception: the CFL may cross-endorse candidates who will appear on the ballot for other parties.
5. Statewide party caucuses will be presided by the chair of the party. Party caucuses will follow Robert’s New Rules of Order, Revised.
6. One must be a registered member of the CFL for a minimum of 90 continuous days prior to a caucus to have voting rights at that caucus.
7. A statewide party caucus will be held a minimum of once per calendar year. One caucus will be held no later than May 1. The date and place of the first caucus will be determined by the chair of the party. Additional meetings may only be called by a majority vote of the State Central Committee.
8. The time and place of statewide party caucuses will be announced by the chair of the party on the party website (www.ctforlieberman.org) a minimum of 30 days in advance. Notification will also be delivered to the Secretary of the State's office a minimum of 7 days in advance of the meeting.
9. The four officers of the party (chair, treasurer, secretary, parliamentarian) shall be elected at the first statewide caucus of each calendar year. All registered members of the party may vote for any and all nominated candidates. The top vote getters for each office will be elected. An individual can only hold one office at a time, with the exception of parliamentarian. Terms will last until the first statewide caucus of the following calendar year. Candidates may run for re-election.
10. The State Central Committee will be composed of the chair, secretary, and treasurer of the party, and two additional registered members of the party. The two additional members will be elected at the first statewide caucus of each calendar year. All registered members of the party may vote for any or all nominated candidates. The top two vote getters will be elected. Terms will last until the first statewide meeting of the following calendar year. Candidates may run for re-election.
11. Candidates for public office will be chosen at a statewide party caucus. All registered members of the party may vote for any and all nominated candidates. The candidate for each office who receives the most votes at the caucus will be the nominee. There will be no primary elections. All eligible members may vote for any nominated candidate for any office, regardless of the district of residency of the voting member of the party.
12. Party members who meet the voting eligibility of (6) above may deliver proxy votes in writing to the party chair a minimum of 24 hours before the caucus.
13. Following any nominating party caucus, the chair of the CFL will file an endorsement letter for each nominated candidate with the Secretary of the State's office within 5 business days, and apply for all necessary paperwork (petitions, etc.) to get the candidate on the ballot in November.
14. Party Rules can only be changed by a majority vote at a statewide party caucus. The chair of the party will deliver any changes to the party rules to the Secretary of the State’s office within 5 business days.

March 6, 2008 Statewide Caucus Agenda

2008-02-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

The Connecticut for Lieberman Party will vote on a motion to adopt the following party rules at the March 6, 2008 party meeting, at 6:30 PM at 243 Zion Street in Hartford, Connecticut. If adopted, the rules will go into effect 60 days after the vote, in accordance with state statutes.

1. These party rules supersede any other party rules filed with the Secretary of the State’s office. All previous rules are null and void.

2. The Connecticut for Lieberman Party (CFL) rejects the fraud perpetrated on the members of this party and the citizens of Connecticut by Joe Lieberman when he used the creation of this party to get on the general election ballot in 2006. The CFL is an independent, anti-war, anti-corruption, pro-fiscal responsibility, pro-democracy party, that stands for individual liberties and real problem-solving in government. The CFL wants everyone to know that in the United States of America, voters are free to join any party they wish, and participate in the democratic process according to the laws of Connecticut and the United States.

3. Candidates for public office for the CFL, party officers, and members of the State Central Committee must be registered members of the party.

4. Statewide party caucuses will be presided by the chair of the party. Party caucuses will follow Robert's New Rules of Order, Revised.

5. One must be a registered member of the CFL for a minimum of 90 continuous days prior to a caucus to have voting rights at that caucus.

6. A statewide party caucus will be held a minimum of once per calendar year. One caucus will be held no later than May 1. The date and place of the first caucus will be determined by the chair of the party. Additional meetings may only be called by a majority vote of the State Central Committee.

7. The time and place of statewide party caucuses will be announced by the chair of the party on the party website (www.ctforlieberman.org) for a minimum of 30 days in advance. Notification will also be delivered to the Secretary of the State's office a minimum of 7 days in advance of the meeting.

8. The four officers of the party (chair, treasurer, secretary, parliamentarian) shall be elected at the first statewide caucus of each calendar year. All registered members of the party may vote for any and all nominated candidates. The top vote getters for each office will be elected. An individual can only hold one office at a time, with the exception of parliamentarian. Terms will last until the first statewide caucus of the following calendar year. Candidates may run for re-election.

9. The State Central Committee will be composed of the chair, secretary, and treasurer of the party, and two additional registered members of the party. The two additional members will be elected at the first statewide caucus of each calendar year. All registered members of the party may vote for any or all nominated candidates. The top two vote getters will be elected. Terms will last until the first statewide meeting of the following calendar year. Candidates may run for re-election.

10. Candidates for public office will be chosen at a statewide party caucus. All registered members of the party may vote for any and all nominated candidates. The candidate for each office who receives the most votes at the caucus will be the nominee. There will be no primary elections. All eligible members may vote for any nominated candidate for any office, regardless of the district of residency of the voting member of the party.

11. Party members who meet the voting eligibility of (5.) above may deliver proxy votes in writing to the party chair a minimum of 24 hours before the caucus.

12. Following any nominating party caucus, the chair of the CFL will file an endorsement letter for each nominated candidate with the Secretary of the State's office within 5 business days, and apply for all necessary paperwork (petitions, etc.) to get the candidate on the ballot in November.

13. Party Rules can only be changed by a majority vote at a statewide party caucus. The chair of the party will deliver any changes to the party rules to the Secretary of the State’s office within 5 business days.

ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS FOR MARCH 6, 2008 MEETING:
We will hold elections for new officers, and nominate candidates for public office.