Category Archives: Election

We Need YOU To Help 2A Candidates

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Old Saybrook ‘Pop-up Volunteer day’

CCDL members in or near the 33rd Senate District, your help is needed. Anti-gun candidates are trying to gain as many seats as possible in the November elections. State Representative Melissa Ziobron is running for the 33rd Senate seat. Melissa Ziobron has a proven history of defending our Second Amendment rights and was CCDL Legislator of the Year in 2017.

Melissa’s opponent has spent $90,000 on television ads attacking Rep. Ziobron and labeling her as anti-woman. Her opponent has also stated he would have voted yes on a bill that seizes firearms, ammunition and permits without due process.

CCDL will be holding two “Pop-up Phone Banks” at Melissa Ziobron’s campaign headquarters located at 105 Elm Street, Old Saybrook. This is in the Old Saybrook Shopping Center (on the same side as Stop and Shop).

Please join other CCDL members on Saturday, October 13, 2018 so that Melissa can remain in Hartford to fight for the rights of legal gun owners.

First Pop-up Phone Bank Session:          1:00PM to 3:00PM

Second Pop-up Phone Bank Session:     3:00PM to 5:00PM

We need as many volunteers from CCDL as possible to join us and participate in one or both of these phone banks.

Trainers and staff will be on hand to provide instruction and a brief training session at the start of each phone bank.
If you’re able to attend please RSVP by October 10th to Ray Bevis at legislative@ccdl.us

Also, please consider emailing Melissa’s campaign for other volunteer opportunities at: contact@melissaziobron.com or visit her website at melissaziobron.com

Southington ‘Pop-up Volunteer day’

Date:                Sunday, October 21, 2018
Time:               10AM-2PM
Location:          Southington Republican Headquarters
25 Center St, Southington, CT 06489

Anti-gun lawmakers are already calling for more gun control for next year. We must make sure candidates that will defend our rights get elected in November. Please attend this CCDL ‘pop-up volunteer day’ to help elect the following CCDL endorsed candidates:

Rob Sampson (CCDL Legislator of the year and NRA Defender of Freedom award recipient) – Candidate for State Senate 16th District
John Fusco – State Representative 81st District
Gale Mastrofrancesco – Candidate for State Representative 80st District
Steve Balishiski  – Candidate for State Representative 30th District

Questions please contact Ray Bevis legislative@CCDL.us
More details at the CCDL meeting this coming Tuesday

Other steps CCDL members can do to help get Pro Second Amendment candidates elected:

Get a lawn sign – Contact a pro 2A campaign and ask for a lawn sign. Once you receive your lawn sign take a picture of yourself with the sign and share it on social media. Show your family and friends what candidate has your support. Find other Pro Second Amendment candidates on the CCDL Blog.

Letters to the editor – Campaigns need supporters in their district to submit letters. Candidates have letters available. If you are willing to submit a letter. Please contact the campaign directly. Or draft your own using the CCDL’s letter writing guide.

Register to vote – Make sure you and all your like-minded/Pro2A family and friends are registered to vote. You can register to vote at your local town hall or online.

Pro 2A candidates need our help now to defeat the gun-grabbers in November.

2018 General Election Endorsements

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The Connecticut Citizens Defense League’s Executive Committee releases the following endorsements for the November 6, 2018 general election. We urge all our members to support and assist these candidates, and vote for them in November.
(*name* denotes past CCDL Legislator Of The Year)

Governor/Lieutenant Governor

Bob Stefanowski/*Joe Markley*

U.S. Senate

Matthew Corey

U.S. House
District Candidate Name

2           Daniel Reale

3           Angel Cadena

5           Manny Santos

CT Senate Seats
District  Candidate Name   Towns Represented

7           John Kissel             East Granby, Enfield, Granby, Somers, Suffield, Windsor, Windsor Locks

8           Kevin Witkos           Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, New Hartford, Norfolk, Simsbury, Torrington

9           Ed Charamut          Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield

12          Adam Greenberg     Branford, Durham, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, North Branford

13          Len Suzio                Cheshire, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown

14          Pam Staneski          Milford, Orange, West Haven, Woodbridge

16          *Rob Sampson*     Cheshire, Prospect, Southington, Waterbury, Wolcott

17          George Logan          Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck, Woodbridge

18          Heather Somers       Griswold, Groton, North Stonington, Plainfield, Preston, Sterling, Stonington, Voluntown

19          Mark Lounsbury        Columbia, Franklin, Hebron, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Marlborough, Montville, Norwich, Sprague

31          Henri Martin              Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth, Thomaston

32          Eric Berthel               Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour,  Southbury, Washington, Watertown, Woodbury

33          *Melissa Ziobron*    Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, Westbrook

35          Daniel Champagne   Ashford, Chaplin, Coventry, Eastford, Ellington, Hampton, Pomfret, Stafford, Tolland, Union, Vernon, Willington, Woodstock

CT House
District  Candidate Name   Towns Represented

2           William Duff            Bethel, Danbury, Newtown, Redding

8          Tim Ackert               Columbia, Coventry, Tolland, Vernon

22         Dr. William Petit       New Britain, Plainville

29         Andrew Lanciotto     Newington, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield

30          Steven Baleshiski    Berlin, Southington

33          Linda Szynkowicz   Middletown

34          Irene Haines           Colchester, East Haddam, East Hampton

37          Holly Cheeseman   East Lyme, Salem

40          John Scott              Groton, Ledyard

42          Mike France            Ledyard, Montville, Preston

44          Anne Dauphinais     Killingly, Plainfield

45          *Steve Mikutel*       Griswold, Lisbon, Plainfield, Sterling, Voluntown
45           Brian Lanoue           (co-endorsed)

46          Andrew Lockwood    Norwich

47          *Doug Dubitsky*     Canterbury, Chaplin, Franklin, Hampton, Lebanon, Lisbon, Norwich, Scotland, Sprague

50          Pat Boyd                  Brooklyn, Eastford, Pomfret, Union, Woodstock

51          Rick Hayes               Killingly, Putnam, Thompson

52          Kurt Vail Somers,      Stafford

53          Samuel Belsito          Ashford, Tolland, Willington

55          Robin Green             Andover, Bolton, Hebron, Marlborough

58          Gregory Stokes         Enfield

59          Carol Hall                  East Windsor, Enfield

60          Scott Storms             Windsor, Windsor Locks

61          Tami Zawistowski       East Granby, Suffield, Windsor

62          Bill Simanski               Barkhamsted, Granby, Hartland, New Hartford

63          Jay Case                     Colebrook, Goshen, Torrington, Winchester

65          Molly Spino                   Torrington

66          David T Wilson             Bethlehem, Litchfield, Morris, Warren, Woodbury

68          Joseph Polletta             Watertown, Woodbury

73          Steven Giacomi            Waterbury

76          John Piscopo                Burlington, Harwinton, Litchfield, Thomaston

77          Cara Pavlock-D’Amato Bristol

78           Whit Betts                    Bristol, Plymouth

80          Gale Mastrofrancesco  Southington, Wolcott

81          John Fusco                  Southington

82          Ernestine Holloway      Meriden, Middlefield

83          Lou Arata                     Berlin, Meriden
83         Roger Misbach             (co-endorsed)

86          Vincent Candelora       Durham, Guilford, North Branford, Wallingford

89          Lezlye Zupkus             Bethany, Cheshire, Prospect

90          Craig Fishbein             Cheshire, Wallingford

100         Anthony Gennaro       Middletown

103         Diane Pagano            Cheshire, Southington, Wallingford

104         Joseph Jaumann        Ansonia, Derby

105         Nicole Klarides Ditria  Beacon Falls, Derby, Seymour

109         Veasna Roeun            Danbury

113         Jason Perillo               Shelton

120         Jim Feehan                Stratford

122         Ben McGorty              Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull

139         Nick DeLucia              Bozrah, Montville, Norwich

9/19/2018 added Steven Baleshiski, Molly Spino, and Nick DeLucia

 

 

 

Upcoming Gubernatorial Election

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This is a guest post by CCDL President Scott Wilson.
_________________________

Dear members and supporters,

There are a few important points I’d like to make in my capacity as the president of CCDL.

The first point is this. 2018 was the first election cycle that the CCDL Executive committee made convention, and primary endorsements.  This year it was something that we felt was crucially important. The downside was our early involvement was also time-consuming and often contentious. While the majority of the committee voted to endorse Tim Herbst for governor in the primary election, there were those who supported Bob Stefanowski. While I will personally stand by our choice for Herbst in the primary, I will say that Bob Stefanowski also personally made very strong statements of support for the 2nd Amendment; both to the Executive Committee, and to our members. Connecticut gun owners are fortunate to have ended up with a candidate for governor who has shown this level of support for the issues that matter most to us.

Another point that I would like to make is that while it is indeed good news for 2A supporters that Bob is the nominee for governor, the best news is that we have Joe Markley on the ticket alongside him as the nominee for lieutenant governor.  As a state senator for the past eight years, Joe has never once wavered in his support of the Constitution. This could be crucial for us because in the event of a tie vote in the legislature, the lieutenant governor casts the tie-breaking vote. This is a very solid ticket, especially considering some of the other candidates in both races were less than enthusiast or sincere in their support of the 2nd Amendment.

Now for the biggest point.  Ned Lamont is on record stating he will support further gun control initiatives. After eight long years of attacks, legislation, and unconstitutional laws by Governor Malloy, the last thing that law-abiding gun owners need is more of the same. Electing Ned Lamont would be no better than reelecting Dan Malloy, and might even be worse.

Beyond the race for governor:
In the coming weeks, the CCDL Executive Committee will be releasing our endorsements for the November 6th general election.  We ask that our members pay attention and get involved with helping to support solid 2A candidates. The most important tool for stopping anti-gun legislation is you. Without your help we will lose key races that absolutely must be won. There is no magic bullet, but just a little bit of work and a little bit of dedication can lead to success.

In closing, let me add my voice to the many who have already done so:
Congratulations to the formation of the Stefanowski/Markley ticket!
I know that both of you will work hard to win the tough battle ahead.

Scott Wilson – CCDL President

Hands-On Campaign Workshop

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Gun control groups are marching on. They are using anti-gun politicians to infringe on our rights. The only way to stop attacks on the 2nd Amendment is to help Pro2A candidates win in 2018. While most gun owners wish to be left alone, the anti-gun crowd will not cease in their efforts.

CCDL members are invited to participate in this FREE hands-on workshop to gain the necessary knowledge to become active in fighting the anti-gun machine. Following the workshop, you will have the opportunity to put what you’ve just learned to good use. You will be able to assist CCDL’s 2017 Legislator Of The Year, state rep Melissa Ziobron get elected to the senate, where she can be an even stronger voice in Hartford for CCDL members.

Where: Regional Headquarters – 105 Elm St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475-4107
When: Monday, August 27th from 6:00pm until 8:00pm
Agenda:

  • Basics of Campaign Strategies
  • Importance of Your Involvement
  • What Gun Control Groups and sympathizers are doing
  • Examples of Effective Victories from Our Side
  • Q&A

2A candidates need our help!

One of the biggest concerns many legislators have is who will be there to help them win re-election if they vote with us. Too often we hear about how gun-grabbing politicians have people working on their campaigns. If we are going to stop this, like it or not we need to become more political than we have been in the past. While we have a positive track record on some campaigns, we will need more successes.

Please join us in helping the Pro2A movement win in 2018.
Help good candidates win this year.

Political Hijinks

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Earlier today, a political robocall was sent out by former candidate for governor Peter Lumaj on behalf of the Bob Stefanowski for Governor Campaign.

Here is what is troubling:

CCDL endorsed Peter Lumaj for the Republican convention, and it was a one-time endorsement that extended to him, and him alone. Our initial endorsement of Peter Lumaj was not for passing along as though it were an inheritance should his campaign fail. And ultimately, it did fail.

In the robocall message, Peter stated that because CCDL endorsed him, people should vote for Bob Stefanowski. He has done so with full knowledge and understanding that the Connecticut Citizens Defense League does not support Bob’s campaign. Some may view this as politics as usual, but the reality is, this is a betrayal of trust and honor that was bestowed to Peter Lumaj by our organization. Such a move of this kind is one that travels down into the ‘filthiest of filthy bowels’ of Connecticut politics.

Let the record stand that CCDL fully endorses Tim Herbst for governor, not anyone else. The dirty trick of a formerly celebrated man named Peter Lumaj will never change that.

Another troubling point:

The robocall goes on to imply that because Tim Herbst was endorsed by a former legislator who once voted for an antigun bill, that Tim himself cannot truly support your gun rights. While this is an absurd conclusion to jump to, it’s also an extremely hypocritical one as well.  Stefanowski proudly touts the endorsements of several antigun legislators, such as Dave Yaccarino and Noreen Kokoruda. Both of them voted for SB1160 and numerous antigun bills since. If CCDL endorsed candidate Tim Herbst is antigun simply by association, then so is Bob Stefanowski.

 

The last troubling point:

The call claimed that Bob Stefanowski is “A” rated by the NRA. That is a lie by every measure. The NRA does not give A ratings to candidates that have no viable track record. Bob’s rating is no better than Tim’s rating from the NRA.

The highest rating that the NRA gives to untested candidates seeking office s AQ. There is a big difference, in that one implies they are battle tested, the other indicates strong leanings but untested. That erroneous message sent out by the Stefanowski campaign clearly is either shady, amateur or maybe even both.

Scott Wilson Sr.
President
CCDL, Inc.
www.ccdl.us

 


Peter Lumaj Robocall for Bob Stefanowski

Statement on Sue Hatfield, candidate for Attorney General

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The CCDL Executive Board feels that in light of comments made in this article that was published on 8/01/2018, candidate for Attorney General Sue Hatfield has shown what must be considered as wavering support for the 2nd Amendment. Because of that, our endorsement of Sue Hatfield must be withdrawn. While we still feel she would make a far better Attorney General than any of the other candidates in the race, we simply cannot endorse the recent comments she’s made.

While CCDL does the best job that it can with regards to vetting candidates, ultimately it is up to each of them to defend the 2nd Amendment in the face of political pressure from other candidates, or from media inquiries.  If any candidate or legislator is uncertain how an issue might impact the lawful gun owners of Connecticut, they should feel free to contact us.

More Primary Endorsements

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07/24/2018
For Immediate Release:

(Groton, CT) – The Connecticut Citizens Defense League’s Executive Committee releases the following endorsements for the August 14th primary elections:

US Senate – Matthew Corey

5th Congressional District – Manny Santos  

9th State Senate District – Ed Charamut

14th State Senate District – Pam Staneski

100th House District – Tony Gennaro

116th House District – Roman Khondker

Previously released state-wide primary candidates:

Governor – Tim Herbst

Lieutenant Governor – Joe Markley

Attorney General – Sue Hatfield See here for explanation

State Treasurer – Art Linares

Statement on primary endorsements:
The Connecticut Citizens Defense has worked to evaluate numerous candidates for the August 14th primary election. As an organization, we ask our members to consider our endorsements when weighing their decision making, and help our endorsed candidates win their respective elections. Over the last eight years, legal gun owners and applicants for gun permits have been subject to unfair practices by our governor, certain legislators as well as several municipalities. 2018 can be a different outcome for lawful and responsible gun owners.

About the CCDL: The Connecticut Citizens Defense League was formed in 2009 by a small group of concerned citizens as a non-partisan organization to advocate second amendment rights in the state of Connecticut. Since their founding, the group has grown to over 30,000 members across the state.
Thanks to this large supportive base across the state the CCDL has become a fixture at the Capitol, and well-recognized by committees that see firearms related bills.

As the go-to organization in the state they are consulted regularly by lawmakers who have questions and concerns about pending legislation or existing laws. For more information on the CCDL please visit www.CCDL.us

 

Meet CCDL’s Endorsed Primary Candidates

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This week, the CCDL Executive Committee released its endorsements for state-wide offices in the August 14th Republican Primary. These are the candidates we feel have best shown a record of supporting Connecticut gun owners in the past, and have pledged to continue doing so in the future. There are only 6 weeks before the primary election, and these candidates will be making appearances all over the state. We urge you to go out and meet these candidates, ask them questions, and see for yourself just how strongly they support your right to keep and bear arms. If you like what they have to say, PLEASE consider donating some of your time or money to help them win in August. There are antigunners on both sides of the aisle who are also trying to win these elections. It’s imperative that CCDL members help these men and women win their elections, to show Hartford that gun owners are not going to allow our rights to be trampled any longer!

Here are just a few events coming up:

Candidate for Attorney General Sue Hatfield:
Sue will be at Epicure Brewing in Norwich tomorrow, June 29th from 6pm until 8pm. Epicure Brewing is located at 40 Franklin Street, Norwich, Connecticut 06360

Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Joe Markley:
Joe will be at the Metro Diner in Stratford at 11am this Sunday, July 1st. Come out and meet the former CCDL Legislator of the Year. The Metro Diner is located in downtown Stratford in Courtyard At The Center, 2385 Main St, Stratford, CT 06615

Candidate for Governor Tim Herbst:
Tim will be marching in several parades celebrating the birth of our great nation, and he’d like you to join him.

First up is the Madison parade on Wednesday, July 4th.
The rally point is at the corner of Samson Rock Drive near the Stop and Shop. There is parking at the Stop and Shop and you will see both a Tim contingent and a Republican Town Committee float present Please be there by 10:00 for a 11:00am step off. This is a large parade and great for family, friends and pets so come out and celebrate our nations founding and support Tim! Please RSVP to tdaly@timforconnecticut.com

Next, Tim will be in the Enfield parade on Saturday, July 7th.
The rally point is at the corner of route 5 and Post Office Road. There is parking at the Felician Sisters and you will see both a Tim contingent and a big elephant on the Enfield RTC float on Main St. Please be there by 9:30, at 10:00 they shut down the roads. This is a great event so come out and celebrate our nations founding and support Tim! Please RSVP to tdaly@timforconnecticut.com

Republican Primary Endorsements

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06/27/2018
For Immediate Release:

(Groton, CT) – The Connecticut Citizens Defense League releases the following endorsements for the Republican state-wide primary elections.

The Executive Committee of CCDL endorses the following primary candidates:

Governor – Tim Herbst

Lieutenant Governor – Joe Markley

Attorney General – Sue Hatfield see here for explanation

State Treasurer – Art Linares


Statement on the Gubernatorial Race:

After careful consideration and a spirited debate among the CCDL executive committee, the organization has selected a gubernatorial candidate for the Republican primary. As an organization, we are pleased that several candidates have expressed a willingness to embrace the rights of law abiding gun owners, and that they will work to protect our constitutional rights against further misguided erosion.

While we had several good choices, our state’s elections are winner takes all. The consensus of the committee is that the primary candidate we feel will best preserve our 2nd Amendment rights in the Governor’s office is Tim Herbst.

About the CCDL: The Connecticut Citizens Defense League was formed in 2009 by a small group of concerned citizens as a non-partisan organization to advocate second amendment rights in the state of Connecticut. Since their founding, the group has grown to over 30,000 members across the state.
Thanks to this large supportive base across the state the CCDL has become a fixture at the Capitol, and well-recognized by committees that see firearms related bills.

As the go-to organization in the state they are consulted regularly by lawmakers who have questions and concerns about pending legislation or existing laws. For more information on the CCDL please visit www.CCDL.us

Campaign for your Rights Workshop – Guilford, CT

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Gun control groups are marching on. They are using anti-gun politicians to infringe on our rights. The only way to stop attacks on the 2nd Amendment is to help Pro2A candidates win in 2018. While most gun owners wish to be left alone, the anti-gun crowd will not cease in their efforts.

CCDL members are invited to participate in this FREE workshop to gain the necessary knowledge to become active in fighting the anti-gun machine.

Where: Guilford Sportsmen’s Association – 501 Hart Road, Guilford, CT  06437
When: Saturday, June 23th from 11:00am until 1:00pm
Agenda:

  • Basics of Campaign Strategies
  • Importance of Your Involvement
  • What Gun Control Groups and sympathizers are doing
  • Examples of Effective Victories from Our Side
  • Q&A

2A candidates need our help!

One of the biggest concerns many legislators have is who will be there to help them win re-election if they vote with us. Too often we hear about how gun-grabbing politicians have people working on their campaigns. If we are going to stop this, like it or not we need to become more political than we have been in the past. While we have a positive track record on some campaigns, we will need more successes.

Please join us in helping the Pro2A movement win in 2018. RSVP today (Name and Town) via email to membership@ccdl.us or phone: 240-320-7075
Help good candidates win this year.