For Governor: Tom Foley

Connecticut is electing a new governor this year. Governor Rell who has done a fine job in the office is retiring and there is a stampede of candidates seeking the office.

Connecticut Comments is endorsing Ambassador Tom Foley for the office. Foley is not a creature of Washington or Hartford. Except for a stint as an ambassador, he has worked in the private sector as a successful executive. As a result, he will bring to the office of governor a set of fresh eyes that does not see entrenched interests as unchangeable. He understands what creates jobs -- he has done that for years. He also understands that working for the government is not meant to be a career move but rather one of service to his fellow citizens. He has what it takes to help Connecticut grow its economy, cut wasteful spending and control public employee costs which threaten to swamp the state.

The other main candidates for the office all have drawbacks that preclude their selection. Perhaps the worst of the bunch is former mayor Malloy of Stamford. Malloy seems to have run for every office imaginable in the state. No one could miss his burning desire for power and personal advancement. My guess is that his campaign's motto (if it had one) would be "Me". Lt. governor Fedele is another candidate who must be bypassed. Fedele deserves that thanks of Connecticut voters for his service as lt. governor, but it is time for some new views to come into the state government. We need someone who has actually created jobs and knows how it is done. Ned Lamont comes close to beating out Malloy for the worst of the bunch. Lamont's only claim to fame is that he beat Joe Lieberman in the senate primary in 2006. Other than that, he does not seem to have accomplished much. And his victory in the senate primary was solely based upon his views on the war in Iraq. That is hardly a reason to make him governor. There are others in the race, but they have small followings and need no discussion.

Once again, Tom Foley is the man for governor in 2010.