'The greatest': DeStefano ad recalls Rell's praise of Rowland

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'The greatest': DeStefano ad recalls Rell's praise of Rowland

October 18, 2006

By Keith M. Phaneuf , Journal Inquirer

John DeStefano is hoping Gov. M. Jodi Rell's words will come back to haunt her - big time.

In his latest effort to remind voters that Rell served 9? years under disgraced ex-Gov. John G. Rowland, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee unveiled a television ad today in which his Republican opponent referred to her former running mate as "the greatest governor Connecticut has ever had."

The new commercial appeared one day before DeStefano and Rell are set to square off for their second and final televised debate.

In the first gubernatorial debate, nine days ago in New London, Rell and DeStefano both were asked to identify the largest mistakes they ever made.

"I was actually trying to think of the worst thing that could probably have happened," Rell said - a quote replayed in the new commercial. "And I have to tell you, . . .I don't see it."

The ad's narrator then interjects, saying Connecticut is among the lowest states in the nation in job growth, has more than 70,000 uninsured children, and faces soaring property taxes and electricity rates.

"No mistakes?" he continues.

The ad then shifts to the 2002 Republican State Convention in Bridgeport, where Rowland was nominated to seek a third term.

The ad shows him standing at a podium as Rell says, "I'm proud of Governor John G. Rowland, ... the greatest governor Connecticut has ever had."

Rowland, who went on to defeat Democrat William E. Curry Jr., would resign amid a bid-rigging scandal and an impeachment inquiry in July 2004.

Seven months later Rowland would plead guilty to a federal corruption charge, admitting he took more than $100,000 in gifts from state contractor in exchange for access to his office. Rowland served 10 months in a federal prison and was released in April.

Simsbury First Selectwoman Mary A. Glassman, DeStefano's running mate, unveiled the ad Monday at the Capitol and said Rell's answer at the debate is a symptom of what's wrong with her administration.

"We've all made mistakes," Glassman said. "It takes courage to admit to them, and wisdom to learn from them. It is incredible that Governor Rell is either unwilling or unable to admit making mistakes, especially considering her record. ... And of course, one of Governor Rell's biggest mistakes was vouching for Governor Rowland, again and again."

Glassman added that she and DeStefano have "real plans to help Connecticut families. We'll lower property-tax bills for middle class families, reduce energy costs, and create jobs. John and I will have the courage and the leadership to see problems and find solutions, and to see what's working and give those programs the support they need."

Rell campaign spokesman Rich Harris said today that "we expected nothing less," from the DeStefano campaign.

Rell has said from her first day in office that restoring integrity and public trust to state government is her top priority. "No one who follows politics or, indeed, state government is going to confuse Governor Rell with her predecessor," Harris said.

DeStefano released an ad last month that included footage of Rowland planting a kiss on Rell's cheek just prior to giving a speech from the podium in the Hall of the House at the state Capitol.