Ridgefield News
July 22, 2000

Maloney Nominated For Third Term

Energized Democrats Pick Maloney For Third Term

Cong. Jim Maloney with Ridgefield Democratic delegates: [from left] Ethel Eckhaus, Alice Carboni, Rep. Maloney, Pat Baker, Monte Frank, and Ridgefield campaign coordinator Melissa Klein.

July 22 -- Democrats from all over Connecticut's Fifth Congressional District enthusiastically nominated Jim Maloney for a third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Danbury Democrat, targeted by national Republicans in this year's battle for control of Congress, energized the 150 delegates to today's convention, held in the historic Hotel Elton, on the green in Waterbury. Maloney reminded the delegates, "My job is being a worker for the families of this district," as speakers supporting his nomination recounted the Congressman's accomplishments in spurring economic development, supporting breast cancer research, helping flood victims, improving highways and public transportation, and assisting public schools all across the Fifth District.

Ridgfielders [from left] Jan August, Pat Baker, Ethel Eckhaus, and Alice Carboni chat before today's convention gets under way.

Ridgefield was represented by six Democrats: DTC members Alice Carboni, Jan August, Monte Frank, Ethel Eckhaus, Dave Nichols; and former Registrar of Voters Pat Baker. They joined about 150 other Delegates from the other 26 cities and towns of Connecticut's Fifth Congressional District. The Fifth, which has seesawed between Democrats and Republicans over the last 20 years, is a national key race in this year's battle for control of the US House.

Fifth District delegates met in the grand ballroom of the historic Hotel Elton, on the green in downtown Waterbury.

The convention was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Elton in Waterbury. The once-elegant Elton, directly on the green in downtown Waterbury, recalls earlier decades when the prosperous city was known around the world as "Brass City," home to the three largest brass manufacturers in the world. The Elton, a Second Renaissance Revival style hotel, has hosted Babe Ruth and authors F. Scott Fitzgerald and James Thurber in its 95-year history. John F. Kennedy spoke on an outside balcony facing the Green at 3 a.m. in 1960 just before he was elected. Today the former hotel is owned by the city, and is used for public housing.

Danbury Rep. Lew Wallace seconding Maloney's nomination.

Danbury State Rep. Lew Wallace gave a rousing seconding speech for his fellow townsman and friend, Jim Maloney. Wallace recounted the many ways Maloney has helped his hometown of Danbury, and went on to enumerate the many things he has done to help other cities and towns in the district, and his proposals for health care, education, Social Security, and tax reform which benefit every family in Connecticut's Fifth.

Congressman Maloney told convention delegates, "My job is being a worker for the families of this district."

Maloney's acceptance speech repeated his now-familiar theme: "With Jim Maloney, what you see is what you get. I'm a hard-working guy who calls it like I see it and works to get things done." The Congressman repeated his priorities - acting promptly to address problems in the district - such as helping Danbury residents whose homes were damaged in the Hurricane Floyd flooding of 1998, and supporting national initiatives like breast cancer research, Social Security reform, and tax reform which will help every family in the Fifth District. The Congressman explained that he did not seek to become a national figure, appearing on the TV news talk shows, as had Gary Franks, his Republican predecessor. The popular Danbury Democrat declares: "My job is being a worker for the families of this district!" Most delegates here today have personal experience with the countless services Maloney has provided to cities, towns, and citizens all across the district. His appearance today offered a chance to thank him again for his tireless service, and delegates did so with continuous enthusiastic applause.

Rep. Jim Maloney enthusiastically accepts the nomination of the Fifth District convention.

Maloney went on to attack his opponent, State Senator Mark Nielsen, as "a dedicated foot soldier of the extremist far-right camp." Noting that Nielsen had located his campaign headquarters outside the Fifth District, Maloney said, "[My opponent] can hide his headquarters in the Sixth District, but he can't hide his record from the people of the Fifth District!" Nielsen, whose campaign is being orchestrated by national Republicans, has an extensive track record in the state legislature; he has consistenly opposed campaign finance reform, support for higher education, and increasing the minimum wage for Connecticut workers. Nielsen's campaign is being lavishly supported with big money from tobacco, HMO, and oil interests, as well as national Republican funding. Cong. Maloney reminded the convention of the importance of winning control of the US House and Senate; Ct.'s Fifth District seat is a critical must-win race for Democrats nationwide.

Ridgefielders Pat Baker [left] and Alice Carboni [center] chat with Jim Maloney after his acceptance speech.

Ridgefield's delegates were upbeat at today's convention. Jim Maloney has been a friend to Ridgefield Democrats since his days in the State legislature in the early 1990's. "Jim Maloney and Ridgefield's Democratic State Rep. Barbara Ireland saw eye-to-eye on most major issues. They often worked together to help the people of Fairfield County," recalled DTC Secretary Dave Nichols. "Jim was always there to support our fundraisers, offer us political advice, and provide moral support. He was a great supporter of Rudy Marconi in Rudy's historic David vs. Goliath upset last fall. It's been a pleasure to be able to help him win the Fifth District seat and to do everything we can to see that he remains our Congressman," Nichols added.

[Thanks to Waterbury Republican-American reporter Suzan Bibisi's story for background information on the Hotel Elton.]

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