FARMINGTON, Conn. (AP) – U.S. Rep. Nancy Johnson got a boost Saturday from first lady Laura Bush, who visited Connecticut to assist the 12-term lawmaker in her increasingly nasty re-election fight against Democrat Chris Murphy.
Bush, who has been crisscrossing the nation supporting Republican candidates, spoke to about 200 people Saturday at a Farmington hotel ballroom. She praised Johnson’s work in improving health care, creating jobs, supporting the president’s tax cuts, protecting children from Internet predators and supporting members of the military and their families.
She said the well being of the nation also depends on defeating terrorism and “increasing liberty abroad.”
“Representative Johnson understands the needs of our troops at this crucial time in our country’s history.”
Bush called Johnson a champion of men and women of the U.S. military. She also praised members of a Plainville-based Marine unit that recently returned from Iraq and were at the rally.
The first lady said the president has an ambitious agenda for the remaining two years of his term, including keeping the country safe from terrorism, reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil and rebuilding the Gulf Coast.
She urged people to work hard for the GOP over the next week and a half, and said it was important that Johnson and fellow Republican Reps. Christopher Shays and Rob Simmons get re-elected.
Johnson touted her record and urged people to hit the campaign trail to help Republicans get elected.
“If we don’t govern ourselves, somebody else will,” Johnson said.
Johnson didn’t criticize Murphy by name during a short five-minute speech, but said the campaign has been dominated by “hypocrisy and deceit.” The two candidates have been running negative ads against each other for weeks.
In a statement, Murphy campaign spokesman Kristen Bossi discounted the first lady’s visit. “The people of the Fifth District know where Johnson stands, and it is not with them,” she said.
Johnson promised that the next Congress would pass a national health care policy the would improve access for individuals. She also said the GOP was the only party that understands the importance of “entrepreneurship” and the negative effect more taxes would have on small businesses.
“We’re going to win because we’re right,” Johnson told the crowd.
Several state Republican candidates were in attendance, including GOP Senate nominee Alan Schlesinger, attorney general candidate Robert Farr, treasurer nominee Linda Roberts and comptroller candidate Cathy Cook.
Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell did not attend. Campaign spokesman Rich Harris said the governor had a full schedule for the weekend of stumping for Republican legislative candidates, although he said Saturday’s events were canceled because of the rain and wind storm. He said the events were canceled on short notice.
George Gallo, head of the Connecticut GOP, said Saturday’s rally would energize the Republican base. He told the crowd that it was important that the Connecticut Republican Party continue to grow, and he urged the GOP faithful to contribute to campaigns, make phone calls and help people get to the polls.
Schlesinger, who trails far behind Sen. Joe Lieberman and Democrat Ned Lamont in the polls, said Bush’s appearance was important for state Republicans, particularly the congressional candidates.
“Obviously it’s a boost. These races are going to be very close,” Schlesinger said.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
