Connecticut
OPINION: Whither Connecticut Republicans post election?
November 05, 2024 6:03 pm
• Last Updated: November 05, 2024 8:34 pm
A Hartford Democrat shared with me a screenshot of a recent Facebook posting by Stonington Republicans, likening the coming presidential election to awaiting a pregnancy test.
“We either get a healthy baby boy or the daughter of Satan,” said the Facebook posting by the Stonington GOP.
Ouch. It’s hard to learn that any political leaders in the town you live in would say such a thing about the presidential candidate of the opposing party, the current vice president of the country.
I know national Republicans have called the vice president all kinds of names and assailed her politics, policies and intelligence. That’s campaign fodder, I suppose, although some of it has surely had a misogynist strain.
But daughter of Satan? Stonington Republicans think she’s evil? I thought maybe I lived in a more civilized, sophisticated town than that.
I kept thinking about that posting all Tuesday, during my usual Election Day tour through eastern Connecticut. I always enjoy using a road trip to clear my head from the turmoil of campaign season, to finally welcome the finality of what used to be voting day, now vote counting day.
It’s always a pleasure to drive through the magnificent scenery of this corner of Connecticut, usually resplendent in late fall. I generally meander up through North Stonington and Preston and end up in Sterling, at the northern reaches of one of our most sprawling state Senate districts, the 18th.
The Satan comment makes me wonder what will become of Connecticut Republicans after this consequential election. As I drove through the countryside, and as I write this before deadline, the final count is not in.
For those in our region who think of Kamala Harris as the daughter of Satan, a Trump loss might be unimaginable. Maybe those Republicans harbor a fantasy of Connecticut voters suddenly embracing in large numbers the tenets of the new national GOP, led by a felon who boasts of “my beautiful white skin,” robs women of reproductive rights and promises to vindictively lock up his enemies.
Good luck to them if they think that’s the future of their party here, even with a Trump win.
I’m quite sure, though, that many other traditional Connecticut Republicans have done their best to duck Trumpism, avoiding it like a passing cloud of radiation from a nuclear bomb.
They can’t admit to their base they are ducking Trump. I wouldn’t be surprised if many of them even voted for Harris, hoping the Trump phenomena might finally pass by.
I actually ran across my own state senator, Heather Somers of the 18th District, when I pulled into the parking lot of the Sterling polling place.
Remembering my editor’s request to staff to snap a picture of any candidates at the polls, I tried for one of Somers, who was standing with a small group alongside the driveway.
My attempt at a simple candidate picture turned into a comical scene, as Somers hid from the phone camera, first turning away and then hiding behind the person she was standing next to. She was eventually escorted, hiding between two people, to the nearby building and someone drove her Cadillac, with its Senate 18th plates, from across the parking lot, so she could slip in at the front door, Lady Di style, without being photographed.
Sterling Republican Chairman Victoria Robinson later called an editor at The Day, saying that I was “very creepy,” following a candidate around and scaring them. Sterling Republicans posted a picture of me on their Facebook page and said I was stalking Somers, following her there from Mystic.
Somers has a history of ducking photographers Election Night, but her behavior Tuesday was incredibly strange, a state senator refusing to have her picture taken in public, outside a polling place on Election Day.
I suppose it could be extreme vanity. I suspect it might have more to do with not being pictured with all the Trump signs adorning the Sterling polling place parking lot, in the heart of Trump country.
She was there to court Trump voters, but not be photographed with them.
Trump may continue to haunt Connecticut Republicans, either from the White House or prison.
And I’m sure an ambitious politician like Somers doesn’t want a picture of herself near a Trump sign that might surface in the future.
Alas, my road trip ended badly when my 20-year-old Mini broke down on Interstate 395. I had a nice chat with the tow truck driver, who told me he never votes because the candidates are merely the puppets of the richest people in the world who manipulate them. The government could cure cancer, but chooses not to because it benefits from the money spent on treatments.
I thought maybe I should put him in touch with the Satan-fearing Republicans of Stonington.
This is the opinion of David Collins
d.collins@theday.com
Gov. Ned Lamont is encouraging Connecticut motorists to avoid travel on state roads during the evening of Friday, Dec. 26.
This advisory comes as a snowstorm is anticipated to impact the state during the evening and overnight hours. Those who must travel are urged to drive cautiously and allow snow removal crews adequate space to clear the roads safely, according to Lamont’s prepared statement.
Forecasts indicate that Connecticut may receive between 6 and 12 inches of snow statewide. The snow is predicted to begin late Friday afternoon and intensify from light to very heavy between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Snowfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour at times during the evening. The storm is expected to taper off around sunrise on Saturday morning.
Lamont stated that the snow is projected to pick up quickly shortly after sunset on Friday. He added that the snowfall rates could be dangerous for driving. He recommended that anyone needing to travel should leave early and reach their destination before sunset.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has its fleet of 650 snowplows and specialized removal equipment ready for deployment. CTDOT crews are on standby and will remain active until roads are clear of snow and ice, state officials said. Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto confirmed that crews and contractors are prepared to clear roadways and will be out in full force.
Eucalitto also urged drivers to slow down, use caution, and maintain extra space between vehicles if they must travel during the storm. He asked the public to give plow drivers the room needed to work safely and efficiently.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 498 fatal traffic crashes and an estimated 32,213 injury crashes in 2022 under snow or sleet conditions.
CTDOT advises drivers to maintain distance from snowplows, avoid passing them, and allow operators ample space. For general winter driving safety, CTDOT recommends slowing down, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, using winter tires, and preparing an emergency kit. Drivers should never drive impaired and should check weather and road conditions before traveling via CTroads.org, state officials said.
See CT Weather: Up To 10 Inches Of Snow Accumulation Now Forecast By Saturday
This article includes AI-assisted reporting. Editors reviewed all content for accuracy.
Providing space for people who may not have a place to celebrate this Christmas. That’s what a Thai restaurant in Canton offered to the community.
It feels a lot like Christmas inside Green Papaya restaurant in Canton.
“It’s a wonderful time. We like to trade gifts,” said Net Nunta, the cook at Green Papaya.
For her and her partner Dirk Peirsman, they were trading flavors and hospitality.
“We don’t celebrate at home so we open here so we can see people too,” Nunta said.
Their restaurant was packed for the holiday, not just because they were one of the few places open, but also to offer a sense of community.
“They’re just great. They’ve both been a big part of the community,” said Lynne Kay, of New Hartford
The restaurant put a post on social media offering their space to anyone on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day who may not have a place to celebrate. It’s something they’ve been doing for the last five years.
“I don’t know why the social media blew up on this year. Our sign has been outside always, but the community’s happy,” Peirsman said.
People didn’t even need to eat Thai food as they could bring their own food, but many ate it or at least gave it a try.
“It’s healthy. It tastes good. It seems so clean. Yeah, we love it,” Tommy Skarupa said.
Nunta says this idea started after they came to Connecticut from Belgium to run the restaurant for Nunta’s mother about ten years ago. Both are very far from home and say they wanted to celebrate with the Canton community.
“It’s so lonely you know. Your whole family’s in Thailand and I don’t know anybody so that really hit me,” she said.
This meant welcoming anyone, even those who may be struggling with money around this time. Peirsman says he made sure to take care of at least one person.
“I cannot give you anything off the menu, but we have some catering here. Come in and sit down, eat something for free,” he said.
So far, it’s been a success with customers vowing to make a return trip.
“We love the food. We love the service and love just seeing Dirk and his whole family,” Skarupa said.
UPDATE: A winter storm warning has been issued for Fairfield, New Haven and Litchfield counties. A winter weather advisory is in effect for Hartford and Middlesex counties.
No advisories have been issued for New London, Tolland and Windham counties.
The weather service said in an update Thursday afternoon that 4 to 8 inches of snow is forecast for Fairfield County.
Find out what’s happening in Across Connecticutfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A total of 5 to 7 inches of snow is forecast for New Haven County but lesser amounts in eastern parts of the county.
“Total snow accumulations between 5 and 7 inches,” the weather service said concerning New Haven County. “The eastern portion of the county may see less snow with accumulations 3 to 5 inches.”
Find out what’s happening in Across Connecticutfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for Hartford County. “Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches.”
A winter storm warning is in effect for Litchfield County. “Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 8 inches.”
A winter weather advisory is in effect for Middlesex County. “Total snow accumulations between 3 and 5 inches.”
Original story: The weather itself on Christmas will be pleasant with temperatures rising into the 40s under sunny skies but with wind gusts approaching 30 mph at times.
This will all set the stage for an interesting but also complex snowstorm, which is scheduled to begin Friday evening. Folks residing in the western part of the state will see the most snow, possibly up to 7 inches of snow, while residents in the eastern part of the state could see as little as 1 to 3 inches of snow.
Snow could break out Friday afternoon in western parts of the state, while it may not start snowing until Friday night in eastern parts of Connecticut. The snow is forecast to mainly fall during the nighttime and overnight hours and should end by late morning Saturday.
Here is a full breakdown on the forecast for every county in the state via the National Weather Service:
Fairfield County snow details, via the weather service:
A winter storm watch remains in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. “Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 7 inches possible.” There is a 30 percent chance of snow after 1 p.m. Friday, but the storm really gets going in the evening hours.
New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties snow details, via the weather service:
“A winter storm system will affect the region Friday afternoon through Saturday morning with an accumulating, plowable snow,” the weather service said in a hazardous weather outlook.
There is a 20 percent chance of snow after 1 p.m. in western parts of New Haven County, where 3 to 7 inches of snow may accumulate.
In eastern parts of New Haven County and Middlesex County, 3 to 5 inches of snow is forecast. And in New London County, 2 to 4 inches of snow is forecast. The snow here won’t begin until Friday night.
Hartford County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday Night: Snow. Low around 19. Light northeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Saturday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 30. North wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
We are keeping a close eye on a low-pressure system that could bring plowable snow to the region Friday night into Saturday Morning. Uncertainty remains high, as guidance shows significant spread in the systems’ track. The best chances for 3+ inches of snow are in southwest CT. pic.twitter.com/vg1kdaLPS8
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) December 25, 2025
Read More:
Tolland County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday Night: Snow likely, mainly after 9pm. Cloudy, with a low around 17. Calm wind becoming northeast around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Saturday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 28. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Windham County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday Night: Snow likely, mainly after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 18. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Saturday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 30. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Litchfield County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday: A slight chance of snow after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 24. Wind chill values as low as -1. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday Night: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 16. Calm wind becoming east around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
Saturday: A chance of snow, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 27. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday and beyond forecast details for Connecticut, via the National Weather Service
Sunday: A chance of rain after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night: A chance of rain and snow before 7pm, then snow likely between 7pm and 1am, then rain after 1am. Low around 27. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday: Rain, mainly before 4pm. High near 45. South wind 6 to 11 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: A chance of rain before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 32. West wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. West wind 6 to 8 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 34. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
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