Opinion: 'America Cannot Afford Another Commander-in-Chief Who Needs On-the-Job Training'

The following letter to the editor was written by Matt Grimes.

"Connecticut Presidential primaries have been sleepers since Nutmeggers went for both McCain and Obama in 2008, but our state has an interesting history:

• In 1980, Democrats rejected incumbent President Carter to give Connecticut’s delegates to neighbor Ted Kennedy. That same day, GOP-ers balked at the party’s icon-to-be, Ronald Reagan, in favor of native son George H.W. Bush.
• In 1988, Senator Bob Dole’s poor Connecticut showing - against then-Vice President Bush -effectively ended his campaign.
• In 1992, Former-and-now Governor Jerry Brown (D-California) surprised here and threatened to derail Bill Clinton’s post-New Hampshire surge.
• In 2000, Connecticut’s participation in Super Tuesday gave John McCain one of several victories while Texas Gov. George W. Bush swept all bigger states, effectively locking the GOP nomination.

This history shows that, despite national trends, Connecticut voters in both parties tend to make up their minds – and sometimes act differently – in the privacy of the voting booth.

In 2016, I urge Connecticut Republicans to rise above the noisy rhetoric, and cast an informed vote. Despite what political pundits and analysts may say, the nomination is not out of anyone’s reach. Every vote does count. Yes, Connecticut voters stand to have an impact.

As a political party, our task is to select the candidate who stands the best chance of being elected in November. We need a standard-bearer who not only appeals to Republicans, but one with a proven track record of attracting independents and achieving solutions to problems facing America both at home and abroad.

Today, twenty years of bare-knuckles division plagues Washington. When one election ends, those disappointed rub their hands together in anticipation of the next one, eager to settle the score.

Next Tuesday, I will cast my vote for Gov. John Kasich of Ohio because of his fiscal conservatism, ability to lead, and record of using his elected offices not to “be somebody”, but to actually get something done. Additionally, and significantly, Kasich has the most experience, qualifications, and electability the Republican Party needs to compete with the historical candidacy of Hillary Clinton.

John Kasich makes decisions on an ethical basis every day, without fear of standing up for what’s right, and following the rule of law - whether or not he happens to agree with it personally.

As for the other GOP candidates, Donald Trump certainly bears strong leadership capabilities. He might well succeed if given the chance to lead America. However, the effectiveness of Trump’s message in the primary season shows no signs of garnering similar support in a general election audience.

Sen. Ted Cruz’s challenge to the status quo and winning the Republican nomination (tantamount to election in Texas) over a protégé of Gov. Rick Perry is admirable, as are his legal skills. However, like the current President, Cruz is a one-term Senator with nearly no executive experience. One would be hard-pressed to cite an accomplishment of Cruz since being elected to Congress. Right now, America cannot afford another Commander-in-Chief who needs on-the-job training.

Qualifications aside, the greatest concern in a Trump or Cruz candidacy seems clear. While they may eventually rally the party faithful, neither appears poised to win support from a sufficient enough number of Americans who voted to reelect Obama-Biden in 2012. Connecticut Republicans know this concern all too well. Twice, we have stood at the threshold of the Governor’s Mansion only to be frustrated because Dan Malloy appealed to “just enough” independents that our candidate failed to connect with.

If nominated, John Kasich stands positioned not only to win a significant number of those Americans, but to realign the electoral map for the Republican Party. This will happen because John Kasich lives, practices and breathes the advice of one of the most successful Republican Presidential candidates of the 20th century: “We cannot learn from one another unless we stop shouting at one another – until we speak quietly enough so that our words can be heard as well as our voices.”

Please join Mayor Mark Boughton, State Sens. Tony Hwang and Len Fasano, First Selectmen Steve Vavrek and Jayme Stevenson – and countless other Connecticut GOP leaders – in voting for John Kasich on April 26th.