Former President Bill Clinton Speaks at Malloy Democratic Rally

Written By Brian McCready (Patch Staff)

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s reelection campaign against Republican Tom Foley got a boost Tuesday when former president Bill Clinton made an appearance at his rally in New Haven, The Courant reports.

Clinton, a graduate of Yale Law School, appeared at the Omni New Haven hotel with U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, fellow Yale graduate U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and others in support of Malloy. The former president has become a Democratic campaign celebrity known for generating money and crowds, as exemplified by people gathering at the event more than an hour before his appearance.

“It all started here,’’ Clinton said. “I love Connecticut. You’ve been good to me in personal and political ways.’’

Clinton’s speech addressed party loyalists and highlighted Malloy and the Democratic party’s achievements in Connecticut, including changes in gun control and minimum wage. He also touched on his personal ties to the state, noting that he met his wife, Hillary, in New Haven 39 years ago.

The New Haven Register reports that Clinton said Malloy “should be re-elected by 10 points or more, going away.” The crowd, comprised of 300 to 400 party officials and loyalists, cheered in response.

Murphy said that Foley seeks to “pad his resume,” instead of governing with passion, the New Haven Register reports. The senator said he was “damn proud” of accomplishments Malloy’s administration achieved, including raising minimum wage and creating jobs.

Blumenthal spoke favorably of his history with Clinton in addition to praising Malloy, saying, “Bill Clinton once said to me that elections are about the future. Bill Clinton reminds us: Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow.’’

Joe Young, a 21-year-old member of the Manchester Democratic Town Committee and front-row attendee of Clinton’s rally, told the Courant, “This is a dream come true.”

Read the full story at The Courant.

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