Redding Republican Fundraiser Included 'Spirited Messages' From Christopher Shays

By TOM ARTHUR (Open Post)

To the over 100 enthusiastic guests who turned out for the Redding Republicans’ “Evening with Larry Kudlow” on Saturday, October 17th at the Redding Country Club, it was a most enjoyable occasion.

The evening, which was the town Republicans major fundraiser of the year, featured the nationally syndicated columnist, CNBC Senior Contributor and radio host of the nationally syndicated “Larry Kudlow Show.” Mr. Kudlow was also associate director for economics and planning in the Executive Office of the President during Ronald Reagan’s first term. Mr. Kudlow and his wife Judith are also Redding residents. Also in attendance and on the marquee as special guest of honor was former Congressman Christopher Shays, who represented the 4th District for 21 years.

Following cocktails, RTC Chair Kevin Murray kicked off the speaking portion of the evening by introducing dignitaries in attendance, including State Senator Toni Boucher and State Representatives Dan Carter and John Shaban. He then introduced the party’s slate of candidates for office in the upcoming municipal election. These included Eric Witt for First Selectman, Michael Thompson for Selectman, Ward Mazzucco and Jim Sanders for Board of Finance, and Michael Hoffman and John Reilly for Board of Education. “We’re very proud to be able to offer such a capable and well-qualified slate of candidates for these important town positions,” said Murray, who also acknowledged RTC events chair Linda Eike and Silent Auction chair Linda Koch for their roles in the evening’s success. Mr. Witt and Mr. Thompson then each briefly addressed the audience.

Following an introduction by longtime friend Tom Derderian, Christopher Shays spoke first of his deep gratitude in having had the opportunity to represent the people of Redding in Congress. “I loved my job, and I loved representing the people of Redding in Washington,” he remarked. Shays then discussed the need for our country to get its financial house in order and provide an environment that allows our economy to grow and prosper. “We need to restore the Promise of America, where each generation is better off than the previous generation,“ he said. “That can only happen with economic growth…more jobs, higher wages, and the ‘can-do’ spirit that has been part of the American way for centuries,” he added. Following his remarks, former First Selectman, Natalie Ketcham. Presented Mr. Shays with a gift of appreciation “from your friends in Redding,” including a baseball cap embroidered with the Redding zip code 06896. “So people will know, you always belong to us,” she remarked.

Ms. Ketcham then introduced the guest speaker Larry Kudlow, who addressed the audience with a message about the need for change both on a national basis and within the state. “We’re not in a good place right now,” he observed, speaking of our country’s lost stature on both an economic and international front and of Connecticut’s low rankings within the country on key economic measures. “This needs to change,” he said.

Speaking of Connecticut he added “If we want to see our state become great again, we need to confront some of the business-unfriendly regulations and taxes that are putting our economy at such a disadvantage and prompting so many businesses and families to leave our state,” he observed. “I’m a free market guy,” he added, “and you can’t create jobs when you punish the job creators.” Mr. Kudlow also shared the news that he was considering declaring his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the 2016 U.S. Senate race. Following his remarks, State Senator Toni Boucher presented Mr. Kudlow Mr. Kudlow with a gift of appreciation from Redding...bronze bookend statues of the Wall Street bull and bear.

Guests then enjoyed dinner and a spirited silent and not-so-silent auction.

Photo: Present at the Redding Republican “Evening with Larry Kudlow” were (from left) State Representative Dan Carter, State Representative John Shaban, guest speaker Larry Kudlow, RTC Chair Kevin Murray, former Redding First Selectman Natalie Ketcham, special guest of honor and former U.S. Congressman Christopher Shays, State Senator Toni Boucher, Redding First Selectman candidate Eric Witt, Judith Kudlow, Tom Derderian.