Reddingites travel to Hartford for Shays’ campaign announcement for U.S. Senate

Written by by Tom Derderian / Redding Republicans
Thursday, 02 February 2012 13:00

Five Redding residents, including Burdin and Jane Hickok, Tom Derderian, Henry Polio and Kevin Murray, were among a group of more than 300 from across the state to attend former U.S. Congressman Christopher Shays' formal announcement of his campaign for the U.S. Senate. The announcement was made at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 25, in the Old State House Building in Hartford.

Following 13 years as a member of Connecticut's legislature, Mr. Shays, a Republican, represented Connecticut's 4th Congressional District, which includes Redding, for 21 years. While a member of Congress, Mr. Shays was a senior member of the House Oversight and Government Reform, Budget, Financial Services, and Homeland Security committees.

He also chaired the House Oversight Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations, which played a major role in reforms following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. He was appointed co-chair of the federal Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2009 and served in that capacity until recently.

Mr. Shays' announcement speech emphasized the need to balance the federal budget. "When I am elected to the United States Senate, I will sponsor legislation that balances the budget within my six-year term of office, and vote that way, regardless of the political consequences, and regardless of which party is in the majority," Mr. Shays said. "Until we get our financial house in order, nothing else matters."

He also focused on how his experience and proven abilities as a legislator make him the ideal candidate for the job. "We need to elect a United States senator who possesses the courage, the record, and the experience to get things done," said Mr. Shays. "That's why I'm running for United States Senate. I have the courage to stand up for what needs to be done, but I also have the knowledge and experience to know how to get it done, and a record of accomplishment that you can rely on."

Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I), who has held the seat for more than 20 years, is retiring at the end of his current term.