State Dem. Chair Challenges Lauretti, Other Gov. Candidates

State Democratic Committee Chairwoman wants Mayor Mark Lauretti to disavow the Tea Party and get people to sign up for health insurance under the Connecticut's Exchange.

Lauretti declined to respond the challenge, saying, "The Tea Party has nothing to do with this." He cited past successful GOP governors in Connecticut, including M. Jodi Rell and John G. Rowland.

Lauretti said he needs to raise $250,000 to meet the minimum standards for public financing. A donor can give a maximum of $100 individually, he added.

Raising the $250,000 is a litmus test for any candidacy, according to Lauretti, who was re-elected to a 12th two-year term in Shelton.

"If you can't do that you can't win a general election," he said.

Lauretti cited improvements to the city's economic base as one of his accomplishments.

"We give you affordability and tax stability year in and year out," he said, adding that companies come to Shelton without tax breaks.

DiNardo also called out potential gubernatorial candidates Toni Boucher, Mark Boughton, Tom Foley and John McKinney.

"GOP gubernatorial candidates who meet the contest requirements will win a tea party thrown by Nancy DiNardo in Hartford.  Candidates who are too chicken to denounce the Tea Party, will win a do-it- yourself Tea Party kit delivered by the CT Dems Chickens. Additional do-it-yourself Tea Party kits can be ordered from the Connecticut Democratic Party for those longer hours when trying to come up with an actual GOP plan for health care.

"I look forward to hosting Toni Boucher, Mark Boughton, Tom Foley, Mark Lauretti and John McKinney for tea," said Connecticut Democratic Party Chair Nancy DiNardo. "That is, if they are ready to disavow the Tea Party and put the needs of Connecticut residents first."

"Some easy ways for the candidates to help are directing constituents to the Access Health CT website, or driving a neighbor to an enrollment center or enrollment fair," DiNardo said.

To sign up for Connecticut's health care exchange can visit the following link: https://www.accesshealthct.com/AHCT/LandingPageCTHIX.