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Democratic Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who has
burnished his image as a consumer crusader on a host of issues over his
years in office may have gone a tad too far this week by taking a shot at
Democrats who control the General Assembly. Political rumors claim
Blumenthal is eying a gubernatorial run in 2010. Dissing your fellow
Democrats doesn't fit that strategy.
At issue is the struggle to provide meaningful rate relief for consumers
stung by skyrocketing electric bills. Legislative efforts to accomplish that
goal have moved at a snail's pace. On top of that, the legislature's Energy
and Technology Committee bypassed Blumenthal's pet remedies for the
electricity crisis.
The Attorney General favors a windfall profits tax on
electricity generators. He contends that levy could produce $400 million to
be sent to ratepayers as rebates. He also advocates creation of a state
electric authority to help finance new home-grown powerplants and secure
affordable electricity contracts for Connecticut.
Blumenthal chastised the Democrat-controlled legislature. "We are well into
the legislative session and still no action (on electric rates)--we need
action and we need it now," he declared.
The AG, along with a citizens group, urged consumers to send copies of their
electric bills to lawmakers to stress the urgency of the issue. "We ought to
be angry and outraged that our legislature has failed to provide solutions,"
he said. Blumenthal vowed to continue the fight--hoping to get his proposals
into a final compromise bill on energy regulation.
Democratic House Speaker James Amann of Milford did not take kindly to
Blumenthal's scolding and finger wagging at the legislature.
"What he's been doing is non-productive," said Amann. "Putting forward some
quick fix such as a windfall profits tax is the wrong way to be going--I
think it would do more harm," he explained.
The Speaker said Blumenthal is "ill-advised" on energy and "should not try
to stir the pot." Amann, the top leader in the House, claims Blumenthal
never discussed electric rate problems with him.
"It's unfortunate he wants to take this to Democrat bashing in his own
party," said Amann. "It's not the right path."
Blumenthal, as a state constitutional officer elected in his own right, has
always gone his own way in attacking issues and that has resulted in a
high-profile image. He was re-elected in 2006 with the highest vote total
and best winning percentage of any state official. But if Blumenthal truly
wants to run for governor in 2010, he may need to lower the voltage on his
recent power play on electric rates.
"For him to grandstand on this issue against fellow Democrats is appalling,"
said Amann.
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