Steely Dan

How did Dannel Malloy win a second term as governor of Connecticut, despite being  a Democrat in a Republican year, despite having a rematch with his 2010 Republican opponent, Tom Foley, that promised to be (and was) as much a nail-biter as their first race, and despite having raised taxes to clean up the mess in Hartford?

Well, here's what he did.  He stood by his tax increases and explained in simple, direct terms why he had to raise taxes to take care of the state budget gap.  In the wake of the 2012 Newtown tragedy,  he backed a bill - now a law - that bans the sale of gun magazines with a capacity of more than ten rounds, requires background checks on owners who wish to purchase guns through private transactions, and expands the types of guns covered by Connecticut's assault weapon ban.  These were unpopular policies among many Connecticut voters, to be sure.  But Dan Malloy did more than vigorously defend unpopular policies.  He stood by an unpopular President.  He welcomed President Obama to come to Connecticut and campaign for him, and he did the same for First Lady Michelle Obama as well.  Malloy's steely determination to run as a proud Democrat - and to take pride in his and the President's records - was what helped him win in the end.

  

Democrats, please take note!  This is what a winner looks like!