For Immediate Release
June 20, 2011

Testani: "Mary Beth Thornton has proven right out of the gate that she is Trumbull's version of Dan Malloy"

(Trumbull, CT) - Trumbull Republican Town Committee Chairman Jack Testani issued a statement on Monday questioning the driving force behind Mary Beth Thornton in her candidacy for First Selectman. Testani referenced a recent YouTube video prepared by the Trumbull Democratic Town Committee at Thornton's first fundraiser on June 7, 2011. The fundraiser was held at Testo's restaurant, a favorite of the Democratic establishment. In the video, Democratic State Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo and Congressman Jim Himes are seen recognizing the large number of union members in attendance at the fundraiser. DiNardo expressed excitement at having unions from across the state to come help influence the election in Trumbull. "It is unsettling that Mrs. Thornton is running for First Selectman of the Town of Trumbull, but had to go to Bridgeport to have her first fundraiser," said Testani. "But it is even more disturbing to see her start by soliciting interest groups from outside Trumbull to help her win an election. In 2009, there was no doubt the election was decided by the PEOPLE of Trumbull. At her fundraiser, Mary Beth paraded out the entire Democratic hierarchy and showed they intend to take that decision back from the people in 2011."

Testani went on to state, "Mrs. Thornton talks of bipartisanship, but her first fundraiser looked like a Democratic coronation. Even the governor was there, which is appropriate, because she is Trumbull's version of Dan Malloy. During her time on the Town Council, Mrs. Thornton supported tax increases that averaged 6% and she voted to grow the size of government by over 30%. In these unsettling economic times, one thing is clear - - the people of Trumbull cannot afford Mary Beth Thornton. Let's just hope the election is controlled by the people who actually live here and not the Democratic machine behind Mary Beth Thornton."