Republican Messaging, Gubernatorial Endorsements, and an Insiders' Invite

This weekly segment by Democrats for Education Reform CT looks at the top education stories Democrats are watching, providing bite-sized analysis and links to recent articles. On the roster this week: Republican messaging, interesting endorsements, and insider-only invites!

2 Weeks Out, Republicans Are Off Message!

For voters who care about preserving public education as a social safety net, the choice is clearly blue. Unfortunately, the polls aren’t decisive enough yet that we can take for granted that Dems will win key races here in Connecticut. But there’s good news: Republicans have fallen off message! Our expert analysts explain here.

Racking Up the Endorsements

With two weeks until the elections, it seems like everybody has an opinion about the Connecticut races. Gubernatorial candidate Ned Lamont has been endorsed by former President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden (campaigning in CT this Friday), and a growing coalition of supporters like Planned Parenthood and the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters--which are both spending money to support candidates this election. In the State Senate races, we’ve also seen Obama endorse Will Haskell, running in Senate District 26. Will’s campaign has been covered in the NY Times and on ABC News. In the 14th Senate District, James Maroney, a former State Representative, has been endorsed by US Representative Rosa DeLauro and Milford Mayor Ben Blake.

Philos 2018: Update

We’re just a month away from Philos 2018, this year in Boulder, CO! This annual convening, hosted by our 501c3 affiliate Education Reform Now, includes policymakers, education advocates, and thought leaders discussing the pathways to improving American public education. Last year’s conference featured Secretaries of Education Arne Duncan and John King, Let America Vote President Jason Kander, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, US Senator Maggie Hassan, and Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. Philos is an invitation only event, but if you’d like to join us, please contact Amy: amy@dfer.org

Invite for Insiders

At DFER CT, we’re conducting polls and regular political analyses to monitor the midterm elections. Knowing who is going to be representing the interests of students at the Capitol is critical to our work. This week, we’re hosting a conference call with Jim Williams from PPI, the pollster that conducted statewide research exclusively for DFER CT insiders like you. It’s a unique opportunity to get a detailed scoop on how the midterms are unfolding--just ten days before election day.

Mark your calendars for 3pm on Friday, October 26th. RSVP here to get dial-in details.