New Haven Independent

Posted by: Harvey Koizim | May 21, 2006 6:09 PM

Plus ca change!

My first Connecticut Democratic Party State Convention was in 1954 when primaries had not yet been legalized. Then, John Bailey, Democratic State Chairman consulted with a few Democratic Party leaders -- Connie Mulvihill of Bridgeport -- Tom Keating, Danbury leader and MOST IMPORTANT -- because of the dollars and bodies he could deliver -- Mike Sviridoff of New Haven, head of the State AFL-CIO. Together, they decided on the Candidates for Governor and the "underticket" -- which of course had to be "balanced" -- there had to be a Pole from the Valley, a token black, yankee, Irish and Italian. We didn't need a Jew for the underticket that year because Abe Ribicoff, First District congressman was to be the Gubernatorial nominee.

Historically, the "long ballot" in Connecticut was devised by party leaders to give regional and ethnic representation, and, not insignificantly, to give party bosses ability to hand out patronage. Basically, there's still no other reason to burden the ballot with these purely administrative positions.

Fifty years ago, organized labor held lots of sway and Mike Sviridoff had the power "sign off" on the candidacies. The nominees were chosen by a small group of power brokers meeting, drinking and smoking in Bailey's hotel suite the night before the delegates "voted."

Primaries in Connecticut first came on the scene in 1958, "Liberals" from Fairfield County somehow got the primary law through the legislature -- but not without Bailey's amendment requiring a primary candidate to have 20% of the delegates in any ballot. Bailey figured by passing out judgeships and other patronage, he could control at least 81% of the delegates; thus, he reasoned he could block primaries. (Recently, the 20% requirement was reduced to 15%).

Changes today? Labor has lost much of its power. It no longer has that veto. John DeStefano spent much time, effort and political capital gathering union endorsements and lost the nomination at a convention at which labor delegates were in an impotent minority. Plus, with dwindling patronage, it's not difficult to get 15% of the delegates (on any ballot) to force a primary.

So why waste time, energy and much needed public treasure choosing delegates to party conventions? Good question!