Like many Democrats in the Town of Berlin and throughout the 1st Congressional District, I have been carefully considering the candidates in this year’s congressional race. It is important that I convey my respect and appreciation for John Larson’s three decades of service in Congress. But it has also become glaringly evident that it is time for a new leader with fresh ideas, energized commitment, and a more agile approach to addressing the rapidly changing landscape of our nation’s politics.
I watched two short, but significant, videos this week that helped me decide my vote. The first was Luke’s appearance on the ultra-conservative network, Newsmax. Luke spoke directly to Newsmax’s conservative viewers, acknowledged that they likely do not share his political views, and asked them to listen. Luke laid out a thoughtful, clear, and forceful indictment of ICE’s actions in Minneapolis and the Trump administration’s deflections following the murder of Alex Pretti.
While the hosts tried to cut him off, Luke stayed on message, and the segment ended without a substantive rebuttal. Apparently, many others share my view that Luke’s performance was powerful. As of this week, the video has received more than half a million views on Facebook.
On that same day, I watched a second video that the Larson campaign posted to social media, which showed an exchange between John Larson and a conservative constituent at a rally near the Capitol. During this confrontation we can see Larson’s passion, but instead of clear, strong, impactful arguments, he became frustrated, argumentative, and unfortunately, failed to make his case. The two men yelled and cursed at each other before a staffer pulled the Congressman away. It was a display I wish had not occurred.
I don’t pretend to know whether Luke Bronin changed the hearts and minds of Newsmax viewers during his interview. But I believe, like Luke does, that there are members of the Republican party, and hopefully the MAGA faithful, who are deeply disturbed by the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. What I saw, and continue to see, is that Luke’s ability and independence from political establishment allows him to reach individuals across party lines and with different ideologies, and speak with them calmly, rationally, and respectfully.
Perhaps the Larson campaign shared the video with the counter protestor because they believe that Democrats want leaders who are ready to stand up and fight. They are not wrong. In Congress, I want an advocate who is adamant about reproductive freedom, protecting our children by keeping them safe from gun violence, and defending against threats to our Constitution. However, we should not confuse yelling with strength. We should know the difference between being argumentative and respectful political discourse.
I believe it is time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders, just as Nancy Pelosi and other veteran members of Congress have chosen to do. And I believe Luke has proven his ability to lead in difficult times. His exceptional leadership as the mayor of Hartford brought fiscal stability and growth to the City during a challenging financial crisis, and his military background as a decorated U.S Navy veteran provides first-hand experience of the complexity of issues related to national security at a particularly volatile time.
It is time for change in our Congressional representation. Not because of age. Not change for the sake of change. Rather, change because we have a pragmatic, forward-thinking candidate, Luke Bronin, who is not beholden to the political establishment, who will make bold decisions while standing up to the entrenched systems in Washington. He will be a powerful voice at a moment when it is crucial we have powerful voices. Luke is who I want representing me in Congress.
JoAnn Angelico-Stetson, is secretary of the Berlin Democratic Town Committee and Democratic State Central Committee representative, 6th District