It speaks volumes when two of the three most powerful majority Democrats in Connecticut’s legislature feel compelled to write an op-ed complaining that minority Republicans are simply too effective at making their case.
That is the real message behind their piece, “Unlimited Debate, Fine; But Not Abuse.” Their true grievance isn’t about process or decorum —it’s about control. And now, faced with growing Republican momentum, they’re scrambling to tighten their grip.
Let’s be clear: Connecticut Democrats are afraid. They fear open debate because they know they are losing the argument. They fear Republican ideas because they know they are common sense. They fear the people of Connecticut —because they know a lot of people of this state agree with us.
For years, Democrats in Hartford have ruled with arrogance, governing as if they are entitled to power and treating their legislative majority as a birthright rather than a privilege granted by the voters. Now they are acting as if free and open debate is a “courtesy” they bestow and something they graciously “allow” rather than the very foundation of representative government. This arrogance blinds them to the reality around them: the people of Connecticut are increasingly rejecting their policies.
And why? Because they know the truth. On issue after issue —affordability, electric rates, illegal immigration, individual and parental rights, public safety— the people of Connecticut stand with Republicans. The data is clear and the frustration is real. But instead of meeting this moment with leadership, Democrats are resorting to their favorite tactics: distraction and suppression. They focus their efforts on demeaning those who challenge their failing policies and aim to set the stage to quell full and honest debate.
Make no mistake —this is not about procedure; their gripe is meant to provide the groundwork to limit elected senators’ speech on issues that affect every single person in our state.
Contrast that with Republicans, who engage in good faith across party lines on hundreds of bills every year. We work across the aisle, yes, because we have to… but also because we value debate. We welcome differing opinions because we know real solutions come from rigorous discussion. That is how government is supposed to function. But Democrats now seek to redefine debate itself —as if allowing it is some magnanimous gesture rather than an obligation in a free society.
Debate is not a courtesy. It is a right. It is the very mechanism by which our legislature operates. And if Connecticut Democrats move to shut it down, they will reveal themselves for what they truly are: not defenders of our representative republic, but opponents of it.
For generations, “calling the question” —ending debate— has been considered a nuclear option in the Connecticut legislature, used only in the most extreme circumstances. If the super-majority Democrats choose to take that step, let it be known: The greatest threat to our system of representation in Connecticut is not Republicans asking tough questions, it’s Democrats being too afraid to answer them.
Written by Sens. Stephen Harding, Henri Martin, Rob Sampson, Heather Somers, Paul Cicarella, John Kissel, Eric Berthel, Tony Hwang, Ryan Fazio, Jeff Gordon, and Jason Perillo.