HOME >> Political Service >> Endorsement by Lieberman Lieberman Endorses Srinivasan The Glastonbury Citizen August 22, 2002 by Paul Tatro For a brief time Thursday evening, The Colonnade looked like the Connecticut Democratic headquarters as Senator Joseph Lieberman and Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz publicly endorsed Dr. Sheenu Srinivasan’s candidacy for the 31st District Seat in the General Assembly. Local and state party leaders spoke enthusiastically about Dr. Srinivasan’s potential to have a positive impact on a wide range of issues. The event, which raised thousands of dollars with contributions of $100 per guest, packed the Colonnade’s banquet center for two full hours. Dr. Srinivasan received warm applause as he proceeded to convey his political philosophies in a gentle and articulate manner. He began by making note of the date of the evening, Aug. 15, which is the Indian Independence Day before thanking his fellow party members for their support. Dr. Srinivasan directly thanked Lieberman, whose last Glastonbury appearance was two years ago, by saying “you do us a great honor.” Dr. Srinivasan went on to speak in general terms about the political and social climate he is facing if elected and also how his unique origins have shaped his beliefs. Specifically, Srinivasan commented on the problems of an “erosion of confidence and a stubborn economy” caused by what he referred to as “awful corporate scandals.” He expressed concern that corporate corruption would undermine education for the young, health care for the old, environmental quality and society’s attention to the arts. Because of this, said Srinivasan, there exists a “general sense of hopelessness,” but that he would work to restore the American spirit of optimism with innovative and practical solutions. Aside from being on Glastonbury’s Town Council, Dr. Srinivasan says he has spend a quarter of a century in the aerospace industry at Kaman Aerospace and United Technologies. In addition to that, he has served in the U.S. Air Force as a technical advisor. Srinivasan has also taught engineering and management in graduate schools in the U.S. and abroad and has many publications, including a textbook. If elected, Srinivasan said that he hoped to bring his experience to Hartford to “develop purposeful and focused legislation to address the issues that affect the lives of people” in an attempt to connect state government more to the local level. Sen. Lieberman encouraged Srinivasan by saying that “a thousand miles begins with a single step” referring to the uphill battle the candidate is facing as he takes on the widely popular four-term Republican incumbent Sonya Googins. Lieberman compared the challenge to his own impressive history of upsets. Lieberman also made a connection between his own achievements as a Jewish politician and the fact that Dr. Srinivasan was born in India. Lieberman called the presence of an Indian-American on the ticket a “wonderful breakthrough” adding “America will judge people based on their qualities.” He noted the significance of a candidate who was “born in the world’s largest democracy” bringing his expertise to the “world’s strongest democracy.” Dr. Srinivasan also received praise from the Senator who commented that local candidates often help provide momentum to the top of the ticket. Additionally contributing support and speaking favorably of Dr. Srinivasan were Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, State Senator Mary Ann Handly, State Representative Christopher Stone, Town Councilor Walter Cusson, and the chairman of the Glastonbury Democratic Party, John Davis. “The party is lucky to have a man like Sheenu to take the Democratic message to every house in Glastonbury” said Bysiewicz. Handly made note of Srinivasan’s tenacity, integrity, and commitment, saying that he had a “sense of what Glastonbury is all about.” Cusson reminded the audience that upsets were possible especially when a candidate “is not afraid to speak their minds to get things done.” Davis referred to other notable but unexpected victories over incumbents in Handly’s 1996 race against Republican Senator Paul Munns and Stone’s 1998 race against Representative Richard Veltri (in the old 9th District). “I cannot wait until that day when Sheenu will take that oath at the State Capitol,” said Stone.
All materials © Copyright A. V. Srinivasan -- all rights reserved Updated: Februery 2, 2003