Gale Mastrofrancesco

HARTFORD—House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora and State Rep. Gale Mastrofrancesco, House Ranking Member of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, released the following statement today in response to a controversial speech made by Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas last week at a Registrar of Voters Association Connecticut conference in Windsor. Registrars of Voters have complained about the partisan and even offensive nature of the speech, with SOTS Thomas offering an explanation via email to registrars Monday:

“Democrats have developed a disturbing habit of invoking Nazi comparisons to score political points, a tactic that not only demeans their opponents but also trivializes the horrors of the Holocaust. Secretary Thomas’ half-hearted apology to Connecticut’s registrars of voters this week is especially troubling, considering she claims to have studied this painful chapter of history,” said House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford). “Based on her reckless and offensive remarks at last week’s conference, it’s clear she needs to revisit those lessons—and perhaps even spend time with families directly impacted by the Holocaust. Maybe then she and her fellow Democrats will think twice before casually labeling those they disagree with as Nazi sympathizers.”

“This was supposed to be a training session, but instead it turned into a clearly political speech aimed at Republicans and comparing those in that room to Nazis. Democrats are constantly fearmongering, and this is no different, because they portray everyone who dares to disagree with them and their policies as Nazis. It is deeply troubling and inappropriate for a nonpartisan setting and such a disrespect to all the hardworking Republican registrars across our state who are just trying to do what they are elected to do. Our election officials should be focused on transparency and fairness,” said Rep. Mastrofrancesco, R-Wolcott.

She continued: “Secretary Thomas then criticized executive orders from the White House that will help strengthen the integrity of our elections, saying they would be ‘bad for Connecticut.’ This state has continued to make national headlines for the wrong reasons – election fraud. And it is not only limited to Bridgeport. In Stamford, an investigation revealed absentee ballot fraud and forgery. In Torrington, a state employee was recently charged with changing the party affiliation on voter registration cards. It happens, and it happens here. Strengthening our elections and requiring identification is not bad for Connecticut, unless you are afraid of the potential outcomes.”