An Unenviable Job

Gov. Malloy & Lt. Gov. Wyman 

I can't remember a state leader being beset with so much bad news in such a short period.   Say what you want about Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, but his term as the state's chief executive has been one rocky road with one crisis after another.   After a very nasty campaign and close election, the looming budget nightmare could have been enough of a challenge.   That was not the case.   Thankfully, state Republicans and Democrats seem to be able to work better together than their Washington counterparts.   The past two and a half years have seen five natural disasters plus the Newtown massacre.   Governor Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman have been familiar faces in countless news conferences.   Malloy is not the smoothest and most charismatic speaker, but he has improved somewhat and there can be no denying his being on top of so many pressing situations.    New Jersey's Chris Christie has gotten the most national attention, but can there be any doubt that Governor Malloy's administration is just as engaged in getting us through these tough times?    He has managed to avoid taking on the role many of his Republican counterparts brag about: that of public employee union buster.   During this tumultuous time, Connecticut has moved ahead on legalizing gay marriage and eliminating the death penalty.   Agree or disagree, this has been a productive period.   Last but not least, nobody would have wanted to trade places with him while he helped families and neighbors deal with the shock and grief from the Newtown shootings.   No wonder he choked up at his State of the State address.   He apologized, but as one reporter said, "He didn't have to."