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TALKING POINTS FOR SENATOR ROBERT DOLE EDDY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL -- 6/15/86
What Eddy Will Say:
In his introduction of Senator Dole Eddy will stress a basic theme of traditional family values, based on generational responsibility, community involvement and sacrifice when needed ( i . e. WWI I) .
He will talk about his experience as a small businessman in a small community. He will certainly say something about Father's day and he will stress his roots in Connecticut. And he will tie the Reagan Administration and Dole's Senate together as the driving force behind America's resurgence.
Eddy believes strongly, and has said on many occasions, that Reagan is the best peace-time President America has ever had. He will talk about the prosperity America has enjoyed with Reagan and Dole at the helm and how it has renewed America's faith in itself.
Eddy will say something about his and Dole's service in the 10th Mtn. Division and will tie that back to community, family, pride in country and responsibility.
What Senator Dole Should Say:
we would like the Senator to contrast Roger Eddy's attitude toward the President with Dodd's record. Here are some facts: * In 1981, when President Reagan was laying the foundation of his economic recovery program Dodd ranked 97th out of 100 in supporting the President. He was tied with Eagleton. Only Kennedy and Metz- enbaum supported the president less.
* From 1981-85 Dodd has ranked 97th, 84th, 76th, 86th, 7lst in supporting the President.
* In 1977, while in the House, Dodd supported Carter 75% of the time. In Reagan's first year Dodd sup- ported him only 33% of the time.
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We would like Senator Dole to talk about the economic turnaround America has experienced in the last few years. How America has rebounded from the Carter years and is once again respected, etc. If possible, it would be nice to point out that Dodd has not taken part in this recovery, rather he has fought it pretty much all the way along.
Ironically, Dodd enjoys high favorable ratings because of what the Republicans have done in turning America around. (Un- employment in Connecticut is the second lowest in the nation, trailing only New Hampshire.) It would be a great help if the Senator could, however briefly, address this.
Both Eddy and Dodd are uncontested within their parties. However, the Republican and Democratic Gubernatorial primaries are hotly contested and will, over the course of the summer, receive a great deal of attention. This may divert attention from the Senate race.
Misc.:
To date, approximately 100 people (actual members, spouses, children, etc.) associated with the New England Chapter of the 10th Mtn. Div. have said they will attend. In addition, alot of members who can't attend will be sending notes. Senator Dole is a source of a great deal of pride with these people. Deborah Eddy's letter of invitation is enclosed in the information packet. She, incidentally, also served with the 10th Mtn. Div as a Red Cross girl.
There is no way to gauge the GOP attendance other than from past events (no rsvp etc.) but you can conservatively estimate 400-500 providing the weather is ok.
Dress: Casual. The setting is the Eddy Farm and the atmosphere will reflect the farm setting.
Dale Ryan is sending the names of the private reception attendees and their addresses.
If you have any questions please give Hans Kaiser at the Senatorial Committee (347-0202) or Andy McLeod at the Eddy Campaign (203 667-3339) a call.
Thanks for all your help. You guys are great.
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Straight shooter with a tough target By Bob Conrod oger Eddy's 66th birthday party last week wW prob- ably go down as his moat R memorable ln an excep. tional lifetime because it was also the day he picked to declare for- m-ally his candidacy for the Unit· ed States Senate. There he was - an author, farmer. inventor and politician - surrounded by family and well wishers as he announced his In- tention to seek the Republican nomination to take on the Demo- cratic "Goliath," U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd. The place: Home town Newington; Two hours earlier, down the road a piece In East Haddam, Dodd had declared his candidacy for a second term as reporters and family huddled In a chill breeze in front of his home, a COD· verted schoolhouse. Dodd has done this before - three times as a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives and then for his initial Senate run. Eddy had three terms In the state legislature, this announcement was his first on this scale. Eddy has a few things to prove. In his speech last week he showed he knows it. Not the least of his hurdles is convincing voters he isn't simply a sacrificial lamb for the GOP in a hopeless run against Dodd. He doesn't have any such thought In mind, though he snapped "you'd better believe lt"- when a reporter asked if he sees the race as "upstream." He knows the odds. Eddy, an apprentice senior cit!· zen who Is everyman's Image of a _ Connecticut Yankee, came across equally clearly as a candidate 'toger Eddy ot his farm In Newington who will know the Issues and, armed with his special talent for expressing himself, wlll run bile some In his audi- up front, also, with personal de- protect women's rights. "Since straight at Dodd. ence fidgeted. and tails - from having a gimpy leg none of you have asked," he said, At his press conference, Eddy looked at their (from a bout with polio more than "I'll answer the question on abor- seemed arudol!S to live up to his watches, Eddy de- 30 years ago) that may cause him tion. I believe a woman shou reputation for direct, W ld be sometimes scribed Social Security as a time to fall now and then, to the diffi. allowed to choose." And as a con- sarcastic wit - to the delight of bomb that must be defused or It culties In raising campaign mon- firmed environmentalist, Eddy Republican leaders who clapped wlll lead Inevitably to horrendou1 ey. He has $34,000 now; Dodd has would clash with Reagan. their hands and nodded to each taxes In years ahead .... or badly more than $1.2 million. The conventional wisdom is other with every such thrust. curtailed benefltl for the current An unabashed hawk on foreign that But Eddy also kept Roger Eddy's mission for the his promise, "baby boom" generation when It relations, Eddy all but declared GOP is to give Dodd a run for his when. he was hyping his an- reaches retirement age. war on Nicaragua when he intro- money and hold down the sena- nouncement, that he would deal Eddy proposed a remedy, a duced former U.N. tor's potential right ambassador plurality. Eddy from the top with Issues, In- bonding program that would cre- Jeane Kirkpatrick at a recent doesn't look at it quite that way. cluding some that may be politl· ate a "1uper" retirement account GOP dinner. He calls President "Of course cally dangerous. On that I know what my day, In a to protect this generation from Reagan the greatest peace-time chances are," he says, " But I'm hall near the Newington farm being short.changed later. His president In the nation's history. not In this to lose." where he was born and still lives; point, however, was that he will "I believe µi being No. 1," he told he chose Social Security as one meet Issues openly, regardless of the crowd. "I want the United begging attention though most bow , popular or otherwise they States Bob Conrad, a veteran state politicians to lead." - not mentioning any are. But Eddy has a soft side, too. political reporter, writes a syn· uames, of course - leave It alone. The Newington Republican was He favors the ERA amendment to dicated co lum n.
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BRISTOL PRESS Tuesday, March 25, 1986 Roger Eddy: A Touch Of Class The man who could make this ntt.•St . politicians running for office yp~11"s lJ.S S1•nat1> rampaign worth l.1c k If Eddy can smoke out Dodd and walctiing is no political whip- raise enough money to get on persnapper. HP is 65-ycar-old Bob lPlcvision or pay for a pages of H c p u b I i r ;i n H o g 1· r E d d y o f nPwspa1wrs advcrtisemt'nts, he Newington. Douglas should be well recrivcd. !fr says he If you haven't paid close atl.:ntion wants lo debate issues lha t just a bout to Republican and stale politics. you all politicians are afraid to touch . probably don 'l kr.ow Eddy. But Socia 1 Security is one concern he he's worth knowing; for Republicans, and he'll be running his own cam- wants to Lalk about because he wants he may be the most interesting paign. to spare the state's elderly from candidate running for anything this Calling Dodd, "a young man living worrying about the future of their vcar. in the past," Eddy said, "I think he benefits. · Hoger Eddy is laking on U.S. does belirve that money can solve Eddy may be a little difficult for Senator Christ.ophrr Dodd, thr liberal problems." Money helps, Eddy ad- some folks in lhe media to tm· Demonat. who is SN·king his srrond ded, but he prefers to give people the derstand. That's because he usually term. means to do the job themselves. Eddy answers a question simply 2nd Dodd is heavily favored to repeat also ha·s the common touch; he is as at directly. While he disagrees with But if Eddy can receive attention. home in a cow barn as in handling the President Reagan on certain issues. Dodd may not br able to ignore his media or speaking before · an Eddy says Ronald Reagan is the best challenger or tu w;dk away with the audience. peace-time president the nation has eli'ction. as easily :is mos! polilit·os Four yrars ago at the Republican ever had. He also plans to invite the :1nticipate. state convention. the best speech president lo the Eddy family's Ruger Eddy is a birrl-eall im•pnt.or, didn't come from Lewis Rome . thr Newington farm lo campaign. a farmer, a writer, a tt>levision party's nominated gubernatorial Those who know lloger Eddy know p;rnelist, a former legi!>lator , and a candidate. or from Sen . Lowell how serious he is about his race man who makes sense.· Wcicker. It was Roger Eddy who stole against Dodd. He's the underdog, but The official announcement of his the show by giving a rousing speech in don't dismiss him as just another candidacy before family and friends behalf of Weicker. scapegoat candidate running against at the Newington Polish-American If a Hollywood producer needed to a popular incumbent. Roger Eddy is a Club last week was refreshing, find someone to play the role of a class act; those who get to see and simple. and honest. "Whal you see is Connecticut Yankee, Roger Eddy hear him during the campaign will what you g~t . ·· sajdJloger Eddy. J!e would win hands down. He has wit. find it hard lo disagree with that thinks for himseff; writes for himself, style, and humor. The last is a quality assessment.
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2 IMPRINT NEWSPAPERS. JANUARY 30, 19~ Roger Eddy: Portrait of a Challenger Roger Eddy of Newington has announced that he will be a candidate for the U.S. 'Everyone in town intennarried. It Senate this fall. challenging De mocratic in- was typical that almost everyone :umbent Christopher Dodd. Here. by Edith leldes, is a profile of Mr. Eddy, farmer, was related to everyone else. I'm writer, inventor and politician an~ of his related to almost every secondary wife and partner Debbie. road in town: Stoddard, Willard, By EDITH ZELDES Robbins.' They sat in the sun, breathing the sweet earth of their farm, gazing at the noisy ington, remembered a man who served crows circling and then landing in their under Mr. Eddy in the European theater of fields. They were as much a part of the operations who said of him, "That's the land as the scurrying squirrels, the lazing bravest man I've ever known." cows or the leaves on the ground. Al the end of the war in Europe, Mrs. Ed- They are Roger and Debbie Eddy, with dy said her husband's company "liked him their roots firmly planted in Newington, so much, they gave him a party" and that living only across the street from the is where they first met. Mrs. Eddy was a original Eddy farm homestead where member of the Red Cross and a link from Roger Eddy was born "almost on the kit- home to 1,500 men a day - handing out cof- chen table." fee and doughnuts. She said, "I handed What is now the Kellogg-Eddy House was them out, ate them and still like them." was a crude Mr. Eddy's birthplace. It At the party in honor of Mr. Eddy, they house, according to him, with no central to do much talking with water. His father "really didn't get a chance heat or running Roger and Debbie Eddy. each other, but the next day he telephoned rebuilt it. It was and still is a great house." Photo by EdHh Zddes and "they went to Trieste ancestors, the her for a date Mr. Eddy's mother's with his dog" whom he later manag- Kelloggs, originally built it and his father along Later on he attended Kingswood School mer, took my exams and graduated early. ed to smuggle aboard ship on the way bought it in 1912, living on Willard Avenue home. in what was at one time the county jail for in Hartford for "a couple of years." Mr. If I were in the ROTC or the reserves, I Eddy said, "My father lost a lot of money would have been able to finish within my That date blossomed into their engage- "drunkards and indigent bums." in Italy a ancestral in the Depression. He went from com- four-year time frame." ment, but Mrs. Eddy had to stay Both his maternal and paternal when Mr. Eddy took his descendants come from Newington, parative comfort to being in debt and my He started as a private in California as little longer and originally born parents then toOk me out of Kingswood and part of the 87th Mountain Regiment, a trip back to the States, he contracted polio although not necessarily into the hospital at Fort there. Mr. Eddy said, "Everyone in town put me into Loomis School. fighting ski troop. He attended officers' and "went right "I received the best education there as a training school at Fort Benning, Ga., and Devens." He was unable to walk "for a intermarried. It ,was typical that almost an iron everyone was related to everyone else. I'm day student, traveling by train six days a returned to Fort Lewis, Wash., to his 87th long time" and was also placed in related to almost every secondary road in week. I would leave home at 6:15 a.m. and Mountain Regiment as a second lieutenant. lung for a short period. Mrs. Eddy wasn't town: Stoddard, Willard, Robbins." get into Hartford at 7 a.m. for a 7:05 train able to return to the United States "until The population was under 2,000 then, to Windsor. I then walked a mile to school A TRANSFER to Colorado and then to Roger had improved." with trolleys as the main means of public and got back home at 6:30 p.m. I the Aleutians followed. Mr. Eddy said, They were then married in 1946 at her transportation, running through the center remember being bone tired for four years. "The Japanese, after invading Pearl Har- parents' Episcopal church in Norwich, Vt. of town ijnd "revolutionizil)g social and "Loomis was so years ahead of their bor, had the Pacific Ocean to themselves Mr. Eddy was sent to a rehabilitative business opportunities" by coMecting to time, with one or two blacks and foreign and, erroneously thinking Alaska had a full hospital in Florida and friends rented them New Britain and Hartford. students enrolled. That was quite military force (actually there were only 200 a "teeny house" among an orange grove. Mr. Eddy remembers the trolleys as "a democratic for those days. The school was American soldiers there), decided against Mrs. Eddy said, "It was wonderful even big event" in his life and as a youngster tough with difficult courses, Saturday trying to capture Alaska and instead oc- though the termites ate holes in the floor would put peMies on the track to have classes and no mercy. But they were good cupied the islands of Attu and Kiska at the and the ice man delivered ice only every them flattened. He said, "When I was and had great teachers. end of the Aleutian· chain and 2,900 miles three days. There was a hole in the floor in about 10 years old, I would ride a horse "They, and the Army later, made me from Ala~ka." the living room and I used to sweep the from my father's farm and the first paved fanatical about being on time. Loomis lock- Mr. Eddy had knowledge of "the tracked-in sand down into it. I wish I had road I would come upon was the Berlin ed the door if you were one minute late. Japanese and Americans butchering each that hole in the floor now, but we stayed Turnpike, even though Main Street was Even today, I have an occasional other on Attu" and was part of the invasion there while Roger learned to walk." also paved." nightmare about being lost in the main of Kiska, along with a total of 30,000 Founders Hall at Loomis and not being American servicemen - only to find the MR. EDDY RETURNED from the s~- WHEN IT WAS TIME for the young able to find where I should be and feel I am Japanese had already abandoned the Vice as a major with one bronze and two Roger to attend first grade, his mother, about to be killed, beaten or disciplined." island. According to Mr. Eddy, "The silver stars and they came back to New- "who was always a bug on English," was Mr. Eddy went to Yale, and said, "That Japanese thought that was a big victory." ington and lived with his parents. They afraid he wouldn't learn the language well was a snap compared to Loomis." He He stayed in the area 11 months and then moved into a tent on their present pro- enough because the teachers at school told finished three and a quarter years of his authored his first novel, "The Rimless perty while they were building a living her they were only teaching English in the four years when he received his draft Wheel." He then returned to Colorado and room, kitchen and bathroom. They were hrst three grades. She insisted on sending number 11. In the spring of 1941 the subsequently Texas and on to Europe. He parents of their first child, Heidi, and "kept him, as well as his older brother and sister Wethersfield Draft Board told him he fought in the mountains of Italy Cbut not on her in the huge bathroom complete with Welles and Mary, to Noah Webster Schooi would be leaving school in December and skis) and his Mountain Regiment became bureaus." in Hartford. As an out-of-towner, it cost "because it was obvious I wouldn't be able part of the 10th Mountain Division. Nels Mrs. Eddy's mother, protesting against them a weekly fee of $2 . lo stay in school, I studied during the sum- Nelson. Public Works Coordinator for New- Please turn to page 3
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SECOND SECTION, JANUARY 30. 1986 3 • The Eddys' Roots Firmly Planted ·1n Newington Continued from page 2 collector m town. He said, "I was not ideal- political arena if he didn't plan on working the use of the bathroom as space for Heidi. ly suited for this job. Math was not my 'I don't really need this ex- hard at it. He is aware of his uphill battle lent them some money to put on an addi- thing and I didn't like it. My assistant, perience. It's not going to help and said. "I'm not doing this on a lark. tional room. The house the way it is today, Dorothy Ross, did a good job, thank the "Politics is part of my family and school was built in four stages, with the brick sec- Lord." my ego to take out nine months tradition. My teachers always said, 'Par- tion built in 195-1. housing the bedrooms and and exhaust mysell It's a tough ticipate. don't accept.' I have been brought furnace. ELECTION TO THE STATE legislature up to be a good sport on the playing field Mr. Eddy said, "I also built a small barn was next' and then a defeat for the state business, but I can't imagine li11- and elsewhere and to be involved. for our sheep. We had three pet cows, along senate, followed by a two-time rally victory ing all my life and not running - "When I was about 10 years old, my with geese, chicken, pigs and every animal as state senator. that's inconcei11able. ' father pointed out all our deceased known to man." Mrs. E«;ldy said, "We can't Mrs. Eddy suffered a horseback riding relatives' gravestones in the cemetery get over how we lived on·such little money accident while she was in Wyoming with asset for the town. I just will never put a behind the Congregational Church. Each then and lived no worse then we do now. resultant paralysis of her legs. She was price on it - it's not for sale." relation had held a town government posi- " It may have been even better then. We hospitalized for three months, receiving Nels Nelson underlined that Mr. Eddy tion and at one gravesite, he pointed and built second-hand cars and ate sheep, cows rehabilitative therapy and then came back "has done a lot for the town - he is a said, 'And he didn't do anything,' (no town and pigs from the farm, I did a lot of cann- to her home in Newington with continued positive influence. We two are some of the government job). ing and we sold eggs. We ate out of Mr. therapeutic nursing care. few left with the heritage of Newington. "If I were buried in that cemetery, I Brinley's freezer locker where we rented She said, "I learned to drive again and it Mr. Eddy is a good friend of mine and of would be the only one from my family and space." Mr. Eddy said, "The temperature took me about two years to get back to nor- the town." from Newington who had been asked to run was zero degrees in there and every time I mal." Mr. Eddy said, "She has probably for state senator and U.S. senator. I'm pro- more for the Jefferson House in town HE IS PROUD of his hard work not only ud of that; win, lose or draw. We've never went in and heard the doer shut behind me, done for himseU, but as part of all those hard- I thought, 'A year from now, maybe so- and the McLean Home in Simsbury helping had a governor, congressman or U.S. the paraplegics and their cause. working people of Connecticut. He feels senator from Newington. I was the first meone would find my frozen body.' this state is the envy of the nation; that "That year of 1951 was a watershed in "We both have become much aware the state senator and then .Elmer Mortensen and when you say, 'I'm from Connecticut,' peo- came after me. our lives. I wasn't mak;ng any money at entire world is geared to the young ple feel you're proud to be in this state and all, my latest book wasn't selling and I was able-bodied. Essential services can and "I plan to run a high-risk campaign and "we haven't earned that respect by luck. will talk about controversial issues. Mr. getting pressure from my parents to get a should be accessible. Our post office here "That spirit is worth preserving in this job - so we moved to Italy with our three- should be the most accessible and their Dodd is the overwhelming favorite and he's Lucy, front door is difficult to open at best. state and in this country. We're not not had to work hard in his bid for re- year-old Heidi and three-month-old the future of America. who gave us an entree -into the most "The State capitol has finally put in a pessimistic about election. I don't think Connecticut can af- Everybody has a chance - for education, ford a senator like that. wonderful Italian families. ramp and new laws for the handicapped money and a job. We still see the hard- "Italy and the Riviera were a vacuum at have been helpful. Our two daughters keep "I don't mean anything personal by that, that time and comparatively empty. We after illegally handicapped parkers and working goals in our farm workers. Some [have never met him, but I have the oppor- lived very cheaply there and ate as the say something really nasty to .the offenders of them hold three jobs at the same time. tunity to try and tell the truth as I see it Italians did. That's where we discovered and I do also." "Our gift to the world is optimism· that's because I have less to lose as the underd~ . the principle of my bird call. Mrs. Eddy said, "I don't even use a han- what is so astonishing to Europeans.'I think "I don't really need this experience. Its "A friend of ours had purchased an ob- dicapped sticker on my car because so- that goes back to our colonial frontier not going to help my ego to take out nine ject similar to my bird call, and I was im- meone else driving my car may be tempted days." months and exhaust myself. It's a tough mediately attracted to it as a great toy for to take advantage of it." Discussing his bid for the United States business, but I can't imagine living all my children. We also started collecting bird Her outlook is such that she said, Senate; he stressed he wouldn't enter the life and not runninJ? - that's inconceivable. calls. "Paraplegics are not as badly handicapped "I revised and changed this material as you think. Instead of continuing with' along with getting the OK to use the term some of my conservationist issues, I realiz- 'Audubon.' The New Yorker magazine ed I had to let someone else walk to that wrote it up and I also wrote an article about spot under consideration and I have chang- it which appea'red in the Saturday Evening ed my civic directions toward medical Post. rehabilitation and disabled accessibilities. "I went all over the country selling it and "I'm not militant and I don't picket, Debbie, who has hand painted more than because I know you can talk to someone in 33,000 pieces of wood, helped package and authority behind the scenes who can usual- ship them all over the world. We're proud ly help. Sometimes you can also embarrass of our product; it is in seven foreign or shame them into some changes." countries. A barn fire is also part of Mr. and Mrs. "Basically, people are delighted with it Eddy's background. Their entire herd was and through its use, have become in- housed in a barn on Mr. Eddy's father's terested in nature." Ted Spera, distribu- farm and "within 20 minutes they all were tion clerk, formerly of the Newington Post dead from smoke inhalation." Mrs. Eddy Office department and now of the said, "That disaster and my accident were Wethersfield Post Office, said, "My a big financial setback." mother-in-law in England is a satisfied Mr. Eddy said, "As a private owner, we customer who relies on her bird call which had no backup of group insurance. After she stressed 'really works.' " the death of my mother, we then bought the A "couple or more novels followed:" farm from my brother and sister. I didn't "The Bulls and the Bees," "Familv Af- inherit it. We also sold my parents' house fair," and "Best by Far," about returning and land to pay for taxes and settle the to the battlefields. Mr. Eddy's first estate. My farm has always meant a lot to municipal position began with that of tax me. I eniov it. work hard on it and it's an
Page 6 of 20 This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu In My Opinion------llJl!!!!l!I!!~ Roger Eddy, Citizen-Legislator
The candidacy of Roger W. Ed- suburbs because we are from the his own enjoyment and for dy of Newington ft>r the. United suburbs, who is a man because posterity, the farm in Newington States Senatefroni Connecticut is w.eare .a man, who is in busirless that has been·in his family for a treat we could not have expec- because we are in business. We generations. He is a regular guest te4 in this day .anchge. The can- will vote for the person that is on the public affairs program didacy a~~:,Jh~~ ·: µl~_iL c: ~r:~ most like us. We,have been:told "Comment" on Channel 3 Sunday anachro~ •. ~is. a-. campaign tj)at ,.w,ha.t... ie ..are' .and.wlla~~-we morhings~. He ·has suffered from P1?i;de. 5fµiTh'~}>(t-CfJ~tcfl~Ee,? 1~1'1:~ ~UeY$ ~ll.l..~~Y..~~ili,9 as t,he Ja:i.PP.\ing ~ffects of polio; but mm o omas e erson l.lldll ln what someone else is and has never let them limit his ac- the rilind of Lowell Weicker. · believes. There are no superior tivity. He is devoted to his wife of · J'efferilo~ first articulated the people. There are no superior 40years. idea of the citizerrlegislator. The ideas. How, then, can there be a concept still makes so much superior candidate? It is a remarkable life in its sense and holds so great an ap- I have met a lot of awful people variety and richness. But what is peal with many citizens that it is in politics. Politics is full of most remarkable about Roger hard to underStand why we con- people seeking power and Eddy is that, at age 65, he still tinue to elect and re-elect so recognition they have been looks to the future with en- many professional politicians. unable to get in their work and thusiasm and optimism. He has Jefferson thought the American family life. People who hold a been one of the most influential fa~~i:, should voluntarily put dim view of politicians are, in and energetic people in the cam- do~. his plow for a period of a general, on firm ground. At the paign to broaden the base and the few years to do a stint of public same time, many of the people appeal of the Republican Party in service in the legislature, sitting whose friendships I most cherish Connecticut. Unlike many of the in Washington or the various are people I have met in politics. older white males in his party, he state capitols. He imagined this Politics in Connecticut is full of does not dwell on the old ways, would give us the most represen- beautiful and extraordinary the old days. There is in his life tative government and that good people, and Roger Eddy is one of and his spirit. a sense of humor citizens would be naturally them. · and decency and proportion. willing to make the contribution Mr. Eddy is one of the last In the weeks that followed to their state and nation. World War II veterans who will public announcements that he The agrarian society of which ·make a run for the U.S. Senate. was the choice of his party's Jefferson wrote is gone. Con- He served in both the European leaders to run against Senator dominiums, shopping malls, sulr and Pacific theaters. He is a Dodd, the reaction8 of this ac- divisions, and asphalt highways novelist. He is the inventor of complished. man were always crowd the once rural towns something called the Audubon humble. Others spoke of the dif- around Hartford. There is but one Bird Call, a gadget with a piece of ficulty of defeating an attractive working farm left in Newington, wood turning within a piece· of and well financed incumbent. Connecticut, and th.e one farmer pewter turning into money for the Roger Eddy was daunted only by left there in 1986, Roger Eddy, is guy with the patent. He has ser- the size of the honor to his family prepared.to leave the town's last ved in the Connecticut State and to his town of Newington and plow · to represent us in Senate and is currently one of to himself. Washington, D.C. Connecticut's two delegates to This is the citizen-legislator of A good argument can be made the Republican National Com- whom Thomas Jefferson wrote. for the fact that the :- society in mittee. . He has kept, in His love of service to Connecticut which we live is much changed strawberries and sweet corn for is our honor. fromJeffer5on's Virginia". We are no loriger a nation of farmers. Wealth and education and power and political opportunity have all been .. distributed more . broadly. and we are better off as a people .as a result. But .· with all the democratlzation of American life; .we: have abandoned what . w.Wi . once .· a generally accepted ·notion ..:....· that to Hartford and to Washington·we should send our. ·best; Today we do not send our best .and there is no ·consensus even as to who the best are. Today we are likely to vote for someone. who is young because we are .young, who ·IS from the
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 1986 JOURNAL INQUIRER 27 Can Eddy's deep character break voting habits? Everything complimentary that political to these incantations. They suspect that if at his heels. commentators have said about Roger Eddy, the names "Dodd" and ·"Democrat" are put The good news is that the Republican the likely Republican nominee for the U.S. before voters often enough, they will pull Party finally has fielded a candidate who Senate, is true. He is plain .spoken, the wrong lever on Election Day. has character. forthright, and possibly the best candidate As if numbers were not enough of a The bad news is that the political arena in the party could have chosen to run against problem, Eddy must make some attempt to Connecticut has been littered for so long the Democratic incumbent, Sen. convince unimaginative voters that, with artificial politicians who Christopher Dodd. are little although they share a name, Chris Dodd is more than the sum of their press clippings But there are difficulties. Eddy is a Re- not a chip off his father's block. that voters may not be able to recognize publican, and most voters in Connectticut Eddy's most effective weapon is his genuine currency among all the false have chosen to af- character. Politicians who have held office banknotes fiilate with the De- for some time develop a public persona that in circulation. The forgeries are mocratic Party, or obscures the character beneath their public so like the originals. with no party. There images. Eddy's character shines through The moral blustering of the usual politi- are Democrats and the chinks of his personality brightly and cian-<>n-the-make seems so much like the Repu':llicans in the without distortion because be wears no energetic self-effacing variety associated Land of Steady mask. with people of sound character that one Habits who would He has character and is comfortable in often forgets to notice the difference vote for Tammany his own skin becuase he takes his political between the egotistic jingoism of the fraud Capone, provided cues from a conscience that is robust, fully and the vigorous moral rectitude, always that he .was running matured, and not for sale. Thoreau used -to relieved by humor and wit, of the genuine on the appropriate Don say that people who make frequent visits to article. ticket. their mailbox probably have not heard from "I was born an · Pesci themselves in a long time. Eddy gives the EDDY HAS BEEN A TOILER in the Englishman, I've impression that he has been in constant vineyards of the Republican Party. When he lived as an Englishman, and will die I as an communication with himself. announced his candida,cy his political Englishman," the Englishman said to the As one political commentator put it, friends and a few members of th.e press who Scotsman, who retorted, warmly - "Mon, Eddy is exactly what he appears to be - not were familiar with his have you no imagination?" The molecular at all the usual political puff pastry as- record of public service wondered Democrat, and his counterpart in the Re- sembled by professional pastry cooks. Un- aloud why the Republican publican Party, has no imagination either. like Sen. Lowell Weicker, who speaks in Party had waited so long to serve its best wine. Apparently some people are born this way. tongues and whose utterances are plastered ED VALTMAN Chris Dodd opened his campaign months with moral goo, Eddy's articulations are Some Republicans, Weicker among them, ago by invoking the name of his father, lucid and thoughtful. His tongue is con- return to his beloved Mount Vernon. are convinced that Eddy has the right stuff. Thomas Dodd, whom many people re- nected to his mind, and his personality is Thomas Jefferson was miserable in of- An appealing character, a penetrating in- member as a passionate anti-totalitarian int~grated. fice, and Abe Lincoln groaned under his telligence, and a sound moral judgment, and whose speeches, warning against a In other words, Eddy is dangerous. responsibilities. they suppose, may offset some of Dodd's policy of constructive engagement with Sov- And yet these men managed to preserve advantages. iet-supported regimes, his son has stored THE MOST DANGEROUS PEOPLE in their character in spite of the influences Time is an important element in Eddy's away in the deepest recesses of his mental public life are those whose characters have that threatened their integrity. campaign. The clock is running, and Eddy closet, if be has stored them away at all. matured outside the political system. Washington stood far above the political has been underexposed. The Republicans Like some modern-day Hamlet, Chris Dodd George Washington came to politics as a pygmies of his day. Jefferson was too should pull the cork on their bottle - and invokes his father and prays that his invoca- gentleman farmer, manfully resisted the radical a thinker to allow himself to be serve their wine. tion will not wake the dead. disintegrative influences around him, and manipulated by tub-thumping ideologues, Republicans fear, not without reason, felt liberated when at last he was able to and Lincoln's wit and humor saved him Don Pesci writes about politics and gov- that voters may respond in a Pavlovian way shake the dust of politics from his feet and from the job seekers and influence peddlers ernment for Ille Joumal Jnquirer. Page 8 of 20 This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu 1 ! _;_ -~ : //__,;;;;;_ ~ lj------· - -- --
~opTri:iOri Tre Doy, New Lcncion, Conn., Friday, Morch 7, 1986 Doddl's GOP opponent I a stand-up guy I i!!l. Christopher J. Dodd, Eddy knows 'i ~ ~o. ;t ~ms, does not tie he wonld be 3 good who re~ - as a mnjor - wtt!I s senator, is willing to run ,.. tll.s sbo-es until he has fl.g- Politics full out un- disability from the mountain infe1 · c.ire MANCHESTER HERALIJ NlA!~CHESTER, CT J ', ·100 DEC 26 1985 NEW ENGLAND NEWS CLIP 7'Eddy has what it takes to battle .Dodd . Roger Eddy usually gets right to the point when he's talking about the political opposition, and that · things, such as the.Audubon bird call whistle. is a trait the Republicans hope to encourage if he ·· challenges WEICKER Chris Dodd in next year's U ,s. Sen at~ AND THE TWO Republicans who race in Connecticut.. '.Capitol · run the company store in Hartford - State When state Rep. Julie Belaga of Westport ·Chairma . Tom D' Amore and Executive Director introduced him, Peter for example, as chairman of her Comments Gold - have been on a year-long search for campaign for a candidate governor last month, Eddy had this to give Dodd a hard time next year. · to say about Bob Conrad · O'Neill, the potential target: They thought they had one in former FBI.man "O'Nefll only Francis looks good when you compare him "Bud" Mullen of East Lyme, but he opted with a national disaster," the race he said. for against U.S. Rep. Sam Gejdenson of - · But when we broke Bozrah the story last week that . Then there was the summer courtship of Eddy was U.S. Sen. outgoing L-Owell Weicker's choice to Yale President A. Bartlett Giamatti, who run against Democratic Sen. Dodd, we also noted eventually declined. not serious about his job or inadequate in doing how Republicans intend to stress the contrast it. · It took two whacks to get Eddy in In Roger Eddy, th<: GOP would be coming , who admits to ·- personalities that campaign would offer. up being about 90 percent with Mr. Total Republican with the ready to run. Weicker and (Eddy says he won't have a final party record his party insiders decision on to prove it. He has been a state tried early thi~ year to line him running until next month.) representative_and •.up . He could · senator, a member of tbe not consider it then because of The GOP will do GOP statewide policy < c.rpersona] reasons; all it can to paint Dodd as a jet committee, its treasur ". . set, fun loving er and now its natio~ai -'? ' : ~:: youngster in the Senate, constantly commit The latest and probably successful effort. in teeman.· - ~ . ... . · . motion around the country in pursuit of a place ·. ~became the best kept secret in ·. He is also an old soldier. In World War If, Eddy recent Political on the national Democratic ticket and riot .·,, ~ history here. Eddy, who calls it so hot was an in fa ntry captain, discharged as a major a "tremendous has a legislator from Connecticut. , ' ~. honor" to be asked, has who was a company commander through no illusions about the If that is playing loosely with the senator's heavy _ i,outl~ok. . · . combat in Italy. He wo n the Silver Star · · . image, it will apparently be all twice and . ·:sHe knows right with the GOP the Bronze Star on ce. The Silver Dodd has a big war chest, the as long as di ffe rences with Star is awarded advantage their man stick in for gall ant ry in action . of the incumbency and great voters' minds. popularity. A Yale gr aduate, Eddy has a lot oi stories about : ~- But Eddy comes Ger ald F ord when the !armer preside armed with a sharp tongue, a DODD, AT 41, would ha ve to plead nt was an quick study guilty to assistant football coach in thos e ye on issues, and abundance of wit and a being younge r. E ddy is 65. Dodd ars at the New following is something of a Haven campus. Eddy li\'es on of his own in the stat e. He won 't settle liberal who enj oys life, and his farm in despite his squirming :'-iew ingta::. c;·l':ere he r.:ises, for being simply a GOP agent sent to harass over o ccasional spe culati a mon g other things, Dodd. on about hi s personal Lilt! o~s,-'_:.:s~::-:::; sir::;;.o.-r,;:rries He rejects the notion held by some Re publi political goals. on the East Coast. cans he does eye his party's national -- ·- th at the senator is invulne Page 10 of 20 tlc!cct. ··· · .·.u·s o!' doing ot he r chores. rable. It wouid be a bu m :- 3 D, thou:;h. :0 s ay'. ~ :: ·:: · " :io, I don 't think .~·- -:-·.:.: :;..;.-_::: - 0 so. " says Ed dy. t hin ~:;: :'°'. ;ri ?0 ; .:lT'\TC:: ~('.1"'1t i.,;...... , .. "I c::rn This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu ROGER EDDY tor U.S. Senate BIOGRAPHY Roger W. Eddy, often described as a 20th-century 'renais- sance man,' has a long history of community involvement, public service and political leadership in Connecticut. He is uniquely qualified to be our United States Senator. Born in Newington (across the street from his current home and farm) in 1920, Mr. Eddy attended Newington public schools and the Loomis School in Windsor. He received a degree from Yale University in 1941, graduating early in order to enter the United States Army as a private. During the course of the World War II, he took part in the invasion of Kiska in the Aleutian Islands and served with the 10th Mountain Division in Italy, receiving a Bronze Star, two Silver Stars and a disability dis- charge with the rank of major. For thirty years, Mr. Eddy has been self-employed. He has operated Eddy Farm, a Newington enterprise producing fruits and vegetables that has employed over 900 people since its ere- ation. In addition , he manufacturers and markets the Audubon Birdcall, a wildbird calling device he invented 1953 that now enjoys internationa l sales. Locally, Mr. Eddy has served as a member of the Newington School Board, the Library Board, the Conservation Commission, J 0. Box 172 · Newington, Connecticut · 06lll Pc tor by EDDY tor U.S. Sena1e · Susan L. Sheppard, Treasurer Page 11 of 20 --- This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu and the town Solid Refuse Commission. He was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1959 and served one term. In 1967, he began the first of two terms in the Connecti- cut Senate, acting as assistant minority leader. As a legisla- tor, Mr. Eddy was instrumental in the passage of bills creating the Department of Environmental Protection and town Conserva- tion Commissions. After leaving the legislature, Mr. Eddy was influential in the passage of the Connecticut Clean Water Act and a key statute aiding the preservation of the state's farm and other open areas. At other times, Mr. Eddy has served as a member of the Connecticut Board of Higher Education, president of the Connec- ticut Forest and Park Association, and chairman of the Hartford Metropolitan District Commission. From 1976 to 1984, he was Treasurer of the Connecticut Republican Party, and, since 1983, has been one of two Connecticut members of the Republican National Committee. Mr. Eddy is also the author of four novels, including 'A Family Affair' (1958), a Literary Guild selection. Further, for the past five years he has served as a regular commentator on the WFSB-TV public affairs program 'Comment.' He is married to the former Deborah Bankart, a long-time advocate on issues involving disabled persons and the environ- ment. They are the parents of two daughters, and they have two grandchildren. Page 12 of 20 This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu May 30, 1986 Dear Tenth Mountaineer, On Sunday, June 15th, the most famous member of our Tenth Mountain Division, Senator Robert Dole, of Kansas, is coming here to our farm for a political rally. This rally has become an annual affair with us, a "Strawberry Festival," where we serve strawberries and cream from our farm, along with wine and various other things. It's all free. We expect a large crowd, and we especially welcome your wife, children and grandchildren. Over the years it has become a family affair. This year our Strawberry Festival will be especially important to us because my husband, Roger, who was also a member of the Tenth (L+K, 87th), is running for The United States Senate. I am writing to all former members of the Tenth listed in the New England Chapter of the 1985 Roster, urging you to come to this festival. Many of you will remember me . ·~·.... .; . as Deborah Bankart, one of your Red Cross girls in Italy. My service with the Tenth Mountain Division was certainly one of the high points in my life. Hardly a day passes when I don't remember the Tenth and the men I met in Italy. I can guarantee that I will not serve you all doughnuts when you visit our farm here in Newington, on June 15th. But I can guarantee that there are few people in all the world I'd rather see again than the former members of the Tenth Mountain Division, the greatest infantry division ever to . fight in combat. So please c ome. It's Sunday, June 15th, from two o'clock to four. Sempre avanti, Deborah Bankart Eddy P.S. Please cal1 203-667-EDDY(3339) and reg ister. Thanks. Page 13 of 20 This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu __ .·, ' FREE I / ROGER EDDY tor US. Senate FREE You and your family are cordially STRAWBERRY invited to FESTIVAL a with special guest SENATOR ROBERT entertainment, DOLE refreshments and strawberries Sunday, for all June 15, 1986 2:00p.m. The EDDY Farm fh1d lor by Newington, EDDY lor US Senale • Susan L Sheppard CT Treasurer ~2 Page 14 of 20 This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu ROGER W. EDDY BORN: March 29, 1920, Newington, CT EDUCATION: Attended public schools and Loomis School (now Loomis-Chaffee) ; Yale University '42. MILTARY: Served with the 87th Mountain Regiment during the invasion of Kiska in the Aleutian Islands, June 1942. Later served with the 10th Mountain Division in Italian Campaign against the German Army. Awarded two Silver Stars for combat action. CIVIC: Elected to Newington School Board, Library Board and Conservation Commission. Member Board of Higher Education and Chairman of the Hartford Metropolitan District Commission. POLITICAL: CT House of Representatives, 1959-60; CT State Senate, 1967-71; former Treasurer, CT Republican Party; Republican National Committeeman for CT BUSINESS: Owns and operates the Eddy Farm in Newington. Invented, and now produces and markets, the Audubon Birdcall, a wildbird calling device with worldwide sales. FAMILY: Married to Deborah Bankart; father of two daughters: Heidi Eddy Riggs and Lucy Eddy Fox. Mr. Eddy has two grandchildren. OTHER: Mr. Eddy has written four novels, one of which, A Family Affair, was selected as a Literary Guild selection. He has authored numerous magazine and newspaper articles. Page 15 of 20 This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu ROGER EDDY !Qr U.S. Senate May 13, 1986 Dear PAC Director I am writing to ask for your help in my effort to defeat Chris Dodd this November. I also want to bring you up to date on how the campaign is going and share with you my strategy for victory this November. While a superficial overview of this race would seem to indicate that Chris Dodd is the clear favorite, an in-depth look at the current political climate in Connecticut provides a different picture. Let me point out some factors favoring my candidacy: In 1984 Ronald Reagan won the state with 61% of the vote. In 1980 when Dodd beat Jim Buckley Reagan received only 48% of the vote. Both houses of the Connecticut legislature are currently controlled by the Republicans. The Senate 24-12 and the House 85-66. Chris Dodd, while on the surf ace an ap- parent "mover and shaker", has a track record of ineffectiveness. He simply hasn't done anything, public image not- withstanding. I have no primary opposition, and, unlike past Republican candidates, I will be able to garner votes from all wings of the GOP. That is something CT has not seen in some time. This year we have a united Republican party determined to retire Senator Chris Dodd. I ·cannot stress enough how important that is. The Republican Party is once again a powerful force in Connecticut and with the proper resources we can beat Chris Dodd and help insure Republican control of the U. S. Senate. I am basing my campaign on issues, all the issues. Yes, even Social Security. And, during the course of this campaign Chris Dodd is going to have to go on record where he stands on a balanced budget, Nicaragua, national defense and Social Security. P.O. Box 172 · Newington, Connecticut · 06lll Paid tor by EDDY tor U.S. Senate · Susan L. Sheppard, Treasurer Page 16 of 20 This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu And that's where I can beat him. Dodd thinks of himself as an issue man yet his issues, the standard liberal dogma, are out of step with Connecticut voters. Chris Dodd is a young man living in the past. Since my announcement on March 20th I have travelled the state, meeting with business groups, members of the clergy, editorial boards, political gatherings and various other groups. The response has been tremendous. Majority Leader Bob Dole will be coming to my farm in Connecticut on June 15th for a major fundraiser and Vice-President Bush has agreed to come to the state on my behalf in early September. My first major PAC fun I can win but I need your help in this campaign. With the proper funding we can beat Chris Dodd and help insure Republican control of the Senate. Thank you for your consideration. [~ Roger W. Eddy P.S. I have enclosed various articles and information on the campaign and on my opponent. If you have any questions or if you would like to come to our PAC fundraiser in June please call us at the campaign office (203) 667-3339, SO Market Square, Newington, CT. 06111; or in Washington: Jan Bain at the National Republican Senatorial Committee, 347-0202. Page 17 of 20 This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas SENATOR JOHN HEINZ http://dolearchives.ku.edu CHAIRMAN ~ ational ~£puh liran ~£natorial Qlommitt££ TOM GRISCOM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR May 12, 1986 Dear PAC Representative: Roger Eddy recently announced his decision to seek the Connecticut U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Chris Dodd. Roger is Republican National Committeeman from Connecticut, a former member of the Connecticut House and State Senate and Treasurer of the Republican State party. Thomas D'Amore, Connecticut Republican Chairman said Roger was the first choice of the state party. The Republican party has recently done very well. In Connecticut Republicans gained control of both houses of the legislature in 1984. They picked up 17 seats in the House and 11 seats in the Senate. They also hold 3 of the 6 U.S House seats. Connecticut is not the democratic stronghold of years gone by. The National Republican Senatorial Committee is committed to giving Roger Eddy our maximum support in his effort to win this seat. Please join our efforts to hold the Republican Senatorial majority and give your financial support to Roger Eddy. 440 FIRST STREET, N.W. •SUITE 600 •WASHINGTON, D.C. 20001 • (202) 347-0202 • (202) 224-2351 PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY THE NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMM1TTEE. Page 18 of 20 This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu HOW SENATOR DODD RATE5 Group Ratings ADA COPE ACU NTU NSI coc ACA CSFC 1984 1 00 98 0 49 0 42 9 35 198 3 80 100 0 26 24 6 28 National Journal Ratings Economic Social Foreign 1984 Libera 1 7 5% 88% 81% Conservative 24% 5% 0% 1983 Liberal 85% 89% 94% Conservative 1 4 % 10% 5% Page 19 of 20 This document is from the collections at the Dole Archives, University of Kansas http://dolearchives.ku.edu DODD'S VOTING HISTORY Davis - Bacon Reform *Voted for an amendment to delete a provision of the bill that exempted military construction projects from the so-called Davis-Bacon Act, which required building contractors on federal construction projects tp pay locally prevailing wages. *Voted against an amendment to remove the section of the bill relating to the Davis-Bacon act requirement that an area's prevailing wage rate be paid on federal highway projects. *Voted for an amendment to repeal a provision of the bill that would exempt military construction projects from the Davis-Bacon Act, which regulates hourly wages for construction workers on federal projects. PAC Limits *Cosponsored a bill to amend the Federal Election Act of 1971 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide a 100% tax credit for small contributors to candidates for the United States Senate who agree to abide in general election by an overall spending limit and a limit on the use of personal funds; to create a new overall limit on contributions by nonparty multicandidate political committees to Senate. Public Financing *Cosponsored a bill to provide for the public financing of general elections for the United States Senate Budget *In the The New York Times, 1982, Dodd said that he would introduce in the Senate a "radical" proposal for restructuring budget-making, called "pay as you go." The radical proposal would take the 1982 budget as a base, and require that those who propose spending increases in any area also recommend new taxes, or cuts elsewhere, to pay for them. *Voted against the passage of the joint resolution to propose an amendment to the constitution to require a balanced budget at the beginning of each fiscal year unless a three-fifths majority of Congress agreed to deficit spen~ing. The amendment could be waived during the time of a declared war. Page 20 of 20