May 12, 2004: Headlines: COS - Fiji: Politics: Congress: Election2004 - Shays: Westport News: At the Republican nominating convention for the 4th Congressional District, incumbent Christopher Shays was greeted with a standing ovation

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Fiji: Special Report: Former Congressman Chris Shays: RPCV Congressman Chris Shays: Archived Stories: May 12, 2004: Headlines: COS - Fiji: Politics: Congress: Election2004 - Shays: Westport News: At the Republican nominating convention for the 4th Congressional District, incumbent Christopher Shays was greeted with a standing ovation

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At the Republican nominating convention for the 4th Congressional District, incumbent Christopher Shays was greeted with a standing ovation

At the Republican nominating convention for the 4th Congressional District, incumbent Christopher Shays was greeted with a standing ovation

At the Republican nominating convention for the 4th Congressional District, incumbent Christopher Shays was greeted with a standing ovation

Eight-Term Republican Incumbent Eyes Terrorism, Economy and Education as Issues for the District, Country

By Jennifer Cirillojcirillo@bcnnew.com STAMFORD - At the Republican nominating convention for the 4th Congressional District, incumbent Christopher Shays was greeted with a standing ovation Monday night. About 400 supporters gathered at the Italian Community Center to demonstrate their support for the eight-term congressman, who was a unanimous choice as the GOP nominee.

Among those on hand was his wife, Betsi, who delivered the convention's welcoming remarks. She spoke highly of her husband's accomplishments and commended him for the high level of integrity and love that he has shown for his job and his district and his "unusual" take on politics.

"He is someone who seeks the common ground for the common group," she said.

During 30 years of experience, Shays said that he is "an American first and a Republican second." He recalled his unusual stance on firm GOP issues.

"My years of experience have taught me I am most effective when I look beyond party labels and engage both my Republican and Democratic colleagues to pass important legislation. And I've never hesitated to take a difficult stand, be independent, when I feel the leaders of my party have gone the wrong way," he said.

Shays was referring to his belief in a woman's right to choose, encouraging stem cell research, a national energy policy and preserving the environment.

"Chris has courage," said state Rep. Lile Gibbons, R-150, of Greenwich. "Whether this involves taking a lonely stand on an issue that goes against his colleagues or standing up about a controversial bill, Chris is not afraid to walk his talk."

Gibbons, who gave the nominating speech, remembered her first encounter with Shays. It was about 15 years ago at a town meeting in her hometown. Gibbons and neighbors were voicing complaints about dismal postal service. She described Shays as being receptive to their needs, listening to their complaints and taking notes to get the facts straight. And somehow delivery service seemed to improve overnight, she said.

"This is an example of the personal care Chris has for his constituents," Gibbons said. "He approaches every day as though it's his first day at work."

Some of the issues surrounding Shays' re-election are the war against terror, the economy, corporate corruption and reforming public education with the No Child Left Behind bill, said Gibbons. Shays was the first member of Congress to travel to Iraq after the war began and has visited four times since.

"The election this year is a critical one," said Dan Debicella of the Republican State Central Committee, in Shelton. He asked supporters: "Do we want to re-elect a congressman who deeply understands Fairfield County from Greenwich to Shelton? Or do we want to elect a political neophyte?"

Debicella was referring to Diane Farrell, Westport first selectman, who won the Democratic nomination Monday night.

Shays was first elected to Congress on August of 1987 to succeed the late Stewart McKinney in a special election. Before taking the congressional seat, Shays was involved with the Peace Corps and spent two years teaching in the Fiji Islands.

He served as an aide to the first selectman of Trumbull for a year and a half and, after receiving a master's degree in business administration in 1974 from New York University, he was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives.

Shays was joined by his mother, Peggy, wife Betsi and their daughter Jeramy, who works for the Environmental Law Institute and will attend Vermont Law School to study environmental law in the fall.

The 4th District congressman is also addressing the need for transportation improvement. He is asking for a state gas tax increase of a penny a gallon. "The times have brought a new urgency to the transportation crisis," he said. "Now all of us must together find a new commitment to address the challenge, and a willingness to accept the costs."

Jennifer Cirillo is a staff reporter for the Greenwich Citizen, another of the Brooks Community Newspapers. She can be reached at jcirillo@bcnnew.com .

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Story Source: Westport News

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Fiji; Politics; Congress; Election2004 - Shays

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