In politics, appearances are sometimes everything, as U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3rd District, is no doubt learning.
As the Courant reported earlier this week, DeLauro was vacationing on the posh Amalfi coast when the tropical storm hit, leaving a swath of devastation in several towns in her district. DeLauro has since returned to Connecticut and is scheduled to embark on a tour of the storm-damaged region tomorrow.
But that doesn't mean her trip--and what it symbolizes--won't haunt her. State GOP Chairman Jerry Labriola Jr., who ran against DeLauro in 2010, said it's an example of how out of touch DeLauro has become with the district she has represented for 11 terms.
"The Congresswoman should never have been abroad to begin with, rather in the district or at work addressing the ongoing unemployment crisis,'' Labriola said in a statement provided to Dennis House of WSFB-TV. "On the other hand, given her continued endorsement of President Obama's failed economic policies, perhaps our state would be better served if Delauro chose to take a permanent vacation.
DeLauro dismissed Labriola's criticism as a "partisan attack" and called it inappropriate.
" Let's focus on continuing to address the problems people are facing. The last thing people need is this kind of partisan attack by the Chairman of the Republican Party," DeLauro said via email.
Labriola responded: "Only a career politician corrupted by the arrogance of one party Democrat rule would consider this criticism a 'partisan attack.' The simple fact is that while DeLauro's constituents needed her, she was vacationing in Italy.
"Sadly, this arrogance has long been apparent as she has favored her special interest friends and their pet projects over her constituents and their desire to see job creating economic reforms."
You can read more on House's blog, The Hartfordite: http://dennishouse.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/ct-gop-delauro-should-choose-permanent-vacation/