No press allowed at Connecticut Republican keynote address by Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy

HARTFORD — For decades, the annual Prescott Bush Awards dinner has marked the marquee event for Connecticut Republicans as leaders brought in nationally known speakers to address the party faithful.

But on Thursday night, reporters were prevented from covering the keynote address by first-term U.S. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana — breaking a decades-long tradition of press access for major national figures like John McCain, Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush, Bob Dole, and Jack Kemp.

Asked if the decision was made by Kennedy and if he would refuse to be the keynoter if the press was present, state Republican chairman Ben Proto said, “We do what we’re asked to do by our guest.’’

State Democratic chairwoman Nancy DiNardo criticized Republicans for allowing the closure of the speech.

“When Nancy Pelosi was the keynote at our last Bailey Dinner, we welcomed the press,’' DiNardo said. “But, the party of free speech banned reporters from its fundraising dinner and keynote address. It does make you wonder, what is it the Republicans don’t want the public to know?”

But Proto responded that there was “nothing’' to hide in a speech that he said was well received by nearly 500 Republican donors at a Stamford hotel with a prolonged standing ovation.

“God bless Nancy DiNardo if that’s all she’s got to worry about,’' Proto said Friday. “While she has legislators who are being arrested by the federal government for stealing from the taxpayers … she thinks the important issue of the day is whether or not the press was at a political dinner. Is she really that lost or is she just more reflective of the entire Democratic Party in the state of Connecticut who clearly have lost their way and have no clue what’s going on in the state of Connecticut?’'

Proto was referring to the recent arrest of state Rep. Michael DiMassa, a West Haven Democrat who is accused by the FBI of stealing more than $600,000 in federal COVID-19 relief money that had been earmarked for West Haven. DiMassa had been authorized by the city council as one of three people, including the mayor, who had access to the money.

Proto also noted that Gov. Ned Lamont went back inside the state Capitol and refused to answer reporters’ questions Thursday after speaking about the death of a 14-year-old Hamden boy. Republicans have repeatedly called for months for a special session on juvenile crime, but Lamont and Democrats have not moved forward with a session.

“Why is the governor — a Democrat — afraid to take questions from the press on the issue that is foremost on everyone’s mind in this state?’' Proto asked.

Lamont’s spokesman said that he went back inside the Capitol so that he could continue speaking with the deceased boy’s mother and grandmother.

Concerning the keynote address, Proto said, “The Senator gave a great speech. He talked about the complete failures of the Biden administration and the wrong direction the country is headed in. It was very well received by close to 500 people. We’re tremendously thankful that Sen. Kennedy took time out of his busy schedule to come up to Connecticut and spend some time with us.’'

Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com