State Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan Arrested for Shoplifting - Time for Connecticut Democrats to Own Up to the Fact That Democrat's Have An Issue With Obeying the Laws They Enact

Middletown - The first Wednesday following the first Monday of January of every odd-numbered year, Connecticut legislators take an oath upon entering office to support and defend the Constitutions of the United States and Connecticut. Implicit in that oath is abiding by the laws that flow from those magnificent documents. Unfortunately, a number of Democrat members of the Connecticut General Assembly in recent years, and particularly this year, seem to have forgotten their oath and the importance of abiding by it. 

“Recently, State Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan (D-2^nd District – Bethel) was arrested for shoplifting at a local Target store. While we fully support Representative Allie-Brennan’s due process and the presumption of innocence that all of us enjoy under our Constitutions, it is regrettable that, once again, a Democrat member of the Connecticut General Assembly has found themselves in handcuffs and subject to criminal prosecution,” said Connecticut Republican State Chairman Ben Proto. 

“In light of these allegations, Representative Allie-Brennan should step down from his position. His public response — including the comment, ‘I do not have a record’ — strikes an unusual tone for someone facing arrest.” 

“As elected officials, legislators are expected to meet a higher standard of conduct. When allegations this serious arise, it is incumbent upon lawmakers to act in a manner that reflects the trust placed in them by the public. This includes stepping away from positions of leadership while legal matters are resolved. It is especially concerning that House Speaker Matthew Ritter has yet to remove Representative Allie-Brennan from his role as Chief Majority Whip — a step he has taken in the past with other members under investigation,” Proto continued. 

“The people of Connecticut deserve leaders who are fully accountable for their actions. Governor Lamont, Speaker Ritter, Chairman Alves, and the Democrat leadership must uphold the integrity of the General Assembly by addressing these matters transparently and consistently,” Proto concluded.