Gov. Rell's First Year Anniversary

Today marks the anniversary of Governor Jodi Rell's first year in office. Despite the fact that she was former-Gov. J-Row's lieutenant governor for nine years, she was a virtual unknown when she took office one year ago. Back in June 2004, many political pundits, and members of the public were wondering "Who is she?" and the people who did know her, were asking Can she do the job? And the answer to that would have to be a resounding YES.

The Governor's popularity is higher than that of any governor in the last 20 years, according to the The New London Day. Her straightforward manner, and lack of pretensions make Gov. Rell seem unlike many politicians. A bout with breast cancer late last year cemented her bond with the public. Gov. Rell seems more like the nice lady next door who became governor, as the Manchester Journal-Inquirer's Keith Burris wrote last year, and that is an apt description.