Political Sleaze, Parental Rights, and Protecting Democracy with Liz Kurantowicz

  This week, Jennifer welcomes  back Liz Kurantowicz, a political operative and media commentator based in Connecticut and known for her advocacy for parental choice in education, her frequent appearances on television and radio, and her active involvement in state and federal political discourse. As a Catholic school parent and outspoken conservative, Liz has played a prominent role in mobilizing opposition to state legislature bills that restrict parental education rights. Jennifer and Liz dive into the realities of modern American politics, from controversial Connecticut education legislation requiring parents to register their children with local boards of education if they opt out of public schooling to high-profile congressional scandals, including the recent resignations of Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzalez. The conversation highlights issues of pervasive sexual misconduct in government, lack of transparency with legislative settlements and NDAs, and the violence and escalation in political rhetoric seen nationwide. The episode also touches on the chilling effects these factors have on voter participation, the urgent need for greater protection of political and media institutions, and the impact of social media and constant campaign cycles on civic discourse. “These men are building careers on the backs of these women, and they are doing so knowing they have to remain silent.” ~ Jennifer   This week on Political Contessa: Parental choice legislation and registration requirements for non-public school students The chilling effect of state laws on parental rights in education Congressional resignations tied to scandals and systemic misconduct Pervasiveness of harassment and sexual abuse in government Barriers preventing victims from coming forward and a lack of protection for whistleblowers Calls for transparency regarding congressional NDA settlements and Epstein files Escalation of violent rhetoric and attacks targeting elected officials and journalists The failure of current political leaders to lower the temperature on public discourse   Connect with Liz Kurantowicz: Capital Report, Nexstar (Sundays at 10:30 on ABC Hartford-New Haven, also online via the WTNH app and YouTube) Twitter/X:@MrsKurantowicz Resources mentioned: Capital Report TV show (WTNH, Hartford-New Haven) State legislative transparency and audit initiatives (Massachusetts, Connecticut) Julie Grace’s piece on D.C. experiences Information on registration laws for alternative education in Connecticut Discussions regarding the release of Epstein files and congressional slush fund records   Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa   Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.   Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts   Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.