The race for Mass GOP Chair is down the final few days and it looks to be a close race. Both candidates have demonstrated a willingness to work to grow the Party and we are all better for the race and I trust that both Kirsten and Rick will play substantial roles in Mass GOP regardless the outcome on Thursay night.
The race for Mass GOP Chair has also provided us with the opportunity to look at our House Minority Leader, Brad Jones ( ?, North Andover) views the work of building OUR party and, frankly, its not a pretty sight, but one to which we should all be paying attention.
It started a couple of weeks ago with the following quote in a Boston Globe story:
House minority leader Bradley H. Jones Jr., who supports Hughes, said that the party's current focus should be on the campaign at hand. "The US Senate race is the bottom of the ticket, the top of the ticket, and the middle of the ticket," he said. "It's the whole thing. It's not about competing for resources."
The quote was characterized as some as being taken out of context or a minor gaffe. I look at it differently, its a clear, unadulterated view into how the Minority Leader sees the Party. He doesn't seem worried about the grass roots, doesn't seem to care about the election of other Republicans in special elections other than Scott Brown in the special Senate election and doesn't appear all that concerned with growing the House Republican caucus.
Not to be outdone with that memorable quote, Brad Jones delivers to us the following gem:
We know Kirsten has the right qualities to lead our Party at this extremely pivotal time, especially during the special elections we will endure this year and throughout next year's mid-term elections.
The quote above is from an email to State Committee members urging them to vote for Kirsten Hughes for Mass GOP Chair http://www.redmassgroup.com/sh... and yes, he really did write that we will ENDURE special elections.
The quote in the Globe a couple of weeks ago called into question, for me, the ability and desire of Rep Jones to lead the Mass GOP to victory. The most recent quote provides a clear and unambiguous answer - No, he is not.
I urge Ms. Hughes and her supporters on the State Committee and elsewhere to consider the words spoken and written by Rep Jones and how they impact the Mass GOP. Please come out against the sentiments in Rep Jones' quotes and written word. You have spoken strongly and ardently about growing the Party and here, one of your strongest supporters, shows that he has no time for the grass roots and no time to "endure" special elections to grow the Party. Leadership is standing up for those ideals in which you believe no matter whom may be opposing you. Demonstrate your leadership and character, stand up against Rep Jones' statements. If you don't how can we expect you to lead the Party?
How Ms. Hughes responds to Rep Jones' statements will speak volumes about her ability to lead the Mass GOP, if elected. Unfortunately, we already have ample evidence about the ability of Rep Jones to grow and lead the Party. We need strong leadership in our Minority Leader and Rep Jones doesn't have it.
Poll
Does Brad Jones have your confidence as Minority Leader?
