Bombshell: Baker camps asks Cahill to be No. 2; but Treasurer says "No thanks!.

Bombshell? Really? (0.00 / 0)

I read that story last night and I disagree with your assessment of a "not too plausible denial."  After all, just about everyone here on RMG speculated about just such a thing... and don't you think that someone, related to Baker but not officially part of the campaign, might have asked Cahill - without sanction from Baker or the campaign manager?  Seems entirely plausible to me!  

Hell, I'd probably have asked Cahill about it if given the chance - and then the newspapers would've said "MassGOP official tries to broker deal for Cahill to be Baker's #2"

Also, that Cahill said no... not really a surprise much less a bombshell.  I read it & wen't... okay, that's it?

Sure, this is a newstory...one not entirely unexpected & one that I wondered hadn't run earlier.

Now, what is a bombshell?  Charlie Baker besting Christy Mihos with 78% of the vote at the Plymouth Count GOP straw poll.

"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 08:19:30 AM CST

Sounds like a desperation move. (0.00 / 0)

As for your bombshell Brock, 78% of hardly anything (11%) relates to not much support anyway. Meaning that if Baker cannot get unenrolled support, the Republican support is useless. Besides, any group can set up a false reading of a "straw poll" by stacking their supporters. SEE: IOWA.
I think these non-scientific straw polls actually do damage to our efforts.
People can become passive about their candidate.
Keep supporting that failed model folks, right into the grave with the Whigs !!

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 08:27:04 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Straw Poll (0.00 / 0)

Sure, a straw poll isn't exactly a science nor something that I'd take to the bank.  That said, it's been no secret that Christy's camp was trying to do their utmost to pack the place - in an area not necessarily unsympathetic towards Mr. Mihos.  

Furthermore, if Christy Mihos had won, by even 1 vote much less many percent the headlines on RMG & in the media would have been "UNDERDOG UPSET: Christy Mihos bests Charlie Baker in 1st contest!"

Of course, that's not how it went down and therefore the straw poll results, and the entire concept of a party sticking its finger - very non-scientifically, I'll grant you - into the air to take the temperature is now going to be downplayed.

If this "failed model" had come out with Christy on top, you'd probably be crowing like a rooster at day break.


"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 08:34:13 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Christy tried to pack the place????!!?? (0.00 / 0)

Were you there?  If anyone packed the place it was Baker.  

Baker had several operatives walking through the place asking everyone if they wanted a Charlie Baker sticker.  When I was talking to Jack E., one of the kids interrupted us twice to ask if we wanted a sticker.  

I understand those of you who aren't too keen on Christy, really, I do.  But to say Christy tried to pack the place is just laughable.

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by: V @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 09:15:02 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Christy tried... (0.00 / 0)

...he OBVIOUSLY wasn't very successful at the attempt.

Now, your refusal to understand the difference between attempt & success is just laughable.

"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 09:20:18 AM CST

[ Parent ]

And your proof? (0.00 / 0)

Come on BN....I don't know you, you don't know me.  Getting into a fight over this isn't worth it.

What I do know is that Christy was unaware until Saturday that a straw poll would be taken.  Did he ask supporters to show?  Sure he did.  What Pol didn't?  But trying to "pack" the place?  No, I don't believe he did.

But to suggest that he tried to pack the place, without any admission that Baker DID pack the place is not what I'd call straight shooting.

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by: V @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 09:42:28 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Of course (0.00 / 0)

Of course the Baker people had an effort to turn out their supporters.  I won't try to claim otherwise.  You're right, what pol wouldn't?

In this instance, the Baker people did a better job.  I dare say neither side knew much about the straw poll until Saturday or so - I certainly was taken by surprise.  

"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 19:42:46 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I wasn't personally invited (0.00 / 0)

Therefore there was no Mihos attempt at anything.

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by: billxi @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 10:05:58 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Ummm... (0.00 / 0)

That's sort of like me saying "I don't know anybody who voted for Barack Obama."  Surely, someone did!  :)  

Simply because you weren't personally invited doesn't mean that Mihos - and again to be fair, any & all political camps - wouldn't & didn't try to mobilize their activists.  That's sort of the name of the game.

"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 18:35:58 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Impossible (0.00 / 0)

BillXI IS Christy Mihos/Joe Manzoli/Dick Morris.

Its impossible that anything going on in the Mihos campaign would be unknown to Billxi.

He describes himself as "to the left of Barack Obama'' on social issues and is frustrated that more folks don't appreciate that. - Yvonne Abraham on Charlie Baker, The Boston Globe

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by: South Shore Republican @ Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 14:06:01 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Brock and I have both met Billixi - and he is very much his own person! (0.00 / 0)

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 19:11:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

No, I wouldn't crow .... (0.00 / 0)

A failed model is..a failed model. Sure, you can get a gov't bailout, but the model is still broken and won't work. Putting good money after bad won;t fix it. Same with politics. What's the record over the last 15 or so years- 2-240 or something like that ? How much was spent losing ?
Furthermore, I personally feel that City and Town chairs, along wth State committee people should stay neutral during primary races. Sure, most will disagree with my thought here but think about it. You were elected by ALL the Republicans, not just the Charlie Baker Republicans. If you are spending time doing tasks for the Baker camp, then that is time taken away from helping other candidates, no ? Haven't you really broken a trust by those that voted for you and may support Mihos ?
That is why we are at 11% and have problems feilding candidates.
Prediction:  Most Baker supporters will not help Mihos if he wins. How is that for a headline ?

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:11:49 PM CST

[ Parent ]

No, not really (0.00 / 0)

The MassGOP bylaws permit for State Committee, local committee chairs, etc. members to exercise the ability to support, endorse, etc.  The only prohibited are the paid staffers & chairman (not always paid, as the current isn't).

There are State Committee members who are Mihos's side - and one posts here on RMG.  :)  Others, like myself are on Baker's side.  How is this much different than last year when we had a slew on Jim Ognowoski's side & I was on Jeff Beatty's?  Or take Rappaport/Healey or Weld/Pierce.  You can go back even further.  How about Brown/Robinson?  Heck, Holly Robichaud was sending out tweets last night suggesting that the State Committee should use our powers to explicity endorse Brown to the exculsion of Robinson - a move I cannot recall being done in recent years.

We were elected to use our best prudential judgement.  That I help Baker or Brown doesn't take away from any other candidate.  It doesn't prevent me from trying to recruit a State Rep candidate in the event that John Quinn runs against Sheriff Tom Hodgson.  It doesn't take away from my recruitment of a candidate to run for State Senate if Mark Montigny runs for treasurer.  

Honestly, this just sounds like sour grapes that people are backing Baker.  You don't seem too upset that there are others backing Mihos.

I hope that your projected headline is wrong.  I'll admit that Mihos left a bad taste in the mouths of many due to his independent run in 2006.  I've heard it just yesterday during a committee meeting.  That said, I've publicly posted here previously that if Christy Mihos beats Charlie Baker in the primary then he will have my full support as our party's nominee.


"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 19:49:57 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Maybe there should be a bylaw change about that.... (0.00 / 0)

I feel the same way about those people backing Mihos. Why not spend the time bringing new people into the party instead of chasing them away ?
You were elected to support Republicans and help build and direct the party, as a whole, no ?
Maybe you are helping others but I can tell right now that mnay State Committee people do nothing on a regular basisi and to see them show up every couple of years and pick a side and be arrogant about it doesn;t help our cause at all. I commend you for your efforts and honesty.

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 21:22:12 PM CST

[ Parent ]

It's possible (0.00 / 0)

It's possible to put forward such a bylaw change, but highly unlikely - especially until the 2012 reorganizational meeting.  I think where some may disagree is that supporting particular candidates doesn't mean that you can't walk & chew gum at the same time.  Supporting candidates is what we all do - from SC member to grassroots activist & everywhere else in the MassGOP.  Everyone is going to have their own thoughts, opinions & visions for the Party.  It's out of that dialectic (probably more multi-polar) that a bigger, better & stronger MassGOP will emerge.

For the record, I'm currently involved with the Brown & Baker campaigns as well as the campaign to reelect Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgson (who happens to live in my same town of Dartmouth).  In fact, prior to attending my monthly Dartmouth Republican Town Committee meeting I was at a Hodgson campaign meeting.

Additionally, I'm actively seeking candidates for the state legislature - especially considering Rep. Quinn is likely to run against Hodgson & Sen. Montigny is long rumored to covet Cahill's spot.

Of course, I'm not ignoring the 4th Congressional race developments either.  I'm certainly doing my utmost to organize and reorganize local committees ahead of the 2010 MasSGOP Convention.

I can't address what other State Committee members may do or speak on their behalf, but as for me... I've always had a policy of publicly admitting who I support and try to maintain as neutral a position - officially - as possible.  I don't hide what Christy Mihos does in my district.  I don't try to paint Jack E. Robinson in the corner.  Sure, I admit my bias but I'll inform my constituents of the activites of all candidates - even if I'm volunteering for the other guy who might get a little extra personal effort on my behalf.

Finally, thank you for the kind words.  I don't claim to be the perfect State Committee member nor spotless in my activity, sure... I have my biases, I have my own socially & fiscally conservative views, and I'm sure there are days where I go off half-cocked & run my mouth when I should've kept quiet.  That said, I try to be transparent in what I do & when I err... I'll make my mea culpas, learn from the situation, correct the problem, and move on to trying to continually build & grow the MassGOP.

"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 21:36:21 PM CST

[ Parent ]

You are the exception rather than the norm. (0.00 / 0)

Once again, the issue I have had for many moons, is that so many state committe members do nothing unless there is something in it for their own self interests. The arrogance of some is astunding, unless of course they need you for something, as it is right now.  

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by: politicalmadman @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 21:08:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

MAdman - don't perpetuate the stereotype. (0.00 / 0)

There has been a turnover on the State Committee of EASILY 40 percent.  It ain't yer Rappaport Committee anymore...

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 22:55:13 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Is that a good thing or a bad thing ?? (0.00 / 0)

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by: politicalmadman @ Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 17:13:31 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Maybe... (0.00 / 0)

 Charlie hired Kevin Sowyrda, he's a free agent right now.  
What percentage of Plymouth County Republicans are members of the Plymouth County GOP?
Sorry, I am NEVER voting for a candidate who goes outside the party for a running mate.  

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by: billxi @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:31:03 PM CST

[ Parent ]

But you can... (5.00 / 1)

...vote for a candidate who left the party in 2006 to run for governor?  

I don't mean to dredge that up against Mihos but your logic simply fails me.  You want to hold it against Baker that some people, who aren't even paid campaign staffers, made overtures to Tim Cahill.

Yet Christy Mihos publicly broke from the MassGOP, attacked our party's nominee, and helped Deval Patrick win the gubernatorial election with his own candidacy... and THAT doesn't bother you?  

I'm sorry bill, but the math just doesn't add up for me on that one.

"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 19:52:31 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Why did Mihos run as he did in 2006 ? Is there an explanation somewhere ? (0.00 / 0)

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 21:16:37 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Yes. There is. (0.00 / 0)

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 22:53:46 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Well, don't leave me hangin' !! (0.00 / 0)

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by: politicalmadman @ Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 17:13:02 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I Wasn't A Republican In 2006 (0.00 / 0)

 If I'm doing something, I do it wholeheartedly. I am not holding anything against Baker.
Party questions here
Doesn't the state convention endorse an LG candidate?
Wouldn't the candidate need to be a Republican?

Please bear in mind, I'm new at this party stuff. If you people don't want new people, just say so and I'm outta here.  

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by: billxi @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 10:22:23 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Yes & No (0.00 / 0)

Yes, the MassGOP State Convention will vote - as they will for governor (and all contested statewide races) to endorse a candidate for Lt. Gov.

In 2002, there was a hotly contested race between Jim Rappaport & Kerry Healey.  Rappaport was endorsed by the party at the convention but went on to lose at the primary.

However, according to state law the Gov & Lt. Gov technically do not run as a ticket & therefore it's conceivable that there would be office holders of contrasting parties.  

IF there was some sort of deal between Baker & Cahill, I don't imagine that Cahill would stand for endorsement as Cahill wouldn't get our party's 15% ballot access.

It's a little unorthodox but it's not impossible. Not to make too much out of it but remember, Abraham Lincoln & Andrew Johnson were a fusion ticket.


"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 18:34:31 PM CST

[ Parent ]

You have something in common with Christy... (0.00 / 0)

...he wasn't a Republican then either.  And he picked a life long Democrat to be his running mate.  Given your horror about this baker/Cahill flirtation, you should be horrified about what Christy did.

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by: Festus Garvey @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 23:49:09 PM CST

[ Parent ]

True, but Mihos wasn't running as a republican and seeking someone outside his party to run with. (0.00 / 0)

Besdies, the LT. Gov. positon can and should run on their own, seperate formt he Gov. candidate.

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by: politicalmadman @ Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 21:47:31 PM CST

[ Parent ]

"Please bear in mind, I'm new at this party stuff. If you people don't want new people, just say so and I'm outta here." (5.00 / 1)

billxi - I think it's time for you to leave.  

Nothing personal, but you whine too much.  You're just not cut out for the topsy turvy world of conservative politics in Massachusetts.  

But for what it's worth, I always thought you were a pretty decent guy, AND YOU'LL MAKE ONE HECK OF A BLOGGER ON SOME OTHER SITE.  A HECK OF A BLOGGER.

Give em hell kid!  Give em hell.

"Me?  I prefer to be the conservative sitting at the king or queen's round table influencing the debate & decisions." - BNC  

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 12:03:28 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Brock - if you don't want to dredge something up, you don't have to; it'd be like me talking about A&F and the Big Dig... (0.00 / 0)

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 20:56:05 PM CST

[ Parent ]

True... (0.00 / 0)

...you make a valid point.  Yet, my intent was less reminding others of the past as it was trying to delve into the logic of someone who's personal history may not go deep enough to realize the unintentional hypocrisy of a position.

That said, I think you & I will agree that - whoever our party's standard bearer may end up being - the 2010 gubernatorial election, and the 2010 elections in general from the state legislature to your municipal races & all around - should & will be focused upon the future.  A future free of Deval Patrick and full of Republican leadership for the Commonwealth.

"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 21:02:02 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I'd be surprised if this move wasn't approached (0.00 / 0)

Baker and Cahill need each other out of the race, simple as that!

He describes himself as "to the left of Barack Obama'' on social issues and is frustrated that more folks don't appreciate that. - Yvonne Abraham on Charlie Baker, The Boston Globe

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by: South Shore Republican @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 08:20:03 AM CST

Exactly (0.00 / 0)

Whether officially or unofficially - and I think Cahill was purposely trying to steer the reporter towards officially, when that requires a leap (maybe small) of logic.

That said, that the question was asked - by anyone with a slight connection, even if unofficial, to Baker may be news but it strikes me a "duh!  no kidding... this shocks you?!"

"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 08:26:16 AM CST

[ Parent ]

No, the issue is that the Baker camp is trying to move to the middle. What, there are no other Repubicans he could ask ? (0.00 / 0)

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:14:00 PM CST

[ Parent ]

There are DOZENS who think they HAVE been >:~) (0.00 / 0)

And BOY are most of them going to be surprised that all that work they did just gets them a handshake and a hearty smile!

Mihos, of course, has said repeatedly that HE isn't annointing anybody.  Interesting fact - Gov/LtGov DON'T run as a ticket, but indpendently!

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:33:25 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Remember Rappaport and the kick in the groin he got. (0.00 / 0)

Sounds all to familiar. Histroy repeats itself.
Imagine the Democrats asking someone who just departed the Republican party to be their Lt. Gov candidate ? Ya, right! Maybe they were trying to set Cahill up to take him out ? Possible ??

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:40:26 PM CST

[ Parent ]

An Unforced Error (0.00 / 0)

Despite Brock's spin, one has to agree with EaBo's analysis that his not a "not too plausible denial".  The Cahill campaign was able to name a specific person, date and time of the call and the Baker campaign has certainly not denied the substance of the conversation.  The Baker campaign has only denied that it was sanctioned by them.  

This is an error because it weakens the ability of Mr. Baker to attack Mr. Cahill's record.  After all, if Mr. Baker--or at least Mr. Baker's supporters--consider Mr. Cahill qualified to assume the role of Lt. Governor, they can't then publicly make the case down the road that he would not be qualified to be Governor.  

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by: yankeepundit @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 09:02:27 AM CST

A Correction (0.00 / 0)

That was karlmarx, rather than EaBo, who said the denial was not plausible.  

BTW: if not sanctioned by the campaign, Mr. Nolan should state the circumstances and motivation for his call.  
 

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by: yankeepundit @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 09:10:17 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Spin? LOL (0.00 / 0)

No, sorry... not spin, just not a "bombshell" barely a firecracker.  More like a lit match.  

"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 09:12:05 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Yes, Total Spin (5.00 / 1)

You write:

I read that story last night and I disagree with your assessment of a "not too plausible denial."  After all, just about everyone here on RMG speculated about just such a thing... and don't you think that someone, related to Baker but not officially part of the campaign, might have asked Cahill - without sanction from Baker or the campaign manager?

There is a huge difference between speculation by a bunch of guys and gals at RMG with made up screennames and a call from Mr. Nolan to Mr. Cahill's campaign.  By way of background, Mr. Nolan holds the title of Senior Vice President of Customer Care & Corporate Relations at NSTAR and his total comp is upwards of $1 million.  http://investing.businessweek....  People in those types of positions in the corporate world carry a lot more cache with the media in part because they know how to keep a secret, handle a story and conduct business.

So here is my analysis:

Call from Joseph Nolan to Tim Cahill asking about interest in being Baker's Lt. Gov: bombshell.

E-mail from the college dorm room computer of  redhotgophottie@hotmail.com to Tim Cahill asking about interest in being Baker's Lt. Gov: barely a lit match.

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by: yankeepundit @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 10:00:58 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I'm inclined to agree and disagree (0.00 / 0)

It is news when someone big time like Nolan makes that kind of call. But at the same time, I've seen a lot of people in his kind of position be anything but savvy. I could also just see it as be Nolan being a blowhard overestimating his own importance and position as a supporter and trying to play the kingmaker and throw his weight around. Someone making that kind of money acting like that? Plausible, I've seen it.

He describes himself as "to the left of Barack Obama'' on social issues and is frustrated that more folks don't appreciate that. - Yvonne Abraham on Charlie Baker, The Boston Globe

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by: South Shore Republican @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 09:25:07 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Very smart... (0.00 / 0)

Yankeepundit, you are totally right about this undermining Baker's ability to attack Cahill. Brilliant move on Cahill's part if that's why he put this story out there...

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by: wendywalter @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 09:25:23 AM CST

[ Parent ]

The problem is that Cahill is more conservative than Baker. See: Sozzafava v. Hoffman (0.00 / 0)

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:16:03 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Cahill is not Hoffman (0.00 / 0)

Cahill is just a hack.  How it Tim Cahill a conservative again?

"the Federal deficit is about ethics and morality, and it is, by far, the biggest problem we face. It weakens the country and exerts a creeping, negative influence on everything we do." - Charlie Baker.  HT:  Brent041

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by: Mike "DD4RP" Rossettie @ Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 15:02:28 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Pro-life, pro-traditional mariage, very fiscally conservative it seems. (0.00 / 0)

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by: politicalmadman @ Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 21:48:56 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Is this the same fiscal conservative that goofed up the state budget by forgetting to tell anyone MA had been blackballed from Powerball, and let revenue forecasts include that money? (0.00 / 0)

And I realize we can NOW be part of it - but MAN, did his idiocy screw up Fiscal 2010!

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 22:52:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Yeah but look at our party and their accounting over the years ! (0.00 / 0)

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by: politicalmadman @ Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 17:15:53 PM CST

[ Parent ]

WHAT accounting? This is Mass. you know, where only Democrats are allowed to squander resources! (0.00 / 0)

Madman - what Congress does/did has no bearing on our state malfeasance.

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 17:28:43 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Sorry,but we had the corner office for 16 out of the last 20 years. (0.00 / 0)

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by: politicalmadman @ Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 22:43:45 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I both agree and disagree........... (0.00 / 0)

with the assumption that this negates Baker's ability to attack Cahill in the future.  At first glance it does just that, but at a deeper level it says that Baker thought Cahill was qualified to be the number 2 guy and not the number 1 guy.  There is a big difference as we can tell from the Obama/Biden ticket.  Biden got a whopping 2% of votes in the primary and Obama got the job at the top of the ticket.

Baker needs to get past this quickly and then be very clear in the future about why Cahill was asked to be there.  The answer needs to be this: Deval Patrick has put the state in such a f*ckin mess that it needs the attention of two financially savvy people.  If Cahill doesn't want to be part of the solution then he will remain part of the ongoing problem.  Remember, Cahill was the Treasurer while the state sank into financial ruin.  That means something to voters and Cahill can't shake off the stigma of bad financial management without Baker.  Think about it - Tim Cahill was in charge of the money while the state blew through billions of dollars in overspending, big pensions, and fiscal ruin.

Cahill is a spoiler in this race and Baker was simply giving him a way out of the sh*t factory.  If Cahill wants to make the journey on his own with no funds being collected over the last two or three months then good luck with that.

If this website wants to help Baker or Mihos in this upcoming Governor's race then every day a story has to be written about Tim Cahill and his mismanagement of the state finances during the Deval Patrick administration.  We need to tie Cahill to Deval Patrick at every step of the way and be clear that Cahill was the guy paid to manage the money - and he failed.

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by: Vote3rdpartynow @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 10:42:29 AM CST

[ Parent ]

V, True but we also have to acknowledge that.... (5.00 / 1)

Charlie Baker was in charge during the big dig fiasco under Republican Governors. So we are not blameless in the financial downfall here.
Let's be fair to Cahill too. There is a Senate race on and maybe, unlike the GOP, they are focusing on that race first. We, on the other hand, are not focusing on Scott Brown. Most of the "establishment" is talking about supporting Charlie Baker, not Scott Brown.
SEE: PLYMOUTH STRAW POLL

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 17:38:11 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Straw Poll (0.00 / 0)

There was also a straw poll held for Scott Brown versus Jack E. Robinson.  Brown won overwhelmingly.

Sorry, but I reject the notion that the party isn't focusing upon Brown.  Personally?  I'm working on phone banks down here in the SouthCoast for Brown.

Here we go again with the "establishment" rhetoric again.  

"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 19:56:32 PM CST

[ Parent ]

A different perspective... (0.00 / 0)

...I saw this story less about Baker and more about the state of the Cahill campaign.  Apparently this is the only way he can get press, so he peddled the story.  Did the Baker campaign approach him?  Sure, but they did it in a way that gives Charlie plenty of deniability if he is asked directly about it.  We all know the very same thing, done the very same way, was done between Baker and Mihos.

If you read the entire Globe story, I entirely agree with the Baker insider who predicts Cahill will collapse next fall.  

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by: Festus Garvey @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 09:54:37 AM CST

Inter-species Dating (0.00 / 0)

Festus - Mihos is a Republican, and Cahill is a Democrat.  It would be natural for Baker to approach Mihos, although frankly, I doubt it was ever done.  The Baker method was to try to draft him for another office (while saying simultaneously that Christy was unfit for one Constitutional Office and the best choice for another that Baker didn't happen to want - the inherent contradiction is that logic seems to have escaped them).

Is it too late for Cahill to run against Deval in a primary?

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 12:07:26 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Too late (0.00 / 0)

No

But not likely.  I think Deval has his detractors on all fronts, but given a choice between Deval and Cahill the solid left would probably favor Deval in a primary.  That's just my guess for what it's worth.  He's been branded a turncoat by the establishment.

Follow me on twitter @garyrlake

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by: garyrlake @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 13:14:46 PM CST

[ Parent ]

But how do you think the establishment feels about Deval these days? (0.00 / 0)

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 14:44:58 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Not so great (0.00 / 0)

No doubt he has his detractors, but not enough to vote for someone who had the sheer audacity to dessert their beloved democratic party.  I think he might have had a shot if he challenged him initially, but not so much now.  That's just my speculation though.  My track record on recent predictions has been less than stellar lately :)

Follow me on twitter @garyrlake

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by: garyrlake @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 15:35:30 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Well Mihos is into Inter-species dating, so... (0.00 / 0)

...all of this should be OK with him.  I mean, Christy was unenrolled 4 years ago and who can forget that fling he had with life-long Democrat John J. Sullivan during that period.  Baker's flirtation is far safer than Christy's, Charlie is still a Republican and Cahill is officially unenrolled.  A good Republican parent would much rather see their child stay a Republican and date a fast and loose Democrat turned Independent, than see their child step out as the independent and shack up with a life-long Democrat, like Christy did.    

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by: Festus Garvey @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 14:09:45 PM CST

[ Parent ]

That's what they said about Hoffman, Christie, ect. (0.00 / 0)

True about the approach though, done very carefully-plausible deniability.

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:18:37 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Question (0.00 / 0)

So does anyone know the rules about this - but lets say for a minute Cahill actually said yes.  

Wouldn't he then have to become a Republican?  Hence giving the Republicans a constitutional officer actually in office?

Also wouldn't that technically 'grow' the party by having someone switch sides?  I know some purists would say that we shouldn't grow that party with old democrats, but heck with numbers so slow why is that such a bad idea?

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by: plymouth99 @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 17:05:53 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Good question ! (0.00 / 0)

Could he run as an independent and win. I don't think we can have dual party registrations in office  but who knows ??

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 17:15:00 PM CST

[ Parent ]

"I feel like I have every bit as much right to run for the top job as he does,'' Cahill said in an interview. "And I would hope people would respect that" (5.00 / 2)

Nope.  Nobody else has the right to run as far as the Baker camp is concerned, and civility or respect for an opponent isn't in their strategy book.  Just ask Christy Mihos.

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:03:57 AM CST

So, is Baker a RINO? (0.00 / 0)

This is a RINO move isn't it?

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Kamal Jain for State Auditor
http://www.kamaljain.com

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by: Patrick @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:40:50 AM CST

Check who Charlie has donated money to in the past........... (0.00 / 0)

That will tell you the answer to your question. It will also tell you how serious he is about the Republican party.

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:21:28 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Charlie Baker's Complete Donation History (0.00 / 0)

http://redmassgroup.com/diary/...
Was that a pro-Charlie comment or an anti-Charlie comment?  He has donated a lot to Republicans over the years, but has donated to prominent Democrats as well.

According to the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, Charlie Baker has donated $20,465.00 to state candidates in Massachusetts since 2002.  Most of these donations have been to Republicans including a $2,500 to the MassGOP in 2006.  He has never directly donated to the Democratic Party.

He has also donated to some members of the Democratic leadership including Therese Murray, John Rogers, and Tom Reilly.  As an important CEO of a company who does business with the state, this may have been to grease the wheels of the leadership.

In 2003, 2004, and 2005 he gave the legal maximum of $500 to both Romney and Healey.  He has never given to Patrick or Murray.

"the Federal deficit is about ethics and morality, and it is, by far, the biggest problem we face. It weakens the country and exerts a creeping, negative influence on everything we do." - Charlie Baker.  HT:  Brent041

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by: Mike "DD4RP" Rossettie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:47:35 PM CST

[ Parent ]

It was a comment relevent to the discussion. (0.00 / 0)

As someone who is seeking the "Republican" nomination, then it is relevent as to whom you have been supporting and why. Business or no business, is your allegiance to the party compromised when you play both sides ? Seems to be true in most instances in the past in this state.
But,that's for each of us to decide when choosing to support a candidate.
Remember: Bill Weld endorsed Obama and now he comes to the Republican activists here in Mass. asking for money in support of a candidate he is endorsing. Is that really something we aspire to be as a party ??
Once again, that is for each of us to decide. I am not anti-anyone. I am just tired of people continuing to threaten people to take sides this early.

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 17:30:48 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Let me ask this another way (0.00 / 0)

Check who Charlie has donated money to in the past...........   (0.00 / 0)
That will tell you the answer to your question. It will also tell you how serious he is about the Republican party.

Were you pointing out that:

1) He has donated a lot to Republicans.
2) He also donates to Democrats.
3) Nothing.  Just speaking in general without implication.

"the Federal deficit is about ethics and morality, and it is, by far, the biggest problem we face. It weakens the country and exerts a creeping, negative influence on everything we do." - Charlie Baker.  HT:  Brent041

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by: Mike "DD4RP" Rossettie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 18:06:12 PM CST

[ Parent ]

4. All of the above.... (4.00 / 1)

The facts speak for themselves IF people get to hear them. Thanks for posting them. If somone supports both sides, then when the kitchen gets hot, which side will they stand on ?
This is true for all candidates who ask for our support.
Mihos ran as an independent -why ??
Baker ran an HMO that was going belly up. How did he save it ??
Jack E. Robinson is running for Senate - why ?
We all have to seek out the facts and make the decisions for ourselves. But what this site needs is for everyone to step back and decide what type of party you want.
Do you want a "rino' party as some would state we have now ? Or do you want a conservative based party that stands on the priciples of Ronald Reagan ?
The choice is yours to make. How are we doing so far ??

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 18:34:09 PM CST

[ Parent ]

For someone up thread... (0.00 / 0)

...who had no knowledge (and I assume experience) as to why Christy bolted the Republcian Party and took Deval's side in the debates 4 years ago, you seem to want to hold Baker accountable for some old campaign contributions.  That says a lot.

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by: Festus Garvey @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 23:43:12 PM CST

[ Parent ]

It is my understanding he bolted because no one would listen (0.00 / 0)

to his warnings about the corrupt big dig fiasco. His party was part and parcel of the corruption.
As far as supporting Deval, you are taking the question out of context and you know it ! I am surprised at you.

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by: politicalmadman @ Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 21:52:26 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Baker, a RINO? (0.00 / 0)

What, you just realizing this?  I've been saying for months the guy has more in common with my views that 90% of the posters on RMG.

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by: Festus Garvey @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 23:44:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Charlie Baker is a Republican? (0.00 / 0)

Charlie Baker is a Republican?

He is a Republican by name only, he is a DEM by his actions.
Mass GOP WAKE UP = let CHRISTY MIHOS be the GOP canidate to go against Deval in 2012

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by: cfblake2 @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 20:21:00 PM CST

Oh joy (0.00 / 0)

More of the mind numbed "RINO" references and tearing down instead of building up.

The more I read & hear of this garbage, the more I see Republicans viciously attacking fellow Republicans & violating Reagan's 11th Commandment... the more I know that I want to avoid the side where that element is gravitating towards.

Christy, I'm not supporting you during the primary but I believe that you're a good man.  You deserve better than this sort of campaign by those posting on your behalf.

"Tomorrow will be better for as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life." - Walt Disney

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by: BNCordeiro @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 20:46:00 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Yes, he's a Republican. (0.00 / 0)

HE's wrong about the tax rollback, and other things, but he's a Republican.

What the hell, Christy Mihos is wrong about the Cape Wind project!

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 20:53:47 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Doesn't Christy have almost as much RINO as Char;ie in him? (0.00 / 0)

Gay Marriage...Abortion, to name just two things.

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by: Festus Garvey @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 23:40:30 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Starting truble again ? Why not read and find out the truth about both guys? (0.00 / 0)

How about Paglialuca supporting the draft, oh wait, he didnt understand the question, or did he ? Then Capuano brings in the "wicked witch of the west" for an endorsment. Then, he disses her by stating he wouldn;t support the healthcare bill either ! Ha ! Great candidates you got over there, Festy.
 

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by: politicalmadman @ Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 21:56:17 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Is there MORE than two things. Festus? (0.00 / 0)

Neither is a state issue - the Lege denied a vote, and Roe v Wade still controls.  So unless DOMA is repealed or Roe overturned, these are Federal issues.

So - things WITHIN the purview of the Governor of the Commonwealth - can you name two things?

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 22:50:11 PM CST

[ Parent ]