One of Karyn Polito's greatest strength has always been the ability to pick a winning issue and run with it. She has done it again by proposing that politicians do not receive government pensions.
Elected officials should be held to high standards. One of the reasons people have lost faith in government is because of the many sordid tales of public corruption, wasteful spending, and pension abuse. Karyn believes in reforming state government, and she believes the process needs to start with elected officials taking the lead. Going forward, she will propose that future elected state officials not receive a state pension.
Newt Gingrich calls them "Tripartisan Issues" because they will receive a majority of Republicans, Democrats and Independents. When you focus on these "Tripartisan Issues" you end up with a center-right platform because we are a center right country. Due to their widespread popularity, your opponent will only debate them at their own peril.
Karyn Polito first did this with charitable license plates. She stood on the side of charities, the Boston Red Sox, and little kids with cancer. How can you fight against that? You can't and her bill is now law.
Karyn next did this with "Jessica's Law." In the legal battle between convicted child molesters and innocent children she was the standard bearer for innocent children. Inexplicably, the Democrats fought her on this one. They took a lot of heat in the media, she gained a lot of good will, and eventually some of the provisions were past. You can blame Representative James Fagan (D) for holding this up. He is being challenged by Shaunna O'Connell (R) in the 3rd Bristol district. To read the profile of this race click here.
Karyn's proposal that politicians stop receiving government pensions is perfect for 2010. It fits the current populist mood. It fits the office she is running for. It will be highly topical with pension reform being a major issue of the campaign and a particular strength of Charlie Baker. If her Democratic opponent fights it, he would be fighting for more money for himself. It's a winner, and it's already earning media attention. You can watch her interview with Jim Braude on NECN below the fold.
Karyn Polito will officially kick off her campaign for Massachusetts State Treasurer at Union Station in Worcester on March 19th. More information on this event is also available below the fold.
There has been much back and forth since last week's Suffolk Poll came out particularly with respect to the Governor's race, but there was something important there that we missed: Martha Coakley stands poised to lose a bid for re-election. The Mass GOP seemed to have a candidate in Peter Flaherty, but after making a small splash last week I haven't heard anything since. Flaherty would make a tremendous candidate. I've never met him personally, but am constantly hearing great things about him. I'd be particularly glad to finally be joined in the GOP by someone like Flaherty who apparently also practices a faith of some kind, it'll be interesting to see how that gels with the Richard Tisei coalition of the Unitarians, the Secular, and the Godless. (OK cheap shot, couldn't help myself)
Here's what Martha's got in the bank: $66,540.08. And who's going to want to raise money for her now?
So lets take a look at the numbers courtesy of our friends at Suffolk University:
Q7. Is your opinion of Martha Coakley generally favorable or generally unfavorable?
Never heard .................................... 1%
Favorable ...................................... 40%
Unfavorable .................................... 52%
Heard of/Undecided ............................. 6%
Q1. Is your opinion of Deval Patrick generally favorable or generally unfavorable?
Never heard .................................... 2%
Favorable ...................................... 38%
Unfavorable .................................... 50%
Heard of/Undecided ............................. 10%
(edited to embed link. - promoted by Mike "DD4RP" Rossettie)
Tells supporters he will he 'know when to say no' in Washington
Nearly 500 supporters packed a ballroom at the Cape Codder in Hyannis last night to help Sandwich resident and current State Representative Jeff Perry officially kick off his campaign for Congress in the 10th Congressional District.
The kickoff was the first fundraising event for Perry since he entered the race early last month.
"I feel so blessed to see so many old and new friends here tonight, and to sense the excitement and energy in this room," Perry said. "The people of the 10th Congressional district are ready for a fresh, dynamic and effective voice in Washington...someone who will stand up for them and fight for the things they believe in."
Calling his supporters "Perry's Patriots," the four-term Republican member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives told the crowd he would "know when to say 'no'" to policies that are harmful to the people of the 10th Congressional District, including over-spending in Washington and federally-mandated healthcare. Holding up two signs of "know" and "no" Perry explained to the enthusiastic packed crowd, "I know that we cannot pass on our record level of national debt to our children and grandchildren, as he pointed to his Son and Granddaughter. Our elected leaders in Washington, D.C. must have the political courage to say no to the culture of bailouts and overspending."
Perry believes in smaller and more responsible government. He has been a consistent champion for fiscal responsibility in state government, and he has also fought hard against tax increases. Several years ago, Perry was one of only two members of the House to vote against the proposal for a mandated health insurance system in Massachusetts out of concerns about the bill's costs and ramifications. Since then, as those rising costs have become even more apparent in the state budget, Perry has worked with other members to push for tort reform and electronic record-keeping proposals that would lower health care costs and improve the delivery of health services for Massachusetts residents.
Perry also believes strongly in taking a stand against illegal immigration. He has proposed legislation which would deny illegal immigrants state benefits that cost Massachusetts legal residents millions of dollars every year. In Perry's speech, he also spoke of his unconditional support of our military services members.
Jeff Perry has represented the Fifth Barnstable district (which includes the town of Sandwich and portions of Barnstable, Bourne, and Mashpee) in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since winning the seat in 2002. During his eight years on Beacon Hill, Perry distinguished himself as a reform-minded leader and someone who is always willing to take a stand in favor of principles that matter to him and to those he represents, whether that means reaching across the aisle to work with members of the other party, or if it means not being afraid to stand alone for what needs to get done.
Perry's website, JeffPerryForCongress.com includes information about his candidacy and the opportunity to make donations to his campaign. People can also follow his candidacy on Facebook and Twitter with links found on the website.
His name is Scott Brown, he's from Wrentham, and he drives a truck. Scott Brown as able to become a United States Senator, in part, by tapping into a downscale conservative-populist mood that exists in today's political climate. He won communities like Chicopee, Fitchberg, Leominster, and Lowell that were not part of the more liberal upscale victory of Bill Weld in 1990. Bill Weld achieved victory by winning towns like Amherst, Brookline, Nantucket and Provincetown. This was made possible by having an John Silber as an opponent.
Deval Patrick is an aloof, unpopular governor whose support has dwindled down to just the liberal Democratic base. Here in Massachusetts that's still a third of the voters. The most likely Republican ticket will be Charlie Baker, a CEO from Swampscott, and Richard Tisei, a 25 year Beacon Hill insider from Wakefiled. With two socially liberal Republicans from the North Shore, where are the available votes for Tim Cahill? They are obviously the same downscale conservative-populist voters that helped elected Scott Brown.
The Cahill Strategy is becoming clear. The 2 term state Treasurer is going to attempt to run as a political outsider crusading against the establishment of both parties. He will follow 2 models. Watch for Cahill to try to pull off an upset just like McCain did in the 2000 NH primary and Scott Brown in 2010. Here are some things to watch for:
Heavy Retail Politics: He will be campaigning at commuter stops, high school football games, chili cook-offs, fairs, and just about every other local event you can think of.
Watch for "town hall" meetings, outdoor events and even direct door-to-door campaigning.
Using His Family: Watch for the Cahill daughters to play a more visible roll. Also, watch for him to talk about his working-class, blue collar roots from Quincy. He's going to try to personalize this race as much as possible.
Running a Positive Campaign: When you go negative you hurt your opponent, but you hurt yourself as well. Cahill can't win using a shotgun on the field. As the 3rd candidate he needs to get people to vote for him, not just against the other guy. Besides, he won't have the money. While Cahill has the most cash on hand right now, I don't expect that to last. Baker and Deval are both raising it at faster rates and will have party organizations behind them in the fall.
Grabbing a Socially Conservative Issue: Deval Patrick will have the left wingers on social issues. The center-right is what's in play. Both Baker and Cahill support gay marriage and are pro-choice. However, there is more to it that that. We have seen both Mitt Romney and Scott Brown able to hold the conservative base by being socially conservative enough and more conservative than their opponents. Cahill would love to make inroads in the conservative base that is currently not being spoken for. If I were Cahill, I would poll test a variety of issues and pick one or two that are the most popular to outflank Baker-Tisei on the right. If Charlie Baker let's him do so unchallenged, that's bad news him.
Poor Deval and Tim, they can't find money in Massachusetts so both of them are headed on a great adventure to the same place. Where oh where are they going? Watch the video to find out!
An announcement is imminent as another member of the Massachusetts Legislature decides not to run for re-election. The dominos will fall in the Merrimack Valley when Senator Sue Tucker finishes her personal calls and her decision becomes public tomorrow. Senator Tucker - a Democrat - represents the Second Essex and Middlesex District which includes the city of Lawrence and the towns of Andover, Dracut and Tewksbury.
State Representative Jeff Perry (R) has announced that he is running for Congress in the Massachusetts 10th Congressional district. Incumbent Bill Delahunt (D) annouced he is retiring last night, creating an open seat. Earlier today, the
Patriot Ledger reported that State Senator Bob Hedlund (R) will not seek the seat.
Jeff Perry's Campaign Kickoff is tonight at 7:00pm at the Cape Codder Resort, 1225 Iyannough Road, Hyannis.
Jeff Perry is a 4 term State Representative from the 5th Barnstable district. He was first elected in 2002 by defeating incumbent Ruth Provost (D) by a 51.2% to 48.8% margin. In 2004, he won re-election by a 66% to 34% margin over Garry Blank (D). In 2006, he was unopposed. In 2008, he defeated Glenn Pare by a 68% to 32% margin. He started his career defeating an incumbent and his victory margins grew with each challenger even during Democratic landslide years. More information can be found on his campaign website JeffPerryForCongress.com or his facebook page.
According to his 2009 year end report with OCPF, Jeff Perry has $24,044.45 cash on hand with no liabilities. This (state) money can not be directly used for his (federal) congressional campaign.
Jeff Perry is the most frequent poster on Red Mass Group for any elected official in state government. He has covered a variety of issues including the Constitution, government spending, and health care. You can read any of his 36 posts The here.
The 10th congressional district is the best district in Massachusetts for a Republican. The Cook Political Report gives it a PVI rating of D+5. It is the 152nd most Democratic district in the United States. This was also Scott Brown's best congressional district where he won by over 22% of the vote.
Last night Republican Paul Avella, former candidate for State Representative in the 2nd Middlesex district (Westford, Littleton and precincts 3,5 and 7 in Chelmsford) withdrew from the race and issued the following statement.
Tonight, I am writing to you to tell you that I am withdrawing from the race for 2nd Middlesex House District. This decision is based solely on personal reasons. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all the support you have given me. A benefit I could not have contemplated is my good fortune in developing so many great friendships over the course of this campaign and during our run in 2008. Your friendship is truly a blessing for me--Thank you. Even though I will not run this November, I am not withdrawing from the scene. I will continue the fight with you to help make the changes necessary in our Commonwealth. My sincerest gratitude.
Regards,
Paul
In 2008, Paul Avella fell short in his run by a 53% to 47% margin. This is an unfortunate loss for Massachusetts, the 2nd Middlesex district, and the Republican party. For more information read his Red Mass Group profile here.
So you're probably hearing the news by now, and I'm here to tell you its true. Tim Cahill has tapped key members of the McCain political team to manage his independent campaign for Governor. John Weaver, the man who helped "brand" McCain as the Independent he is back in 2000, has taken a look at our race in Massachusetts and has decided to throw his weight behind Tim Cahill. John Yob, McCain's political director who orchestrated McCain's comeback beginning in the summer of 2007 will play a significant role in running the race along with other members of McCains senior political team that have been recruited by Weaver and Yob. Mike Dennehy is also on board. Dennehy and Weaver were the "architects" of McCain's NH victory over the heavily favored Bush by branding McCain as the voice of independent voters. Dennehy was a Senior Advisor to McCain and one of the people who oversaw McCain's 2008 NH primary win. Dennehy has a strong New England track record and is a native of Massachusetts. And finally you can also add MARK SALTER to the mix. Mark Salter was John McCain's chief of staff for 20 years, is described as his alter ego, co-authored all of his books, and by almost everyone's account: "the voice of John McCain". Salter I've heard will assist the campaign with communications duties.
I've worked with these guys back in 2007/2008 and have to say they're the best. Indeed, they're scary good. If they bring with the the rest of the McCain staff I'm hearing they've been able to recruit, this team will be an absolute wrecking ball. They're savvy, they're tireless, and are absolute killers when they're working against you -particularly against Republicans in primaries (which is what the Suffolk Poll demonstrated we are essentially going to see in November between Cahill and Baker). They also do not like losing, and rarely do (2008 was the "summer of love" and an impossible scenario friends), so their decision to get behind Cahill is a pretty serious vote of confidence. I'm told by one reliable source that this is the McCain campaign's way of saying "thanks" to Baker's mentor Bill Weld for endorsing Obama a couple weeks before the 2008 election. That, and Republicans nationally are disgusted by Baker/Tisei's total disregard for Republican principles. (NOTE: I am not suggesting Baker endorsed Barack Obama)
Sorry Team Cahill the Baker fundraising numbers are in and it looks like Charlie's netting some serious dough.
For the most recent month according to OCPF Charlie raised $456,678.77and had expenditures of $266,155.26 a net of $190,523.51 and has $1.8M in the bank. Baker's net is three times what Cahill raised for the month of February. Baker's net amount is 2.5 times that of Cahill who netted about $72K for the month.
When you look at Richard Tisei's numbers the difference between him and Loscocco is even more staggering. Richard Tisei according to OCPF raised $106,895.08 and spent $55,262.87 a net difference of $51,623 positive for the month. Tisei has roughly $454K on hand. Tisei's opponent Paul Loscocco raised $2100 and spent $2300. A negative $200 pace. Richard outraised Loscocco 50 to one and netted 25 times what Loscocco raised.
So my good friends South Shore Republican and Upsetters Review. I guess your concerns were unfounded. At this point in the race Team Baker Tisei has $2.25M cash on hand, and team Cahill Loscocco has $3.42M cash on hand. Baker and Tisei can tap into $5000 donations with the Party after the primary. Cahill and Loscocco can't. I'd say Baker-Tisei is in pretty good shape for the General. But thanks for your concern.
(The video is amazing. - promoted by Rob "EaBo Clipper" Eno)
Keith Lepor is running for a seat in the 9th Congressional District against current incumbent Stephen Lynch. I am a big fan of Keith, and I work as one of his volunteers. In talking to him, I found some footage of his previous career (up until he decided to dedicate his time to running for political office). Currently, any news media he seems to encounter dismiss him as "not qualified" to run for Congress.
I know this is not a direct correlation by any means, however, I will ague the following:
If a man is willing to put their own life in jeopardy in order to document what our men and women of the US Armed Forces are doing around the world on behalf of their country, then that speaks volumes about something that is lacking in our current "professional political" environment: integrity and character.
This guy is worth getting to know. He was a Jimmy Fund kid, came from a single parent household, and has seen the evil in the world that threatens our nation. That is not something that should be easily dismissed.
This video is an example of what our troops face every day in Afghanistan and other hostile environments thoughout the world. In the video, Keith (who was working with the US Marines as a NATO Combat Photojournalist) is hit by a sniper round, and his life is saved by two US Marines. It is not often that people have a video copy of the moment that changed their lives. This is what made him want to run for congress (as he tells me). This is why I support him. His actions speak much louder than polished words.
(Thanks for stopping by. - promoted by Rob "EaBo Clipper" Eno)
I wanted to share with you guys the latest news from my campaign. Big thanks to you those who have helped out!
BAKER-TISEI TEAM RAISES OVER $560,000 IN FEBRUARY
Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:38:57 -0800
Nearly $1 Million in first two months of 2010
The Baker for Governor and Tisei for Lieutenant Governor campaigns announced today that they raised a combined $561,773.75 in the month of February and outraised their opponents by as much as a factor of six. Charlie Baker’s campaign raised $454,878.77 last month while Richard Tisei brought in $106,895.08, from over 2,000 individual donors combined. In the first two months of 2010, the Baker-Tisei Team raised just under $1 million dollars, reaching $950,224.56 combined.
In February, Baker and Tisei’s fundraising far surpassed that of their opponents, both as individual candidates and as tickets. According to OCPF records, Baker-Tisei outraised Patrick-Murray ($249,737.47 combined) by 2 to 1, and outraised Cahill-Loscocco ($86,594.85) by 6 times.
“Every day, more people are joining the Baker-Tisei team because they know Charlie and Richard will cut spending, lower taxes, and bring back jobs in order to get Massachusetts back on track,” said campaign manager Lenny Alcivar. “Massachusetts citizens know they will put taxpayers first and bring real leadership and real reform to Beacon Hill.” For more information about Charlie Baker and Richard Tisei, please visit www.CharlieBaker2010.com and www.RichardTisei2010.com.
In the future, saying "I-told-you-so" won't make much difference. This is the here and now. The stuff that "can never happen" already is. Boys must be allowed to use girls bathrooms and locker-rooms. Local school districts are being sued. Unelected panels are directly writing school policy on a mass scale. The local people are being denied an opportunity to speak.
On Monday, the Maine Human Rights Commission met to establish firm guidelines for men who chose to identify as women in schools from kindergarten through college. I have included part 1 of the video to the left, with parts 2 through 4 below the fold. ABC affiliate WMTW -8 reports:
The discussion revolved around a document the commission created called "Sexual Orientation in Schools and Colleges," a guide for schools to address accommodating transgender students.
The guide recommends schools allow transgender students to use the bathrooms, play on the sports teams and follow the dress codes of the gender they identify with.
Massachusetts will soon decide the fate of it's own "Bathroom Bill." Citizens can make their voices heard on H. 1728 here.
(Oh I don't know Festus. It seems Charlie Baker had a plan for this and your friends at BMG laughed it off. - promoted by Rob "EaBo Clipper" Eno)
AND WHY IT'S IMMEDIATE ROLLBACK IS EVIDENCE WE LACK THE COMMON WILL TO CONFRONT REALITY.
If the Registry of Motors Vehicles where a bank, the announcement that they would impose a $5 fee on people who go to branches to make transactions, would have been greeted with a whimper and not the bang that has erupted.
Despite what many two-faced fiscal conservatives are whining about, this fee has nothing to do with raising revenues, but is a mechanism for more efficient government services-by using technology-during a fiscal crisis.
Bob Bugle, elected Planning Board member in the Town of Brewster, is running for a step up to Selectman. I've known Bob for many years - in local government, as a community leader (for years, he's run the 'Brewster in Bloom' parade here on Cape), and as a good fellow Republican.
Now - he's put up a snazzy site (see HERE) for his Selectman race.
This is the kind of site I never expected to see at the municipal level - too costly, too difficult, needs experts, etc. Now, EVERY race can be run like this, and we have a real shot at getting our message out here in Mass.
There has been much back and forth since last week's Suffolk Poll came out particularly with respect to the Governor's race, but there was something important there that we missed: Martha Coakley stands poised to lose a bid for re-election. The Mass GOP seemed to have a candidate in Peter Flaherty, but after making a small splash last week I haven't heard anything since. Flaherty would make a tremendous candidate. I've never met him personally, but am constantly hearing great things about him. I'd be particularly glad to finally be joined in the GOP by someone like Flaherty who apparently also practices a faith of some kind, it'll be interesting to see how that gels with the Richard Tisei coalition of the Unitarians, the Secular, and the Godless. (OK cheap shot, couldn't help myself)
His name is Scott Brown, he's from Wrentham, and he drives a truck. Scott Brown as able to become a United States Senator, in part, by tapping into a downscale conservative-populist mood that exists in today's political climate. He won communities like Chicopee, Fitchberg, Leominster, and Lowell that were not part of the more liberal upscale victory of Bill Weld in 1990. Bill Weld achieved victory by winning towns like Amherst, Brookline, Nantucket and Provincetown. This was made possible by having an John Silber as an opponent.
Last night Republican Paul Avella, former candidate for State Representative in the 2nd Middlesex district (Westford, Littleton and precincts 3,5 and 7 in Chelmsford) withdrew from the race and issued the following statement.
So you're probably hearing the news by now, and I'm here to tell you its true. Tim Cahill has tapped key members of the McCain political team to manage his independent campaign for Governor. John Weaver, the man who helped "brand" McCain as the Independent he is back in 2000, has taken a look at our race in Massachusetts and has decided to throw his weight behind Tim Cahill. John Yob, McCain's political director who orchestrated McCain's comeback beginning in the summer of 2007 will play a significant role in running the race along with other members of McCains senior political team that have been recruited by Weaver and Yob. Mike Dennehy is also on board. Dennehy and Weaver were the "architects" of McCain's NH victory over the heavily favored Bush by branding McCain as the voice of independent voters. Dennehy was a Senior Advisor to McCain and one of the people who oversaw McCain's 2008 NH primary win. Dennehy has a strong New England track record and is a native of Massachusetts. And finally you can also add MARK SALTER to the mix. Mark Salter was John McCain's chief of staff for 20 years, is described as his alter ego, co-authored all of his books, and by almost everyone's account: "the voice of John McCain". Salter I've heard will assist the campaign with communications duties.
