For Our Future

You need to dump that shtick Evan (2.20 / 5)

I mean your first sentance starts with "I'm 18 years old" ...

That opening sucks.  Be a man, and say what you want to say without looking like you're trying to score points with all the moms on this blog.  

Go Rick Green though!

Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 18:45:33 PM UTC

You should pick up another R for your moniker 4R (4.50 / 2)

"Ruthless!" Give the kid a break! Meanwhile, the middle R's "Ram Rod" are rather exhilarating for certain GOP out reach efforts that can no longer be delayed. ;)

"Work is the essence of Man."

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by: Karl Marx @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 19:26:15 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You're right Karl ... Evan! I'm sorry for busting yor chops back there! (0.00 / 0)

And I think I know what kind of "outreach" you are talking about so don't worry, for I will insert myself deep into the enemy's rear and peel away voters!  


Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 21:55:48 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Dude, he's on your side and you're still ripping him?! (0.00 / 0)

BTW, Ram Rod, are we going to get an After Action Report on the Great Winter Bug Out?

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by: Couves @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 20:10:18 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

"Dude, he's on your side and you're still ripping him?!" - Couves (0.00 / 0)

LOL - I know ... But I'm trying to help the kid.  If the women on this board read his shit they'll want to pinch his cheeks!  No man at 18 wants that to go down.  

The Winter Bug Out was awesome and we are going again February 1-3.  We definitely need more gear this time around because as cold as December was, February will be worse.  There will be 5 of us heading out this time around, I can't wait. : )

Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 21:51:44 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

"…as cold as December was, February will be worse." (5.00 / 1)

It sounds like fun, but please don't forget the extra gear.  I don't want to hear about a "5 man survival cuddle" in your next report.  (Obligatory Seinfeldian: Not that there's anything wrong with that)

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by: Couves @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 23:35:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

LOL - I can picture some EMTs showing up with a 4 man camera crew! (0.00 / 0)

"Don't mind the cameras guys we are just taping for a new show "Wilderness Rescue 911" BTW - Smart thinking guys ... sleeping 2 to a sleeping bag.  Most guys would refuse to do that."  

Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 15:27:06 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Yeah, next time check back in sooner when you get home (0.00 / 0)

We were worried about you when you didn't post anything on Monday, then Tuesday, and then Wednesday...That's unusual for you (I checked) so I emailed the authorities. But just then, you reappeared:

Parks, Mass (DCR)
12/19/12

to me
Mr. Howard,

It appears that the person who posts under the Republican Ram Rod Radio Handle posted today on the website.

Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Wed Dec 19, 2012 at 19:26:38 PM UTC

I wanted to reach out and let you know.

Bill Hickey
DCR Community Relations

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by: John Howard @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 18:24:53 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

LOL !!! Oh thanks for caring John! (0.00 / 0)

See that guys, while you were all laughing and imagining me chased up a tree by a pack of wolves ... John was out calling for help!

I'll post up as soon as I get home from the February trip.  

And seriously John, thanks for looking out for me.  : )

Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 21:24:44 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

LOL - I can picture some EMTs showing up with a 4 man camera crew! (0.00 / 0)

"Don't mind the cameras guys we are just taping for a new show "Wilderness Rescue 911" BTW - Smart thinking guys ... sleeping 2 to a sleeping bag.  Most guys would refuse to do that."  

Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 15:27:11 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You need to find something else to do (4.67 / 3)

I've never had a man force me to dislike him without ever hearing his voice. Well done, Mr. Ram Rod. You're in a class by yourself.

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by: EvanMKenney @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 20:30:33 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

How's Rachel Maddow these days? (5.00 / 1)

Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 22:02:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

RRR, I thought it, but you said it.... Getting a '5'er.... (0.00 / 0)

We are headed for a 'Fiscal Cliff' and the country just elected a dope whose motto is 'Forward'.  

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by: Vote3rdpartynow @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 23:56:53 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Great minds think alike V3PN! (0.00 / 0)

Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 15:46:29 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Don't discount Kirsten (5.00 / 1)

Without a doubt, I personally believe whoever becomes the next Chair of the MassGOP has the right qualifications and character to be a bold force within the party. Both Rick and Kirsten offer so much to our party and I believe regardless, we will be heading in the right direction.

You shouldn't be 'terrified' at the thought that she may win this election. She is a diligent campaigner, activist, and elected official. Apparently, she has a strong belief that helping Scott Brown (if he runs) should be a major priority for the party. Is that a bad thing? Yes - we have 2 Beacon Hill elections in the coming months and 1 Senate Election - but do you actually think that any legitimate candidate for Chair of the MassGOP would totally discount the two Beacon Hill races for the Senate race?  I don't. And I don't think that many of the 20-sum State Committee members and plethora of elected officials would agree with that either.

This top down vs. bottom up approach that seems to be going around, as others have stated, is far too simple of a logic to work, and  I don't think it does either candidate justice to presume that's their entire mentality.

Yes, there are local races we need to be a part of as a State Party - but we also need to be part of them as activists as well. Part of the mantle of responsibility for this party and it's direction is each of us who are active in our own Republican circles being active in each of these races to our own best ability. That falls on us too.

We have two great candidates to take on the responsibility of Chairing the MassGOP at such an important time. We shouldn't be afraid of either one winning this election - whoever does, our party will be in good hands.

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by: EJD @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 19:35:30 PM UTC

Forgive me (4.00 / 1)

Terrified is a strong word, you are correct. I am not scared of Kirsten Hughes, for sure! Ms. Hughes is obviously an excellent fundraiser, and I trust that Sen. Brown would choose to back an excellent candidate.

I do maintain my fear, however, that she may owe the chairmanship a bit too much to Sen. Brown, and we as a party might lose sight of the up and coming youth movement within our unique MA GOP!

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by: EvanMKenney @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 20:17:20 PM UTC

Perhaps (0.00 / 0)

The youth vote is one of the key demographics that us as a party need to close the gap on (another being the hispanic community and young, single, minority women). But Senator Brown did a great job with the college-vote in 2012. He received 41% of the College vote in 2012, compared with Mitt Romney receiving 37% nationally and 29% locally of that same demographic. If we as young people, can be the activists and messengers to help close that gap by another 2 or 4 per cent in the special election and moving forward, than we will be doing good work.

To me, as a CR and on behalf of the MACR, that is our task for the special election, and moving forward in 2014 across all levels of elections.  

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by: EJD @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 20:31:34 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

That's fantastic (5.00 / 2)

and it would be even better if we pushed those 18-25 year old youthful candidates over the top, so we can break the brand of "old white men" in our candidates in the press. Youth activism and candidacy work hand in hand. I'm excited.

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by: EvanMKenney @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 22:00:59 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

True. (0.00 / 0)

We're working on some efforts to help MACR's that are running for local office with resources, foundational, and grassroots support.

Looking forward to seeing some more folks with that same attitude.

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by: EJD @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 00:36:41 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Hi EvanMKenney! (5.00 / 1)

   Nice to meet you. I am a recent college graduate (Framingham State'08) myself, so I know what you're going through. You're young, I can appreciate that too. my young friend Brian Ashmankas is running for RE-ELECTION for selectman in our town of Millbury.
   I am amazed we haven't met. You see I joined the Golnick campaign staff in September too. I attended events in Fitchburg, I attended staff meetings and events in Littleton. Still, no introduction.
    I handled Jon's scheduling. I looked up every possible mention of you and Fitchburg in my staff e-mail account. Why am I hearing of you today? I would think someone of your importance would have had SOME sort of contact with me in our duties. I know, perhaps because I was just a lowly senior staffer, and you were just SO important, we never crossed paths. not even at the Brown appearance at the diner in Fitchburg. I was there with Jon, his wife, and campaign manager.
    You're much too young to start fudging your resume.

Alan Linkevich

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by: billxi @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 22:28:56 PM UTC

For about a week (5.00 / 2)

For about a week in late-August he sat nearby me in the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

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by: BNCordeiro @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 22:48:14 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Brock: (0.00 / 0)

   As Jon Golnick's scheduler, I was responsible for all of Jon's public appearances. Even his private ones, to ensure no conflicts arose. Every Fitchburg appearance I was in contact with Jon, Cal, or Cliff.
   Now I understand you are are a party big shot, and I, just a lowly grass rooter. However, I have worked 3 congressional races, a senatorial campaign, and the most successful write-in campaign in history. Thank you for all of your help in party entry. I think of myself as one of your most surprising proteges. Admit it, you were surprised when I brought my friend to North Dartmouth. Then you outed me to Charlie. Charlie and I share a laugh avery December at the Fattman soiree.

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by: billxi @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 02:52:58 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Sorry, one more thing: (5.00 / 1)

You should spell Jon Golnik's name right if you're going to so aggressively make a point that has no notable basis in the first place.

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by: EvanMKenney @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 15:59:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Since We're Nitpicking (0.00 / 0)

   Most regulars forgive my typos and run on words because of my neuropathy in my extremities.
  Being the student coordinator at FU is not quite the same as being the Fitchburg area coordinator. I stand by my statement. Fitchburg has an excellent RCC and some fantastic activists. I met them on the campaign trail. I reccommend you seek them out.
   

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by: billxi @ Thu Jan 17, 2013 at 04:45:25 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Yup (0.00 / 0)

I've been in contact with Mary Lotze since August. Thanks.

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by: EvanMKenney @ Thu Jan 17, 2013 at 19:18:18 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

And your statement was wrong (0.00 / 0)

So you shouldn't stand by it.  

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by: EvanMKenney @ Thu Jan 17, 2013 at 19:19:14 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Evan, do you stand by the statements you made on the Rachel Maddow show about the MA GOP being "corrupt" (0.00 / 0)

Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Thu Jan 17, 2013 at 19:57:15 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Now, that's a question! (0.00 / 0)

Yes. Any effort to disenfranchise registered republican voters is an effort devoid of morality. Those were corrupt actions.

Thanks for the real question of substance. Maybe I don't dislike you.

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by: EvanMKenney @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 15:11:39 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

"Any effort to disenfranchise registered republican voters is an effort devoid of morality." (0.00 / 0)

OK - A little deep but OK.  

So there are a hundred ways to take up a cause (and we have many these days) so it would be fair to say that doing the Rachel Maddow Show and calling the MA GOP "Corrupt" would be a common practice we can expect from Evan M Kenney?  Is that fair to say?

Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 15:27:41 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Care To Point Out My Wrong? (0.00 / 0)

   One thing I do not abide by is dishonesty. You, young man just proved to me my lack of faith in the man you support. I will contact the 10 or so state committee people that I know and ask them not to vote for your candidate.
  I invited Mr. Green through intermediaries to come down to Millbury next week for a meet and greet with regional RTC representatives. No response in 5 days, I'll take that as a "screw you". He could have at least declined. His supporters I contacted know me to be at least fair and courteous.
  If this is the new MAGOP, I'll work to revamp the old.  

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by: billxi @ Thu Jan 17, 2013 at 20:45:48 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

What (0.00 / 0)

Dude you're not old enough to call me "young man." Make all the phone calls you can. Use all that political capital you have, since you are obviously the powerful one here. Do your thing, bro. I'll be sure to cower and try to get the message to Rick that he needs to be absolutely terrified of Alan H.'s phone calls from the Golnik campaign. Apparently I got under your skin! Good to hear.

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by: EvanMKenney @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 15:19:01 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

How Old... (0.00 / 0)

Does one have to be to call you "young man"? I'm 57. You don't have to "cower" to me, but stooping to my eye level will benefit in my hearing you, you see I use a wheelchair. My friends:

Bonnie Johnson
Sandy Martinez
Bill McCarthy
Mike Potaski
Ryan Fattman
Kevin Kuros
Peter Durant
Brad Wyatt
Carl Cdopeland
Jay Fleitman
and Jim McKenna

they know that.

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by: billxi @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 17:35:15 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thought you were older (0.00 / 0)

My fault. Said '08 grad. You can call me young man all you want.

Looks like we have some mutual friends. Excellent.

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by: EvanMKenney @ Sun Jan 20, 2013 at 02:20:06 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Let's do the Math !!!! (5.00 / 1)

I'm 57 - billxi

OK subtract 57 from 2013 and we are left with "1956"  

billxi was born before we landed on the moon, before the microwave, and before air bags.  He was born during the Eisenhower administration and has now lived in 6 different decades!  


Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Tue Jan 22, 2013 at 16:17:36 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Funny (4.00 / 1)

I like sarcasm, but I only use it when I'm right.

Was just texting Jon today. I'll say hi for you. I was at the diner in Fitchburg, brought a handful of FSU students. Saw Jon there too. Talked with Cal for a while. There were quite a few people there, and I wasn't walking around yelling my name in case anyone was interested in meeting me. If you were, I missed you. Sorry, man.

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by: EvanMKenney @ Tue Jan 15, 2013 at 23:07:29 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You Know Me Now (0.00 / 0)

Let's move on.  

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by: billxi @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 03:19:32 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Sounds good (5.00 / 1)

Pleasure to meet you. My little "resume" was just further evidence that there is a youth movement in the GOP in MA, not a "look what I did" exhibition.

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by: EvanMKenney @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 03:39:07 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Kumbaya (5.00 / 3)

Alan, although I was by no means front and center on the Golnik campaign, we did interact several times, and I can assure you that Evan was indeed part of the campaign as well. There is no fabrication in what he's saying, and he was a big help to the campaign. If all the activists in the 3rd district did as much for Jon as Evan did (or you, for that matter), there's a good chance Tsongas would be out of a job. I really don't understand the hostility in parts of your comments, as I think we should all be appreciative of any political allies we have in a rather difficult state to win elections as a conservative. We're doomed if we can't find anything better to do than attack like-minded people who are working towards the same objectives as outrselves.  

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by: TomBowling @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 15:06:30 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Stop me if you have heard this one before (3.50 / 2)

A rich, male business owner decides to get involved in politics.  A year later he thinks he has all the answers and runs for Chair with a "plan."  The plan sounds an awful lot like a pitch to shareholders to increase profits and is entirely unproven and untested.  Rich guy buys votes and wins.  (Celtics game anyone?)  Rich business owner tries to run the Party like a business with a "plan" written in a boardroom.  Party loses seats, Party loses registered Republicans.  

We have been down this road before.  Evan is young and may not be aware of Chairman Crate and Chairman Rappaport, but should be aware of Chairman Maginn.  What did we win in 2012 again?

Apparently the Kool-Aid flowing out of Grafton Street's taps also erases memories.  They have a name for trying the same thing and hoping for different result.  Please, no more woefully inexperienced, rich businessmen with a magic "plan."

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by: EastieDan @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 00:26:00 AM UTC

LOL - Yeah let's go with the Singing, City Counselor (slash) Lawyer who just had her first kid! (0.00 / 0)

She'll make a great head of the party ... in her spare time.  

Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 15:39:51 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

No Reason to get personal (0.00 / 0)

Both Rick and Kirsten are dedicated and experienced.
Both are good people. And there is not reason to make remarks about Kirsten's singing career or Rick's self-made wealth.

In fact, the man knows how to run a business. That's good thing. We need someone that fix the chronic dysfunction and lack of customer service coming out of Merrimack St.  For Pete's sake as of last fall, they still hadn't updated the list of State Committee members and the elections were held last March. Ever try to communicate with the staff???  I've heard nightmares about the hubris.

The idea that Rick is trying to buy votes is absurd. Everyone who has ever run for this position has hosted parties, had dinners for S.C. members and hosted all kinds of events.

You don't think Scott Brown is out there doing similar things in order install his Chair, that will do only his bidding. You don't think there's wining and dining or even arm twisting going on from the other side.  

The single pressing issue in this race is whether or not we  want one high profile candidate dictating to party and taking virtually all the resources. We're not talking about Top--Down vs Bottom--Up .  Top Down wouldn't be bad if some of it actually ever came down! The longstanding policy has been to decimate the bottom, get all the volunteers from bottom to help the top and the top gives zero, nada, niente, nothing in return.

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by: John DiMascio @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 21:47:31 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I'm not excited for Green but he is way way waaaaaaaay better than Kirsten Hughes (0.00 / 0)

Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Thu Jan 17, 2013 at 14:28:51 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

A few comments/questions for Evan.. Not that he need ackowledge them... (1.50 / 4)

1. How can you say your 'free time' was happily dedicated to electing Republicans?  To begin, I don't know of any Republicans that were actually elected!  So maybe at best your free time was happily dedicated to 'trying to get Republicans' elected.  Also, was it really free time if you were working?  Free time is defined as time when you are not required to work...

2. You are an 18 year old college freshman - I know you are still working to complete your education, but have you ever had a job?  I mean a real job with real responsibilities.  Not a 'paper or plastic' type job.  If not, how can you truly run for office to represent people who have worked or are working?  You have no idea what their struggles are.  Being 18 and running for office sounds kinda gimmicky to me...  I wouldn't vote for you...You are certainly smart, and probably determined, but at 18 years old you are still wet behind the ears.  

3. So you're 18 and since the day you registered you have been dedicated to Republican politics.  So that makes how long?  A few months?  Not exactly long enough to be impressive.  Heck, I have cheese older than your political life...

4. The whole endorsement sounds like a 'canned' endorsement.  It sounds like Rick Green told you to write something and post it on RedMassGroup.  It doesn't sound genuine - at all....  I mean, if you are truly 18 and dedicating every minute of your life to getting Republicans elected - then someone should sit you down and have a good long talk with you about getting a life...  That is pathetic!  If it is a real endorsement then you are taking this all way too seriously.  You say 'No partying for me'...'I am terrified that, if we don't elect Rick Green'...  Lighten up!  Getting a GOP Chairman that doesn't fit your 18 year old idea of true leadership isn't something to be 'terrified' about.  Can you even define leadership?

5. I hate to say I am not excited about having a bunch of 20-somethings running our party or seeking elected office.  Most 20-something people I meet are spending most of their day Facebooking in their mother's basement and rehashing old episodes of 'How I met your mother'.  Not exactly a well-spring of inspiration or life experience.  The Founding Fathers intended more mature workers and professionals to seek office as a temporary contribution to the self-government process.  You, like so many Democrats, sound as though it will be your life work from the moment you escape diapers.

6. The more I hear about Rick Green the more I think he is some kind of shmoozy manipulative type that is willing to throw kids onto RMG to beg for votes.  I don't think Rick Green is the guy to lead the state GOP.  We need someone that can work with ALL people from all age groups and not just a bunch of teanie boppers running for dog catcher of shlubville because they can't get a job in the working world.

7. Before you all jump ugly at me for saying this to Evan, understand that he needs to realize that politics is hardball.  Democrats in Massachusetts are going to outspend us and outplay us with big union money and scores of full time workers.  They will say anything and do anything to damage you personally and your family.  They are unscrupulous bastards and they don't like to lose.  Relinquishing the party to people because of their age or their idealistic causes will prove to be a losing strategy.  But then again, I do not expect the SC to find someone qualified.  

We are headed for a 'Fiscal Cliff' and the country just elected a dope whose motto is 'Forward'.  

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by: Vote3rdpartynow @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 01:37:23 AM UTC

Two things (0.00 / 0)

1. I appreciate your slogan. I think it's fantastic.

2. Your assumption that Rick asked me to write something is nothing short of absurd. I worked for Rick's non-profit briefly over the summer, helping out at a branch office, and I saw the way he does things. I actually don't even have his phone number.

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by: EvanMKenney @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 03:41:51 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

After last year, (5.00 / 4)

I think Evan has some idea about how tough politics can be.

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by: Couves @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 07:02:47 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Ugh, this is a catch 22 (0.00 / 0)

On the one hand I embrace these young, enthusiastic Republicans, on the other I say, if they are 100% committed to public office, not just right out of college, but high school, what real world experience will they bring.  More frightening is, will they become the lifelong hacks we abhor?

I have a kid coming out of college this year, and a family business in desperate need of him coming in and hitting the ground running. He shows all indications he could immediately come in and make valuable contributions while he is groomed for take over, and is needed now.  My hope, however, is he will get a minimum of a year experience elsewhere, better yet, two.  If not now, when, so that he can bring that (outside) perspective into the business, and not just know it from one (inside) perspective.

The ideal scenario, as I see it, is these kids will go out into the real world and become successful while concurrently remaining passionate and committed to the party and candidates, then run for office with a more robust background and experience.  As impressive as it is to have this fresh blood as freshmen on Bacon Hill, where does it go from here?  More terms then higher office?  I googled Lea Cole and the only thing I can come up with on her leads to the article here.  What else is there?  We need to support all reps for our party from across the state as though they were our own, because they all have the ability to impact us individually as well as on the state level.  We need experience almost as much as we need victory.

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by: Term Limits @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 08:18:14 AM UTC

Young Republicans (4.75 / 4)

I'll take young Republicans getting involved in and at any level possible.  Now, I tend to have a personal bias when given a choice for the more experienced candidate (usually, but not necessarily the older) in a primary but high school & college conservatives are future/new voters that we do not do a very good job of courting.

I remember in the mid-1990s obtaining my Teenage Republican membership card and then registering to vote the very day I turned 18 - a Republican Since Day 1.  When I went to UMass Dartmouth I discovered that the College Republicans went out of business so I tried to resurrect it.  This was 2000 and one of the most eager supporters was a young woman from Africa who couldn't wait to become a citizen so that she could register as a Republican.  I regret not keeping in touch with her and hope she is part of our 11%.  Speaking of 2000, that was the year I went from pontificating online only to joining the Dartmouth Republican Town Committee.  In 2002, I became the chairman & was reelected three times until after I was elected to the State Committee.  Shortly thereafter, I was re-elected twice to the State Committee & also now twice as Region Chair.  I maintained my involvement with the Young Republicans throughout graduate school at UMass Boston.  After that, a local buddy of mine & I formed the Bristol County Young Republicans, forming a smaller group from the larger Southeastern Mass YRs.  Eventually, that enabled us both to meet YRs from across the country by attending a YR National Convention (Rob must remember that well) and I still maintain contact with some of those YRs that I met in Indianapolis about 5 years later.  That reminds me, I have to remit my 2013 Mass YR dues, and continue doing so for about another 6 years.  

My point is simply this, we need to reach out & cultivate young Republicans.  Today, even New Bedford High School has a Teenage Republican Club.  The UMass Dartmouth College Republicans reorganized yet again and have had several years of continued success.  We can't marvel at the unusual developments but rather find the promising new crop of conservative Republicans and ensure that they are welcomed and plugged in to the maximum extent possible.

"The kids" will gain experience but they already contain an energy & enthusiasm that our local committees and candidates need to be successful.  The younger contingent of State Representatives in recent years is promising.  We can't lament the Grand OLD Party being that of only old people, and rage against an 11% registration, if we're not actively trying to register the youth and get them engaged in the Republican Party.

For Evan, he appears to be inspired to Republican activism by Ron Paul.  God bless them both!  I joke that a younger friend of mine built a shrine to Mitt Romney, having been formed during our former governor's gubernatorial election (although, he admitted recently his fondness for George H.W. Bush).  Me? My fire was lit by watching & listening to Rush Limbaugh but I was informed and educated as a young child by Ronald Reagan.  

Let's not look for reasons to turn them away but rather bring them in and far, far from the "adult" & "kiddie" table scenario during on Thanksgiving Day.

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by: BNCordeiro @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 11:38:29 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Agree whole heartedly with all, but (0.00 / 0)

most especially this, and as an important focus:  ""The kids" will gain experience but they already contain an energy & enthusiasm that our local committees and candidates need to be successful.  The younger contingent of State Representatives in recent years is promising.  We can't lament the Grand OLD Party being that of only old people, and rage against an 11% registration, if we're not actively trying to register the youth and get them engaged in the Republican Party."

also want to be crystal clear that while I expect these "kids" are now far more experienced and versed in politics than me already, I am talking life and work experience out of the political arena as the thing I see most crucial to their effectiveness and value to us, the working man/taxpayer.

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by: Term Limits @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 16:54:46 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thank You Evan MKenney (4.50 / 2)

Evan,
Thank you for being involved in the process.
While others have chosen to lecture you about your youth and inexperience, I think you're breath of fresh air.

I agree with your support for Rick Green.
But,whether or not one  agrees with all or some of your views, we desperately need to encourage young Americans to get involved in Republican politics.

I also want to commend you for hanging in there. The MA-GOP leadership tried to lock you out of the process. But you remain steadfast. Now people are attacking you for your youth and inexperience, implying that you've been manipulated because your youth.

Sad to say the MA-GOP leadership has tragic history of marginalizing those that don't follow the "company" line.
But that is changing. In March of 2012 significant gains were made by the grassroots on the State Committee. As a result some of the leadership is starting to realize that cooperating with and including the grassroots in process is in the long-term interest of the party.

Some of us have been trying to focus on local elections for over a decade, with no support from the MA-GOP. But notice that in this race for Chair, all the candidates are talking about building a farm team. The question is who will follow through?

Of course we need to support the top of the ticket. Without doubt we need to get behind Senator Brown if he chooses to run. But our approach must be balanced. Scott Brown is still very popular among the general voting public. He could serve himself well and the party, if he endorsed and campaigned aggressively for local Republicans. In that regard he may have the opportunity to just that. There are two special elections coming up for vacant State Rep seats.
Let's see how much effort the Senator puts into helping any Republican or Republican leaning independent that runs for those seats.

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by: John DiMascio @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 13:17:28 PM UTC

Evan, I recall hearing what they did to lock you out (0.00 / 0)

and was absolutely disgusted.  But I don't feel I know the whole story, or even a lot of what went on, and I think all should.  Is there a place where I can learn more about it, or have you written something you could post here that describes what went down?  

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by: Term Limits @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 17:02:08 PM UTC

I Recall The Caucuses (0.00 / 0)

   It seems the party regulars were steamed because the Libertarians "stole" some delegates. I thought it to be a masterful well organized effort.
  What we all must realize, is that now our Libertarian branch is attempting to take over our MAGOP. Look at Green's supporters. All have Libertarian ties.
  I am amazed that people I respect are selling our party out for aa few pieces of shiny silver.  

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by: billxi @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 17:49:41 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Ronald Reagan (5.00 / 1)

had some very strong Libertarian ties. Said Libertarianism is the heart of conservatism. Small government. Isn't that what republicans are about? They're not selling out.

No one's offering silver either, just offering a stronger party, and some day stronger presence on Beacon Hill.

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by: EvanMKenney @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 18:58:43 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Not even close (5.00 / 2)

With all due respect, I support Rick Green, and I'm not a libertarian. I sympathize with libertarians on many issues; I disagree strongly with them on many others. I am certainly not a capital-L Libertarian.

Moreover, take a look at Rick's list of endorsements. Some are libertarians. Many aren't. "Libertarians" is not a catch-all term of abuse for everyone in the party with whom you disagree.

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by: mecowett @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 19:40:58 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Are we that scary? (4.80 / 5)

With all due respect sir, it is not your Republican Party, any more than the Senate seat is the Kennedy's seat. It is the people's party. We are regular people with regular lives who may have a slightly different view of the role of government than you do, but we have every right to take political action, and the fact that it is through the Republican Party should make you happy, since we can only grow the party not shrink it.

What's so bad about libertarianism anyway? I mean, what does it mean to be Republican if it's not about small government? Is it bad that we believe in the 4th amendment as well as the 2nd? Is it a requirement that Republicans have neoconservative foreign policy views? To hear people like you talk, we're alien invaders or something. I don't understand that at all, Reagan himself would be welcoming us with open arms.

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by: markmezzina @ Thu Jan 17, 2013 at 03:58:30 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

For the record (4.00 / 1)

And for the record, I'm Republican born and raised. Not some kind of newbie or anything.

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by: markmezzina @ Thu Jan 17, 2013 at 04:00:54 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

@ billxi (0.00 / 0)

your friends are my friends, and at the same time I welcomed the "masterful well organized effort." (and did not approve of how they were treated). Sure didn't see that masterful well organized effort from the GOP on any level.  Let's find a way to work it all together and grow the party. I'm certain it can be done.

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by: Term Limits @ Sat Jan 19, 2013 at 00:35:49 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

I like to think it's over (0.00 / 0)

Which is why I didn't mention it. If you can stomach Maddow, this is a nice ten minute summary of the madness: http://leanforward.msnbc.com/_...

They kind of fixed it, though, for 5 out of the 17 of us...

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by: EvanMKenney @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 18:56:37 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Yeah Brad Jones is great at fixing things (5.00 / 1)

but only if they are healthcare prices and caucus results.

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by: Sawx75 @ Wed Jan 16, 2013 at 19:14:19 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I endured Mad Cow. (5.00 / 1)

On the one hand, it's exactly what we should be doing, i.e., getting on the left's controlled media with our message.  On the other hand, shame on the GOP that created the circumstances that allowed for that narrative.  Well done Evan.

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by: Term Limits @ Sat Jan 19, 2013 at 05:12:04 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

oy vey (5.00 / 4)

And people wonder why the party is having trouble attracting new people...

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by: Lenny @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 03:41:33 AM UTC

Can we throw Lenny some 5's for the "oy vey" comment? (4.00 / 2)

C'mon guys, we haven't seen "oy vey" in a while ... and Lenny had that one perfectly placed!

Lenny that was great!

Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 15:33:04 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

LOL !!!!! BILL !!!!!!!!!!!!!! (0.00 / 0)

Did you guys see that!  billxi gave me a 3!  He know's I live for 5's and 0's so he gives me a 3 every time!

Just kidding around billxi :  )

Molon Labe

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 19:24:33 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thanks! (5.00 / 1)

It is easier to achieve quality when you're not making a zillion comments a day ;)!

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by: Lenny @ Fri Jan 18, 2013 at 20:16:41 PM UTC

[ Parent ]