MassGOP Legislative Leadership Endorse Charlie Baker

I got that letter (0.00 / 0)

and the 3 identicle letters along with it the same day. They should have just sent me 1 and put the $$ it cost from the other 3 into the candidates fund! lol

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by: SpringfieldGOPSec @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 23:37:35 PM CST

That settles it. (0.00 / 1)

I will not be voting for Baker.

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"Men invent new ideals because they dare not attempt old ideals. They look forward with enthusiasm, because they are afraid to look back." - What's Wrong With The World, 1910

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by: Patrick @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 05:27:26 AM CST

The 11th Commandment (5.00 / 1)

 I believe in it. However I believe the lesislator gentlemen's use of it in reference to Christy Mihos is uncalled for, and a slam at Mr. Mihos. I have never, ever heard Mr. Mihos speck negatively about Charlie Baker.
Might I suggest the gentlemen legislators save their respective pie holes for the pumpkin pie next week.
Practice what you're preaching.

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by: billxi @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 05:46:31 AM CST

I don't even care so much about negativity. (5.00 / 1)

Don't care so much if Mihos or Baker are negative.  That's life, that's politics, that's campaigning.  What irks me is negative tone of the endorsement, and then the trotting out of the 11th commandment.  It can easily be said that the 11th commandment is the last refuge of scoundrels.  

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"Men invent new ideals because they dare not attempt old ideals. They look forward with enthusiasm, because they are afraid to look back." - What's Wrong With The World, 1910

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by: Patrick @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 06:26:48 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Bizzaro World (0.00 / 0)

Evidently, you've never read the many press releases or commentary slamming the party, party members, and such coming out of the Mihos campaign for months now.  

One major reason why I am not supporting Christy Mihos for governor is the very negative tone & personal attacks.

Conversely, everything I've seen come out of the Baker camp has been nothing but forward looking.  Including this letter.  Since when is pointing out the negativity of another person, negative?  Since when is calling attention to attack tactics an attack?

Then again, I spent the entire day with Charlie Baker as he visited my district - for the 3rd time - to get a true sense of the challenges we face under the current administration.  That means infinetly more to me then someone trying to burnish their outsider image at the expense of my party.  

"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 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 08:44:24 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I'm Glad (0.00 / 0)

 That Baker spent the day with you. The New Bedford area fishing industry really needs assistance.
Being in retail, you must have heard of the Mackay 66? Basically you want to spend time and money on people who agree with you and tell you how wonderful you are.
I stand by my statement, I trust you have documentation for yours. You know how to contact me if you don't want to post it.
I do respect your gentle admonishments to knock it off when I lean toward the underside. However, in playing nice: "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say it" They should not have mentioned Mihos at all.  

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by: billxi @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 09:50:38 AM CST

[ Parent ]

BNCordeiro versus BNCordeiro (0.00 / 0)

Excerpt from post by BNCordeiro at 8:44 am

Conversely, everything I've seen come out of the Baker camp has been nothing but forward looking.  Including this letter.  Since when is pointing out the negativity of another person, negative?  Since when is calling attention to attack tactics an attack?

Excerpt from post by BNCordeiro at 10:09 am

Knapik said Mihos had to be accountable for his own record, which includes a vote in favor of interest-rate swap deals on Big Dig debt that have soured and further imperiled Turnpike finances. Mihos has defended that vote and said that if the authority had better tended its credit rating the "swaptions" would not have become a major problem.

What is positive and forward looking about your second post?

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by: yankeepundit @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 10:49:13 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Simple (0.00 / 0)

I don't work for the Baker campaign.  Never been given 1 red cent.  Evidently, accurately citing published reports to refute erroneous charges is forbidden?

It has been stated that Christy Mihos does not engage in negative campaigning.  That's simply not true.  Sen. Michael Knapik turned the spotlight on Christy's glass house back in August when Christy launched attacks against all 4 MassGOP senators who had the nerve to not endorse him but rather Charlie Baker.  Christy went after Knapik, Brown, Tisei & Tarr on the Big Dig so Knapik turned the Big Dig discussion back upon Mihos.  What's wrong, Christy's supporters can dish it out but can't take it?

The Mihos campaign can't go around trying to play the constantly beaten down victim, tossing out the "insider" card, and toss out grenades against fellow Republicans without being called onto the carpet.  If the Mihos campaign wants to wallow & play in the past then the past is fair game on his own end.  

Personally, I'd rather both campaigns focus upon the future.  I believe that Charlie Baker has & continues to do just that.  The 2010 gubernatorial election will be about the future of the Commonwealth and trying to bring a united Republican front to challenge Patrick & Cahill.  Instead, the other side wants to divide and subtract Republicans all too often.


"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 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 10:55:56 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Let's Be Honest About This (0.00 / 0)

The letter employs a rhetorical device whereby one party accuses the other party of being negative to attempt to disarm one's opponent before attacking them.  It is as simple as that.

They claim that Christy wants to run a negative campaign.  Then the letter then goes on the attack by casting aspersions about Mr. Mihos' loyalty to the party citing the fact that Mr. Mihos left the party in 2006.  That is, disarm your opponent and then attack them.  It's pretty transparent.

I'm not stating that this is not fair game.  However, I contend that this is an attack on Mr. Mihos.  Focusing on 2006 does noting to further the goal of focusing the party on the future.  Do you disagree?

   

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by: yankeepundit @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 11:18:13 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Not really (0.00 / 0)

I may conceed that perhaps the reference to Christy Mihos may not need to have been done.  However, considering Christy has attacked National Committeeman Ron Kaufman, his attacks upon 4 of our state senators (as I previously noted), and Christy's party departure in 2006 - let us not forget the general "MassGOP is against me, the outsider, let's band together to storm the castle" campaign style... I don't view the letter as an attack but rather placing things into context.

Heck, I even I had forgotten about Mihos's attack upon Brown, Knapik, Tisei & Tarr until I googled.  I imagine that those attacked haven't forgotten nearly as easily.  That's why I posted the Knapik quote that drew objections previously - the letter, which reference attacks, is accurate & my quote was an attempt to put things in context.

I will agree with you that, if both sides could put the past behind them, that we would be better off focusing upon 2010-2014 and the economic state of the Commonwealth.

You & I probably disagree as to which Republican candidate that is.  That's fine.  That's why we have primaries and at this point, undoubtedly a primary we will have.  May the better candidate win & let us all unite behind that winner - whether it's Mihos or Baker.

"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 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 11:24:50 AM CST

[ Parent ]

As to Candidates (0.00 / 0)

I am likely going to vote for Baker.  I have commented on Mihos in other threads.  I call them like I see them.

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by: yankeepundit @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 12:27:11 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Fair enough (0.00 / 0)

Glad to see you may be leaning my side on this one.  I try to call 'em as I see 'em as well and I just happen to see Charlie Baker as our future as the MassGOP'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 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 12:32:13 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Like you 2 Turkey Pot pies (0.00 / 0)

I call 'em as I see 'em too.

And I say BAKER!!!!  BAKER DAMN IT!!!!   Charlie Baker in 2010!!!

I say No to Tisei.  Not now, not eva .... No way!  [in a deep, base like voice] NO WAAAAAAAAY!!!

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by: Republican Ram Rod Radio @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 14:03:38 PM CST

[ Parent ]

What do you consider an attack Brock-the truth ????? (0.00 / 0)

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by: politicalmadman @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:54:56 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Mihos is the pure definition of NEGATIVITY (0.00 / 0)

To suggest that Christy Mihos has not run a negative campaign, would be like saying that Barack Obama has not raised government spending.  Let's be adults.  Christy is a very angry person.  Whether he's filing law suits against a governor or telling the Globe that he didn't pay his taxes because he should have been "more diligent", Christy's entire campaign is founded on a cornerstone of anger, incompetance, flaky behaviour and settling old scores - HERE's THE EXACT TEXT about HIS statement on his taxes -

Mihos acknowledged that he had incurred a late payment penalty of $21,776.40.

"I should have been more diligent back then,'' said Mihos

On the campaign trail, what you see from the Mihos campaign is a lack of diligence.  First, you don't see much man power.  Mihos seems to be in the company of just one, and only one, aide; an older, very disheveled guy named Joe Manzolly, who we are told ran Jack Beatty's race for US Senate.  Second, it's that angry message that's just such a total turnoff.  It's like when he was quoted about something Deval Patrick had proposed, and Christy actually said in print, for the redcord, that the governor should just "shut up."  I don't support the governor either, but can you imagine a future governor speaking like an angy adolescent like that.???  What totally juvinile behaviour.  Yeah, November 2010 voters are really going to support such an unprofessional candidate as Mihos.  Pleeeese.  It will never happen.  He will take the party down, just like he campaigned AGAINST US IN 2006 when he ran AGAINST OUR NOMINEE and BEAT HER UP every chance he got.

Why doesn't Christy just stick with his new found love - running as an independent?????

Christy doesn't have opponents - he has enemies.  If you are not totally devout to him, he perceives you to be conspiring against him.  I mean, it's just so clinical, so Nixonian, that his nomination would be nothing less than a dream come true for Deval Patrick.

He'll keep limping along but he won't last until the primaries.  The death knell will be the caucuses.  Christy has absolutely NO FIELD organziation to speak of and will be crushed starting January 15 when the caucus process begins.  It will be great to see the back of this very angry and negative person.

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by: mrnixon @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 16:26:19 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Got A Citation For That? (0.00 / 0)

 I, being a newly grown, just-under-the-mushroom Republican, believe everyone. My friends do not.
I'm noticing you despise Mihos. Do you like anyone?
Are you a Patrick mole?
Or a Baker mole? my apology to Charlie Baker, I don't think he's that kinda guy. His associates, I'm not so sure of. Not you Brock! Some of the pthers.
Joe Manzoli gave me the jacket off his back last year. Joe is aces with me.
Christy is a very intelligent man. If he uses a word or phrase that might be misinterpreted, I'll tell him. He won't do it again. When speaking extemporaneously, sometimes something can be misunderstood. It happens when you're not reading a speech, or from notes.
BTW Mr. Perfect: when you spell redcord, I think you mean record.

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by: billxi @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 16:53:17 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Did you get that job promise yet Fisky ?? Don;t hold you breath. (0.00 / 0)

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by: politicalmadman @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:40:35 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Glad someone realizes this. (0.00 / 0)

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by: politicalmadman @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:56:41 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Are you kidding me ?? (0.00 / 0)

 "I believe that Charlie Baker has & continues to do just that."

Then why are they sending out this letter ? Please don't give me the " the Baker camp had nothing to do with it deal ". Just like Manning going to Cahill, oh no it wasn't us !!

"If the Mihos campaign wants to wallow & play in the past then the past is fair game on his own end." Of course it is except you won't admit to Baker's past issues will you ?
Interesting, the past, you seem to "wallow " about Christy's past in 2006 huh ?? Hypocrisy again !!  

Folks, some think you are stupid. Please don't confirm their thoughts anymore. Let them know they are hypocrites. Don't be bullied. Meet both candidates then make your decision on who best will rebuild our party.

While I respect Brock, I cannot respect the fact that the Baker camp wants us to ignore HIS past and ANNOINT him yet pay attention to Mihos' past and DISMISS him.

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by: politicalmadman @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:54:03 PM CST

[ Parent ]

The 11th Commandment.....subjective ??? (0.00 / 0)

Who has been slamming who ? HYPOCRISY AT IT'S BEST.
Let's see, wasn't it the same leadership guys who trashed Rappaport in a public press conference setting ?
Isn't it this leadership that has voted time and time again with the Democratic leadership ? Incestuos you say ??

When has Mihos 'attacked" Baker ? What by answering a question HONESTLY-OH THE HUMANITY !!!!!
Please provide examples or your credibility is lost.

If not mistaken, they are violating their own PAC mission statement by NOT supporting ALL Republican candidates-NO??
Yes folks, this is the LEADERSHIP team that has given you 11% of the voters and a 2-243+/- record.

When one team was blowing out another Monday Night Football, Dandy Don Meridith used to sing" turn off the lights, the party is over".
You can have this leadership Brock and oh, will the last one out shut the lights off ?

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by: politicalmadman @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 07:03:35 AM CST

Title of post is misleading.... (0.00 / 0)

At first I thought the 'collective' GOP leadership had formally endorsed Charlie Baker, which would have infuriated me.  But now I see that it was only two guys in the GOP leadership and not the GOP leadership as a whole.

Richard Tisei and Brad Jones have every right to endorse whomever they feel strongly about.  But I do not appreciate that they speak poorly of Christy Mihos.

The letter from Tisei and Jones says nothing about Baker or Mihos, but volumes about Tisei and Jones - sour grapes.

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by: Vote3rdpartynow @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 07:25:50 AM CST

Senate & Minority Leader (0.00 / 0)

That pretty much constitutes MassGOP legislative leadership.

Of course, if that's not good enough how about:

BOSTON - The four Republicans who held the Statehouse Corner Office for 16 years have endorsed Charles D. Baker for governor next year.

William F. Weld, A. Paul Cellucci, acting governor Jane M. Swift and W. Mitt Romney made the announcement Tuesday during a fundraiser for the Massachusetts Republican Party.

Weld hired Baker to be his secretary of administration, and says he'd back the former Harvard Pilgrim Health Care president if he were running for dog catcher.

Romney says Baker needs to be elected over Democratic Gov. Deval L. Patrick next year to restore fiscal discipline to Massachusetts.

http://www.masslive.com/news/i...

"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 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 08:57:45 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I Would Vote For Charlie (0.00 / 0)

 If he were running for dogcatcher. Or anything else for that matter. He's not a democrat, that's good enough for me.

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by: billxi @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 09:55:31 AM CST

[ Parent ]

My error............ (0.00 / 0)

In rereading your title I realize it says "Massgop 'legislative' leadership endorses Baker.  I was thinking the leadership of the state party i.e. Nassour and company.  

My error.  Thanks for the correction.

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by: Vote3rdpartynow @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 10:18:09 AM CST

[ Parent ]

You're Welcome (0.00 / 0)

MassGOP Chairman Jennifer Nassour and paid staffers are prohibited from publicly endorsing a candidate in a contested Republican primary.

The only exception to this would be if 2/3 of the MassGOP Executive Committee voted to endorse.  I'll stand to be corrected but I believe that Holly Robichaud has called for such a thing recently in the Boston Herald on behalf of Scott Brown.

From Article IV of the MassGOP Bylaws:

Section 7. Republican Primaries.
Unless approved by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Executive Committee, neither the State Chair nor any person employed by the State Committee, shall assist, aid or publicly endorse any candidate in favor of another candidate in either a contested Republican primary or in any contested election for office within the State Committee.  Violation of this section shall constitute grounds for removal of the State Chair or employee. Providing a primary candidate has received the approval of the Executive Committee as set forth in the first sentence of this section, nothing in this section shall prohibit such primary candidate from receiving campaign funds, provided that such funds are approved and disbursed pursuant to all other provisions of these by-laws. Nothing in this section shall prohibit any other Regular Member of the State Committee from endorsing a candidate in a Republican primary or State Committee election.

http://www.massgop.com/extras/...

"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 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 10:33:41 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I would rather have seen the 4 former Governors.......... (0.00 / 0)

Come out 'against' Tim Cahill than to make a pick of a single Republican.  Again, the fight for the GOP is going to be to deflate Cahill, not boost Baker or Mihos.

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by: Vote3rdpartynow @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 10:20:46 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Fair argument (0.00 / 0)

You make a fair argument but the facts are what they are and all 4 previous GOP governors did as they best saw fit and endorsed Charlie Baker for governor.

"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 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 10:35:54 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Let's see Here................... (0.00 / 0)

Which Governor endorsed Obama ?
Which Governor stood on the stage with Ted Kennedy and signed Obama light health care ?
Which Governor Didnt serve out their full term ?
Under which Governor did the Republican Party grow in legislative seats.
Which Governor appointed Billy Bulger to head up UMass and for how much ????
Which Governor had to/was forced to drop out of the Governors race causing total confusion amongst the party ?
Under which Governor did our state borrow against future highway funds and bond out those funds until 2038 and had to raise tolls against the debt load ?
Who did that financial plan ? Any thoughts ?

Here you go....answer these honestly and tell me this is the party you want, then you can have it.

Please, don;t get me wrong. I am NOT saying these are bad people. I am only stating the truth about what has happened already.

Know your history or you are destined to repeat it. (can't remember who said it)
 

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by: politicalmadman @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:37:51 PM CST

[ Parent ]

George Santayana (0.00 / 0)

Yr. Obedient Servant, Peter Porcupine, Republican

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by: Peter Porcupine @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 22:00:36 PM CST

[ Parent ]

How did I do? (0.00 / 0)

Weld, Romney, Well & Cellucci, none, Weld, Swift... um, not sure.


"Victory is Mine!" - Stewart Gilligan Griffin.

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by: Mike "DD4RP" Rossettie @ Thu Nov 19, 2009 at 08:34:42 AM CST

[ Parent ]

WOW - 7 out of 9....... (5.00 / 1)

The last two are Weld and Baker.

Folks, I am really not trying to be a snot here. I have and always will call them like I see them too. I have a passion for Conservatism that is very deeply rooted and sincere, as most here. I was born into a " Kennedy family" so to speak, again as most were then. I truly respect all of you, yes, you too Festus. I have great respect for those leaders pictured above for who they are and what they have accomplished.
BUT, with that said, it doesn't mean their presence was successful for The Party. For us as a party to IGNORE some of this stuff and not to realize that decisions like these have hurt our party more than help it, is false hope for the future.

Would anyone doubt the patriotism and respect of John McCain ? No, yet he was pilloried for his stance on imigration, McCain-Feingold, ect. So, why was it ok, on this site I might add,  to berate a true Americam hero, saying those decisons hurt and would hurt our country  
(I agree they would too) ?
Then, here in our own state, so many choose to be blind as to what has hurt us and the party in the past ?
I wondering if the money train is starting again. By this I mean that so many people are coming out of the woodwork because they can GET SOMETHING for "falling in line" here.

For too long the infrastructure of our party has been based on a "what's in it for me" type attitude. Sure, I will support your guy, but I expect....
I am aware of too many examples of peoples' "prostituion" of our party by bringing in Democrats as delegates, only to see them get jobs somehwere, leaving us to be an empty shell once again.
If anyone deserves a job, it is Brock. Shoot, why is he still working for Wally World and not helping our state become more productive ? With his knowledge of retail, we could benefit having that private sector experience. But, you want to know why? Because some people know he and others  will help anyway, because it is in their passion that they are taken advantage of. I know of too many great people in our party that have worked hard for so many years. They are tired, they are embarassed by our current state, they are honest hardworking conservative people who have been cast aside like an old tin can, never to be asked if they would like a job, and in mosted case, not even a thank you card.
You see, they don't do it for that. They do it for the right reason, because they believe in the principles that our country was founded upon.
But, you know what ? It's nice to be asked every once in a while isn't it ? It's nice to get a thank you.
Maybe we should take a lesson from one of the best winners of all time, Tip O'Neil, since we are not following the Reagan model.
All politics is local, and so are your people. Dance with who brung you.

It's nice to be asked.

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by: politicalmadman @ Thu Nov 19, 2009 at 09:26:56 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Geez thin skin huh? (0.00 / 0)

This is a pretty ridiculous letter, and I'm actually kind of surprised it was sent. First, it seems really small and trivial for them to go out of their way to respond to some stuff Christy said...big f-ing deal! Most activists, supporters, and Republicans to whom this was sent probably don't really give a damn. Things get said in campaigns, get over it!

Second, it shows a certain lack of discipline. Don't respond to your opponent when they're attacking you, run your own campaign and talk about your own message! The campaigns allowing itself to get distracted, and I'm sure they spent quite a bit of money to send this to who they did (I actually haven't received this one yet).

This letter was a mistake.

"When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators." -PJ O'Rourke

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by: South Shore Republican @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 08:34:19 AM CST

All but 1 MassGOP Legislator Endorsed Charlie Baker in August (0.00 / 0)

Mihos went after MassGOP senators Scott Brown, Michael Knapik, Bruce Tarr & Richard Tisei back in August when all of them endorsed Charlie Baker.  The only name left out?  Bob Hedlund when he remained neutral.

The MassGOP representatives were virtually unanimous in their endorsement: 20 out of 21.

Burlington - Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker picked up the endorsements of all Beacon Hill Republicans but one Thursday, but Baker's GOP rival Christy Mihos immediately attacked several of them as enablers of Big Dig waste.

Tisei said the 20 Republicans in attendance were "110 percent" behind Baker

Running as an independent in 2006, Mihos frequently criticized the Republican nominee, Healey, angering some Republicans who saw him as a drain on the GOP ticket. Mihos contended that the GOP party structure was stacked against him that year.

Knapik said Mihos had to be accountable for his own record, which includes a vote in favor of interest-rate swap deals on Big Dig debt that have soured and further imperiled Turnpike finances. Mihos has defended that vote and said that if the authority had better tended its credit rating the "swaptions" would not have become a major problem.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/bur...

"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 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 09:09:50 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Forgive Me (0.00 / 0)

 "The Boston Insiders" strike again. Keep the party as small as possible. Get our friends and relatives to attend the convention. They vote as we tell them to. We retain control. I just experienced finding out about the process personally.
 

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by: billxi @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 10:04:38 AM CST

[ Parent ]

No such thing as an insider (0.00 / 0)

I've stated, and I will maintain, that there is no such thing as a "Boston Insider."  Again, such rhetoric is unnecessarily divisive and does nothing but try to play into a campaign tactic.

20 out of 21 MassGOP legislators are not "Boston Insiders" but duly elected representatives from across the Commonwealth.  Four previous governors are not "Boston Insiders" but men & women who fought the good fight and successively carried the GOP banner here in the Commonwealth for 16 years.

The MassGOP State Committee members, such as myself, are not "Boston Insiders."  I don't get marching orders from anyone and decide who to support of my own free will without calling for direction or submitting to arm twisting.

The many supporters who had lunch yesterday with Charlie Baker are not "Boston Insiders".  I wager that almost none of them have ever stepped foot into MassGOP HQ or a State Committee meeting.  

The Massachusetts Republican Party is very much a NOT an insider institution.  The MassGOP is a meritocracy where the hard working activists can "rise to the top" in terms of recognition, respect, and such.  Nobody holds people down.  There aren't any plans of succession, secret passwords, handshakes, or the like.  

This "Boston Insider" propaganda is simply ginned up by those who find a useful card to play every campaign season to paint themselves as the aggrieved outsider.  It may be good rhetoric, but it's empty and meaningless.  

The MassGOP is wide open for those who want to roll up their sleeves and make a difference to jump on in & get involved.  This is a grassroots party, not a party of elitist powerbrokers.  The real power of the MassGOP? That's a simple question to answer... the real power is the men & women who wake up every morning, look at themselves in the mirror, go to work, raise their families, pay their taxes, and try to do their best to be or support candidates.

There are no "Boston Insiders."  There are only Massachusetts Republicans who labor, as a team, to get more fellow Republicans inside the halls of the State House upon Beacon Hill.

"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 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 10:44:10 AM CST

[ Parent ]

It took me a month of pulling teeth and hair (0.00 / 0)

 To find out about my dormant, since revitalized, town RTC to no avail. A few posts on RMG: worked wonders. Why is it so difficult to want to help this "wide open" party?  
Grassroots my pimpled buttocks!
BTW Brock: It has been 3 1/2 weeks since I volunteered to roll up my sleeves for good ol' MAGOP on their website. Again, so much for "wide openness". Please stop feeding me the mountain of shit.

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by: billxi @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 11:30:15 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Grassroots (5.00 / 1)

Yes, the MassGOP is indeed a grassroots movement.  There are what, 4 staffers up in HQ?  I may suggest that perhaps you could consider volunteering at HQ to help lighten the load as the staff preps for local & special elections, candidate recruitment, fundraising, convention preparation with its various activities & deadlines, and the like.

I would submit that 1 subjective experience does not a trend make.  

You volunteered via the website.  Great!  You'll be in the database.  More important is volunteering at your local RTC level.  You're obviously a Mihos supporter, are you doing any volunteer work on his behalf?  More impending is the special election deadline... I believe you said that you were a Brown supporter, are you signed up for that campaign?  I'm sure there is a need for phone bankers on his behalf!  Want to focus more locally?  There is probably a state senate or rep candidate in 2010 who could use your help - now.  

bill, I mean this with all charity & sincerity - STOP LOOKING TO MERRIMAC STREET direction.  Mount up & ride to the sound of the guns, do NOT wait for orders from HQ!

Your RTC was dormant & now it's active.  That's EXCELLENT!  Keep up the great work but stop looking at the a small office in Merrimac St in Boston as "the MassGOP."  The Massachusetts Republican Party - IS 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 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 11:42:09 AM CST

[ Parent ]

In Order (0.00 / 0)

 Not busting my ass if I'm not wanted.
All I have to go by. It seems like a trend to me.
Being in the database only subjects me to dunning letters by mr. Steele. Brock, I started my local RTC back up. With thanks to Shari Worthington, the one MAGOP person who didn't stonewall my efforts. I hadn't met you yet. I do volunteer for Mihos, and Brown, and Tom Wesley, and Sam Meas. I turned my Brown signatures into Ron Chernisky. My State Rep. likes Baker. An agreement to disagree there.
I consider myself an activist. I hope I meet the high standard. I figure if you're going to bitch, you better be ready to DO something about fixing. That is why I became a Republican. Like it or not it is now the party of change.

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by: billxi @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 13:09:59 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Need More (0.00 / 0)

Billxi, you & I may see things different in regards to the gubernatorial race but we could stand to have hell of a lot more of "you" who are willing to revitalize RTCs and volunteer for candidates (and several).  

What we need are activists and I commend you for becoming a Republican and taking up the Herculean challenge of saving the Commonwealth from being damned by Democrat domination.

At the end of the day, whether we have MassGOP nominee Baker or Mihos we will need to work together, as a unified front, to defeat Patrick & Cahill.

"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 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 22:17:00 PM CST

[ Parent ]

May the best candidate win. (0.00 / 0)

As long as its a Republican. You are still the man.

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by: billxi @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 22:30:36 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Why won't you answer the questions above Brock ?? Are they not valid questions ?? (0.00 / 0)

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by: politicalmadman @ Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 06:50:21 AM CST

[ Parent ]

What questions? (0.00 / 0)

In a thread of 41 replies (at this point) and numerous posts by myself answering a myriad of questions... just which ones are you complaining that I haven't addressed?  Perhaps you would be best to restate them in a reply below.

"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 18, 2009 at 08:50:08 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Rhetorical (0.00 / 0)

Also keep in mind, I'm not about to waste my time on rhetorical questions and I do not work for the Baker campaign.  However, if you have a sincere question about my point of view, please do run them by me 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 18, 2009 at 08:52:14 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Another Unforced Error for the Baker Campaign (0.00 / 0)

The timing of this letter is awful.  

The purpose of this letter is to try to pressure Mr. Mihos to get out of the GOP primary contest and possibly the party.  The assertion that "Christy ... has yet to explain what, other than political convenience, has brought him back to our party" certainly would convey to a reasonable person that in the opinion of the authors Mr. Mihos has not offered sufficient penance to come back into the GOP fold and is therefore unwelcome.  

The timing is awful because just last week the major news out of the Baker Campaign was that Mr. Baker's campaign had inquired as to whether Mr. Cahill would be interested in assuming the role of Lt. Governor.  The Baker campaign denied this.

Now this week a letter appears, signed by the chairman of Mr. Baker's campaign committee, that attacks Mr. Baker's other opponent--Mr. Mihos.  

The timing of the letter is awful because it makes it appear that Mr. Baker's campaign is undertaking a systematic effort to remove other contenders early on.  

This is a reasonable strategy but the problem for Mr. Baker is that the attack on Mr. Mihos in this letter undercuts the credibility of the denials last week that the baker campaign had not asked Mr. Cahill to assume the role of Lt. Governor.  If the Baker Campaign is using surrogates to attack Mr. Mihos, it would seem plausible that the Baker Campaign would also use surrogates to strike a deal with Mr. Cahill and shape the race before the spring convention.

There is also a logical inconsistency in the attack on Mr. Mihos for straying from the party.  Mr. Mihos strayed out of the GOP fold in the past and has been critical of the GOP in the past.  But Mr. Cahill has never, ever been a Republican, much less a prodigal like  Mr. Mihos.  If Mr. Mihos's loyalties are suspect, certainly Mr. Cahill would suffer from the same debilitation.  Why would the Baker campaign be willing to take on Mr. Cahill as #2 on the ticket but deem Mr. Mihos as unworthy to vie for the nomination in the primary on the basis of party loyalty?    

Coming on the heels of the news last week, the timing of the letter is awful.  

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by: yankeepundit @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 12:14:01 PM CST

Oh Nooo! (0.00 / 0)

They brought up the 11th commandment. They wouldn't do that.  

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by: billxi @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 13:25:27 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Why lend credibility to the opposition? (5.00 / 2)

Yes the timing of the letter is a bit strange coming off the Cahill kerfluffle and it seems that the Baker campaign is flailing away at all opposition seen and unseen. The mistake they are making here is that they are lending credibility to the opposition by obsessing so about them. Look, its pretty early in the cycle folks...and despite the polls Christy and Dick Morris keep talking about, (and Morris seems to be already outfoxing Bakers staff by getting a reaction out of them), Mr. Mihos is not perceived to be a credible contender for the corner office by the electorate. The problem Baker faces first right now is name recognition. Insiders and activists know him but the vast majority of voters have no idea who Charlie Baker is. The Baker campaign's time would be better spent focussing on a strategy to improve Baker's visibility instead of one that keeps reminding the voters of the opponents they are already familiar with. Even worse, all this obsessing over Mihos and Cahill just makes them look like perceived threats to a Baker candidacy thus making them more credible in the voters eyes.

Brock's time spent with Charlie sounds like Baker is making an effort to get out amongst the electorate and talk and listen. Thats good and I hope it starts to focus the campaign.  

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by: PEMGOP @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 14:13:57 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Exactly... nuf said! n/t (0.00 / 0)

"When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators." -PJ O'Rourke

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by: South Shore Republican @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 14:55:58 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Wish They Would Clam Up And Get To Debating (5.00 / 1)

Getting the endorsement of the MassGOP is a lot like getting the endorsement of the guy in the giant chicken outfit outside of Church's ... umm, yeah thats nice and all but so what. To theeir credit the few visible memebrs of the MassGop havent been getting indicted but they are a long way from saying that they are driving the conversation.
The MassGOP should stay out of trying to sway far off primaries and get back to focusing on what; if anything they are supposed to be representing. Loyal opposition means more than saying Nope; your supposed to come back with something better.
Let the debates decide if anyone has something to say other than Nope ...

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by: nomad943 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 15:07:05 PM CST

LOL (0.00 / 0)

The Baker campaign should have ID'd the recipients before sending the letters out.  I'll probably vote for Charlie Baker in spite of Tisei and Jones endorsing him.

Hopefully he wins and those two get plum jobs far, far away from the legislature...

Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.

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by: Dr. Jones @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 20:11:11 PM CST

glad to hear Baker is actually out campaigning (0.00 / 0)

I too am glad to hear that Baker is finally getting out there amongst the people.  It doesn't take much of an effort to knock off a few meet and greats a week. His campaign staff really needs to let him loose. I know it's early still, but they have had him do very little outside of the country club settings, and at GOP events he either shows up late/leaves much too early or his staff crowds him to a point to prevent regular everyday people from approaching him. After seeing them in action during the the Plymouth County GOP event last week, the Baker staff needs to do a much better job at acting behind the scenes. Look at Hudak or Brown's campaign staff... 1-3 staff members max at events and they don't hover around the candidate uncontrollably.  They know how to let the candidate do their thing and shadow the right way

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by: no2socialism @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 21:23:13 PM CST

[ Parent ]