Snark-Infested Waters by Mike Bailey

Snark-Infested Waters by Mike Bailey

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Posts Tagged ‘10th Congressional district’

The Week In Politics

Friday, September 17th, 2010

One election down, one to go!

Check www.capenews.net for the lowdown on who won what (I put this thing together on Tuesdays, hence the lack of results here), but this week marks the beginning of the election season in earnest, because all those candidates who had no primary opponents have to now wake up and start campaigning.

A precious few get to kick back and relax as they have no opponents whatsoever – Barnstable County Sheriff James M. Cummings, Cape & Islands DA Michael D. O’Keefe, and State Representative Timothy R. Madden (D – Nantucket) – but everyone else has to do at least a little legwork.

There are some solid local races here, but also a few that I’m expecting to be rather uninspiring affairs. I look first to State Representative Susan D. Williams Gifford (R – Wareham), whose Democratic challenger David A. Smith of Wareham is thus far striking me as another in a long line of lackluster opponents for Rep. Gifford.

Turning my gaze northeastward, I see an uphill battle for Thomas F. Keyes, who is challenging Senate President Therese M. Murray (D – Plymouth). Sen. Murray holds a major power position in the Legislature, has crazy cash in her campaign war chest, and – perhaps most importantly – has successfully spearheaded health care and economic development reforms in the past two years, so one cannot accuse her of having a do-nothing term in her rearview mirror.

***

Governor Deval L. Patrick’s firing up his re-election campaign and has opened several “regional coordinated campaign offices” across the state, including four on Cape Cod. If you’re looking for information on The Guv, check out the local offices at 359 Main Street in Falmouth and 4 Merchants Square in Sandwich.

The governor, by the way, received an endorsement last week from Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. Mayor Menino called Gov. Patrick “whuh rhl leddeh en Mussashuztz” (translated for those who don’t speak Mumble: “a real leader in Massachusetts”).

***

Dr. Jill E. Stein is hopping mad that she’s being overlooked by the Boston media.

Dr. Stein, the Green-Rainbow Party candidate, was not invited to participate in a radio debate in Boston this week, and she initially was not invited to participate in a televised debate scheduled for Tuesday – in the latter case, because her campaign war chest was about $31,000 short of meeting a minimum $100,000 threshold.

She is now going to participate in next week’s televised debate, but still got shafted from this week’s radio debate on WBZ.

The Boston Herald’s Margery Eagan opined this week that Dr. Stein should not be so catered to, and in fact should not be in the race, citing her inability to raise money on the same level as her rivals and her history of failed campaigns (governor in 2002, state representative in 2004, secretary of the Commonwealth in 2006).

Eagan rationalized that she has a snowball’s chance of winning the election, so why should the media waste time on her when that time could go to Gov. Patrick, Charles D. Baker Jr., and Timothy P. Cahill.

This arrogant attitude – “I don’t think this person can win, so I think he/she should just drop out now” – is part of what’s wrong with contemporary politics. The media adopt their darlings early on, the candidates they determine to be “viable,” and leave all others out in the cold, in the process do the voting public a grave disservice by burying the “weak” candidates under a ton of coverage for the “strong” contenders.

In the gubernatorial race it’s Dr. Stein. In the Congressional race Republicans Raymond Kasperowicz, the first guy to declare his candidacy, and Robert E. Hayden III were largely ignored in favor of State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich) and Joseph D. Malone. In 2008 Jeffrey K. Beatty’s challenge to US Senator John F. Kerry (D) was barely acknowledged, even after the media’s chosen sweetheart Jim Ogonowski tanked hard by failing to collect enough signatures to earn a spot on the primary ballot.

The decision whether to run for any elected seat – and whether to continue running when “they” say it’s futile – belongs first and foremost to the candidates themselves, and then to the voters, not the media. Ever.

***

State Representative Matthew C. Patrick (D – Falmouth) has added Virginia Ryan to his re-election campaign team. Ms. Ryan recently left her post of several years as the Housing Assistance Corporation’s assistant to the CEO/director of special projects.

***

Upcoming campaign events:

Rep. Gifford is hosting a fundraiser for Rep. Perry on Monday. That’ll be held at the Mezza Luna restaurant in Bourne from 5:30 PM to 7 PM.

Sen. Murray is the guest of honor at a September 26 fundraiser in East Sandwich. Betsy and Bill Lehrer will host that event at their home from 4 to 6 PM. For more information, e-mail Bet6453@aol.com or call 508-888-2016.

Political news and announcements may be sent to Michael Bailey, Region editor and senior political reporter, at bailey@capenews.net

The Week In Politics

Friday, September 10th, 2010

Here we are, the final column before Primary Election Day!

As is often the case, the turnout for the primaries will probably be on the light side, but if you’re reading this then you better bloody well get off your cans and go out to vote on Tuesday.

There are four Republicans and two Democrats vying for their respective party nomination for US Representative of the 10th Congressional District, perhaps the Cape’s most crucial race of the season. Congressman William D. Delahunt (D) was a strong voice for the Cape for many years, and the region can’t afford to be without a staunch advocate in Washington.

Although this paper is not going to offer any endorsements for the primaries, I’ll exercise some editorial privilege and urge voters to support State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable) and State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich) for the very reason I just cited. As Cape residents themselves, either man would immediately be a superior spokesman for the region’s needs in federal government.

You might think their general credentials pale when compared to those of, respectively, William R. Keating and Joseph D. Malone, and I’d argue that point, but there’s a greater concern here: considering the state of the economy, Cape voters need to be more than a little self-serving and stick with the hometown boys.

PS: If you don’t go out to vote and the guy you wanted to win doesn’t, you waive your right to gripe about it later.

***

By the way, Gatehouse Media’s poll on the Congressional race augers good news for Rep. Perry, bad news for everyone else. As of Tuesday Rep. Perry was winning with 48 percent of 652 voters supporting him, 36 percent backing Malone, eight percent for Republican Raymond Kasperowicz, and Sen. O’Leary and Mr. Keating each receiving two percent support.

***

Regular readers know that, while I list noteworthy endorsements in this column, I find them generally useless. They’re more reflective of a candidate’s political allegiances than a true measure of his or her value to the masses as an elected official.

And yet, sometimes endorsements are very telling. I look to Mr. Malone, whose endorsements have been largely from people like him: guys who used to big kind of big wheels in politics and haven’t done anything worthwhile in that arena for years. That always said to me this was a guy set in old and perhaps outdated ways of thinking.

Last week Mr. Malone got an endorsement from Christy P. Mihos, former (and spectacularly failed) gubernatorial candidate. In his endorsement, Mr. Mihos harkens back to a golden time when state government was flawless and effective and everyone was a establishment-defying reformer, and applauded Malone for being part of a glorious time that I’m sure was not at all quite that spiffy in reality.

Let’s be honest: as the saying goes, the past was never as perfect as we remember, just as the future is not always as bleak as we dread. Sometimes old ways fade into the mists of history for a good reason, and in an election cycle when – according to the national media narrative, at least – voters are crying out for fresh ideas, why should voters turn to someone whose heyday was 20 years ago?

***

Remember what I said about endorsements being about political allegiances? Well then, make of these what you will: State Representative Susan D. William Gifford (R – Wareham) is endorsing Rep. Perry’s Congressional campaign, and State Representative Demetrius J. Atsalis (D – Barnstable) is endorsing Daniel A. Wolf for State Senator of the Cape & Islands District.

And yet more: Sen. O’Leary and Mr. Malone got the nod from the Boston Globe last week.

Sheila R. Lyons, Democratic candidate for State Senator of the Cape & Islands District, received the endorsement of the National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts Chapter – Political Action for Candidate Election.

Patricia L. Mosca, Democratic candidate for governor’s councilor of the first district, received the formal endorsement of Carole A. Fiola, the current and departing councilor.

Rep. Perry got the endorsement of the National Rifle Association’s Political Victory Fund.

James M. Cummings, Barnstable County sheriff, has endorsed Democrat – yes, a Republican has endorsed a Democrat! – Walter Moniz in the race for governor’s councilor of the first district.

***

Now that we have all the praise out of the way, let’s move on to the obligatory last-minute controversies.

Last week the Boston Globe discovered that Timothy P. Cahill, Guy W. Glodis, and Timothy P. Murray – candidates for governor, state auditor, and lieutenant governor, respectively – all had some tax issues in their backgrounds.

The campaign committee for Mr. Cahill, the sitting state treasurer, had failed to pay about $15,000 in state taxes over the past decade. Mr. Glodis, Worcester County sheriff, had neglected to pay $2,568 in taxes on interest collected by his campaign committee between 2007 and 2009. Lt. Gov. Murray’s campaign committee failed to make tax payments on campaign fund interest in 2007 and 2008.

Mr. Cahill and Lt. Gov. Murray acted on the delinquencies right away and offered the perfunctory “This was just a simple mistake” explanations.

Sheriff Glodis, however, is being a bit more obstinate and is insisting that his campaign does not also owe federal tax payments on his accrued interest, which runs contrary to federal tax code. Not a wise position to take in light of recent revelations that he once received a questionable loan from a hedge fund manager now doing hard time in federal prison for bilking investors.

***

The gap between Governor Deval L. Patrick and Charles D. Baker Jr. continues to shrink. That latest Rasmussen poll showed that 44 percent of voters surveyed currently support Gov. Patrick, and 42 percent support Mr. Baker. Mr. Cahill trails waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay behind at 8 percent (Green-Rainbow Party Dr. Jill E. Stein was not named in the poll).

***

It’s not too late to plan to hit the Daily Brew in Cataumet this evening, for a fundraiser for State Representative Matthew C. Patrick (D – Falmouth). He’ll be there starting at 5:30 PM for a casual meet-and-greet with voters. His special guest is Cape Cod RTA director Thomas S. Cahir, who previously held the Third Barnstable District state rep seat.

Call 508-540-6308 to RSVP.

***

This week’s event reminders:

William Zammer is hosting at his Flying Bridge restaurant a fundraiser for David T. Vieira, Republican candidate for State Representative of the Third Barnstable District. That is scheduled for Sunday from 4 to 6 PM. Donations will be accepted at the door.

James F. Munafo Jr., Republican candidate for State Representative of the Second Barnstable District, invites supporters to a “FUNdraiser” in support of his campaign. Join Mr. Munafo at Sandwich Mini-Golf on Route 6A in Sandwich for the “Vote Munafo Mini-Golf Tournament” on Sunday. The tourney runs from 4 to 7 PM. E-mail votemunafo@integrity.com to reserve a spot in the tournament. Cost is $10.

F. Randal Hunt, Republican candidate for State Representative of the Fifth Barnstable District, is holding a pasta supper fundraiser at the American Legion Hall in Sandwich on Saturday, September 25 starting at 6 PM; a golf tourney fundraiser at Holly Ridge on Sunday, October 3 starting at 8:20 AM; and “Pizza & Politics with Pizzazz” at Two Brothers Pizza & Mexican in Sandwich on Monday, October 11 at 5:30 PM.

***

Finally, a quick correction of sorts. In the ongoing verbal girly slap-fight between Sen. O’Leary and Mr. Keating, the former recently chided the latter for collecting a pension from his State House days while also serving as Norfolk County DA and running for Congress.

According to an official statement from the Keating campaign, “Bill Keating is not colleting [sic] a pension at this time. If he is elected to the serve in the Congress, he will donate the state pension he has contributed to for 33 years to the Norfolk Advocates for Children. Bill founded the Norfolk Advocates for victims of sexual abuse with money obtained in drug seizures.”

So there.

Political news and announcements may be sent to Michael Bailey, Region editor and senior political reporter, at bailey@capenews.net

The Week In Politics

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

You kids get off my damn lawn!

By “lawn” I mean the hill near the Bourne rotary, and by “you kids” I mean off-Cape candidates for office sticking their campaign signs in among those for local candidates. Take a look sometime and you’ll see names for people running for office in and around the Norfolk County area…you know, races that Cape Cod residents know nothing about and can’t vote in. (more…)

The Perry Controversy – My Take

Monday, August 16th, 2010

In the virtual holding cell of this blog there is a draft of a ridiculously long analysis of the Flanagan controversy haunting State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich). I’ve poked away at it over the past couple of weekends, intending it to be my exhaustive response to the news and faux news (read: blog) coverage of this story.

I look at it now and realize I rather wasted my time. I can sum that epic up much more succinctly, so I shall.

There are people out there, on both sides, who are trying to tell voters what is the truth. One side, led by a pair of anonymous bloggers, would have the public believe Rep. Perry’s culpability in the Scott Flanagan case is absolute and unquestionable. The other, Perry’s supporters, insist that Perry knew of nothing wrong and himself did nothing wrong in his capacity as Flanagan’s supervisor.

As is often the case, the truth is somewhere in-between these two extremes. In 2002, when I first read the court documents detailing the sordid Flanagan case, I came to the conclusion that there was no compelling proof one way or the other. There were dots that did not connect cleanly, but there was nothing that painted an incontestable picture of guilt on Perry’s part.

The Enterprise did not champion a position for or against Perry. We instead presented the evidence as best as we could — in a thorough and even-handed manner — so that the voters could make up their own minds. They did, and Rep. Perry won his 2002 legislative bid.

That is what voters need to do again as Rep. Perry runs for Congress: do the reading, weigh the facts, and make up their own minds, and not let agenda-driven bloggers presenting themselves as crusading journalists or self-interested politicians and their assorted hangers-on make it for them.

I’ve since re-read the court documents, as well as several other media accounts, and my position from 2002 is unchanged; I see nothing 100 percent exonerating or damning. If any reporter or blogger or campaign rep or Perry supporter or opponent tells you they know the “real truth” behind the story, they do not; they have established their own version of the truth and are trying to sell you on it. Don’t get suckered into that trap.

The bloggers have been for some time calling for Rep. Perry to drop out of the race over the Flanagan flap. Perry’s chief rival Joe Malone, who by all measures is trailing behind Perry in the race, is now calling for Perry to get out.

I say: stay in the race, Rep. Perry, and let the voters once again make the decision for themselves — and all parties should be prepared to live with the outcome, whatever that proves to be.

The Week In Politics

Friday, August 13th, 2010

We lead off this week with a quick public service announcement. For the benefit of voters, the Enterprise Newspapers has established an online archive of this year’s political profiles. New profiles will be posted as they appear in the print editions of the paper.

You can access the archives through the menu on the left of this page.

***

Has Governor Deval L. Patrick slit his own throat – politically speaking – over the casino bill?

After apparently reaching a compromise on the issue of whether to allow slot machines in Massachusetts as part of the state’s expanded gaming bill, Gov. Patrick backpedaled last week and vetoed that provision – over the very vocal protestations of House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop) and Senate President Therese M. Murray (D – Plymouth).

The governor explained his turnaround on the fact that slot machine contracts would be issued on a no-bid basis, and wagged a finger at the Legislature for being unwilling to compromise and for dragging its collective feet on putting a bill together in the first place.

Gov. Patrick’s supporters are portraying this as political courage, but it’s more like political folly. In one fell swoop Gov. Patrick has cheesed off two of his most powerful allies, and many other lawmakers who worked on the bill in good faith. He needs a united front and now he’s created a State House divided.

I should remind you, readers, that Gov. Patrick two years ago had a chance to plead his case before the House as it was considering an earlier iteration of the bill, but instead nipped off to New York City to negotiate a book deal.

Then there’s one of the strongest lobbies in the state, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, which is staunchly pro-casino. It often endorses the Democratic candidate in gubernatorial races, but will Gov. Patrick’s deathblow to the casino bill cause the AFL-CIO to withhold its stamp of approval?

***

Elsewhere in the governor’s race, Dr. Jill E. Stein announced last week that her campaign had successfully collected enough signatures to secure a spot on the November ballot (as a member of the Green-Rainbow Party, which is considered a “political designation” in Massachusetts, she had a longer time period in which to collect signatures).

So we officially have a four-way race for the corner office, but the question now is whether the media will give Dr. Stein any attention, or will continue to treat her as a non-entity.

***

A reader contacted me last week to ask me what was going on with the race for State Representative of the Third Barnstable District – by which I mean she had no idea that State Representative Matthew C. Patrick (D – Falmouth) had an opponent.

That’s a bad sign for Republican David T. Vieira of Falmouth, who is challenging Rep. Patrick. Granted, neither gent has a primary race and are likely saving the good stuff for the November general election, but Mr. Vieira has been a little too quite for his own good, it would seem.

But wait! He does in fact have something cooking, so to speak. Frank and Andrea Keohane of East Falmouth are hosting a barbecue fundraiser for Mr. Vieira. That’s next week, August 19 from 5 to 7 PM at the Keohane house. Go to www.votevieira.com for details.

***

Democrat Lance W. Lambros has also been on the quiet side in his campaign for State Representative of the Fifth Barnstable District, but this week he announced a number of upcoming campaign events.

On Monday, August 16 he’ll hold a meet-and-greet starting at 7:30 AM at Liberty Hall in Marstons Mills; on Saturday, August 28 he’ll meet with voters from 4 to 7 PM at Merchants Square, at the Sandwich Democratic Headquarters annual barbecue; and on Monday, August 30 he’ll attend  from 3 to 5 PM a senior citizens forum at the Barnstable Senior Center.

Mr. Lambros will also apparently start up a local public access cable segment to discuss the pressing issues of the day, so more on that once I get the details.

***

State Representative Susan D. William Gifford (R – Wareham) has scheduled her annual clambake fundraiser. It’s happening Thursday, August 26 beginning at 6 PM. It’ll be held at Zecco Marine in Wareham. Go to www.susangifford.com for details.

***

Daniel A. Wolf, Democratic candidate for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District, has rescheduled a planned meet-and-greet in Mashpee. That’s now set for Sunday, August 22, from 4 to 6 PM at Starfish Restaurant at South Cape Village in Mashpee.

***

Mr. Wolf’s rival in the primary race, Sheila R. Lyons, is holding a fundraiser at the Anchor Inn in Hyannis on Tuesday, August 31 starting at 7 PM. Go to http://sheilalyons2010.com for more info.

***

Thomas F. Keyes, Republican candidate for State Senator of the Plymouth and Barnstable District, is holding a pasta dinner fundraiser at the Pocasset Community Club on Wednesday, August 18 starting at 6 PM. Go to www.votekeyes.com for details.

***

State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable) has picked up a big endorsement in his quest for Congress, from the Massachusetts Teachers Association last week gave Sen. O’Leary the nod.

“Massachusetts has the best schools in America, and Rob O’Leary’s leadership has made him a great partner for our members and for parents and students in making that success happen,” MTA President Paul Toner said in a press release. “We’re excited to endorse Rob O’Leary because, as a teacher himself for 34 years and a long-time leader on education issues, he’ll make education a priority in Congress.”

Now, interestingly, Sen. O’Leary’s rival in the primaries, William R. Keating, earlier in the campaign picked up an endorsement from the American Federation of Teachers – Massachusetts chapter. I guess these organizations don’t compare notes at all…

Also, Sen. O’Leary has launched what is, at least on the Democratic side, the first TV ad of the campaign. Check it out online at www.olearyforcongress.com/getout.

***

State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich) has picked up another big local endorsement, this one from Michael D. O’Keefe, the Cape and Islands’ district attorney.

DA O’Keefe gave Rep. Perry the official thumb’s up last week at a fundraiser for the latter hosted by the former. Rep. Perry also picked up what seems to be his biennial endorsement from the Gun Owners’ Action League (GOAL).

Rep. Perry’s next local fundraiser will be held at the Aqua Grille in Sandwich on Sunday, August 22. That runs from 4 to 6 PM and is hosted by Eileen DiBuono and Patricia Markoff. After that, on Sunday, August 29 is an end-of-summer lobster and clam bake at the Sandwich American Legion Hall. That runs from 1 to 3 PM.

Go to www.jeffperryforcongress.com for more info and to make any necessary reservations.

***

This week’s event reminders:

Joseph D. Malone, Republican Congressional candidate, will be at the Courtyard Restaurant and Pub in Cataumet on Sunday, August 15 from 4 to 6 PM.

Mr. Wolf will be at house party fundraisers in Mashpee on Monday, August 16; in Marstons Mills on Thursday, August 26; in Osterville on Friday, August 27; and in Hyannis on Sunday, August 29. Check out his official website at www.danwolfforsenate.com for more information.

F. Randal Hunt, Republican candidate for State Representative of the Fifth Barnstable District, is holding a meet-and-greet at Lakewood Hills on Tuesday, August 17 at 5 PM; a golf tourney fundraiser at Holly Ridge on Sunday, October 3 starting at 8:20 AM; a pasta supper fundraiser at the American Legion Hall in Sandwich on Saturday, September 25 starting at 6 PM; and “Pizza & Politics with Pizzazz” at Two Brothers Pizza & Mexican in Sandwich on Monday, October 11 at 5:30 PM.

The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Cod Young Professionals are co-hosting a pre-primary candidates’ night on Friday, September 10 at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis. WXTK-FM’s news director Matt Pitta moderates the forum involving candidates in the US Representative of the 10th Congressional District and the State Senator of the Cape and Islands District races.

***

Finally, from the Better Late Than Never File: two previously uncontested races now have contests…sort of.

Keith Davis of Holyoke is running a write-in campaign for lieutenant governor. What party? He apparently doesn’t care. According to his website (www.writeinkeithdavis.com) you can throw his name in wherever you’d like (though he thinks a write-in campaign would be “most effective” on the Republican ballot).

And then there’s Republican James P. McKenna, who for whatever reason didn’t go the normal route of getting a formal position on the ballot and is also running a write-in campaign for Massachusetts Attorney General. His website is at http://jimforag.com.

Political news and announcements may be sent to Michael Bailey, Region editor and senior political reporter, at bailey@capenews.net

The Week In Politics

Friday, August 6th, 2010

So, who won last week’s Congressional candidates’ debate in Plymouth?

Apparently, everyone did.

The participants in the forum sponsored by the Plymouth League of Women Voters spent the following days sending out press releases crowing about how they crushed their rivals and impressed the audience. So it looks like this debate was in fact the political equivalent of youth soccer.

Yet what I found all the more laughable was how the high muckety-muck of one local media outlet (let’s call it “New Media”) chided another media outlet (which we’ll call “Old Media”) for “burying the lead” on its story on the debate. William R. Keating voiced his support for the Cape Wind project that evening, the only candidate to do so, and nether fact was mentioned until the end of Old Media’s story.

New Media maintains this should have been the lead. Why? Because the subject still fires people up? Because New Media loves the wind farm and thinks everyone else should too?

Cape Wind’s value as a legitimate issue in the 2010 election season is negligible. The wind farm is now in the same ballpark as abortion, gun rights, and the death penalty: it’s a handy hot button people can press to elicit a visceral reaction from voters and stir up some easy support (what’s known in pro wrestling circles as a “cheap pop”).

The one exception: people running for elected office can actually do something to affect laws on abortion, gun rights, and the death penalty. If Cape Wind fails at this point in the process, it’s not going to be because of anything any of the Congressional hopefuls do.

And yet, Cape Wind was the catalyst for the latest bit of tension in the race, between Mr. Keating and his primary opponent, State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable). In an open letter to his rival, Sen. O’Leary accused Keating of flip-flopping (yes, that term is back) on the matter, stating Keating said he opposed the project during an earlier candidates’ forum in Harwich.

Sen. O’Leary – who, by a six point margin, recently bested Mr. Keating in a poll conducted by Gerstein/Agne Strategic Communications – ended that taste of J’accuse! With this zinger: “It seems that, having spent 32 of your 57 years in politics, you’ve mastered the most common of political skills. Congratulations, sir.”

Ohhhhh, snap!

***

If you missed that clashing of the titans, then mark Friday, September 10 on your calendar.

The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Cod Young Professionals are co-hosting a pre-primary candidates’ night at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis. WXTK-FM’s news director Matt Pitta will wrangle Mr. Keating, Sen. O’Leary, and Republicans Robert E. Hayden III, Raymond Kasperowicz, and State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich).

The event will also welcome all four candidates for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District.

This kicks off at 8 AM, and it’s open to the public.

***

Rep. Perry announced last week he’d been bumped up to “contender” status in the National Republican Congressional Committee’s “Young Guns” program.

“Contender” is the middle rank in the initiative, which assists GOP candidates running for open seats or against incumbents with their campaigns. “Young Gun” is the final level. He’s so far the only Massachusetts candidate to reach Contender status, and only one of three in the program at all (the other, notably, is rival Joseph D. Malone, who is “On the Rader”).

***

Speaking of Mr. Malone, he’ll be in Falmouth on August 15 for a reception at The Courtyard. That runs from 4 to 6 PM, and if you’d like to attend, shoot an e-mail over to karen@joemalonecongress.com.

***

Another unenrolled candidate in the Congressional race has ended his run before anyone could care. Thomas A. Lawler posted on his campaign website that he was withdrawing from the race because “there are at least two other independents who will be on the ballot. That eliminates the need for me to run.”

Actually, only one; unenrolled candidate Peter A. White withdrew from the race earlier this summer. That leaves only James Sheets of Quincy as the standard bearer for third-party/unenrolled voter interests.

***

Charles D. Baker Jr. continues to slowly but surely gain ground on Governor Deval L. Patrick, even as he paradoxically loses support overall.

Last week, Rasmussen Reports released the results of its monthly poll, and Gov. Patrick maintained the lead with 38 percent of those surveyed voicing their support for the incumbent and 32 percent supporting Mr. Baker. The month before, the split was 41 percent and 34 percent.

Timothy P. Cahill inched up a bit, receiving support from 17 percent of those surveyed (up from 16 percent). Meanwhile, 12 percent were undecided in the June poll – though whether this is because Green-Rainbow Party candidate Dr. Jill E. Stein was not a choice in the poll or because her standing is truly that non-existent is in question.

***

By the way, here are your totally non-surprising endorsements of the week: pro-life group Citizens for Life is endorsing Rep. Perry in his race, and NARAL Pro-Choice is endorsing Governor Deval L. Patrick in his.

The governor and his running mate, Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray, also received the thumb’s up from Massachusetts Clean Water Action, the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters, and the Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club.

***

Want to prank a co-worker? Tell him to turn his computer volume up real loud and send him here.

Once there he will be treated to the dulcet tones of F. Randal Hunt’s “Campaign-O-Cycle” horn. The bicycle is emblazoned with campaign signs and, according to the official press release, has a zero carbon footprint and should help the candidate drop 10 pounds by September as he pedals around the district.

You may not agree with his politics, but you have to appreciate the sense of humor Randy “The Situation” Hunt brings to the election.

***

This week’s event reminders:

Mr. Hunt a meet-and-greet at Lakewood Hills on Tuesday, August 17 at 5 PM; a golf tourney fundraiser at Holly Ridge on Sunday, October 3 starting at 8:20 AM; a pasta supper fundraiser at the American Legion Hall in Sandwich on Saturday, September 25 starting at 6 PM; and “Pizza & Politics with Pizzazz” at Two Brothers Pizza & Mexican in Sandwich on Monday, October 11 at 5:30 PM.

Daniel A. Wolf, Democratic candidate for State Senate of the Cape and Islands District, will be in Mashpee on Monday, August 16 for a house party fundraiser. He’s also the guest of honor at house parties in Marstons Mills on Thursday, August 26, and in Osterville on Friday, August 27. Check out his official website at www.danwolfforsenate.com for more information.

Political news and announcements may be sent to Michael Bailey, Region editor and senior political reporter, at bailey@capenews.net

The Week In Politics

Friday, July 30th, 2010

Joseph D. Malone is firing back at a recent Boston Herald story calling his business acumen into question.

The Herald story claimed that three of the four businesses Mr. Malone was last involved with were either forcible dissolved by the state, for failing to file proper paperwork, or went belly-up.

The restaurant that went of business is just as the Herald said, but Mr. Malone qualified its closure in a rebuttal sent out to supporters via his campaign newsletter: business dried up in the wake of 9-11 and closed its doors seven months later.

As for the six the fitness clubs he was involved with, three were sold to new owners and three were sold off after their leases ran out.

The M/D Group, a consulting firm, closed up shop when Mr. Malone’s partner left the business (Malone then formed a new, similar business with his wife Linda, and that’s still alive).

While he provided reasonable explanations for the fate of his businesses, Mr. Malone did not respond to any of the Herald’s charges that the fitness clubs and the consulting group were delinquent in filing annual reports beyond insisting that the reports were indeed filed (the Herald’s research proved otherwise).

***

Republican Robert E. Hayden III, otherwise known as “The guy who entered the Congressional race way too late to matter,” has his official campaign website up and running. That’s at www.haydenforcongress.com.

After giving it a read, I’ve inferred that this dude doesn’t care much for Europe. He warns in his opening statement on the home page that without leadership like his, America will turn into “a cradle-to-grave European-style entitlement society… with permanent double-digit unemployment and high taxes and suffocating debt.”

(Actually, the European Union’s average unemployment rate is now only one-tenth of a percentage point higher than ours, with 17 members reporting lower unemployment rates than the US national average of 9.5 percent and 10 reporting double-digit unemployment. Just thought I’d throw that out there.)

Shouldn’t trash Europe, Bob. As Eddie Izzard points out, that’s where all the history is.

***

If you drove by the Barnstable County Fair last Wednesday, you might have seen a couple of throngs of William R. Keating supporters hanging about out by Route 151. That was because the candidate was in town that day to meet the with Falmouth Democratic Town Committee (which I only know after the fact, since no one mentioned it to me. Thanks, guys…feelin’ the love).

Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker Jr. also made a stop by the fair this past weekend.

Politicians at a county fair…I have so many jokes to choose from it’s intoxicating.

***

Daniel A. Wolf, Democratic candidate for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District, is holding several house party fundraisers in the coming weeks, including in Marstons Mills on Thursday, August 26 and in Osterville on Friday, August 27. Check out his official website at www.danwolfforsenate.com for more information.

***

State Representative Susan D. Williams Gifford (R – Wareham) has scheduled her traditional fundraiser clambake for Thursday, August 26 but has yet to announce the location, time, or other sundry details. What a tease.

***

This week’s campaign event reminders:

F. Randal Hunt, Republican candidate for State Representative of the Fifth Barnstable District, is holding his barbecue fundraiser tomorrow at the West Barnstable Deer Club from 3 to 7 PM; a meet-and-greet at Lakewood Hills on Tuesday, August 17 at 5 PM; a golf tourney fundraiser at Holly Ridge on Sunday, October 3 starting at 8:20 AM; a pasta supper fundraiser at the American Legion Hall in Sandwich on Saturday, September 25 starting at 6 PM; and “Pizza & Politics with Pizzazz” at Two Brothers Pizza & Mexican in Sandwich on Monday, October 11 at 5:30 PM.

State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich), candidate for Congress, will hold a campaign reception on August 3 at the Flying Bridge in Falmouth. Jennifer Bruce hosts the event, which will feature remarks by Michael D. O’Keefe, the Cape and Islands’ district attorney.

Governor Deval L. Patrick will be at the “Hyannis Communities Connecting for Deval” event at the Zion Union Heritage Museum in Hyannis on Thursday, August 5. That begins at 7:30 PM.

Raymond Kasperowicz, Republican Congressional candidate, will be on the Cape on August 19 to participate in a political forum hosted by the Cape Cod Young Professionals. That’s scheduled to begin at 5 PM and will be held at the Hyannis Resort and Conference Center.

Political news and announcements may be sent to Michael Bailey, Region editor and senior political reporter, at bailey@capenews.net

The week in politics

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Last Wednesday was apparently a fine day for Republican candidates to visit local businesses (rain notwithstanding).

Charles D. Baker Jr. and Richard R. Tisei, Republican candidates for governor and lieutenant governor respectively, were in Mashpee last week to greet voters at Polar Cave Ice Cream. Before that they spoke at the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents conference at Mashpee High School and met with local business owners.

(I should add that Governor Deval L. Patrick and unenrolled gubernatorial candidate Timothy P. Cahill also spoke at the conference on different days.)

Meanwhile Republican Congressional candidate Joseph D. Malone checked out Big Daddy’s Pizza in Cotuit, and the Falmouth Village Arts and Crafts Street Fair and the Quarterdeck Restaurant in Falmouth.

Mr. Malone then – and I am not making this up – went to the Falmouth Commodores game that night in Falmouth to sing the National Anthem. He then nipped up to the Chart Room Restaurant in Cataumet to – again, this is for realsies – entertain guests at the piano.

What is this, the 2010 election season or “American Idol”?

No, it’s an election…people are actually eager to vote in “American Idol.”

Honestly, I have to give the man credit for adding a much-needed air of fun to the campaign season…and, I must add, the dude has a decent set of pipes. Don’t believe me? Go here to view an exclusive video clip of Mr. Malone performing “Sweet Caroline” at the Courtyard in Cataumet.

Seriously!

***

Another, less favorable Malone-centric tidbit: on Monday the Boston Herald ran a piece detailing Mr. Malone’s less-than-spectacular forays into business over the past two decades. Reports showed that he has over the past decade or so entered into four business ventures, three of which were dissolved by the state for failing to file annual reports, the fourth of which went filed for bankruptcy.

The candidate responded that he was proud of his efforts, and noted that sometimes small businesses simply fail.

True enough, but as the Herald rightfully pointed out, combine his business failings with the state treasury embezzlement scandal that hit right after his departure from that office and you’ve got a guy whose claims of fiscal responsibility and support for small business ring more than a little hollow.

***

Mr. Malone’s main rival in the primary race, State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich), has launched a new radio show called “Wake Up Washington,” which airs every Tuesday night from 6:15 to 8 PM on WATD 95.9-FM (which is out of Marshfield and covers the South Shore area).

You can probably guess from the title that the show is about what’s wrong in our nation’s capital (I suspect, given the host, that the show will trace most of those problems to Democrats).

***

Over on the Democratic side of the race, William R. Keating got some notice for a creative (yet apparently completely legal) way of raising money for his campaign. The Boston Globe reported last week that Mr. Keating, after learning he’d be unable to roll $800,000 from his state campaign account (for his current gig as Norfolk County’s district attorney) into his Congressional account, began issuing refunds to his donors.

Included with those refunds was a request to send the money right back as a donation to his Congressional campaign. So far about 60 percent of the $370,000 he’s refunded has indeed returned to him.

His rival in the primary, State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable) remarked in that article that this recycling of campaign donations kind of negates the appearance of a big fundraising lead on Mr. Keating’s part (Mr. Keating broke the $500,000 mark by the most recent campaign finance reporting deadline on June 30).

True to a degree; if Mr. Keating refunded $370,000 and got back 60 percent ($222,000), that accounts for close to half of his total take to date – but on the other hand, he did get that money back. It would have been more telling had his donors kept the cash.

***

This week’s campaign event reminders:

Mary Z. Connaughton, Republican candidate for state auditor, will be in Centerville tonight for a reception at the home of Jennifer and John Williams. That’s scheduled for 7 to 8:30 PM. It may be too late to RSVP, but give Mary Sharkey a shout at 781-492-1728 and maybe she can slide you in.

F. Randal Hunt, Republican candidate for State Representative of the Fifth Barnstable District, is holding his barbecue fundraiser Saturday, July 31 at the West Barnstable Deer Club from 3 to 7 PM; a meet-and-greet at Lakewood Hills on Tuesday, August 17 at 5 PM; a golf tourney fundraiser at Holly Ridge on Sunday, October 3 starting at 8:20 AM; a pasta supper fundraiser at the American Legion Hall in Sandwich on Saturday, September 25 starting at 6 PM; and “Pizza & Politics with Pizzazz” at Two Brothers Pizza & Mexican in Sandwich on Monday, October 11 at 5:30 PM.

So, yeah, dude’s busy.

Rep. Perry will hold a campaign reception next month, August 3, at the Flying Bridge in Falmouth. Jennifer Bruce hosts the event, which will feature remarks by Michael D. O’Keefe, the Cape and Islands’ district attorney.

Gov. Patrick will be at the “Hyannis Communities Connecting for Deval” event at the Zion Union Heritage Museum in Hyannis on Thursday, August 5. That event begins at 7:30 PM.

Ray Kasperowicz, Republican Congressional candidate, will make a rare Cape appearance on August 19 to participate in a political forum hosted by the Cape Cod Young Professionals. That’s scheduled to begin at 5 PM and will be held at the Hyannis Resort and Conference Center.

***

Finally, a quick note to the Republican Governors Association, which has been running negative ads against Tim Cahill for some time now, and recently launched its anti-Gov. Patrick ad series.

Hey, RGA people: cut the crap. Please. Attack ads are more tiresome now than ever, and by the law of transitive properties you’re making Charlie Baker look like a jerk, even though he’s been far from supportive of the ads (though he’s not done much to stop them, either). You’re doing him no favors and only adding another layer of rancor to an election season that has plenty already.

I know, they’re not going to listen to little ol’ me, but if there are Republicans out there that want a clean, civil, and issue-based discussion rather than cheap mudslinging, contact the RGA and tell them to shut up and go away. Let’s elevate the tone of the campaign.

Their website is www.rga.org and here’s the RGA’s contact info: Republican Governors Association, 1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20006; telephone: 202-662-4140; e-mail: info@rga.org.

Political news and announcements may be sent to Michael Bailey, Region editor and senior political reporter, at bailey@capenews.net

The week in politics

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Governor Deval L. Patrick is going to make a campaign stop on the Cape next month.

The governor will be at the “Hyannis Communities Connecting for Deval” event at the Zion Union Heritage Museum in Hyannis on Thursday, August 5. That event begins at 7:30 PM. For more information, shoot an e-mail to info@devalpatrick.com.

***

Hey, kids! Guess what time it is!

That’s right: it’s time to see how few people will run for the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates!

Nomination papers are available for the county’s most low-profile and, historically speaking, least active race; very rarely does any candidate have an opponent, and there have been a few years when no one returned papers at all and the seat wound up filled by a write-in candidate.

Papers are available at town clerk’s offices now and must be returned by the end of the business day Tuesday, July 20 with at least 20 certifiable voter signatures. Those signatures must be from registered voters in the candidate’s home town (that is to say, someone running for the Falmouth delegate’s seat must collect signatures from Falmouth voters).

***

Daniel A. Wolf, Democratic candidate for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District, is using his candidacy to help draw attention to his participation in the Pan Mass Challenge. Mr. Wolf will be riding from Provincetown to Boston (hopefully not in this killer heat) to raise money for cancer research and treatment. Go to his campaign website at www.danwolfforsenate.com to learn more.

In other Wolfish news, the candidate will be holding a meet-and-greet at Starfish Restaurant in Mashpee Commons on Sunday from 4 to 6 PM. Stop by and say hi.

Also, Mr. Wolf has received a big endorsement from the Massachusetts Teachers Association. MTA President Anne Wass said Mr. Wolf “understands the importance of public education and will fight for our schools and our higher education system.”

This endorsement comes as Mr. Wolf and Democratic rival Sheila R. Lyons have begun a war of words in the media, over a challenge from Ms. Lyons to limit their primary campaign spending to $100,000. Mr. Wolf has rejected this challenge, stating that he doesn’t want to limit himself unnecessarily.

Wolf campaign officials have called this challenge a campaign stunt – which it is, one of the many such tactics politicians employ (along with my favorites, the “I won’t accept special interest donations” and “I won’t raise taxes” pledges). More often than not these challenges are “gotcha” bait; by rejecting self-imposed campaign spending limits, Ms. Lyons could try to portray Mr. Wolf as a high roller who’s out to spend his way to victory while touting her own sense of fiscal responsibility.

I will add that Stefanie Coxe, Mr. Wolf’s campaign head, might be going overboard by calling it an “orchestrated attack” (as she did in a recent letter to the Cape Cod Times). No, it’s just politics as usual…let’s not hyperbolize the matter. Be cool now.

***

Former Republican state reps Shirley Gomes and Thomas George, who together covered the Mid- and Lower Cape, have officially thrown their support behind State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich) in his bid for Congress.

Rep. Perry will hold a campaign reception next month, August 3, at the Flying Bridge in Falmouth. Jennifer Bruce hosts the event, which will feature remarks by Michael D. O’Keefe, the Cape and Islands’ district attorney. Go to www.jeffperryforcongress.com for more details.

***

James Sheets, unenrolled candidate for Congress, has launched his official website at www.votejimsheets.com, and for a Johnny-come-lately to the race (and a third-party entry at that) he has a pretty decent site.

Whether Mr. Sheets will actually be on the ballot is still in question; as a non-party candidate he has until August to turn in his nomination papers.

***

James H. Crocker Jr.’s official campaign website is also up and running. Learn more about the Republican candidate for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District at http://crockerforsenate.com.

***

A reminder (and more details) about an event for Mr. Crocker’s opponent in the primaries, Eric R. Steinhilber: Mr. Steinhilber is holding a fundraiser on Thursday at the Nauticus Marina in Osterville, which will run from 5 to 7 PM.

DA O’Keefe is hosting that event, which will feature special guests Charles D. Baker Jr., Republican candidate for governor, and the aforementioned Ms. Gomes and Mr. George, who recently endorsed Mr. Steinhilber’s candidacy.

E-mail events@electeric2010.com or call 508-957-2676 to RSVP.

***

F. Randal Hunt, Republican candidate for State Representative of the Fifth Barnstable District, is holding a barbecue fundraiser at the end of the month – Saturday, July 31, to be precise, at the West Barnstable Deer Club from 3 to 7 PM. Go to www.electrandyhunt.com for further details.

While you’re there you can also participate in his online survey to let him know your thoughts on what the most pressing issues of the day are.

Here are a few other campaign events to mark on your calendar: Tuesday, August 17, 5 PM: a meet-and-greet at Lakewood Hills; Sunday, October 3, 8:20 AM: golf tournament fundraiser at Holly Ridge (registration required); Monday, October 11 (time TBA): “Pizza & Politics with Pizzazz” at Two Brothers Pizza in Sandwich.

***

I’ve been remiss in listing this for some time now: Senate President Therese M. Murray’s (D – Plymouth) official campaign website: www.electterrymurray.com.

This site is not to be confused with her official legislative website, which is there to promote and discuss things directly pertaining to her job; Sen. Murray the Senate President is a different entity than Therese Murray, candidate for State Senate.

***

Sen. Murray’s opponent, Republican Thomas F. Keyes, will be making a couple of appearances in Falmouth. He’ll be at the Falmouth Republican Town Committee meeting at the Gus Canty Community Center on Tuesday (7:30 PM start time), and will be holding a meet-and-greet in front of Shaw’s Market in Falmouth next Friday stating at 9:30 AM.

To show what a bipartisan kinda guy he is, he’ll be doing a second supermarket meet-and-greet that same day, starting at noon, at the Falmouth Super Stop & Shop.

***

Mary Z. Connaughton, Republican candidate for state auditor, will be in Centerville next week for a reception at the home of Jennifer and John Williams. That’s scheduled for 7 to 8:30 PM on Friday, July 23. Contact Mary Sharkey at 781-492-1728 or marys@maryforauditor.com if you’d like to attend.

***

Finally, a respectful “rest in peace” to John Henning, WBZ’s veteran political reporter, who died last week at the age of 73. He’d been covering state elections literally since before I was born, and you don’t often see that kind of die-hard dedication in any field, much less such a headache-inducing one as politics.

Political news and announcements may be sent to Michael Bailey, Region editor and senior political reporter, at bailey@capenews.net

The week in politics

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Back from vacation, and as promised, here are my brief thoughts on the recent AFL-CIO gubernatorial candidates’ forum, held two weeks ago in Hyannis.

The forum was notable not for the candidates who did show up to make their sales pitches – Governor Deval L. Patrick, State Treasurer and unenrolled candidate Timothy P. Cahill, and Green-Rainbow Party candidate Dr. Jill E. Stein – but for who did not participate: Republican candidate Charles D. Baker Jr.

Baker made a big mistake for blowing off this forum. In a press release Baker wagged a finger at his three rivals for “spending their day with the special interests who oppose real reform,” painting his absence as an affirmation of his dedication to representing the common man.

Bear in mind that the AFL-CIO encompasses more than 750 unions representing several hundred thousand workers…you know, common men.

My theory is that Baker didn’t want to wade into a very pro-Democratic arena where his message would fall on many a deaf ear, but in ducking the debate he lost a chance to poke some holes in his opponents’ platforms and, if not walk out with a few newly won hearts and minds, make people think a little harder about who they’re supporting and why.

***

I know it seems late in the day – and it is – but two more people have jumped into the race for US Representative of the 10th Congressional District.

James Sheets last week entered the race as an unenrolled candidate. The 74-year-old former six-term mayor of Quincy has not held an elected office since 2001, when he lost a mayoral re-election bid. He ran for what was then the 11th Congressional District back in 1978 and lost.

Robert E. Hayden III of Hanover has also confirmed his candidacy as a Republican. He has no political experience, which he is trying to pitch as a pro rather than a con.

You may ask, “Why are these guys getting into the race now?” Well, that’s a good question, but the answers are irrelevant for that very reason; they’re late arrivals in a packed field of contenders who have already divvied up the large blocks of party-loyal voters and are focused on getting the attention of the state’s massive unenrolled voter base.

Unless Mr. Sheets and Mr. Hayden can pull off something really impressive in the next few months to really grab and hold undecided voters, they’re destined to be nothing but white noise.

***

Also on the Congressional race: a new poll by Public Opinion Strategies mirrors a few other recent polls showing that State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich) is in the lead in the Republican primary race.

The survey of 300 Republicans who say they are likely to vote this fall showed that 41 percent were supporting Rep. Perry, 30 percent were undecided, and 25 percent were backing Joseph D. Malone.

Rep. Perry has also picked up several new endorsements from a number of county officials, including: Barnstable County Superior Court Clerk Scott W. Nickerson, Barnstable County Commissioner William Doherty, and Marcia R. King, Mashpee’s representative to the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates.

***

Meanwhile, Mr. Malone has picked up an endorsement from Falmouth Selectman David Braga, who said he is supporting the former state treasurer “because it is time we had some people in Washington who care about the people here first. Joe’s message of fiscal conservatism and responsibility is exactly what we need.”

***

Over on the Democratic side of the race, State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable) has picked up endorsements from some local colleagues in the Legislature: State Representatives Timothy R. Madden (D – Nantucket), Matthew C. Patrick (D – Falmouth), Cleon H. Turner (D – Dennis), and Sarah K. Peake (D – Provincetown).

***

James M. Cummings, Barnstable County sheriff, has formally endorsed Walter Moniz’s candidacy for governor’s councilor of the first district. Fun fact: Sheriff Cummings is a Republican, Mr. Moniz is a Democrat.

Hooray! Evidence that bipartisanship isn’t just a myth!

Mr. Moniz was in Falmouth last week to kick off the local leg of his campaign. He is facing four people in the Democratic primary.

***

To bring this week’s column full-circle, Eric R. Steinhilber, Republican candidate for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District, will welcome the aforementioned Charlie Baker as his special guest at a reception scheduled for Thursday, July 22. That will be held at the Nauticus Marina in Osterville from 5 to 7 PM.

E-mail events@electeric2010.com or call 508-957-2676 for details or to RSVP.

Political news and announcements may be sent to Michael Bailey, Region editor and senior political reporter, at bailey@capenews.net

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