Snark-Infested Waters by Mike Bailey

Snark-Infested Waters by Mike Bailey

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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The week in politics

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Welcome to what unintentionally became the (Almost) All-Congressional Edition of the column.

We start this week with State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable), who has a couple of campaign events coming up. On Sunday he’ll be at the Flying Bridge in Falmouth for a reception with Vicki Donnelly, Mary L. (Pat) Flynn, William Zammer, and former state rep. Eric T. Turkington. That runs from 3 to 5 PM. That starts at 3 PM.

Then on Wednesday, June 30, Sen. O’Leary will be at the Roadhouse Café in Hyannis for a reception, which begins at 6 PM. Go to www.olearyforcongress.com/events for more information.

Sen. O’Leary recently scored a solid endorsement for his Congressional bid, from Paul G. Kirk Jr., the fellow who filled the late US Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s seat until January’s special election.

“I have spent much of my life in public service…I have observed many hard working and talented public servants, but none more responsive and dedicated to the people’s interests than Rob O’Leary,” Mr. Kirk said in a statement to the media.

Mr. Kirk extolled Sen. O’Leary’s work on projects ranging from the Cape Cod Land Bank (which gave birth to the Community Preservation Act) to the Cape Light Compact (yet, oddly, made no mention of his work on the Oceans Management Act). He called the senator “a man of vision and a proven problem solver.”

***

US Senator Scott P. Brown, who campaigned quite a bit on the Cape in his quest to succeed the late US Senator Edward M. Kennedy, returns tomorrow to host a fundraiser for his old State House colleague State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich), Republican candidate for Congress.

The general reception will be held at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis from 5:30 PM to 7 PM. Go to www.JeffPerryforCongress.com for more info (and brace yourself for some sticker shock if you want the deluxe meet-and-greet package).

***

On that note: last week while chatting with Congressman William D. Delahunt and State Representative Sarah K. Peake (D – Provincetown), I was asked my thoughts on the Congressional race. The conversation eventually turned to the hoo-hah surrounding Rep. Perry, and I thought I’d repeat some key points here.

Without naming names, there are one or two folks in the media who firmly believe that Rep. Perry’s Congressional campaign is falling apart under the weight of renewed scrutiny (renewed by the self-same people, I add) over the Scott Flanagan case.

My opinion? This is no more than wishful thinking on their part. Three campaign offices, $150,000 in campaign funds raised in the first quarter of 2010, a very active schedule of events and appearances, major endorsements from Sen. Brown and Mitt Romney – hardly the signs of an imploding campaign.

Joseph D. Malone is the true immediate threat to Rep. Perry’s campaign, not an old (and, really, inconclusive) controversy. The Malone machine has been humming along briskly, and he’s made a point to get down to the Cape on a regular basis to establish a presence and fight Rep. Perry’s home turf advantage, and that’s a much more tangible concern.

What I’m left wondering is whether the media will revisit with the same gleeful abandon the skeleton in Mr. Malone’s closet. Recall, if you will, that when Mr. Malone was our state treasurer in 1999 seven men, including his head campaign fundraiser and a deputy treasurer he appointed, stole $9.4 million from the treasury – the largest theft of state funds in Massachusetts history.

The embezzlement was discovered weeks after Mr. Malone left office, who was never implicated in the crimes.

So, to recap: the two leading GOP candidates are both under lingering suspicion of having knowledge of crimes committed by colleagues under their supervision at their former jobs, even though neither man was ever decisively or formally connected to the criminal acts in question and the only people who seem to really care are people with very old, dull axes to grind.

Make of all that what you will, but my humble advice, voters: let the real or imagined sins of the past be but one factor in your decision-making process when you hit the polls this year, and don’t let a biased smear campaign – against ANY candidate – make your minds up for you.

***

Having said all that, the Plymouth County Republican Committee last Friday released the results of an online straw poll on the Congressional race. I mention as a point of amusement that this poll included ALL the Congressional candidates, not just the Republicans — hell, they even listed Maryanne Lewis, who was never more than a rumored third-party candidate.

Guess who won?

Yep: Jeff Perry, by a very healthy margin.

Rep. Perry received 59 percent of the vote in that poll (540 votes out of 914 votes cast), with Joe Malone coming in second with 33 percent. Not surprisingly, the Democratic and unenrolled candidates were not even blips on the PCRC’s radar.

***

Speaking of unknown unenrolled Congressional candidates, Weymouth CPA Thomas A. Lawler is apparently bucking for a spot on the November ballot. His political experience seems to be limited to two terms as a Weymouth Town Meeting member. Reaching for that brass ring a little early, aren’t we?

His campaign website is at www.lawlerforcongress.com.

***

Now to break the pattern: Republican Thomas F. Keyes is holding a campaign event on Wednesday. Join Mr. Keyes at Grange Hall in Sandwich from 6 to 8 PM for the spaghetti supper fundraiser in support of his State Senate campaign. Go to www.votekeyes.com/events for more info.

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

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The week in politics

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Major debate announcement!

The Resort & Conference Center at Hyannis will host the upcoming AFL-CIO gubernatorial candidates’ forum next week, June 24, starting at 1 PM.

So far only unenrolled candidate Timothy P. Cahill has confirmed his participation, but the 2006 forum in Falmouth was attended by almost every gubernatorial candidate that year. The exceptions: Grace C. Ross, the 2006 Green-Rainbow Party candidate, who was inadvertently left off the guest list; and Republican candidate Kerry M. Healey, who declined to attend and got verbally pummeled in absentia and certainly did her campaign no good.

***

So it looks like the much-ballyhooed “anti-incumbent sentiment” trend has already come and gone.

Eleven states held primaries last week, and out of 84 gubernatorial and Congressional incumbent candidates, only two got bumped out of the running.

Two.

What does this mean for local races, if anything? Well, it’s still early in the cycle, but any candidates expecting to ride a wave of anti-incumbent dissatisfaction to any easy victory might want to go back to the drawing board. That tactic depends on voters being angry about something and A) voter anger has a shelf life of six to eight weeks max, and B) there’s no guarantee the incumbents will screw up so dynamically before November that it inspires a fresh surge of outrage.

Would-be upstarts may have to rely on tired old techniques like, I don’t know, talking about the issues.

***

Robert E. Hayden III, we hardly know ye.

I stumbled across Mr. Hayden’s name last week while checking out the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s – Elections Division website to review the list of formal candidates for the 2010 election cycle. He is listed as a Hanover resident and one of four Republicans running for US Representative of the 10th Congressional District.

Never heard of him? Me neither. Neither has Google. GOOGLE, people.

So Mr. Hayden is now the proud owner of the title “Most Invisible Candidate in the Congressional Race.” Unenrolled candidate Peter A. White previously held that title.

(Receiving angry e-mail from Peter in four…three…two…)

***

Rudy Giuliani, former NYC mayor, was in Massachusetts last week stumping for Joseph D. Malone at an event in Quincy. The parade of political has-beens continues (sorry, folks, but what has “America’s Mayor” done lately?).

Mr. Malone also announced last week he’d added communications specialist Alicia Preston of The Preston Group to his Congressional campaign team. The press release said the Group had worked on both US Senator Scott P. Brown’s campaign and, less impressively, Jim Ogonowski’s spectacular flameout campaign on 2008.

For those who don’t recall that second fellow: he was planning to run for US Senate against John F. Kerry, he got a huge build-up from the Massachusetts GOP as the guy who was going to take Sen. Kerry down, he got all the attention over fellow Republican candidate Jeffrey K. Beatty, then failed to get enough signatures to get his name of the ballot.

Now look sad and say “D’oh…”

***

Nathanael Fortune, who unsuccessfully ran for state auditor in 2006, is back for another go-round. The Green-Rainbow Party candidate’s official campaign website can be found at www.natfortune.org.

***

This week’s event reminders:

Today, June 18, 2 to 4 PM: Thomas F. Keyes, Republican candidate for State Senator of the Plymouth and Barnstable District, will hold a meet-and-greet at Beth’s Special Teas in Sandwich.

Sunday, June 20, 4 to 7 PM: Barbecue fundraiser in Barnstable for Sheila R. Lyons, Democratic candidate for State Senator of the Cape & Islands District. Go to http://sheilalyons2010.com/contact for further details.

Tuesday, June 22, 5 PM: Fundraiser at Tomatoes Italian Grille and Bar in Sandwich for State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich), candidate for Congress.

***

Finally, a minor correction from last week’s column. I said that there were five people running for governor’s councilor of the first district, all Democrats, but I missed Joseph A. Ureneck, the Republican who used to (and for all I know still does) run a Chinese mail-order bride operation and apparently does not actually live in the first district.

Yeah, I don’t know how I could have forgotten a character like that either…

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

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The week in politics

Friday, June 11th, 2010

Oh, Ray Kasperowicz, you partisan scamp.

Mr. Kasperowicz, along with fellow Republican Congressional candidates State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich) and Joseph D. Malone, last week participated in a student-run candidates’ forum at Harwich High School, and Ray K. emerged as my nominee…for “The Guy Who Doesn’t Get It Award.”

When asked about the lack of bipartisanship in Congress, Kasperowicz responded with this gem: “I for one will not work with the other side…I will not work with the other side when it violates what I feel are the basic principles that I espouse.”

In other words, in an age in which voters are fed up with elected officials on both sides ignoring the will of the public and kowtowing to their party, Kasperowicz is declaring that he would ignore the will of the public and kowtow to his party. Apparently, the lessons of US Senator Scott P. Brown’s victory have already been forgotten…

On a related note: the two Democratic candidates – State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable) and William R. Keating – were invited to this event but declined to attend, citing “scheduling issues” (which may well be code for “High school kids can’t vote for me, so why bother?”). Unenrolled candidate Peter A. White got the big snuberoo and wasn’t invited.

***

However, all the Congressional candidates have been invited to attend “Voting Energy 2010,” a political forum focusing on jobs and the environment, at Cape Cod Community College on Tuesday evening.

The candidates for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District have also been invited to this event, scheduled to run from 6:30 to 9 PM in Science Lecture Hall A.

Mindy Todd, host of “The Point on WCAI,” will moderate the forums. WCAI is co-sponsoring the evening along with the Cape and Islands Renewable Energy Collaborative (CIRenew), Cape Cod Community College, Housing Assistance Corporation, and the Marine Renewable Energy Center at UMass – Dartmouth.

***

Republican Eric T. Steinhilber’s campaign for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District continues to pick up steam. Last week Mr. Steinhilber announced he had received the official thumb’s up from Michael D. O’Keefe, the Cape and Islands District Attorney.

“I support Eric because he understands that safe communities enhance our economic future,” DA O’Keefe wrote. “Eric knows that law enforcement resources are being spread very thin. I have confidence that he will work to adequately fund those resources.”

***

David A. Smith of Wareham has emerged from hiding! Sort of.

The Democratic challenger for State Representative Susan D. Williams Gifford’s (R – Wareham) State House seat has launched a simple campaign website at http://electdavidsmith.org/home.htm. It’s nothing special, but at least he’s finally starting to get his name out there.

***

The Falmouth Republican Town Committee will welcome David T. Vieira and Thomas F. Keyes, candidates for State Representative of the Third Barnstable District and State Senator of the Plymouth and Barnstable District respectively, to its next meeting on Tuesday. That will be held at the Gus Canty Community Center on Route 28 in Falmouth starting at 7:30 PM.

***

Suzanne M. Bump, Democratic candidate for state auditor, has received a major endorsement – from the gent she’s seeking to replace: A. Joseph DeNucci, who has held the office for nearly a quarter-century. He gave Ms. Bump the nod hours before last weekend’s Democratic State Convention.

There’s really not too much else to report from the convention as every Democrat running for a constitutional office receive enough delegate support to make it onto the ballot.

***

Yet another person has emerged as a candidate for governor’s councilor of the first district, bringing the total candidate count to five (all Democrats). The new entry is Thomas J. Hallahan of Oak Bluffs. His official campaign website is up at http://tomhallahan.com.

***

Finally, here are some event reminders:

Monday, June 14, 6 to 8 PM: James M. Cummings, Barnstable County sheriff, hosts a fundraiser for Rep. Perry at the Yarmouth House on Route 28 in Yarmouth.

Tuesday, June 15, 10 to 11:30 AM: Coffee chat in Cummaquid with Sheila R. Lyons, Democratic candidate for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District. Go to http://sheilalyons2010.com/contact for further details.

Thursday, June 17, 5:30 to 7:30 PM: Reception at The Island Merchant in Hyannis for Sen. O’Leary. Paul G. Kirk Jr., former interim US Senator, and Cynthia Cole co-host the event. To RSVP contact Jon Patsavos at 617-470-4122 or patsavos@olearyforcongress.com.

Thursday, June 17, 4:30 to 6 PM: Campaign office grand opening for Daniel A. Wolf, Democratic candidate for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District. The official ribbon cutting will be at 5 PM. The office is located at 599 Main Street in Hyannis.

Friday, June 18, 2 to 4 PM: Mr. Keyes will hold a meet-and-greet at Beth’s Special Teas in Sandwich.

Sunday, June 20, 4 to 7 PM: Barbecue fundraiser in Barnstable for Ms. Lyons. Go to http://sheilalyons2010.com/contact for further details.

Tuesday, June 22, 5 PM: Rep. Perry fundraiser at Tomatoes Italian Grille and Bar in Sandwich.

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

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The week in politics

Friday, June 4th, 2010

Last week I attended the annual Cape Cod Republican Club meeting, so I thought I’d share some brief thoughts on it.

The bulk of the meeting gave several local GOP candidates for elected office a chance to make a quick introduction, chat themselves up, offer the usual Rah-Rah Let’s Go Team rally rhetoric, and of course, some obligatory Democrat bashing.

That’s the only real issue I had with the evening. Yes, folks were playing to the audience, but tacit slams like calling the GOP “the party that loves America” or direct slaps like claiming that Democrats never read the Declaration of Independence are petty and demeaning.

I’ve never cared for the strategy of building one’s self up by tearing the other guy down, and historically neither have voters; a lot of candidates on both sides – I’ll provide examples of each in Kerry M. Healey in 2006 and Martha Coakley in 2010 – have gone down to defeat thanks in part to their rampant negativity.

On a more positive note, I must say it was a shrewd move on the club’s part to keep its current leadership team intact through November. With Fran Manzelli in the lead the club has seen some great strides forward since last year, and changing horses mid-stream could have thrown things off during what is shaping up to be a critical year for the party.

***

The evening’s guest speaker, state auditor candidate Mary Z. Connaughton, finally has her campaign website up. That’s at www.maryforauditor.com.

***

I also learned at the meeting that there is a Republican candidate for governor’s councilor of the first district, a chap named Joseph A. Ureneck.

My Google searches have turned up some odd information about Mr. Ureneck, such as a lawsuit filed against him by a client of his when he ran a business called Rainbow International Marriage Service Incorporated – basically, a mail-order bride operation that hooked Chinese women up with American men. Mr. Ureneck sued a Chinese client for failing to pay her $7,500 listing fee.

For the curious: he lost the lawsuit on the grounds such international marriage contracts were, as of the 2003 ruling, not recognized as valid in the United States.

Man, just when you think you’ve seen it all, huh?

***

Final note on the meeting: I must offer a quick “well played, sir” to James F. Munafo Jr., candidate for State Representative of the Second Plymouth District, for his canny push card, which features his qualifications on one side and a complete Boston Red Sox season schedule on the other.

Mr. Munafo, by the way, just received an endorsement from the Citizens for Limited Taxation’s 2 1/2 PAC.

***

Eric R. Steinhilber, Republican candidate for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District, has picked up the endorsement of former state representative Thomas N. George.

“Eric Steinhilber has worked in the community and learned that we need a new approach for representing this district,” Mr. George said in a press release. “He will listen to all commentary then make decisions based on the needs of all his constituents. He realizes we cannot continue with the old procedures and practices which have resulted in the economic condition under which we now labor.”

Mr. George served four terms (1997 to 2004) as state rep of the First Barnstable District seat, which is now held by State Representative Cleon H. Turner (D – Dennis).

***

The nigh-invisible Ray Kasperowicz, Republican candidate for US Representative of the 10th Congressional District, announced last week he had filed enough signatures to qualify for the September primary ballot.

Now he just has to get out and make his name known, because right now all the attention is going to State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich) and Joseph D. Malone, the latter of whom is making good on his promise to visit the Cape regularly. He was in town last week to congratulate David Braga, who was recently elected to the Falmouth Board of Selectmen, and stopped by Hyannis Monday for another “Joe’s on the Job” tour appearance.

***

Conservative pundit Howie Carr will be on the Cape tomorrow for a joint book signing with Rep. Perry. It’s in Orleans so you’ll have to fight tourist traffic, but if you want to go it runs from 11 AM to 1 PM at Booksmith on West Road (Skaket Corners Plaza).

Be forewarned: Howie signs his books with the blood of liberals he lures into his home with the promise of socialized medicine and all the arugula they can eat.

Rep. Perry has two fundraisers on the horizon: June 14, 6 to 8 PM at Yarmouth House in Yarmouth; and June 22, starting at 5 PM, at Tomatoes Italian Grille and Bar in Sandwich.

***

On the Democratic side of this race, things are starting to come alive for William R. Keating, who last week announced several union endorsements, including from the International Brotherhood of Police Officers.

Mr. Keating and his Democratic rival in the primary, State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable), will meet for the first time in a public forum on Thursday, June 10. The Harwich Democratic Town Committee hosts that event at Harwich Town Hall, and the forum begins at 7 PM.

Each candidate will give a brief overview of their background, their major accomplishments as elected officials, and will be asked to articulate their specific vision and priorities for the 10th Congressional district. A Q-and-A session will follow.

For more information, contact Ray Gottwald at 508-430-1666 or RayGottwald@aol.com.

***

Suzanne M. Bump, Democratic candidate for state auditor, this week picked up a big endorsement from Congressman Barney Frank (D). Rep. Frank said Ms. Bump’s “many years of experience and passion for her work make her the best choice to be the Commonwealth’s next state auditor.”

***

Here’s the latest poll on the gubernatorial race. According to the Suffolk University/WHDH-TV poll released last week, Governor Deval L. Patrick was in the lead with 42 percent support among those polled, followed by Republican Charles D. Baker Jr., unenrolled candidate Timothy P. Cahill at 14 percent, and Green-Rainbow Party candidate Dr. Jill E. Stein at eight percent.

But the worse and more telling results of this poll: more than half of those surveyed think Gov. Patrick needs to go and almost half think he’s doing a lousy job; 63 percent of people surveyed have never heard of Baker, even though he’s been running since July; and the percentage of voters who view Cahill negatively has more than doubled, from 16 percent to 34 percent.

***

Finally, since we’re on the governor’s race, I would like to state for the record: Tim Cahill, you’re a jerk.

Cahill last week blasted Gov. Patrick for meeting with Muslim leaders and, in Cahill’s words, “pandering” to them and “playing politics with terrorism.”

What did the Muslim leaders want? Things like improved communication with local law enforcement agents to improve cultural awareness of Islam and greater considerations for Muslims that they may better practice their faith. Cahill called this “political correctness run amok.”

Yeah! How dare they ask for understanding and tolerance!

Cahill is, as you’ve just read, getting plastered in the polls and needed to put some fire under his campaign, but taking Gov. Patrick to task for reaching out to the Muslim community, in doing so shamelessly playing to voters’ fears, smacks of desperation and opportunism and only perpetuates the stereotype that “Muslim” equals “terrorist.”

Personally, this is not the kind of narrow-minded thinking I want in my leaders, and I’m disappointed that Cahill felt it necessary to stoop to this.

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

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