Snark-Infested Waters by Mike Bailey

Snark-Infested Waters by Mike Bailey

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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

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The week in politics

Friday, May 21st, 2010

A year ago, the chances of Governor Deval L. Patrick seeing a second term in office were on par with the chances of Stephen Hawking winning a battle rap against Eminem.

But the latest Rasmussen Reports poll suggests Gov. Patrick is experiencing a major renaissance. The poll results, released last week, showed that 45 percent of those surveyed would vote for Gov. Patrick, 31 percent would back Republican Charles D. Baker Jr., 14 percent would vote for unenrolled candidate Timothy P. Cahill, and 10 percent would stare at the ballot blankly.

The previous poll had Gov. Patrick winning the three-way race with 35 percent support to Mr. Baker’s 27 percent and Mr. Cahill’s 23 percent, respectively (no, they don’t really pay any attention to Green-Rainbow candidate Dr. Jill E. Stein).

Obviously Cahill is the one bleeding supporters here, so one could infer that the GOP’s tactic of hammering away at him instead of the incumbent, an effort to short-circuit the dreaded “spoiler” effect, is having the desired result.

But let’s not forget that at the time of the previous poll Christy P. Mihos had not yet been bumped out of the Republican primary, so Mr. Baker’s improved showing could be an artificial bump from die-hard Republicans jumping, lemming-like, to the only other available Republican. It’ll be interesting to see if he experiences a dip in the next poll.

***

On another gubernatorial note, the Boston Herald revealed last week that Mr. Baker has shelled out about $200,000 on events and gimmicky attractions at said events. On the list were things like mechanical bulls and an inflatable jousting arena (no, that is not a joke).

Supporters say such bells and whistles draw attention to the Baker campaign and increase his name recognition, but you know what else does that? Getting out on the streets and meeting people.

Charlie. Bubbi. I like you. I do. I’m hopeful for a solid showing from you, but for the love of all creatures great and small, don’t Coakley your campaign!

(Coakley (KOKE-lee, verb): 1) To squander positive gains already achieved, particularly in the context of a political campaign; 2) To rapidly lose a previously strong base of supporters through inaction or ill-advised action. Synonyms: Bungle, botch, blow, muff, fumble, bobble, Howard Dean.)

That said, Baker has launched his version of “Got Milk?”: the (rather cynically titled) “Had Enough?” campaign, which will take Mr. Baker across the state to meet with voters and tap their discontent with the current State House leadership. Go to www.masshadenough.com to go to…well, another page on Baker’s main campaign website.

***

If he’s to be believed, Joseph D. Malone is going to become a regular presence on Cape Cod as he tries to undermine State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry’s (R – Sandwich) natural hometown support base. Mr. Malone was in Falmouth last week visiting local businesses, and in a brief interview he said he planned to engage in a great deal of grass roots campaigning in the region.

On another note, Mr. Malone has at last managed to pick up an endorsement from someone still in politics: California Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R), the House Republican Chief Deputy Whip. Yeah, he had to go to the West Coast for this one.

Mr. Malone’s name has also popped up on the list of prospects for the National Republican Congressional Committee’s “Young Guns” candidate recruitment, training and support program. He has “on the radar” status, which means his candidacy is viable and he’s not about to drop out of sight anytime soon.

***

Speaking of the Congressional race, this week Rep. Perry picked up an endorsement from James M. Cummings, Barnstable County Sheriff.

“Based on his legislative work, public safety experience, character and positions on the issues, I am proud to announce my formal endorsement of Jeff Perry for Congress,” the sheriff said. “Jeff is the right person to represent us all in Congress.”

I can’t help but notice the timing here. Last week the Scott Flanagan case was getting dragged out into the light of day again, and this week the region’s top law enforcement agent publicly praises Rep. Perry. This may mitigate some of the local damage from the revived Flanagan mess, since Sheriff Cummings has a solid reputation on Cape Cod (among folks in both parties, I must add).

***

One more word on this race, which I’ll stick under the header, “Ah, THIS old tactic…”

The tactic: a call for incessant debating. The tactician: State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable), who is asking supporters to back his call for debates with fellow Dem William R. Keating in all 41 towns in the 10th Congressional District before the September primary.

I just hope Sen. O’Leary doesn’t fall back on the traditional Part Two of this tactic, wherein he accuses his rival of ducking the issues/voters by refusing to heed his call. I don’t see O’Leary as that kind of candidate, but this is already a weird anything-can-happen election season…

Also, Sen. O’Leary is inviting the public to the official campaign headquarters grand opening tomorrow at 10 AM. His HQ is at 45 Barnstable Road in Hyannis.

***

Speaking of Mr. Keating, he’s FINALLY launched his campaign website! Go to www.billkeating2010.com and poke around.

***

And then there’s Stephen Murphy, Democratic candidate for state treasurer, who almost has his site up. He’s got a placeholder page up at www.murphyfortreasurer.com so bookmark it now and check back later.

***

If anyone tried to go to State Representative Matthew C. Patrick’s (D – Falmouth) website last week and found it mysteriously MIA, it’s back up. The domain name briefly lapsed, but now www.mattpatrick.org is back up and running.

***

Event reminders: F. Randal Hunt, Republican candidate for State Representative of the Fifth Barnstable District, has two fundraisers coming up: Friday, June 4 at the Tao Water Art Gallery on Route 6A in Barnstable, from 6 to 8 PM; and a Cape Cod clambake at the West Barnstable Deer Club on Saturday, July 31 from 4 to 7 PM.

State Representative Susan D. William Gifford (R – Wareham) is holding a campaign event at the Bay Pointe Country Club in Onset on Wednesday from 6 to 8:30 PM, and you can attend for a suggested donation of $25. Today is your last day to RSVP by calling 508-295-5999.

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, April 23rd, 2010

Were you one of the lucky Cape Codders who witnessed last month’s debate between Republican gubernatorial candidates Charles D. Baker Jr. and Christy P. Mihos?

Yeah, well, savor the memories because it ain’t happening again.

Mr. Mihos got bumped from the race over the weekend after he failed to collect enough delegates at the state GOP convention, leaving Mr. Baker free and clear to focus his resources on the November general election.

In terms of strategy, this was a wise move by the GOP. The Mihos campaign has been dying a death of a thousand cuts, bleeding out staffers and money since late last year, and that indicates a serious lack of confidence in the candidate both within the campaign and without.

Nevertheless, I don’t much care for the decision being taken out of voters’ hands like this. Smilin’ Christy M. had his supporters and they’re probably not too thrilled that their guy was taken out of the race through no fault of their own.

Republicans like to champion the purity of the political process, and it would have been nice of them to step up and give Mihos the opportunity to succeed or fail on his own merits at the ballot box.

All that said, it wouldn’t be presumptuous to say that we have our November ballot ready to go: Mr. Baker for the GOP, unenrolled candidate Timothy P. Cahill, Green-Rainbow candidate Dr. Jill E. Stein, and incumbent Democrat Deval L. Patrick.

Now technically, Gov. Patrick still has a primary challenge in the form of Grace C. Ross, but it’s tough to call her a viable candidate. Financial resources (or lack thereof) aside, she’s been invisible since announcing her candidacy back in February, and I’d bet good money that when the Dems have their state convention in June, Ms. Ross is going to get the Mihos treatment.

Very quick aside: the latest poll from the Western New England College Polling Institute has Gov. Patrick winning a three-way race between him, Cahill, and Baker – 34 percent, 29 percent, and 27 percent respectively, with an error margin of 4.5 percent…in other words, enough to completely change the results, but these findings continue the trend of the incumbent leading the pack.

***

Along with giving Mr. Baker and his running mate Richard Tisei the official nod for governor, the GOP endorsed the following candidates for statewide offices: Karyn Polito for treasurer, Mary Z. Connaughton for auditor (with a “I guess we’ll let you run too” vote for Kamal Jain), and William Campbell for secretary of the Commonwealth. Not really a big deal since they were the only Republican candidates for these seats, but there you go.

Once again, I must note that there is no one from the GOP running against Attorney General Martha Coakley. This, to me, is the biggest surprise of the season thus far.

***

One final note here: Mr. Baker picked up an endorsement last week from Barbara Anderson, co-founder of Citizens for Limited Taxation.

***

Sheila R. Lyons, Democratic candidate for state senator of the Cape and Islands, is holding her campaign kickoff event next month in Hyannis.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, May 6 and will be held in the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum (Oooh! Stately!) from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served, and campaign donations will be accepted. For more information call 508-274-4345.

Ms. Lyons is currently a member of the Barnstable County Board of County Commissioners.

She now has one fewer opponent in the primary as Mark D. Forest, aide to Congressman William D. Delahunt, has dropped out of the race. He said he plans to focus on assisting his long-time boss finish out his term rather than run for the seat currently held by State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable) – who is, notably, running for Rep. Delahunt’s seat.

Ms. Lyons will face off against fellow Democrat Daniel A. Wolf in September.

***

On that note: Mr. Wolf is holding his campaign kick-off tomorrow at The Paddock in Hyannis, and that runs from 4 PM to 6 PM. To RSVP, call Stefanie Coxe at 508-360-9074 or kickoff@danwolfforsenate.com.

***

Democrat David A. Smith of Wareham has apparently filed his nomination papers for state representative of the second Plymouth district, which includes Bourne, and held his campaign kickoff party in Onset last week.

***

James F. Munafo Jr., Republican candidate for state representative of the second Barnstable district, has scheduled his campaign kickoff event. He’ll bet at the Hyannis Golf Course on Saturday, May 8 from 5 to 7 PM. Contact the campaign at 508-771-8101 or votemunafo@integrity.com.

***

Mr. Campbell, the aforementioned Republican candidate for secretary of the Commonwealth, has launched his campaign website at www.billcampbell2010.com and it’s — well, lame. It’s one page with almost no useful information, and I’m assuming it’s a placeholder until the real site can get up and running.

In the meantime it remains a contender for the Most Craptastic Campaign Website of 2010, along with the equally aforementioned Ms. Connaughton, who has had a placeholder page, complete with promise of “website coming soon,” up since November. NOVEMBER.

Fellow auditor candidate Earle Stroll was also on the list of nominees, but he has dropped out of the race…just like he did in 2005. Man, why does this guy even bother?

State Representative Demetrius J. Atsalis (D – Barnstable) is on the list for now, but I’ll give him some credit for at last scrapping his long-disused ghost town of a former site. The coming new site will be at http://www.electatsalis.org.

***

Joseph D. Malone, Republican candidate for US Representative of the 10th Congressional District, continues to rack up endorsements from people who don’t really matter anymore. The latest comes from Paul Doane of Harwich, who served as a state senator from 1981 to 1989.

I generally don’t place much stock in endorsements, but Mr. Malone’s high-profile supporters have thus far been people who haven’t been in the political game for several years. Why should we care? It’s like Foghat bragging about being the most popular band on the King Biscuit Flour Hour.

(If you know what I’m talking about, congratulations: you’re really old.)

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, April 16th, 2010

Hey, candidates! A friendly reminder that the deadline for turning in your completed nomination papers for any district or county seat is coming up! Party and non-party candidates have until Tuesday, April 27 to get their paper in.

Party candidates for statewide and federal offices have until May 4, and non-party candidates have until August 3.

As of this week, there are still a few local races with no stated formal challengers to the incumbents: William Doherty, Barnstable County Commissioner; James M. Cummings, Barnstable County sheriff; Michael D. O’Keefe, Cape and Islands DA; and State Representative Timothy R. Madden (D – Nantucket).

Even more curious is how no one from the GOP has emerged to take down Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley. No one. The closest we’ve come? There was a rumor that Peter Flaherty, former aide to Governor W. Mitt Romney and former Suffolk County assistant DA, was considering a run, but nothing’s materialized.

***

The Sandwich Democratic Town Committee opened up on Sunday their shiny new headquarters for the 2010 election season, and the ribbon cutting attracted no less than Governor Deval L. Patrick.

You may be asking yourself what the big deal is. The big deal is that Gov. Patrick’s presence sends the message that the Democrats are going to be focusing on Sandwich this year. The town’s been firmly in the GOP camp since State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich) was first elected to the seat in 2002, and now that he’s moving on to focus on his Congressional run, the seat is vulnerable to a Democratic takeover.

The two gents lined up to duke it out for state rep of the fifth Barnstable district – which includes all of Sandwich – are Democrat Lance W. Lambros and Republican F. Randal Hunt. That’s going to be one of the stronger local contests and could be a very close race.

***

Daniel A. Wolf, Democratic candidate for state senator of the Cape and Islands district, has announced his campaign kick-off event for Saturday, April 24. That will be held at The Paddock in Hyannis and run from 4 PM to 6 PM.

This is actually the third, final, and closest stop on a three-town tour that day which begins in Provincetown and stops in Orleans before ending in Hyannis. To RSVP for the Hyannis event call Stefanie Coxe at 508-360-9074 or kickoff@danwolfforsenate.com.

Mr. Wolf is getting ready to launch his campaign website. The URL is www.danwolfforsenate.com.

***

Another Republican is eyeballing State Representative Demetrius J. Atsalis’s (D – Barnstable) seat. Charles C. Case Jr. of Centerville, an attorney, filed his paperwork with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance last week.

This sets us up for a primary race as James F. Munafo Jr., a Barnstable town councilor, is also running as a Republican.

***

Senate President Therese M. Murray (D – Plymouth) has given her official website a facelift. It boasts better aesthetics, more features (including more multimedia content), and more active updating. Go to www.theresemurray.com and poke around.

Sen. Murray is running for re-election this year to her ninth term.

***

What the –?! Another candidate for governor’s councilor of the first district?

Yep, and her name is Patricia L. Mosca, and she hails from Bourne. She’s a retired probation officer with the Plymouth District Court and a former social worker supervisor with the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance.

She officially launches her campaign on Saturday, May 8 with a reception at the Hemisphere Restaurant in Sandwich. That starts at 6 PM.

Ms. Mosca is one of four people – all Democrats – running for the seat currently held by Carole A. Fiola, who is not running for re-election.

***

Poll time!

The latest Rasmussen Reports poll of 500 likely voters revealed that Gov. Patrick might be reclaiming a little of his mojo. In a theoretical race between Gov. Patrick, Republican Charles D. Baker Jr., and unenrolled candidate Timothy P. Cahill, the incumbent comes out on top, edging out Baker by an eight percent margin.

This is a better lead than Gov. Patrick had only a month earlier, when he came out winning the same three-way contest by only a three percent margin.

In a scenario in which Christy P. Mihos is the Republican pick, Mr. Mihos replaces Mr. Cahill in the third-placer; Gov. Patrick wins this theoretical election over Mr. Cahill by a five percent margin, and Mr. Cahill beats Mr. Mihos by an 18 percent margin.

(There was absolutely no mention of Green-Rainbow Party candidate Dr. Jill E. Stein, nor of Grace Ross, a former Green-Rainbow Party member who jumped to the Democratic Party to challenge Gov. Patrick in the primary – in theory, at least, because she’s been pretty quiet since she entered the race.)

The poll suggested that Mr. Mihos’s standing is slipping, while Gov. Patrick may no longer be the sitting duck he was a few months ago. The Boston Globe reported last week that the governor has over the past few months displayed a renewed energy and hit hard on some key issues.

No, readers, it’s not at all cynical to think that Gov. Patrick is cranking the volume up to 11 because it’s an election year and his job’s at stake.

***

Mr. Cahill, by the way, is claiming that he is the first candidate to reach the 10,000 signature mark, meaning (assuming all the signatures are certified) he has secured his spot on the November ballot.

“People are sick of the petty bickering between the two major parties, where one party says ‘no’ to an idea simply because the other party came up with it,” campaign mouthpiece Adam Meldrum said in a press release. “This year, the people of Massachusetts are not going to be saddled with the same old partisan choices they’re always been presented with. This year, voters will have a viable third alternative to the Democrats and Republicans who have created the mess this state is in.”

***

Back to the polling thing. While poking around online I found on MassBeacon.com an informal poll to see who the favorites are in the race for US Representative of the 10th Congressional District. The poll – completely unscientific, by their own admission – had our two local boys in the lead: Rep. Perry came out on top on the Republican side, besting Joseph D. Malone by a crushing 54-point margin; and State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable) beat William Keating by a smaller but still decisive 18-point margin.

Perhaps tellingly, “other” was the third most common choice above other confirmed and rumored candidates in both races. Alas, the site did not hold a theoretical race between the two party candidates and unenrolled candidate Peter A. White.

The odds of an all-Cape slate candidates are not guaranteed, of course, but it would definitely be cool.

***

On a Joe Malone-related side note, Mr. Malone has added Ted Langill to his campaign staff as his political director. Mr. Langill previously worked as a legislative aide to State Senator Robert L. Hedlund (R – Weymouth). Point of interest: Sen. Hedlund himself was for a time a rumored candidate for the 10th district race.

***

Finally, Suzanne Bump, Democratic candidate for state auditor, has launched her campaign website. That’s up at http://suzannebump.com.

The auditor race is unusually active this year – six candidates! – but then again, long-time auditor A. Joseph DeNucci is stepping down, and open seats tend to attract more interest than those with incumbents.

Special online bonus time!

I came across this campaign ad, which is NOT for J.D. Hayworth, the guy trying to oust US Senator John McCain (R – Arizona) in the primary race, but for McCain himself. It’s remarkably whimsical for a campaign ad so I thought I’d share the cheap yuks with y’all.

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, April 9th, 2010

Christy P. Mihos, Republican gubernatorial candidate, will be in Falmouth tomorrow for a breakfast time campaign appearance at the Falmouth Elks Club. That’s at 8:30 AM.

He has a few other things coming up on his calendar of events, but that could all be rendered moot next Saturday, which is the state Republican convention in Worcester. That will be a make-or-break moment for his foundering campaign, which has seen staffers jumping ship like they were on the S.S. Minnow and is as fiscally healthy as a five-year-old’s piggy bank (his mid-March financial filing with the state had his campaign account hovering just above the $4,000 mark).

The campaign took another blow last week when, according to the Boston Globe, Mihos missed a deadline to submit his $12,500 (!!!) convention fee because he tried to pay by personal credit card, which is a no-no. He barely made an extended deadline for his committee to deliver a check for the amount.

What does that fee cover, you might ask? Well, I have no idea of the mechanics/rationale, but it essentially guarantees that Mr. Mihos will receive a guaranteed 60 delegates toward the 300-plus he needs to secure a spot on the ballot. Yes, it doesn’t matter how many voters want him on the ballot; if he doesn’t get enough delegates at a party convention beyond the ones he paid for, he’s out of the race.

Isn’t the American political system great? By which I mean seriously screwed up. Captain Kirk made more sense describing a game of Fizzbin.

On one hand, simply for the sake of a healthy process I’d like to see Smilin’ Christy M. stay in the race, but on another level I can’t help but feel that removing Mihos from the mix at this stage would be a mercy killing.

***

By the way, Charles D. Baker Jr. this week picked up the endorsement of US Senator Scott P. Brown (R). In a robocall that went out to registered Massachusetts Republicans, Sen. Brown said Charlie Baker “will bring real change to Beacon Hill and work to restore fiscal sanity to Massachusetts government.”

I must wonder, however, if Sen. Brown’s endorsements carry as much weight as they once might have. Some of his supporters among the Tea Party faction and even the GOP are miffed at their Golden Boy for failing to overcome arcane parliamentary procedures and slay the mighty health care reform dragon.

(I’ve already ranted about that here.)

***

Lance W. Lambros, Democratic candidate for State Representative of the Fifth Barnstable District, is holding his campaign kick-off event tomorrow. The public is invited to swing by Holly Ridge Golf Club (121 Country Club Road in Sandwich) between 4 PM and 6 PM to meet Mr. Lambros and, if so inclined, make a campaign donation.

***

Another Republican state rep candidate, James F. Munafo Jr., who is running for the second Barnstable district, has launched his campaign website at http://jimmunafo.wordpress.com/

Candidates for public office, let this website serve as an example for you. It’s a prefab site set up through WordPress (which also powers this here blog), but it looks as good as some of the other campaign sites I’ve seen – better, in some cases.

***

Last call for “Pizza with Perry”! State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich), that is. The soon-to-be former state legislator and could-be US Representative of the 10th Congressional District is holding his next fundraiser at the Hyannis VFW post on Thursday, April 15 from 6 PM to 7:30 PM.

Rep. Perry, I should add, received an endorsement this week from former Lieutenant Governor Kerry M. Healey. “When Jeff called and told me he was running for Congress, I told him, ‘I don’t care who else is running, I’m with you’,” Ms. Healey said at a reception in Quincy. “Jeff Perry is a solid, strong legislator and I know he’ll work as hard for you in Congress as he has in the state legislature.”

***

Also on the 15th, look for Republican State Senate candidate Eric T. Steinhilber at the Cape Cod Tax Day Tea Party Rally at the Hyannis Rotary. That runs from 4 to 6 PM.

That’s right: there will be a big distraction at one of the town’s busiest intersections during rush hour. Doesn’t that make you want to just run out and hug the Tea Party folks…around the neck, until they pass out from lack of blood to the brain?

***

Daniel A. “Air” Wolf, Democratic candidate for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District, has named Stefanie Coxe as his new campaign manager. Ms. Coxe is formerly a legislative aide to State Representatives Demetrius J. Atsalis (D – Barnstable) and, more recently, Cleon H. Turner (D – Dennis).

***

Joseph D. Malone, Republican candidate for US Representative of the 10th Congressional District, continues to hunt down endorsements from (former) big names in Massachusetts politics. He has added officials pats on the back from former governor A. Paul Cellucci and Michael Sullivan, a former US Attorney (and acting head of the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms – three great tastes that go great together).

***

It’s official: Richard P. Purcell is Dr. Jill E. Stein’s running mate on the Green-Rainbow Party gubernatorial ticket. Dr. Stein made it official over the weekend.

Mr. Purcell, a New Mexico native and current Holyoke resident, is a former Democrat who jumped to the Green-Rainbow Party in 2000. He’s been involved with town politics and issues, and is a US Army veteran who served as a medic during Operation: Desert Storm.

And remember, readers, Dr. Stein will be in Waquoit tomorrow evening for the Green-Rainbow Party’s Southeastern Massachusetts Convention at Moonakis Café. That event runs from 5 PM to 8 PM, and Dr. Stein and Peter A. White, unenrolled candidate for Congress, will speak about “Growing the Green Economy.”

For more information contact Daryl Sprague at 617-459-0784 or at dsprague@jillstein.org, or Peter White at 508-477-0238 or peter@peterwhiteindependent4congress.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, April 2nd, 2010

Busy week this week!

As you may have seen on the front page of this week’s Region section, Charles D. Baker Jr. and Christy P. Mihos held their first debate of the season in Hyannis last week.

Go here for my analysis, and in the meantime, if you were hoping to meet Mr. Baker but missed the event, you’ll have another chance tomorrow. The candidate is scheduled to swing by a breakfast and signature gathering event in support of Sheriff James M. Cummings’ re-election campaign. That’ll be held at the Hyannis Resort and Conference Center from 9 AM to 11 AM.

This is a joint campaign kick-off event with Michael D. O’Keefe, the Cape and Islands’ DA, and breakfast is on them, so swing on by!

***

Campaigning against the non-incumbent: this year’s hot strategy?

Congressman William D. Delahunt (D), who is retiring this year, has been catching flack from two of the men hoping to succeed him. First, in response to the piece I wrote about Rep. Delahunt and his career (March 12 issue, if you missed it), unenrolled candidate Peter A. White sent me a lengthy statement chiding the congressman for his support for the “wars for oil” in the Middle East, the bank bailouts, and his failure to push for the impeachment of President George W. Bush.

“I was going to let Rep. Delahunt ride off into the sunset of his retirement from Congress and focus on moving our nation forward through the huge problems that he is running away from, but then I decided that would be a disservice to the voters,” Mr. White wrote. “Delahunt was a team player for the Democratic Party, and as such he did a lot of harm.”

Then came a press release from Republican Ray Kasperowicz, who claims a supporter was shooed away the President’s Place in Quincy – where Rep. Delahunt has an office – as he was attempting to collect signatures for the candidate.

“A representative for the management company for Presidential Towers asked that the campaign worker remove his table, signage and campaign material from the premises,” a press release from the Kasperowicz campaign stated. “A follow-up phone call from the candidate to the building management made clear that the office of Congressman William Delahunt, a tenant of the premises, had requested that the candidate’s campaign presence was not appreciated and asked that it be removed.”

“The conduct displayed by either the Congressman or his staff exemplifies the type of arrogant behavior that has angered the public over the past year and a half,” it stated.

Rep. Delahunt’s people at the Quincy office told me that the claim was “absolutely not true.”

A word of advice, if I may, gentlemen? DELAHUNT ISN’T RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION. Why waste your precious time and energy beating a dead horse (or a lame duck, if you prefer a more political aphorism)? To score points with supporters? Please. That’s like bragging to the hot woman at the bar about how you could have totally beaten up the big guy at the pool table who had no intention of fighting you in the first place.

And you, Ray, bubbi — you’ve got two other guys to worry about in the primary. Focus on them, why don’t you? They’re the ones you have to beat! Priorities, man!

***

“Wait a minute,” you might be saying. “Two candidates? I thought three Republicans were running in the primary?”

Actually, as of this week it’s only two; Donald A. Hussey of Hingham, who announced his plans to run last summer and then dropped off the face of the Earth, announced last week he was withdrawing from the race due to family commitments.

Yet that number might go back up to three. A Barnstable chap by the name of Steven J. Scannell has taken out nomination papers for the seat as a Republican.

We are also semi-officially at two Democratic candidates for that race. William Keating, who was previously planning to run for Massachusetts Attorney General, will as early as next week make a formal announcement of candidacy for the 10th and re-launch his campaign website (which is still oriented toward his planned AG run).

So the (possible) final tally for this race: two Democrats, three Republicans, one unenrolled. That may change depending on what happens with Maryanne Lewis, a former state rep who recently left the Democratic Party, and rumor is she’s considering a run for Congress as an unenrolled candidate.

***

Another bloke who’s taken out nomination papers is James H. Crocker Jr. of Osterville. He’s bucking for a run for State Senator of the Cape and Islands, and if he gets on the ballot he’ll first face fellow Republican Eric T. Steinhilber.

***

Thomas F. Keyes of Sandwich, Republican candidate for State Senator of the Plymouth and Barnstable District, has launched his official campaign website. Truck over to www.votekeyes.com and check it out.

Mr. Keyes, who sits on the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates, will hold his campaign kick-off event next Thursday, April 8, at the Plymouth Country Club in (duh) Plymouth.

***

Another campaign website is live, this one belonging to Sandwich Democrat Lance W. Lambros, candidate for state rep of the fifth Barnstable district. The address for that is www.lancelambros.com.

***

State Representative Timothy R. Madden (D – Nantucket) has given his official website (http://timmadden.com/tim/) a much-needed facelift for the 2010 campaign season…not that it really needs it, because the dude still has no potential challengers.

No offense to Mr. Madden, but – COME ON, people! First-termer! Democrat! Lives on an island! Why is no one going after him?

***

So who was State Representative Matthew C. Patrick’s (D – Falmouth) mystery guest at his fundraiser last week? None other than Joseph P. Kennedy III, an assistant DA here on the Cape and for a brief time a rumored candidate for Congress.

Oysters Too in East Falmouth was packed with supporters last Friday, including several other Democratic candidates — Mr. Keating, Rep. Madden, and Mr. Lambros among them. Rep. Patrick seemed quite fired up for the campaign, and spoke at length about how the Legislature has become “a Banana Republic” under the thumb of the House Speaker (and not just Robert A. DeLeo; the Speakership has for several years been a magnet for men who throw their weight around too much).

***

Attention, supporters of Republican David T. Vieira! He has changed the date of his campaign kick-off event to Tuesday, May 11. It’s still at the Falmouth Navigator and it’s still running from 5 PM to 8 PM. Mr. Vieira is running for state rep of the third Barnstable district.

***

Green-Rainbow candidate Dr. Jill E. Stein will announce her running mate tomorrow at an event in Holyoke. Unlike the major party candidates for governor, Dr. Stein’s running mate (which I suspect is a gent named Richard P. Purcell, since he just filed his paperwork with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance) is a lock for the November ballot since he or she will not have to first win a primary race (the mixed blessing of not belonging to a state-recognized political party).

Dr. Stein will be on the Cape next weekend, at the Green-Rainbow Party’s Southeastern Massachusetts Convention at Moonakis Café in Waquoit. That event is on Saturday, April 10 from 5 PM to 8 PM. Mr. White will also be there to speak, and the topic of the evening will be “Growing the Green Economy.”

For more information contact Daryl Sprague at 617-459-0784 or at dsprague@jillstein.org, or Peter White at 508-477-0238 or peter@peterwhiteindependent4congress.com.

***

Endorsement time! Yes, they’re already coming…

Joseph D. Malone, who has been an official candidate for US Representative of the 10th Congressional District for just shy of two weeks, received an “enthusiastic” thumb’s up from former Massachusetts governor William Weld.

“As you know, in the 1990’s I was governor while Joe was state treasurer,” Mr. Weld said in a statement. “During those years, I observed a man who was dedicated to the people of Massachusetts.  A strong fiscal conservative, Joe displayed his intellect, courage and integrity on a daily basis.  He was and is a tenacious champion for the taxpayer and the free enterprise system.”

To make sure you’re all getting this straight: a guy who hasn’t been involved in Massachusetts politics for 13 years is behind the candidacy of a guy who hasn’t been involved in Massachusetts politics in 12 years. Boy, what a compelling endorsement!

***

This, on the other hand, will actually carry some weight: US Senator Scott P. Brown (R) has endorsed State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich) in his bid for Congress.

“Having served with Jeff in the Legislature, I know that like me he believes in low taxes, a strong national defense and in the pro-growth policies that will create jobs and get our economy moving again,” Sen. Brown said in a video message posted on Rep. Perry’s campaign website.

“By electing Jeff Perry, the voters of the 10th Congressional District will once again be sending a strong message to the politicians in Washington that the time has come to start listening to the people once again,” Sen. Brown said. “If you believe that Washington is broken, Jeff is just the guy we need to help fix it.”

As Sen. Brown remarked, the two gents were buddies in the Legislature and Rep. Perry worked on the senator’s campaign, so the endorsement is hardly surprising, but it will definitely increase Rep. Perry’s visibility outside of the Cape Cod area.

Word is this endorsement surprised/irked Joe Malone, who has been sort of on the outs with the Mass. GOP since he left office under a dark cloud (stemming from the fact some of his aides nicked about $9 million from the state; Malone was never implicated in the crime, but suspicions linger).

By the way, remember that Rep. Perry’s next fundraiser, “Pizza with Perry,” is Thursday, April 15 at the Hyannis VFW near the airport rotary. That runs from 6 PM to 7:30 PM, and campaign donations will be accepted at the door.

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

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Baker Vs. Mihos – round one

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

I attended last night’s debate in Hyannis between Charlie Baker and Christy Mihos (the blow-by-blow will be in next week’s Region) and it was an evening of concentrated Republicanism; just about every local Republican running for office on the Cape (and beyond) was there to see the two gents vying for the party nod for the gubernatorial race while scoring some primo face time.

It’s customary to talk about who won a political debate, but in this case the answer — and it is a cheesy answer — is: the audience. (more…)

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The week in politics

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Excuse me, people. I believe when I let for vacation I told you not to do anything interesting while I was gone. But did you listen? Noooooooooo!

Yep, there was a lot of movement last week, and let’s start with what is shaping up to be the big race on the Cape, the race for US Representative of the 10th Congressional District. On Sunday Republican Joseph D. Malone made his candidacy official with a special kick-off event at Plimoth Plantation. The former state treasurer has vowed to reach out to voters of all political persuasions in his campaign.

His official campaign website is up at http://joemalonecongress.com.

With Mr. Malone all in, we now have a slate of six candidates, and we’re waiting on a seventh in William Keating, the Norfolk County District Attorney who has been planning to formally end his bid for Massachusetts Attorney General and shift his attention to the seat currently held by Congressman (and former Norfolk County DA) William D. Delahunt (D).

***

One of the other Republican candidates for the Congressional seat, State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich), is beefing up his campaign in anticipation of a very active primary race.

Rep. Perry recently announced he was adding Swift Current Strategies — which worked on US Senator Scott P. Brown’s (R) campaign — to his team, and launched a new social networking website for supporters dubbed “Perry’s Patriots.” You can find that at www.perryspatriots.com (just look for the logo that is just similar enough to the New England Patriots logo to get him in dutch with Bob Kraft).

Perry's Patriot and Pat the Patriot - separated at birth?

***

Another candidate in this hectic race is State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable), and his pending departure from the state Legislature has so far attracted three Democrats interested in succeeding him: Sheila R. Lyons, a member of the Barnstable County Board of County Commissioners; Mark D. Forest, longtime aide to Rep. Delahunt; and Daniel A. Wolf, CEO of Cape Air.

Mr. Wolf is well-known in the Cape business community so he’s not a non-entity, but his political experience is, to the best of my knowledge, virtually non-existent. Ms. Lyons has had relatively limited experience, all of it in county government, but she knows how to campaign and get her name out. Mr. Forest knows the game at the federal level and has connections throughout the district, so I have to call him the odds-on favorite.

Barnstable and Mashpee readers can learn more about the candidates in the front section.

So far only one Republican, Eric Steinhilber, is in the mix, but word is that Barnstable Town Councilor James Crocker Jr. has taken out nomination papers.

Since I’m talking about this race, now’s a good time to mention that Ms. Lyons, Mr. Forest, and Mr. Wolf are scheduled to appear at a candidates’ forum sponsored by the Harwich Democratic Town Committee. That’s happening on Tuesday, April 6 at 7:30 PM, and will be held at the Harwich Community Center.

***

The slate is almost full!

State Representative Susan D. Williams Gifford (R – Wareham) was this close to running unopposed for re-election, but Democrat David A. Smith of Wareham is preparing his run for the second Plymouth district seat.

I’ve found no info on the dude in my initial Google search, but as I learn more about the chap, I’ll pass it along.

As I wrap this week’s column up, the only member of the Cape delegation without an opponent for 2010 is State Representative Timothy R. Madden (D – Nantucket).

***

Last week I mentioned that Republican David T. Vieira of Falmouth was officially in as a candidate for state representative of the third Barnstable district. Well, first of all, his campaign website is now live, and that’s at www.votevieira.com. He’s also announced his kick-off fundraiser at the Falmouth Navigator (just off Sandwich Road in Hatchville) for Thursday, May 6 from 5 PM to 8 PM. Tickets are $25.

Meanwhile, incumbent state rep Matthew C. Patrick (D – Falmouth) is officially kicking off his re-election campaign tonight. Rep. Patrick, supporters, and special mystery guests will be at Oysters Too in East Falmouth tonight from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. There is a suggested donation of $50, but all are welcome to attend.

***

Oliver P. Cipollini Jr., Democratic candidate for governor’s councilor of the first district, has his new campaign website up and hummin’. Beat feet over to www.olivercipollini.com and check it out.

***

An unenrolled candidate has thrown his name into the ring for Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. James Henderson of Stow filed his paperwork with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance, and now joins incumbent William F. Galvin and Republican William Campbell of Woburn.

***

Now this, I must say, is kind of cool.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker Jr. marked St. Patrick’s Day in an unusual way: People who went to his website last week and made a donation of $20.10 (as in Campaign 2010) received as a thank-you a download of “(F)lanagan’s Ball” by the Dropkick Murphys.

The Dropkick Murphys? Really? How unexpectedly hip of Baker. What next, Christy P. Mihos trading donations for Foo Fighters MP3s?

On that note: those two gentlemen will square off tonight at the Cape Codder Resort. This head-to-head debate starts at 7 PM (doors open at 6:15 PM, presumably to sell beer, popcorn, and giant foam fingers). The Cape Cod Republican Club and the Women’s Republican Club of Cape Cod are co-sponsoring the event.

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, March 19th, 2010

(Editor’s note: the content of this column was written on March 12 and set to auto-post today.)

It’s official! David T. Vieira of Falmouth is in the running for state representative of the third Barnstable district!

Mr. Vieira gave me the head’s up last week at a Mashpee Republican Town Committee meeting, and he pulled the trigger on Wednesday. There should be a full profile in the front section of this paper (except for Sandwich, because it’s not in the district…no soup for you!).

This sets the stage for a possible rematch between Mr. Vieira and State Representative Matthew C. Patrick (D – Falmouth), who faced off in 2000 as fellow first-time candidates for the Legislature. If this one goes forward, it’ll be a very cool race to watch.

***

Hey, debate fans! There’s something juicy coming up next week!

The Cape Codder Resort will host a head-to-head debate between Republican gubernatorial candidates Charles D. Baker Jr. and Christy P. Mihos next Friday, March 26, starting at 7 PM. The Cape Cod Republican Committee and the Women’s Republican Club of Cape Cod put this baby together, and I’m betting this is going to be a fun night.

***

Since we’re talking about the governor’s race, I’ll take up this item I’ve been sitting on for a couple of weeks…

The latest Suffolk University/WHDH-TV poll on the governor’s race is not looking promising for Mr. Mihos. In a theoretical primary showdown between the two Republican candidates, Mr. Baker wins with 47 percent of voters polled supporting him, 36 percent undecided, and 17 percent siding with Mr. Mihos.

You know you’re doing poorly if you finish third behind “undecided.” And this is a major turnaround since the last poll in November, which had Mihos in the lead with 33 percent support to Baker’s 30 percent.

(For those of you who care about such things, Baker’s campaign war chest is sprinting toward the $2 million mark. Mihos’s coffers are looking mighty empty at a shade under $4,700. I hasten to add a quick word of advice for the candidates, in particular Charlie Baker: stop bragging about how much money you’re raising. It’s not helping you win hearts and minds. Really.)

Democrat Grace Ross is in a similar boat. In a theoretical primary race between her and incumbent Deval L. Patrick, Gov. Patrick, 59 percent of those surveyed said they’d vote for him, 26 percent were undecided, and 15 percent chose Ms. Ross.

Now, in a theoretical four-way race between Gov. Patrick, Mr. Baker, Green-Rainbow Party candidate Dr. Jill E. Stein, and unenrolled candidate Timothy P. Cahill, the results were, respectively: 33 percent, 25 percent, three percent, and 23 percent.

A Rasmussen Reports poll generated the same basic results: Gov. Patrick narrowly beat Mr. Baker, and Mr. Cahill came in third. Dr. Stein was nowhere to be seen in this poll; the fourth slot went to “undecided.”

Interestingly, in a theoretical race in which Mr. Mihos was the Republican candidate, Gov. Patrick still won and Tim Cahill was the runner-up, and Smilin’ Christy M. came in third.

***

In other gubernatorial news, Mr. Cahill announced last week he has added to former strategists from US Senator John McCain’s (R) 2008 Presidential campaign: John Weaver and John Yob.

Supporters are promoting this as the addition of some serious muscle to Mr. Cahill’s campaign, but I don’t know if I’d crow too loudly about having guys on my team whose last big gig was helping the guy who lost.

***

And as Mr. Cahill’s campaign team grows, Mr. Mihos’s shrinks. Joe Manzoli, Mr. Mihos’s campaign manager, left the team last week, stating only that he wanted his professional life to move “in a different direction.”

The candidate insists all is well within his camp, despite a recent spate of campaign staff and personal finance issues.

I should note that Mr. Mihos recently attended a Tea Party-sponsored event in Westborough. This appearance has fueled speculation that he’s courting the Tea Party movement to revitalize his flagging campaign.

Whether this is true and proves a shrewd and successful new strategy or a dying candidate’s desperate Hail Mary play has yet to be seen, but it could work; Baker has been heavily criticized in some corners as being a big-money mainstream candidate, so a well-played “outsider” card could yield some positive results.

***

Our last note this week on the governor’s race: Ms. Ross, who jumped ship from the Green-Rainbow Party to join the Democrats, has launched her campaign website at www.graceross.org.

***

We’ve previously seen “Jokes With Jeff,” now it’s time for “Pizza With Perry.”

State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich), candidate for the 10th Congressional district, will hold a fundraiser on Thursday, April 15 – not coincidentally, the day after the deadline for filing your taxes – at the Hyannis VFW near the airport rotary. That runs from 6 PM to 7:30 PM, and campaign donations will be accepted at the door.

Go to www.jeffperryforcongress.com/events.html for details.

***

Eric Steinhilber is Everywhere Man!

The Republican (and so far only) candidate for State Senator of the Cape and Islands district will be putting in face time at several events across the Cape this spring, including a candidates’ night in Eastham (March 25), the aforementioned gubernatorial debate, a fundraiser for Barnstable County Sheriff James M. Cummings (April 2), a Woman’s Republican Club of Cape Cod luncheon (April 9), the “Brewster in Bloom Parade” (May 2), and the Cape Cod Republican Club’s annual meeting (May 17).

Go to Mr. Steinhilber’s campaign website at www.electeric2010.com for more info, then get out and say hi to the chap.

***

State Representative Karyn Polito (R – Shrewsbury) has launched her new website in support of her campaign for state treasurer. Go to www.karynpolitofortreasurer.com to learn more.

Meanwhile, Republican Brian J. Herr has dropped out of the treasurer’s race and is now running for the third Congressional district.

***

The official campaign website for Walter Moniz, Democratic candidate for governor’s councilor of the first district, is also up and running. That’s at http://waltermoniz.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, February 26th, 2010

The local ballot is filling up nicely.

This week another candidate for the Legislature emerged, and that name is James F. Munafo, Jr. He’s a Republican and currently serves as a Barnstable Town Councilor (for precinct three).

He last ran for the post in 1998 but didn’t make it past the primary. The man who eventually won that race is the man Mr. Munafo could face in November: State Representative Demetrius J. Atsalis (D – Barnstable).

As of deadline this week, three members of the Cape’s legislative delegation have no pending challenges: State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable), and State Representatives Susan D. Williams Gifford (R – Wareham) and Matthew C. Patrick (D – Barnstable)…although that list may soon shorten (more on that below).

***

Despite rumors that he would be retiring at the end of this, his second term, Barnstable County Sheriff James M. Cummings is planning to run for re-election. He pulled nomination papers last week, but has yet to make a formal announcement.

Sheriff Cummings, a Falmouth Republican, was first elected to the office in 1998.

***

Republican David T. Vieira of Falmouth – who, coincidentally, works for Sheriff Cummings — is one step closer to becoming a formal candidate for state representative of the third Barnstable district (now represented by the aforementioned Rep. Patrick). He has his nomination papers and he’s out and about collecting signatures, so if you see him, stop and say hi.

***

Joseph D. Malone could take Congressman William D. Delahunt (D) in a fight, and a new survey commissioned by Joseph D. Malone proves it!

Mr. Malone — a former two-term Massachusetts state treasurer and Republican candidate in the 1988 US Senate and 1998 gubernatorial races — commissioned a survey of 300 voters in the 10th Congressional district to determine where he stood in a theoretical race between himself and Rep. Delahunt (who, as of this writing, has yet to decide if he’s running for re-election). That survey was conducted by, as the Boston Herald put it, “conservative consultants McLaughlin & Associates.”

The results: Malone beat Rep. Delahunt, 37 percent to 34 percent.

Am I the only one who suspects this poll may be slanted?

Now now, Republicans, don’t take this as a pro-Delahunt remark; if I’m going to give Malone a hard time about anything it’d be the fact his résumé is weak and the man hasn’t done squat in politics for more than a decade.

And that, really, is the basis of my suspicion. How could a guy with so few credentials and so little name recognition best a Democratic incumbent in a theoretical race unless A) the questions posed to voters were leading and/or B) Republican voters instantly sided with the guy who wasn’t a Democrat, giving no thought to his qualifications?

Mr. Malone has yet to enter the race officially, and I think he’d be better off staying in the Land of Has-been Politicians, especially when you consider there’s at least one much stronger GOP candidate already out there (hint: he’s mentioned below).

***

From the “Things You Probably Shouldn’t Have Said” file: in a story that ran in the Boston Globe last week, the gubernatorial candidates were asked what they would do to tackle the state’s fiscal crisis. Republicans Charles D. Baker Jr. and Christy P. Mihos both talked about cutting state jobs, while unenrolled candidate Timothy P. Cahill said this: “I don’t have enough insight into the budget, especially particular areas where money is being wasted, until I get in there.”

Let me reframe that quote: the guy who has served as the Massachusetts State Treasurer since 2002, and who, according to the state treasurer’s website, “manages the state’s finances by taking a fiscally conservative approach to investing and maximizing the use of taxpayer money,” doesn’t “have enough insight into the budget, especially particular areas where money is being wasted.”

Tim, Tim, Tim…you’re losing me here, dude. I know you’re more on the revenue side of the process, but still, shouldn’t you know A LITTLE about where all that money’s going?

***

Elsewhere in the governor’s race, Mr. Mihos got some more unwanted ink in the Boston Globe over the weekend after he apparently bounced a $20,000 check to his campaign committee, raising the question of whether the mostly self-financed candidate can keep his campaign going.

He’s also lost the services of campaign consultant Dick Morris, who was brought on-board last year amidst much ballyhoo and appeared at several early campaign fundraisers. Financial records filed with the state show that Mihos dropped about $80,000 for the last four months’ of Mr. Morris’s services. Mr. Mihos said he plans to hire Mr. Morris back in the near future.

The Mihos camp is of course downplaying the situation, but these aren’t the first financial headaches his campaign has experienced, so it’s looking increasingly dicey for Smilin’ Christy M. Pardon my alliteration, but if he can’t scrape up some serious scratch soon, say sayonara to this sinking ship.

***

Another gubernatorial note: Mr. Baker and his hand-picked running mate Richard R. Tisei are in Plymouth this Sunday if you feeling like making the drive to Gainsborough Hall at Plimoth Plantation. They’ll participate in a town hall-style forum starting at 11:30 AM. Go to https://bakerforgov.wufoo.com/forms/plymouth-town-hall-rsvp/ to RSVP for the event.

***

Here’s your final reminder for State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry’s (R – Sandwich) kickoff event for his Congressional campaign. That’s next Friday, March 5, at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis starting at 7 PM.

Rep. Perry is the scheduled guest speaker for another upcoming campaign launch, this one for friend/fellow Republican/campaign treasurer F. Randal Hunt of Sandwich. Mr. Hunt (a.k.a. Randy a.k.a. “The Situation”) is hoping to succeed Rep. Perry as state representative of the fifth Barnstable district. That one is on Tuesday, March 9 at the Sandwich Hollows Golf Course from 5 PM to 7 PM.

***

Peter A. White, unenrolled candidate for US Congress, has launched his official campaign website. Truck on over to www.peterwhiteindependent4congress.com. Not much on it yet, but the events page has an entry on bank bailouts that would make either a good folk music-style protest song or great beat poetry.

***

I know the US Senate special election is done and gone, but this is too damn silly to not mention.

US Senator Scott P. Brown’s (R) daughters Ayla and Arianna sent out an e-mail to supporters with a special offer to commemorate the one-month mark since Sen. Brown defeated Martha Coakley (celebrating the one month anniversary? Really?), including a seat cushion that reads “The People’s Seat.” Behold:

And all it costs you is a $20 donation.

Donation to what, is what I’d like to know. Is Sen. Brown already stockpiling cash for a re-election bid in 2012? Or maybe he’s looking to buy a new truck (just don’t buy a Toyota, dude).

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

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