Snark-Infested Waters by Mike Bailey

Snark-Infested Waters by Mike Bailey

Subscribe  |  Share    |  Print

Follow me on Facebook

Posts Tagged ‘Dan Wolf’

Newer Entries »

The Week In Politics

Friday, August 20th, 2010

I lead off this week with a message to voters in the Second Barnstable District: Calm the hell down.

If you read the Beacon Hill Roll Call Report the last couple of weeks, you might have noticed that State Representative Demetrius J. Atsalis (D – Barnstable) was listed as “did not vote” on the many pieces of legislation that sped through the State House in the final week of its formal session.

The Enterprise received some reader letters expressing anger over this, assuming Rep. Atsalis just blew the votes off. Not so; he was in Sweden with his family for his father-in-law’s funeral. He didn’t get back stateside until August 3.

Bet you people feel sheepish now, huh?

***

Ah, the fun just never ends. With the whole “Flanagangate” starting to lose its steam (meaning it utterly failed to derail State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry’s (R – Sandwich) Congressional campaign, as his detractors had hoped), the blogosphere snipers are on the hunt for fresh muck to rake.

Last week Those Who Vent Their Impotent Rage From the Shadows pointed out that during his 2002 campaign, then-citizen Perry noted he had a degree from “Columbia State University,” a now-defunct “diploma mill” that awarded degrees of a suspect pedigree to its enrollees (the guy who ran the non-existent school, a former stage hypnotist, was later convicted in federal court for the scam).

In an e-mail statement to the media, a campaign mouthpiece said Rep. Perry was just one of many people duped by the faux educational institution and has long since removed the credential from his résumé.

Campaign staff for rival Joseph D. Malone, never one to squander an opportunity to score some cheap points, passed around a link to a Quincy Patriot Ledger story on the latest brouhaha. They’re calling for Rep. Perry to drop out, which is laughable, and to me indicates just how scared the Malone campaign is.

Credit where it’s due: Mr. Malone has been extremely active and visible, but he is nevertheless failing to collect campaign donations on the same level as his chief rival, he’s not topping the straw polls, and he’s not getting the big endorsements – all indicators that he has a lot of ground to cover before be can overcome Perry at the polls.

Nevertheless, this latest revelation is not doing Rep. Perry any favors. There is a little over three weeks until the primaries so it’s not at all too late for his momentum to crumble, especially if anything else embarrassing pops up.

***

A quick note on the Democratic side of things, William R. Keating has picked up an endorsement from the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, a statewide union representing more than 12,000 firefighters from 200 fire departments throughout the Commonwealth.

***

Can you believe it? There’s yet another person running for US Representative of the 10th Congressional District.

Joseph van Nes of West Tisbury announced last week he planned to run as an unenrolled candidate on a primarily “bring the troops home” platform. That bring the current field of contenders to a total of eight – two Democrats, four Republicans, and one other unenrolled.

No, wait: make that nine. Marianne Lewis of Dedham is also in the race as an unenrolled candidate. Earlier in the season she’d been a rumored candidate but after months of dead silence and inactivity, it looks like she is indeed officially in. Her website is up at www.maryannelewiscongress.com.

Having a variety of candidates is great, having non-party choices is great, but come on, people…you can’t enter the race so late in the game and expect any kind of decent outcome. You’re barely even spoilers at this late date.

***

The Congressional race is not the only one enjoying a surge of johhny-come-latelys. Last week I reported that Republican James P. McKenna has entered the race for Massachusetts Attorney General as a write-in candidate. It seems that there’s a second Republican doing the same thing: Guy A. Carbone of Belmont.

Sigh…where were you guys earlier in the year? You know, when voters would have flocked to you to sign your nomination papers so you could more properly challenge Martha Coakley, who was widely regarded as very vulnerable after her loss in the US Senate special election?

***

Daniel A. Wolf, Democratic candidate for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District, last week received an endorsement from MassEquality for his longstanding support of same-sex couples. According to a press release, Mr. Wolf’s company Cape Air in 1996 became the first airline in the nation to offer same-sex health care benefits to its workers.

He’s also received an endorsement from the American Federation of Teachers – Massachusetts.

***

State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable), candidate for Congress, last week received what you might call a composite endorsement from four former state environmental secretaries, based on Sen. O’Leary’s record on environmental issues: James Hoyte, John Devillars, Robert Durand, and John Bewick. He also got the nod from a former assistant secretary, Richard Delaney.

***

Steve Grossman, Democratic candidate for state treasurer, has a visit to Cape Cod planned for September as part of his “Ice Cream Tour.” Mr. Grossman has made a point to hit a local ice cream shop at each of his campaign stops, and on September 3 he’ll be at Four Seas in Centerville from 5 to 6 PM.

***

Mr. Grossman’s primary rival, Stephen J. Murphy, will be in Hyannis on Tuesday, August 31 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Mr. Keating is also scheduled to be at that event at the Hyannis Anglers Club House on Ocean Street.

***

This week’s event reminders:

Mr. Wolf has a meet-and-greet in Mashpee this Sunday, August 22, from 4 to 6 PM at Starfish Restaurant at South Cape Village in Mashpee. He’ll also be at house party fundraisers 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.

Rep. Perry’s will be held at the Aqua Grille in Sandwich on Sunday, August 22 from 4 to 6 PM, for a fundraiser hosted by Eileen DiBuono and Patricia Markoff. 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.

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

Lance W. Lambros, Democratic candidate for State Representative of the Fifth Barnstable District, will hold a meet-and-greet on Saturday, August 28 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.

Sheila R. Lyons, Democratic candidate for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District, 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.

F. Randal Hunt, Republican candidate for State Representative of the Fifth Barnstable District, is holding 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.

***

Finally, from the Kick Him While He’s Down and Out (of the Race) File: Christy P. Mihos, whose second attempt at the corner office ended this year when he was shot down at the Massachusetts Republican State Convention, last week was hit with the largest fine ever handed down in Massachusetts history for campaign finance violations.

Smilin’ Christy M. agreed to pay a whopping $70,000 fine for using more than $112,000 in personal money – meaning out of his own pocket and his corporate coffers – for his ill-fated campaign, much of which was never properly reported. He’s paid half the fine already and will pay the second half in November.

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Politics | Comments Off

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Politics | 2 Comments »

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Politics | Comments Off

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Politics | Comments Off

The week in politics

Friday, July 16th, 2010

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

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

***

Hey, kids! Guess what time it is!

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

***

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

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

***

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

***

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

***

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

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

***

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

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

***

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

***

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

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Politics | Comments Off

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Politics | Comments Off

The week in politics

Friday, May 28th, 2010

This week we lead off with a big non-surprise announcement that Grace C. Ross is officially out of the gubernatorial race.

Ms. Ross, who this year left the Green-Rainbow Party to challenge Governor Deval L. Patrick for the Democratic nomination, announced last week that she fell far short of collecting the 10,000 voter signatures she needed to get on the primary ballot: she only collected 5,700 signatures.

So, good news for Gov. Patrick, who can hold onto the money he would have spent in a primary race and use in the general election…not that he necessarily would have spent a lot, because Ms. Ross was not an exceptionally strong candidate, especially as a Democrat.

With Ms. Ross out, it’s safe to say the race for governor is now on full-blast as none of the four candidates – Gov. Patrick, Republican Charles D. Baker Jr., unenrolled candidate Timothy P. Cahill, and Green-Rainbow candidate Dr. Jill E. Stein – have a primary race.

***

Speaking of Mr. Baker, here’s a challenge to the candidate: grow a spine. Please.

Baker sat down last week with WHDH-TV’s Andy Hiller and responded to those Republican Governors’ Association ads now running on TV and the radio dragging Tim Cahill over hot coals spiked with broken glass and rusty nails (metaphorically speaking). And by “responded” I mean “wussed out.” Here’s the exchange…

Hiller: Do you want those ads off TV?

Baker: It doesn’t matter if I want those ads off TV…

Hiller: Because you’re powerless?

Baker: Because I don’t make decisions about what independent organizations choose to do in Massachusetts.

Hiller: If you called the Republican Governors’ Association and said “I am the Republican candidate. Please take those ads down,” what would they say? “You’re breaking the law by calling us?”

Baker: I don’t know what they would say, but I’m not going to call them and ask them that question and say that to them because I don’t want anything associated with my campaign to be associated with them.

Psst! Charlie! IT ALREADY IS.

Voters are hearing “Republican” attached to those ads and, rightfully or not, they’re drawing a direct line between the dots of the RGA and you. And why not? The RGA is running them to support your campaign. You don’t want the ads running? Call the RGA and ask them to knock it off, and if they don’t, publicly condemn the ads. Sitting back and shrugging and going “Eh, what can you do?” does indeed make you seem powerless.

***

And then there’s Gov. Patrick, who doesn’t seem to be learning from past mistakes.

You’ve probably heard by now Gov. Patrick just got a new official vehicle, a $53,000 SUV to replace the infamous Cadillac he purchased in 2007 for $46,000 to replace the traditional (and less expensive) Ford Crown Victoria.

The governor’s mouthpieces are throwing out lots of reasons why this is no big deal, mentioning everything from Gov. Patrick’s need for the roomier vehicle following last year’s hip surgery to its superior mileage (it’s a hybrid so it gets a whopping two miles to the gallon more than the Caddy), but it is a big deal in terms of public perception.

After the Cadillac purchase, Gov. Patrick was lambasted for his extravagant spending of taxpayer money, and now he’s paying more for a vehicular behemoth even as the Legislature is chopping $159 million from local and education aid. If that doesn’t feel like a slap in the face, I don’t know what does.

***

Two men running for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District have secured their spots on the ballot. Democrat Daniel A. Wolf and Republican Eric R. Steinhilber both recently announced that they had filed the signatures with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office and are good to go.

***

Another candidate for that office, Democrat Sheila R. Lyons, has a couple of campaign events coming up. She’ll be in Cummaquid on Tuesday, June 15 from 10 to 11:30 AM for a “meet the candidate coffee,” and in Barnstable for a fundraising barbecue on Sunday, June 20 from 4 to 7 PM.

Want to know where these events are? So do I; the website doesn’t list the locations. You have to go to http://sheilalyons2010.com/events and contact the campaign directly for that info. I can only assume by this odd clandestine air that guests will also receive the password and secret handshake they’ll need to get in.

***

James M. Cummings, Barnstable County sheriff, is hosting a fundraiser for State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich) next month in support of Rep. Perry’s Congressional race.

That event will be held at the Cape’s favorite spot for Republican revelry, the Yarmouth House on Route 28 in (where else?) Yarmouth. It’s scheduled to run from 6 to 8 PM on Monday, June 14.

***

One of Rep. Perry’s rivals, Joseph D. Malone, made another visit to the Cape this week as part of his “Joe’s on the Job Tour” of local businesses, making a stop at Hyannis Country Garden last Friday.

Democrat William R. Keating also visited the region last weekend, making an appearance in Bourne to formally announce his candidacy for Congress. He made several other stops within the district that day and finished off in Quincy.

***

A Democratic candidate for Congress, State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable), will be the guest of honor at a June 17 reception at The Island Merchant in Hyannis. Paul G. Kirk Jr., former interim US Senator, and Cynthia Cole are co-hosting the event.

The reception runs from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, and the suggested contribution is $125 to $500. TO RSVP contact Jon Patsavos at 617-470-4122 or patsavos@olearyforcongress.com.

***

While we’re talking about the Congressional race, Harwich High School will host on Tuesday afternoon a candidates’ forum. As of this writing two of the Republican candidates, Mr. Malone and Ray Kasperowicz, have confirmed. The forum is the work of the Advanced Placement United States Government class, and a student panel will ask the questions in the debate-style forum. The public is invited to attend the forum, which begins at 1 PM.

***

Here’s your final reminder that F. Randal Hunt, Republican candidate for State Representative of the Fifth Barnstable District, has a fundraiser next Friday at the Tao Water Art Gallery on Route 6A in Barnstable, from 6 to 8 PM.

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Politics | Comments Off

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Politics | Comments Off

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Politics | Comments Off

Newer Entries »

Other blogs

Follow us on Facebook

Advertisement