Snark-Infested Waters by Mike Bailey

Snark-Infested Waters by Mike Bailey

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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

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The week in politics

Friday, June 4th, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

***

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

***

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

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

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

***

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

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

***

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

***

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

***

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

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

***

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

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

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

Yeah! How dare they ask for understanding and tolerance!

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

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

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

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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, May 14th, 2010

Welcome to a very special — by which I mean I expect to see a lot angry of e-mails come Monday – edition of the column.

Over the past few weeks a person writing under the pseudonym “Mercy Otis” for CapeCodToday.com has posted several challenges to State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich) to “come clean” about an incident from his past – specifically from his time as a Wareham police officer.

These challenges have come with only vague allusions to the incident in question and, it seems, the writer wants Rep. Perry to fill in all the details himself. He has thus far declined.

Well, here’s the story, as (I say immodestly) I first reported on it in 2002, back when Rep. Perry was first running for the Legislature. The information is taken from extensive court documents provided to me in October 2002 by – guess what? – an anonymous source and enhanced by Rep. Perry’s own recollections as told to me in an in-person interview.

(This is the super-condensed version, so if you want to check out the original full story, go show your library some love and check out the October 22, 2002 issue of the Sandwich Enterprise on microfilm. And no, I won’t send you a copy.)

On New Year’s Eve 2002, a Wareham PD patrolman named Scott Flanagan approached then 16-year-old Heather Adams as she was preparing to light a joint in front of a Wareham convenience store. He took her behind the store and ordered her to drop her pants and lift up her shirt. A neighbor interrupted this, and Flanagan made a veiled threat against Adams to keep her quiet.

Flanagan called then-Sergeant Perry, the shift supervisor on duty, to the scene and gave him a different account of what happened.

Flanagan was fired following a rapid internal investigation. Criminal charges were later filed, and in November 1993 he was convicted on multiple offenses (including indecent assault and battery on a child over 14) and went to jail for four years. The family won a subsequent civil suit against the town.

Then-Sgt. Perry was not, according to court documents, present during the incident, he was never charged with any crime himself, nor was he ever disciplined for anything. He was originally named in the civil suit, but later dropped from it. He left the department in July 1993 in good standing and opened a convenience store.

How and why is this relevant now? Is it relevant? Some would say yes, it’s absolutely relevant; Rep. Perry is running for Congress now and should be held to very high standards of character and conduct. If he has done anything wrong in the past, it should be brought to light.

Others would say no, that the past is in the past, and to now dredge up a closed chapter in his life, which ended with no clearly damning proof of complicity, is nothing more than cheap mudslinging by those who don’t want to see a Republican — or at the very least, Rep. Perry specifically – claim the seat currently held by the retiring William D. Delahunt (D).

Neither “Mercy Otis” nor Rep. Perry are entirely in the right here. “Mercy” should have laid out specific accusations rather than engaging in rumor and innuendo, which makes his/her motivations feel shady, even cowardly; and instead of being evasive, Rep. Perry should have presented this info himself and cut the rumor mill off at the knees, lest he give people a reason to think he is hiding something.

As for the question of relevancy? Well, that’s why I present this information here now: to let the voters decide if it’s relevant – just as this paper did in 2002, when the voters considered the facts and made up their own minds.

Need I point out that with all this in mind, voters chose to support Rep. Perry’s candidacy and voted him into office, and over a three-term incumbent?

We now return to your regularly scheduled parade of dumb jokes and obscure pop-culture references.

***

Two key deadlines have passed for candidates: April 27 for candidates for district and county-level offices to submit their completed nomination papers, May 4 for federal and statewide offices.

This means we can officially declare that five people of note are running unopposed in 2010, barring a last-minute write-in candidacy: James M. Cummings, Barnstable County sheriff; Michael D. O’Keefe, Cape and Islands district attorney; William Doherty, Barnstable County commissioner; State Representative Timothy R. Madden (D – Nantucket), and – and this is the stunner – Martha Coakley, Massachusetts’ attorney general.

Over the next two weeks, as registrars of voters certify signatures, we’ll know if anyone else gets a free pass due to their opponent failing to collect enough valid signatures. The person most likely to go bye-bye: Grace C. Ross, Democratic candidate for governor.

Ms. Ross, who jumped ship from the Green-Rainbow Party to challenge Deval L. Patrick for the Democratic nomination, was uncertain whether she’d collected enough signatures to make it onto the primary ballot. Don’t be surprise if she falls short and drops out of the running.

***

Speaking of Mr. O’Keefe, he is holding in Falmouth on Monday a spring reception as part of his re-election campaign. That’ll be at the Nobska House from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, and campaign donations will be accepted.

***

Senate President Therese M. Murray (D – Plymouth), who stopped by the Enterprise this week to chat with the editorial board, will officially launch her re-election campaign next Thursday, May 20 with two events. The local kick-off event will be held at The Brookside Club in Bourne from 7 to 9 PM, and it’s open to the public.

***

State Representative Demetrius J. Atsalis (D – Barnstable) launches his re-election campaign next week – Monday, to be precise – at Tommy Doyle’s Irish Pub. That event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. For more information call 508-771-5422.

Also, Rep. Atsalis’s new website is now up and running at www.electatsalis.org. It’s kind of “meh” at present but I’m told by Rep. Atsalis more content will be coming soon.

***

This is an interesting fundraiser: State Representative Susan D. William Gifford (R – Wareham) is combining her 10th wedding anniversary with her re-election campaign at an event at the Bay Pointe Country Club in Onset.

Anyway, the event is Wednesday, May 26 from 6 to 8:30 PM, and you can attend for a suggested donation of $25. RSVP by next Friday by calling 508-295-5999.

***

Back to the Congressional race for a minute. Joseph D. Malone continues to add to his really unimpressive list of endorsements with the announcement that Robert Kraus, a Kingston state rep. between 1989 and 1996, is supporting his campaign.

Joe. Baby. How about getting a nod from someone who hasn’t been out of politics as long as you’ve been?

Ah, but credit where it’s due: Mr. Malone chose Falmouth to launch his “Joe’s on the Job Tour” of locally owned businesses across the state. He hit Fucillo Ready Mix and The Clam Man to make his first stops, which marks the first time he’s visited the region since starting up his campaign. It’ll be interesting to see how he tries to counter Rep. Perry’s hometown advantage.

***

James Henderson, unenrolled candidate for Secretary of the Commonwealth, has launched his official campaign website at www.jimforsoc.com. It’s a starter site so there’s not much on it, but it’s there.

***

And Finally, Charles D. Baker Jr., Republican candidate for governor, was down on the Cape last week, marking his – and this is a rough guess – 99th visit to the region since January. One more and he earns a free pizza from Paul’s and a “Cape Cod Canal Tunnel Permit” bumper sticker.

I mention this because, so far, Mr. Baker is the only gubernatorial candidate to make any appreciable effort to get down here and do some serious campaigning. Gov. Patrick has popped up once or twice for official purposes, Green-Rainbow candidate Jill E. Stein has visited once, and Timothy P. Cahill has been a total no-show.

Granted, these other three folks have jobs while Baker’s only job right now appears to be campaigning full-time, but Cape Cod often gets overlooked by candidates in statewide races, so it’s nice that someone is putting in some face time.

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 7th, 2010

The political season is well and truly underway, because we have our first attack ad.

The firing squad here is the Republican Governors Association, which has launched not one but THREE ads against unenrolled gubernatorial candidate Timothy P. Cahill: one for TV, one for the radio, and one web ad, but all three are viewable on a new website bearing the header of “The Cahill Report” (www.thecahillreport.com).

The ads paint Mr. Cahill as “Like Deval Patrick, only worse” and accuse the current state treasurer of cronyism, mismanaging the state pension fund, increasing costs at the Massachusetts State Lottery, and wasting taxpayer money on a lavish office redeco, and staff bonuses and vehicles.

Why go after Cahill, you might ask? Why not go after Gov. Patrick, the guy who’s been leading in recent polls? Because in the GOP’s eyes Tim Cahill is what you’d call a “spoiler,” a guy who could divert the all-important unenrolled voter base away from Republican Charles D. Baker Jr., split their support, and let Gov. Patrick slide through to a second term.

Cahill responded with his own Internet ad chastising the RGA and Baker for running the attack ads (even though the RGA stated it made the ads on its own, sans the Baker campaign’s authorization).

Mr. Baker’s camp has neither openly condoned not condemned the ad, but if they’re smart they’ll distance themselves from the campaign. After all, negative campaigning only hurt Kerry M. Healey’s gubernatorial campaign in 2006 and, more recently, Martha Coakley’s US Senate campaign this year.

***

A side note: the Baker camp last week said ta-ta to campaign manager Lenny Alcivar and named Tim O’Brien as the new manager. Mr. O’Brien, notably, managed Ms. Healey’s 2006 campaign…or mis-managed, depending on your point of view.

Pundits are calling this a desperation move, but I think it may be way too early to make that call. Granted, the Baker campaign hasn’t been making any great strides forward under Alcivar, but changing the guard seven months out from the general election does not bespeak a Hail Mary Play to me.

***

State Senator Robert A. O’Leary (D – Barnstable) last weekend officially launched his campaign for US Representative of the 10th Congressional District. I would have mentioned this last week, except no one from his campaign told any of us here at the Enterprise about the kickoff event in Hyannis.

Off to a roarin’ start, guys.

Sen. O’Leary has also launched his campaign website at www.olearyforcongress.com (not to be confused with www.senatoroleary.com, the official website for his legislative activities).

I must give a quick nod to the senator’s primary rival William R. Keating who, in a display of class that is often sorely lacking in politics, issued a statement welcoming Sen. O’Leary to the race.

They kind ruined it for me by adding in some Keating-centric campaign rhetoric and asking Sen. O’Leary to “support the eventual Democratic nominee, to ensure that we don’t turn back the clock by electing a Republican who will support failed policies that got us into this mess in the first place,” but hey, I’ll take what inter-candidate niceties I can get.

I must also give the Keating campaign a not-so-gentle nudge and say get a move-on, would you? Mr. Keating is now the only man in this race who has not made a formal announcement of candidacy. That, I’m told, is coming later this month. I can’t imagine why they’re choosing to wait so long.

***

It looks like James H. Crocker Jr. of Osterville is pulling the trigger and officially running for State Senator of the Cape and Islands District as a Republican. He filed has paperwork with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance last week.

This sets up a two-way primary race between Mr. Crocker and Eric R. Steinhilber, who launched his campaign back in February.

***

A quick note from the world of unsurprising endorsements: State Representative Viriato (Vinny) M. deMacedo (R – Plymouth) endorsed colleague and friend State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich) for US Representative of the 10th Congressional District.

An even bigger name attaching itself to the Perry campaign train: former Massachusetts governor W. Mitt Romney. “He will be a strong conservative voice against the Washington culture of higher taxes, higher spending, and higher debt,” Der Mittster said in a press release. “I am looking forward to the contributions he will make in the US House of Representatives.”

Speaking of contributions, Romney’s “Free and Strong America” PAC is throwing $2,500 into Rep. Perry’s war chest along with the official thumb’s up.

***

Thomas F. Keyes, Republican candidate for State Senator of the Plymouth & Barnstable District, announced the addition of Glenn Kelly of Falmouth to his campaign team. Mr. Kelly will be the campaign coordinator for Falmouth.

According to a press release, Mr. Kelly is the Head Professional at the Woods Hole Golf Club – man, I feel like there’s a good joke in there somewhere – and a former Falmouth Republican Town Committee chairman.

***

Patricia L. Mosca of Bourne is launching her campaign for governor’s councilor of the first district next Saturday, May 8, at the Hemisphere Restaurant in Sandwich. That runs from 6 to 9 PM, and attendance in free.

Ms. Mosca is a retired probation officer with the Plymouth District Trial Court and as a social worker with Social Service Foster Care and the Transitional Assistance Program.

For further information about next week’s reception, contact Ms. Mosca directly at 508-221-1160 or visit her campaign website at www.democratsofsandwich.org/PatriciaMosca.htm (be warned that whoever set it up perhaps doesn’t know HTML as well as he should. You’ll see what I mean when you check it out).

***

Final reminders! James F. Munafo Jr., Republican candidate for State Representative of the Second Barnstable District, is holding his campaign kickoff tomorrow at the Hyannis Golf Course from 5 to 7 PM. Contact the campaign at 508-771-8101 or votemunafo@integrity.com.

Republican David T. Vieira of Falmouth, candidate for State Representative of the Third Barnstable District, is holding his kick-off fundraiser at the Falmouth Navigator (just off Sandwich Road in Hatchville) this Tuesday from 5 PM to 8 PM. Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets, call Addie Drolette at 774-836-0100.

***

F. Randal Hunt, Republican candidate for State Representative of the Fifth Barnstable District, has a couple of 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.

Go to www.electrandyhunt.com/events.html for details as they’re posted.

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, March 5th, 2010

Man, have things gotten wacky over the past couple of weeks.

The man at the center of this big ball of crazy is Congressman William D. Delahunt (D), who is expected to announce this month whether he will run for re-election. There’s been a lot of idle speculation that an eighth term isn’t in the cards, and that speculation intensified last week in light of several news stories detailing $560,000 in campaign spending in 2009, a lot of it on things only somewhat related to actual campaigning (like expensive meals and fees to relatives in his employ).

(more…)

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The week in politics

Friday, January 29th, 2010

I assume by now you’ve heard the news? If not, let me drop the bomb: State Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R – Sandwich) is “very interested” in challenging Congressman William D. Delahunt (D) this year for US Representative of the 10th Congressional district.

The prospect of Rep. Perry taking on Big Bill gets me absolutely giddy. Having worked with Rep. Perry since he got into the State House, I know for a fact he would run a powerful, punishing, and perhaps most importantly, positive campaign against Rep. Delahunt.

It would, I think, be a truly awesome race that would seriously test both men, and a rare win-win situation for voters in that, no matter which of these guys won, the Cape would have a strong voice in Congress.

I want this to happen! It’d be like the Thunderdome of local politics…two men enter! One man leaves!

Of course, for this to come to pass Rep. Perry would first have to win what is shaping up to be an active Republican primary.

Last week Republican Joseph D. Malone of Scituate, former two-term state treasurer (1991 to 1999), announced he would “almost certainly” challenge Rep. Delahunt. Mr. Malone unsuccessfully challenged Ted Kennedy in 1998 and, 10 years later, lost the Republican nomination for governor of Massachusetts to A. Paul Cellucci.

Then there is Ray Kasperowicz of Cohasset, a US Navy veteran and a nine-year member of the Cohasset Sewer Commission, who announced his candidacy back in September, and Donald A. Hussey of Hingham. Another possible challenger from the GOP: State Senator Robert L. Hedlund (R – Weymouth).

***

Let’s talk a minute about the predicted surge of Republican candidates for 2010 (the catalyst for which is, of course, Senator-elect Scott P. Brown’s big win last week).

The Massachusetts GOP this week launched this year’s recruitment initiative, dubbed “The New Majority.” Prospective candidates can go to www.massgop.com and file online an recruitment form. “The staff of the MassGOP will respond to each online application with information on how to run a campaign and an assessment of the district in which the individual has an interest in running,” stated the official press release.

“When a potential candidate decides to run for elected office, the MassGOP provides assistance including candidate trainings, voter identification information, district information, message and campaign timeline development, incumbent voting records, as well as other opposition research.”

Not too dissimilar to past recruitment efforts, but the GOP is trying an interesting new tactic: offering this service to unenrolled candidates (hence the “New Majority,” making the Democratic Party the old majority). This should be interesting…

***

Now that Martha Coakley has blown the US Senate race (face it, folks, she choked), what about that nice little attorney general gig she’s had for the past four years?

Word among her aides last week was that she was planning to run for re-election, and boy, doesn’t that set the stage for some big fun? The GOP is eyeballing Coakley the way leopards eyeball a wounded gazelle, and why not? She muffed a race against a solid opponent who was better at getting his message out and connecting with voters, and it could easily happen a second time if the Republicans can find someone who can bring the pain.

AG Coakley won her seat in 2006 by beating Lawrence W. Frisoli, a Belmont attorney who did not campaign that well, so one could speculate that AG Coakley herself is not a strong campaigner and won the post by dint of having a weaker opponent.

(The shame is, she has done good work as AG and it would be a shame to lose her simply because she’s lousy at selling herself, but I digress.)

State Representative Karyn Polito (R – Shrewsbury) has been mentioned as an early possible challenger, as has Peter Flaherty, a former prosecutor, one of W. Mitt Romney’s aides during his stint as governor, and a Senator-elect Brown campaign supporter.

On the flip side, the prospect of AG Coakley running again has already caused one Democrat to rethink his candidacy. C. Samuel Sutter, Bristol County’s district attorney, had been kicking the idea around but has since backed off.

Democrat William Keating, Norfolk County district attorney and a former state senator, is as of this week still planning to run for the office.

***

We have an early dropout in Joe Connolly, the Democrat and Norfolk County treasurer who intended to run for state treasurer. He posted a notice on his website stating that he was bowing out due to health concerns.

This leaves Republican Brian J. Herr and Democrat Steve Grossman all by their lonesomes.

***

To bring this baby full circle, Senator-elect Brown is scheduled to make an appearance at the Falmouth Inn this evening (January 29) at 7 PM, as a thank-you to folks who showed up at a pre-election rally.

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 Clean Election Pledge

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

Well, the special election has totally soured me on politics.

That is not a statement about the results, but rather the process — more specifically, the tactics both the major candidates resorted to throughout the campaign. Forget for a minute who cast the first stone and focus on the fact both Martha Coakley and Scott Brown engaged in negative campaigning (yes, Brown supporters — it happened), disseminated misleading and sometimes entirely false information about each other’s credentials and positions, and allowed outside parties to only exacerbate the situation by tacitly supporting their aggressive and at time borderline slanderous ads (in that neither candidate did anything to renounce ads taken out on their behalf but without their express consent). (more…)

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