Democrats & MassGOP Criticize Botsford to Supreme Judicial Court

Governor Deval Patrick's nominee was confirmed today by the Governor's Council but not without some heated debate. Notice that today is the Friday before the Labor Day weekend and the Governor's Council always votes at 12 noon on Wednesdays.

As the Boston Herald reports, Democrat Councilor Marilyn Petitto Devaney said "No matter how vile the crime is, she has never given a maximum sentence." Two other Democrats, Carole Fiola and Mary-Ellen Manning also voted against Botsford.

Mary-Ellen Manning had this to say, according to the State House News Service - "Of course, it is the governor's constitutional right to nominate as many hippies to the bench as he wishes...But at a hearing where basic questions about her judicial philosophy were met with blank stares, doubletalk and juicy rationalizations, she outed herself as the judicial activist she is: a jurist who will favor the predator rather than the prey and if the law doesn't afford her the necessary discretion, she will change the law."

Wow, those are some pretty strong words coming from a fellow Democrat.

The Herald also notes that Botsford "sentenced an MBTA bus driver convicted of repeatedly raping an 11-year-old girl with learning disabilities to four to six years in prison. Prosecutors had asked for up to 25 years."

Botsford's husband is an ardent Patrick-Murray supporter who donated beyond the legal limits to both campaigns. Both husband and wife are lawyers, but apparently, unfamiliar with campaign finance law. Stephen Rosenfeld donated $1,500 to Patrick's campaign and $600 to Murray's campaign. The limit is $500 per calendar year.

Botsford was first appointed to the judiciary by Governor Michael Dukakis, for whom Botsford's husband served as chief of staff and chief legal counsel.

Botsford is a Dukakis Democrat that is not mainstream and not good for Massachusetts. The MassGOP had a few points to make today on WAMC (Northeast Public Radio)

Remembering Our Heroes

Today, the Boston Fire Department raised this banner in memory of Warren J. Payne Ladder 25 and Paul J. Cahill Engine 30.


You can donate to the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Fund here.

"The IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Foundation was founded in 1976 to recognize and honor past and future professional fire fighters and emergency medical personnel who are killed in the line of duty and to provide funds and assistance to the surviving spouses and children of those members. "

Presenting To You - The Activist Conference

Berkshire GOP Social Event

The Berkshire GOP had a great picnic this past Sunday. Thanks to Peter Giftos, Matt Kinnaman and Jim Bashour for putting it together. This September, the MassGOP will be out in Pittsfield working arm and arm with Peter Giftos to Grow Our Party in western Massachusetts.

Globe and Herald Endorse Ogonowski

Boston Globe

Boston Herald

Your GOP Candidates - Your Questions

On November 28, 2007 the Republicans will partake in the YouTube debates. Get out the camera and be creative, we would love to see a Republican from Massachusetts get a question asked at the debate. What are your issues, what do you really care about?

This format is about giving you the opportunity to be heard. Try not to focus on questions that you would hear at a typical debate like, "what's your plan for taxes" or "how will you fix social security?" You can certainly ask questions related to these issues but make it personal to your situation. Why do you care about X issue? Why do you think it's important? Also, this is an opportunity for you to ask a question that would typically never be asked at a Presidential debate.

Have fun with it and we hope to see your living room, your neighborhood, your face on CNN in November!

GOP Sees Cause For Hope - Article

Today, the Boston Globe has this article about the campaign for the 5th Congressional District. Chairman Peter Torkildsen has a few quotes and the article mentions both Republican candidates.

MassGOP Cookout in Boxboro

Thank you Jeanne Kangas, our State Committee member who hosted this GOP cookout. We had the UMASS Dartmouth College Republicans attend and everyone had a great time.

Nantucket GOP - Social Event a Huge Success!

Congratulations to the Nantucket GOP for hosting a terrific event and bringing in new people to the GOP!

Good Job Collecting Information!

State Committeeman Ric Barros, Chairman Peter Torkildsen and former Nantucket Selectman Doug Bennett.

Check out these signs, now this is real grassroots! Doug Bennett held these signs at an intersection before the social event and Senator John Kerry rode by on his bike. We heard John Kerry stopped his bike and shook his head in disappointment (yes Senator, we have active Republicans on Nantucket!)

Chairman Torkildsen said that he met three people at the event who came because they saw these signs before the event.

Overall, they had about 35-40 people attend and they recruited many new Republican Committtee members.

How did they do it?

1) They used Voter Vault and went door knocking on active GOP voting homes.

2) They made personal phone calls to registered Republicans.

3) They sent an auto call reminder to all Republicans before the event.

4) They had a standout just before the event started.

Facebook Family - Special Offer

Are you on Facebook? If you are we would like to connect with you.

We are offering a 50% discount to our Facebook Family for our Summer Cookout this Thursday in Boxborough (details below).

Mainstream Media on Reed Hillman

Marshal nominee getting the shaft
By Boston Herald editorial staff
Friday, August 17, 2007

Massachusetts remains without a permanent U.S. marshal, and Reed Hillman - the more-than-qualified former State Police colonel nominated to the post by President Bush - is now apparently sitting home in Sturbridge, his job prospects once again thrown into uncertainty.

Thanks to the political blind-spot that U.S. Sens. John Kerry and Ted Kennedy have for any of this president’s nominees, Hillman’s shot at getting the marshal’s job appears dead.

He was the only nominee to be rejected by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this month before Congress left on its summer recess, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
More

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President taps a cop; senators see politics
Saturday, August 18, 2007

When our state's two U.S. senators began making noise in opposition to President Bush's choice of U.S. marshal for Massachusetts, we wondered if they had perhaps looked at the wrong resume. In tapping Reed V. Hillman, a 25-year veteran of the state police force and its former commander, Bush has selected someone eminently qualified for the position.

But Sens. Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry saw the nomination in a much different light. They looked at Hillman, a Republican who served three terms as the state representative from the 1st Hampden District after his retirement from the police force in 1999, and saw only politics and patronage.
More

Duxbury Summer Cookout

The Duxbury RTC had a great cookout this evening and the Duxbury committee was very quick to update their website with some great photos of the event.

Thanks to everyone that came out and supported the GOP!


The Duxbury Republican Town Committee and our elected officials.
(left to right: Rep. Vinny deMacedo, Rep. Dan Webster, DRTC Secretary Kim O'Sullivan, State Chairman Peter Torkildsen, DRTC Co-Chair Rita Strong, Sheriff Joe McDonald,
District Attorney Tim Cruz, State Committeeman John Cafferty,
DRTC Co-Chairman Mark Johnston, DRTC Vice-Chairman Adam Packard, and
Host and DRTC Member Ryan Boehm)

Springfield Republicans - On The Move

The Springfield GOP had a dinner last night with over 40 activists and candidates in attendance. State Committee member Roberta Brundrett and Jeanne Boynton were also at the dinner.

Here is Chairman Torkildsen with Charles Rucks, our Republican candidate for Springfield City Council!

AMRC - Building Local GOP Committees

This morning, the Mass GOP sat down with Mike Hruby of the AMRC (Association of Massachusetts Republican Town & City Committees) to discuss ways that we can continue to build the Republican Town Committees across Massachusetts. Mike was very enthusiastic and is putting together a great plan with Richard Hersum, President of AMRC.

If you are part of an existing Republican Committee you can join AMRC here.

If you are not part of a GOP committee but want to start or join one, you can email us at kdobson@massgop.com Please let us know where you live in your email. Thanks!

Mass GOP Internship Applications

It's back to school time again and we at the Massachusetts Republican Party are looking for a few good interns to help us carry the Republican banner in Massachusetts. If you are interested in obtaining an internship with the Massachusetts Republican Party, please fill out the application form and email it to us. Also, please spread the word and let anyone you know that may be interested. It's a great way to gain hands-on experience, meet people, and develop your resume. Our office is perfectly situated near a few T-Stops and North Station for any college students that depend on public transportation. We look forward to hearing from you!

Intern Spotlight - Trish Morales

Where are you from?
Texas Baby!!! I am a bit biased, but it is the best state! :)

Where did you attend school and what was your major?

M.I.T. - Chemical Engineering
UMASS - Legal Studies

Why are you a Republican?
I like being a part of the party that stresses family values and I'm a social conservative.

Who is your favorite Republican?

Probably Ronald Reagan, but I am a Bush fan - Texans stick together!

Why did you choose to intern with the Massachusetts Republican Party?

I came back fired up from Texas, and I decided to help out because I wanted to try to make a difference in the political landscape here. Folks need to know we are good, compassionate, and generous people. I Love the folks I work with here - true lifetime friends! :)

(NOTE- today is Trish's last day and we sure will miss her. She has been with us as an intern for 19 months. Thanks Trish for all of your help, you have been wonderful to work with and have helped us in so many ways.)

Best Wishes Brian!

Brian Dodge, our Executive Director is moving to Washington D.C. and we wish him the best of luck. It was great working with Brian and we will miss his talents and presence here at the Mass GOP headquarters.

The Herald has a blurb about it here. Thanks again Brian for everything you have done and we look forward to your return to Massachusetts!

26 Year Old - Youngest Selectman Ever Elected In Westborough

Earlier in the year the Mass GOP reached out to Timothy Dodd when we heard about his campaign for Selectman. In May, Tim ended up winning and we wanted you to know about it.

Why did you decide to run?
I've always had a strong interest in public affairs, and wanted to serve the town where I grew up. At the age of 18, as a high school senior, I was elected as a Trustee of Soldier's Memorials. This experience started my interest in serving in public office, and I went on to earn a degree in political science at American University in Washington, DC. At AU, I was lucky enough to have many internships, including working at the White House and serving on Governor Romney's campaign. Serving as a Selectman was, for me, the next logical step to serve my town as a public servant.

Briefly describe your campaign operation?
At AU, I took part in the Campaign Management Institute, and later worked as the campaign manager for Corey Stewart, who successfully ran for a spot on the Prince William (VA) Board of County Supervisors. These experiences gave me great ideas for my campaign, which I centered on going door to door. Throughout the campaign, I visited over 500 doors, and was able to make new connections, as well as to reconnect with people I have not seen in many years. I followed up going door to door with letters, as well as reminder phone calls. Throughout it all, I stayed on message of bringing a fresh perspective to the Board of Selectman by speaking about issues that mattered to the residents of Westborough.

What was your greatest tool?
The Voter Vault was easily the most important tool that I used during the election. Voter Vault allowed me to create detailed walking lists, which proved invaluable while going door to door. The program also allowed me to create targeted mailing lists.

Tell us about GOP activity in your area?
Westborough is still a relatively Republican town. Although, I believe, Democratic registration has recently slightly surpassed Democratic registration, our three State Representatives are all Republicans. Going door to door, many people asked my party registration, and most were agreeable when I mentioned that I was a registered Republican. While we have a Town GOP Committee, it does not seem to meet on a regular basis. However, I would definitely like to become more involved.

What do you seen in your future?
Well, first and foremost, I look forward to the remainder of my three year term serving the citizens of the Westborough on the Board of Selectman. Public service is in my blood, and I intend in serving the public for many years to come. While I enjoy serving in municipal government, serving in state government would also provide interesting and unique challenges.

What would you like to see the local Republican Town Committees do more/less of?
I would like to see the local Republican Town Committee become more active at all levels of the political process, local, state, and federal. There is a great deal of interest out there; it is just a matter of coming together as a cohesive organization.

Intern Spotlight - Joseph Cersosimo

Where are you from?
I am from Wakefield, Massachusetts.

Where do you go to school and what to you study?
I am currently attending the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH. Political science is my major.

Why are you a Republican?
I am a Republican because my conservative philosophy and political views match those of the Republican Party. More specifically, I support tax cuts, strong national defense, and limited government, and I believe in traditional values.

Who is your favorite Republican?
Ronald Reagan!

Why intern at the Mass GOP?
I chose to intern with the Massachusetts Republican Party because the internship provided a great opportunity for me to gain valuable hands-on experience that relates to my major.

Lunch With Interns - Thank You!

Chairman Peter Torkildsen had lunch this week with some of our fabulous interns. This summer we had a lot of hard working interns here at the Mass GOP and it will be sad to see them go back to school. We can't thank our interns enough for their dedication to Growing Our Party and they will continue their committment with the College Republicans this fall.

Intern Spotlight - Ashley White

Where are you from?
Holderness, New Hampshire

Where do you go to school/what is your major?
St. Lawrence University - Government/Pre-Law Major and Philosophy is my minor.

Why are you a Republican?
I support low taxes and and the emphasis of the individual (as opposed to society/group think). I support limited government especially in economic matters; however, some government intervention is necessary to protect the safety and security of the nation. I believe the most effective form of government is the one closest to the people. s

Who is your favorite Republican?
Mitt Romney

Why did you choose to intern with the Mass GOP?
I wanted to gain experience in the field before heading to Washington D.C. in the fall. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to work in politics and to learn about campaigns and party building.

Nomination Papers Available

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that the Secretary of State has mailed nomination papers for Republican Ward/Town/City committees to ever Town/City hall in the state. If you have any questions you can call us at 617-523-5005 or you can call the Elections Division at 617-727-2828.

Nomination papers are due locally on Friday, November 9 and they are due at the Secretary of State on Tuesday, November 20.

Mass GOP Summer Cookout

You are invited to a summer cookout to raise money for the Massachusetts Republican Party. The cookout is hosted by State Committeewoman Jeanne Kangas and will be on August 23rd at 5:30 at her home in Boxborough on 959 Hill Road. The cost is $40 per person/ $75 per family. To RSVP you can contact Jeanne Kangas at jskangas@verizon.net or call Jeanne at 978-502-7325.

In attendance will be State Committee members and Chairman Peter Torkildsen. We hope to see you there for some good food, good people, and good times!

Welcome From Chairman Torkildsen

Chairman Torkildsen is in Minneapolis, MN where he is attending the RNC Summer Meeting.

Peter was there during the horrific bridge accident and here is an audio post from Peter.

Below is the link to the Twin Cities Red Cross if you wish to donate.

Ogonowski TV Ad

As a retired Air Force pilot, Jim Ogonowski knows a thing or two about being in the air.

Now, Jim has launched his air campaign with this ad.




Hat Tip BlOgonowski

Franklin County GOP - Online!

Welcome Franklin County GOP to the blogosphere! It was great meeting some of you this week and keep up the good work! Special thanks to Isaac Mass, State Committeeman spearheading the Franklin County GOP.

Norfolk & Plymouth District Meeting

Pictured here on the left is State Committeeman Matt Sisk and State Committeewoman Christine Cedrone. Chairman Torkildsen took this picture at the end of the meeting in Braintree. Thanks to everyone that came out!