Get Trained, RSVP by April 11

Cape Cod Events!

Campaign Kick-off

Ricardo Barros for County Commissioner

April 16, 2008

6:00 to 8:00 P.M.

The Yarmouth House, Route 28, Yarmouth, MA

Open invitation******Donations accepted

Refreshments, Entertainment, Cash Bar

Committee to elect Anastasia Welsh Perrino

Please join us in support of

Anastasia Welsh Perrino

for

Register of Probate

Thursday, April 17, 2008

5:30 – 7:30 P.M.

Alberto’s Ristorante

Main Street, Hyannis

$50.00 per person

Contact: Bruce Gilmore (508) 362-8833; David Nunhiemer (508) 775-0763;
Tom Perrino (508) 362-6262

CAPE COD REPUBLICAN CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING

HYANNIS GOLF CLUB

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28^TH – 7 P.M.

Ross touts experience

From the Attleboro Sun Chronicle

ATTLEBORO - City Councilor George Ross has a simple request of voters before they cast ballots this fall for state representative: Check to see who has the best experience for the job.

"I'd like everyone to look at the resumes. I think I have the best resume," Ross said Sunday after formally announcing he is running for the seat being vacated by state Rep. John Lepper, R-Attleboro.

For more of this story, click here.

Once Again

Because John McCain will be our next President.

Lieberman Calls Democrat Party "Hyperpartisan"

And thus, the Senator from Connecticut speaks the truth.

New Poll on Book Deal

SurveyUSA:

Do you agree or disagree with the Governor's decision to leave Massachusetts while casino plan was debated?

Agree: 21%

Disagree: 69%

Not Sure: 10%

Caucus Video

Two interns at the MassGOP, Rachel and Joanna, have a message for you.

Poll of The Day

Vote Here

Deval Book Names CONSOLIDATED LIST

UPDATE: WELCOME HOWIE CARR LISTENERS!

This post will now serve to host all submissions due to the overwhelming response.

Update #1: "Together We Can, Hang the Drapes! Let's Go to New York, We'll take the Cadillac!"

Update #2: "Give me your dollars...and I will give you CHANGE! (pennies and nickels that is)"

Update #3: “Just Words”

Update #4: "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Tax"

Update #5:

"4 and Out:

The Coupe Deval Story, The Most Forgettable Term in Massachusetts Gubernatorial History."

Update #6: "Curtain Call"

Update #7: "Dreams from my Consultant"

Update #8: (From the Comments) "One Flew Over the Berkshire's Nest"

Update #9: "Behind the Velvet Curtains"

The Best Submissions:

"Pair of Dice Lost"
"Drapes of Wrath"
"Taking Chances: Gambling With The Commonwealth."
"All Talk, No Action."
"I, Bama"

"The Absent Governor"

"Running in Massachusetts. How the Gullible Made Me Great"
"Double Down with Deval"

"Cadillac Deval - No Tax Relief for You, but a New Cadillac for Me"

From an Email:

Gentlemen:

I heard you were looking for a title for the governor's book. There is no question about it; it has to be YES WE CAN.

Susan Bistany

Meet Dinesh D'Souza

Have you ever seen Dinesh D'Souza debate? Have you read any of his books?

Illiberal Education

Letters to a Young Conservative

What's So Great About America

Dinesh is coming to Boston. He will be debating at Harvard and this is something that you won't want to miss. The debate is titled "Christianity vs Atheism" and he will be debating Dan Barker, a well known athiest.

At Harvard’s Memorial Church, Tues April 22, 8pm:

Click Here For Details

Name The Governor's Book!

According to the Boston Globe, Governor Patrick seems more intent on shopping a book about himself then fighting for his own economic proposals. The only problem was, when he came back from New York, he brought back a review in the New York Times, but not the one he was hoping for.

Candidate Deval told Massachusetts that he'd be full-time but Governor Deval has routinely been out of state.

The MassGOP wants to give the Governor a hand with choosing a name for his new book. That's why we're asking you to submit your own title for Governor Patrick's Book. You can email your suggestions to Tips@MassGOP.com.

Hopefully, together we can come up with a good title. We will post the best names here; if you want credit, please include your name and town.

The American President Americans Have Been Waiting For

First McCain TV AD

Malden City Committee Elects Officers

Story Here

Cartoon of the Day

Hat Tip Washington Post

Matt Kinnaman on John Kerry

Matt Kinnaman has good column out today on John Kerry and Energy Indepedence

Keep up the good work Matt!

ObamaNomics

Northampton RCC News

From the Northampton Republican City Committee:

Last night the Northampton Republican City Committee reorganized in the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library. With the strong support of the Hampshire & Franklin District new State Committee Woman Paulette Brooks-Amherst they began to plan for the upcoming election cycle. They were equally excited about campaigning for John McCain for President and Keith McCormic for State Senate. The Northampton Republican City Committee Chair is John Andrulis, a position once held by Calvin Coolidge himself. Republicans who want to get active with Northampton's Republican City Committee or in any of the City's 7 Ward Committees can get in touch with John at andrulisja@aol.com.

NY Times on Deval

Good article here.

Jeff Perry Campaign Kickoff!

Please join Representative Jeff Perry

for his

Campaign 2008 Kickoff

Friday, March 28, 2008, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Guest Speaker: Brad Jones, House Minority Leader

at the Sandwich Hollows Golf Course,

off the Service Road, Sandwich

Baked Ziti, Caesar Salad, and French Bread Buffet

Donations are greatly appreciated

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jeffrey Perry

Post Office Box 1435, Sandwich, MA 02563

www.electjeffperry.com

Keith McCormic

Got some nice press recently - we need good guys like Keith running for office.

Check out the Article by clicking here

Be sure to visit his website and donate!

If you're interested in running, email us at Candidates@MassGOP.com

Tax Day Social

After giving the government our money, put some to good use and buy yourself a round with the Somerville GOP.

Where: PJ Ryan's @7:30 PM on 4/14/08

Ill be there...

Kerry Confused?

Poll: 28% of Clinton Supporters vote for McCain

Beacuse MAC IS BACK.

Full Poll Results Here.

Summer 2008 Internships

We are looking for a few good interns - know of any?  Don't let the summer of 2008 pass you by without getting first hand experience.  

Mass Dems Have Something on the Brain...

With Barney Frank introducing a bill to decriminalize marijuana, a citizens petition making its way through the system, and similar legislation filed by Rep. Smizik and Sen. Jehlen, it’s little wonder that Massachusetts Democrats are in a state of confusion.

Here are the top ten ways you know that Massachusetts Democrats have something other than the impending fiscal crisis on the mind.

1) You see Gov. Patrick wandering the statehouse asking, “Dude, Where’s my Cadillac?”

2) The chandelier in the Governor’s Council Chamber is replaced with a disco ball.

3) Democrats begin paying the higher “optional” income tax rate.

4) Tim Murray gavels the weekly Governor’s Council meeting to order and then wonders aloud “why is everyone looking at me?”

5) John Kerry says he has “absolutely no interest in running for president ever again.”

6) You find half the Democratic caucus sleeping on the Esplanade after a Pink Floyd concert.

7) Democratic legislators plan a junket to Hillary Clinton’s Woodstock museum.

8) House Speaker DiMasi suggests the Casino bill went “Up in Smoke”

9) Barney Frank begins earmarking “The Munchies”

10) The Ways and means committee’s Budget proposal shows up covered in caramel and cheetos.

Event Honoring Mary Rogeness

The Massachusetts Republican Municipal Coalition PAC and the Western MA Young Republican Club recently held an event honor retiring Representative Mary Rogeness:

The Crowd:


Congatulations!

MassGOP on Slatecard

The MassGOP has just launched its slatecard page. Slatecard is a new tool for online fundraising to help Republican candidates. Slatecard cares about issues because donors care about issues. The beauty of this system is that enables the donors to support the issues that they care about.

Click the image below to get on the MassGOP slatecard page and start supporting the candidates that you care about.

You Choose

What should the 2008 GOP convention blog be named?

You get to pick. Have some fun.

New McCain Poll

Read this from CNS news:

"As Democratic Senators Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Clinton of New York slug it out for the nomination, many of their supporters -- at least in Pennsylvania, site of the next major primary -- aren't committed to the party's ticket in November, according to a Franklin & Marshall College Poll. Among Obama supporters, 20 percent said they would vote for Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the Republican nominee, if Clinton beats their candidate for the nomination.

Among Clinton supporters, 19 percent said they would support McCain in November if Obama is the Democratic nominee."

Pay Raise Filed By Democrats

The Melrose Republican City Committee is on offense with this letter to the editor.

"The recent maneuver by State House Democrats to sneak a pay raise into the snow
bill is just the latest example of what the people in commonwealth can expect
from the near total control of our state government by the Democratic Party."

Do Your Part

McCain Up Double Digits

So sayeth Drudge

McCain = 51%

Clinton = 41%

McCain = 49%

Obama = 42%

Update 1:53 PM: Full Poll Numbers Here

Training Center Opens in Boston

For the 2008 cycle, we are proud to announce the grand opening of our training center at the MassGOP headquarters in Boston. This is not a substitute for the trainings that we do out on the road (just got back from North Attleboro). We are simply adding to our training program.

Here is the idea - on the road, our trainings are somewhat generic. We use hypothetical situations for "Candidate X" or "X town."

In our new training center, you will get a personalized training tailored to your district, town, or college campus. That's the deal. If you come all the way into Boston, we will prepare a personal training for you.

Contact us at info@massgop.com and secure a Saturday for your campaign, town committee, or college republican club and we will put you down in the calender (first come first serve.)

Oh, and for lunch there is a great pizza shop just around the corner from us!

North Attleboro Training

Just got back from the North Attleboro training and it was at the North Attleboro High School. I got there early (as I usually do) and set up the equipment in the classroom and snapped this shot. Thanks to State Committeewoman Deb Tucker for setting up this training and it was great to meet Christopher Sweet, Chairman of the North Attleboro Republican Town Committee.

Massachusetts for McCain Wallpaper

Now available!

Click on the link below that matches your desktop size and follow the instructions.

800 by 600

1024 by 768

1280 by 1024

Republican Business Networking Breakfast!

A great idea! Definitely check it out:

Friday April 11, 2008, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Highland March Executive Suites

20 Cabot Boulevard, Suite 300, Mansfield, MA

Co-hosted by: Olivier Kozlowski, Vice Chair, Mansfield RTC and

Ari Taube, Chair, Sharon RTC

You’ve seen your fellow Republicans at meetings, campaign events and social gatherings, but do you know what they do for their “day jobs?” You might discover that you can refer business back and forth with your fellow Republicans. Here’s your opportunity to find out, and to do some marketing of your own.

Join us Friday morning, April 11, for breakfast and a great networking opportunity. Republican city and town committee members will have the chance to get up and let everyone know what they do, exchange business cards and materials and come away with a directory of those present: “The Red Pages.” Whether you own your own business or can benefit by bringing in business to your employer, “The Red Pages” will give you the chance to present your business and contact information to your fellow Republicans.

Signup deadline for inclusion in “The Red Pages:” You’re more than welcome to show up and pay at the door, but if you’d like to be included in “The Red Pages,” send a check in the amount of $20 to cover breakfast, room rental and printing of “The Red Pages” to: Olivier Kozlowski, 22 Tracy Circle, Mansfield, MA 02048, along with your business information to be received no later than March 31, 2008.

Red Pages submission specifications: depending on the response, each person will get either ½ or ¼ page ads. You may submit your ad in print or electronic format to kozesq@comcast.net. Remember to include your contact information (especially if you work for someone else), and what category you’d like to be listed under in the table of contents. Also, please identify which city or town committee you belong to.

Questions may be directed to Olivier Kozlowski, (days): (781) 297-0005, (evenings) (508) 261-9254 or anytime at kozesq@comcast.net.

or

Ari Taube: (781) 367-5066 or ari.taube@sharongop.org

Hayes on Tsongas and Taxes

Kurt Hayes, our candidate for Congress in the 5th Congressional District, rightly called out Niki Tsongas in the Lowell Sun today, because she voted for the Largest Tax Hike In History. (Hereafter known as the LTHIH)

The charges of broken campaign promises, denied by Tsongas, offer a glimpse of how Republicans will campaign against the Lowell congresswoman this fall when she faces re-election to her 5th District seat after her special-election victory last October.

"It surprises me because I remember very clearly from the campaign when she was talking about tax increases, it was on the wealthiest 1 percent," said Boxboro Republican Kurt Hayes, who plans on challenging Tsongas again in November after his first bid as an Independent came up short.

Hayes also expressed frustration that House Democrats rejected a Senate-proposed one-year moratorium on "pork-barrel" spending, supported by both Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Make sure you check out Kurts website www.kurthayes.com

Keith McKormick Online

Would you like to take down the liberal President Pro Tempore of the Senate? Keith McKormick is your guy and he is running for State Senate. If you are out in the Deerfield, Northampton area be sure to connect with Keith or donate to his campaign now.

GOP makes a stand in Somerville

The Somerville Journal writes about the growing GOP:

"McKenna said Brown could bring the party back to life. 'Now, Travis and a couple of others at the Saturday meeting, they’re excited, they’re young, and they want to get organized for some purpose.'

'Wonderful, wonderful,' McKenna said."

The new Chairman, Andre Greeen, can be reached at: andregreen [at] gmail.com

Gallup – McCain favorable rating higher than Obama, Clinton

http://www.gallup.com/poll/105073/McCains-67-Favorable-Rating-Highest-Eight-Years.aspx?version=print

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of John McCain?
Favorable = 67%
Unfavorable = 27%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Hillary Clinton?
Favorable = 53%
Unfavorable = 44%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Barack Obama?
Favorable = 62%
Unfavorable = 33%

“McCain's 67% favorable rating is the highest of any of the three major candidates running for president, and ties for his highest in Gallup polling history. … McCain gets an extraordinarily high 52% favorable from Democrats and independents who lean Democratic, while Obama gets a 39% favorable rating from Republicans and Republican leaners. Clinton, on the other hand, receives only a 20% favorable rating from Republicans and Republican leaners. McCain is also helped by the fact that he receives an 87% favorable rating from Republicans, higher than the 80% and 79% that Clinton and Obama, respectively, currently receive from Democrats.”

Paul Avella's New Website

Check it out here: http://www.avellaforstaterep.com

March Madness, John McCain Style

From the McCain Campaign:

Happy St. Patrick's Day! With the "Luck O' the Irish" on your side, head over to JohnMcCain.com/brackets to join in the McCain 2008 Basketball Brackets. John McCain has made his picks, and this is your chance to compare your picks with his. You'll also be eligible for great McCain 2008 prizes.

Click here to sign up and fill out your bracket. Picks must be made before the start of the first games on Thursday, March 20th so make your picks today! After you've signed up, send your friends a quick note to invite them to join in the fun.

We're also offering another way to join in the bracket fun this year and get your friends involved as well. When you make your picks, you can select your favorite college or university and your points from your correct picks will go to your school. The school with the most points will win - so the more people you get to play, the better chance your school will have! Whether you're an alumni, current student or a fan, every correct point will help show your support for your school, even if they're not still playing in March! Be sure to spread the word to all of your friends to make sure they sign up today.

We're all looking forward to some great games in the weeks ahead, but even the excitement of March basketball doesn't compare with the excitement of electing the next President of the United States! While you're watching the games with your friends or lamenting your busted bracket over the water cooler, don't forget to tell your friends about your support for John McCain. We want to invite everyone to join our team as we continue our campaign to elect the man who has the experience, judgment and character to lead as commander in chief from day one, and your help building our team is critical.

Good luck with your bracket and don't forget to click here to make your picks before Thursday!

The Big Three (New Bedford Style)

From the press release...

NEW BEDFORD REPUBLICAN PARTY PASSES TORCH TO GENERATION Y

The New Bedford Republican Party now boasts its own version of the ‘BIG THREE.’ And once again, a veteran ‘Pierce’ is joined by two tremendous additions to bolster a rapidly growing and developing leadership team. Even better yet, the new ‘BIG THREE’ boast an average age of just 25 years old! Without any doubt, it is clear that in the New Bedford Republican Party, Generation Y has assumed the leadership and the direction of the local GOP and its focus- for good. The New Bedford Republican Party convened this past Tuesday, March 11, 2008 to re-elect its membership slate and officers for the 2008-2010 term. Delegates from each of New Bedford’s six wards were present to cast ballots for the members of each city ward committee, as well as executive board officers to represent the citywide New Bedford Republican Party. By law, each ward committee may elect as many as 35 voting members as well as unlimited associate, non-voting members. Called to reorganize by mandate of the Massachusetts Republican Party in the thirty days following each Presidential Primary, the New Bedford Republican Party celebrated its reorganization by recapping a tremendously successful 2007.

Incumbent New Bedford GOP Chairman Nathan Pierce reminded the several dozen delegates of the achievements of the past season. Mr. Pierce noted the re-election of Ward 1 Councilor Linda Morad, as well as the election of Jill-Marie Ussach to the New Bedford School Committee. Mr. Pierce described the Party’s renewed activism at the grassroots level as the vehicle for which the Party will continue to aggressively reach out to Republican and conservative voters. Mr. Pierce cited the New Bedford's GOP endorsement of and active participation in the campaign of US Senate hopeful Jeff Beatty (R-MA) as evidence of the Party’s enthusiasm to help resource viable candidates for office. According to Mr. Pierce, the New Bedford Republican Party features plenty of reasons to look to 2008 for continued optimism and growth.

Mr. Pierce also recognized the activation of a regional GOP and an enhanced focus on regional cooperation and development as a direct result of the district’s election of two representatives to the state committee in Boston. Mr. Brock Cordeiro (R-Dartmouth) was ratified as state committeeman in March, 2007 and Ms. Jill-Marie Ussach (R-New Bedford) was confirmed as the state committeewoman at the March 5th caucus of this year.

Mr. Pierce, 24, was re-elected to serve a full, two-year term as Chairman of the New Bedford Republican Party through 2010. Newcomer Mr. Ryan Dixon, 26, was elected to the post of vice-chair. A local GOP grassroots activist, Mr. Dixon was dynamic in the Paleologos for Governor’s Council Campaign and brings a host of contacts and organization skills to the team. Mr. Dixon cited membership retention and growth as his chief objectives. Traditionally, the vice-chair serves to develop the Party’s roster and work with each ward committee to delegate responsibility for the support of candidates and causes throughout New Bedford’s six wards.

Ward 1 delegate Mrs. Jennifer Patrao, 24, was also elected to the post of secretary. A former Bush-Cheney ’04 Team Leader, Mrs. Patrao will provide an energetic voice for the leadership team with respect to publicity and communication. In her capacity as secretary-elect, Mrs. Patrao will be instrumental to the construction of Voter-Identification projects and Get-Out-The-Vote efforts. Mr. Robert G. Morris, 62, was also re-elected to serve a fourth consecutive term as the treasurer. The New Bedford Republican Party presented a standing ovation to outgoing Secretary Marion McMullen who stepped down following six consecutive terms as the Party’s primary point of contact. Ms. McMullen served the Party faithfully with tremendous attention to detail and patriotism. The New Bedford Republican Party will be honoring Ms. McMullen at its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2008. Please join the New Bedford Republican Party in welcoming Vice-chair Ryan Dixon and Secretary Jennifer Patrao at the next monthly meeting on TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2008. The meeting will be held in the first-floor Ashley Room of New Bedford’s City Hall at 6:30PM. For more information about the New Bedford Republican Party, membership or to donate, please visit the district website: www.semassgop.com


Congratulations to all of you! Keep watering the grassroots!

Meet Meghan McCain

Meghan McCain has been out on the campaign trail and has been blogging about her experiences. I must say, I'm impressed with her blog and how original it is. Campaigns have a tendency to use blogs as another controlled, over-produced, website. It looks like Meghan has free reign and that's great to see.

I got a chuckle out of her "dad's totally lame family sweatshirt" and the other inside pictures that you don't get to see on johnmccain.com too often.

Zogby – McCain beats Obama, Clinton

http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1467

McCain = 45%

Clinton = 39%

Nader = 6%


McCain = 44%

Obama = 39%

Nader = 5%

New McCain Video

"Journey To Freedom" marks 35 years since John McCain was released as a POW

WSJ on JM

The Wall Street Journal has piece titled, "The Conservative Case For McCain"

"Hope alone won't carry us through the valley of the shadow of debt. The fact that neither Mrs. Clinton nor Mr. Obama has made cost-cutting a part of their political vocabulary is a clear indication that they would increase spending. In fact, Mrs. Clinton has already proven skillful at snagging pork. Over the past few years alone, she has attached some $2.2 billion in earmarks to federal spending bills. Mr. McCain has asked for exactly $0 in earmarks.

And while Mr. Obama's oratorical skills have been inspiring, his proposals would entail roughly the same $800 billion in new government spending that Mrs. Clinton proposes. To his credit, Mr. Obama admits that his spending proposals will take more than three clicks of his heels to fund. He would pay for his priorities with a bevy of tax increases which he hopes taxpayers won't notice.

But taxpayers will notice. Mr. Obama plans to raise taxes on capital gains, dividends and corporate profits. He wants to hike estate taxes by 50%. And he wants to eliminate the cap on payroll taxes. These tax hikes would increase the burden borne by individuals and decrease the competitiveness of our economy.

I was elected to Congress in 1994 as part of a Republican Revolution that captured control of both the House and Senate. A number of us tried to apply the brakes to the Washington spending train. We didn't succeed. Six years later, I left Washington convinced that only a chief executive willing to use the presidential bully pulpit could bring spending under control.

Now, in John McCain, the GOP has a standard-bearer who would be willing to turn the power of the presidency toward controlling federal spending. Mr. McCain has one of the best spending records in Congress, and has never shied away from criticizing government pork-barrel spending."

The Op-Ed was written by Mark Sanford, the Governor of South Carolina.

MassGOP Week in Review

The GOP went to the Berkshires:

(Berkshire Eagle 3/14) "He knows the task will not be easy, considering that Berkshire, Hampden and Hampshire counties have some of the highest percentage of registered Democrats in the state. "When you look at how they vote, a lot of spots in Western Massachusetts look like Boston. It's dark, dark blue," Willington said. "We're out here understanding it's not going to become a Republican area overnight. We're laying the foundation, building the groundwork to become a strong grassroots organization in Massachusetts." Despite its blue nature, however, Berkshire County is the only place in the state that has a full-time Republican operating office — run by the Berkshire County Republican Association — and a full-time employee."

Link: http://www.berkshireeagle.com/localnews/ci_8568979

Gov. Patrick Appointed a new Education Secretary:

(Associated Press 3/12) “Reville's appointment also drew criticism. The Massachusetts Republican Party pointed to testimony Reville gave in 2003, when he criticized a plan by former Gov. Mitt Romney to create an education secretariat much like the job he was appointed to by Patrick. "No matter how well-constituted, an education secretariat creates a competing center of
power that vies with and against the state's" education department and commissioner," Reville said at the time, according to the Lowell Sun."Another day, more hypocrisy from the Democrats," said GOP spokesman Barney Keller. "No wonder they tried to stop most of Gov. Romney's reforms: so they'd have some ideas of their own if they took the corner office."”

Link:
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/NEWS/
803120390/-1/NEWS01

State Committeeman Travis Brown mentioned in Somerville Journal:

(Somerville Journal 3/11) “State party Communications Director Barney Keller said in a written statement, “[Brown’s] dedication to electing Republicans is un-paralleled and we look forward to seeing the results of his hard work.” In a press release, state party chairman Peter Torkildsen said the newly-appointed committee chairs, Brown included, “firmly believe in the absolute need to restore two-party competition to Massachusetts.”

Link: http://www.wickedlocal.com/somerville/homepage/x39088138

The Democrats tried to hike their own pay:

(Associated Press 3/12) “Rob Willington, executive director of the state Republican Party, called the move arrogant given that the state is facing a $1.3 billion revenue gap.”

Link:
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/politics/view.bg?articleid=1079904


(State House News 3/13) “The arrogance of the Democrats on Beacon Hill is astounding,” said state Republican Party Executive Director Rob Willington in a statement issued shortly after the vote. “This is the same party that’s forcing cities and towns to raise property taxes because they aren’t giving them more local aid. Now they say the reason they can’t provide more local aid is because they need to give themselves gluttonous pay raises. Business as usual up on Beacon Hill.”

Link:
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/politics/view.bg?articleid=1079949


Rep. Geoff Hall (D-Westford) got Hit on Prop 2 ½

(Lowell Sun 3/11) “State Rep. Geoff Hall's Republican challenger said Hall's recent support of a Proposition 2 1/2 exemption for senior citizens is against an initial campaign pledge. Paul Avella, of Littleton, pointed to a 1992 questionnaire in which the Westford Democrat said he was against
making any changes to Proposition 2 1/2. "There was a pledge to follow the will of the people, and this disassembling of Proposition 2 1/2 goes counter to the will of the people," Avella, 53, said yesterday.”

Link: http://www.lowellsun.com/todaysheadlines/ci_8532786

Building In The Berkshires

Yesterday, I worked with the Berkshire GOP out of there office in Pittsfield. The Berkshire County Republican Association (BCRA) has an operational office and a full time executive director, Peter Giftos. The Berkshire Eagle reported my travels to Massachusetts and it was a good time.

Pictured here is our new State Committeewoman, Dawn Thompson, the Chairman of the BCRA, Jim Bashour, and the Executive Director of the BCRA, Peter Giftos.

I then went to Dalton to join the Republican Town Committee meeting and spoke with them about the new tools offered by the MassGOP.

RNC Chairman Duncan

Chairman Duncan came to Boston this week to help the MassGOP raise money - thank you Mr. Chairman! Here is a picture of Chairman Duncan, talking with one of our newest State Committee members, Travis Brown. Travis is the youngest serving member on the State Committee.


Visit our flickr page for more photos of the event.

Protect the Elephant!

From the State House News - Kudos to Senator Hedlund

"COMMITTEE POLLING ON TOUGHER ELEPHANT BILL: After generating passion and fervor last fall, a bill governing the care of elephants in Massachusetts is primed for release from the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. Members of the committee have until noon today to report on the bill. Originally meant to ban certain training methods – the use of sharp, curved bull hooks, and chaining elephants for prolonged periods – the committee has toughened the language to ban elephants from traveling circuses in the commonwealth altogether. At an October hearing, Ringling Bros. executives expressed outrage at the bill, insisting that banning the use of bull hooks would prevent traveling circuses from ever coming to the state. Bull hooks, they said, were never used to harm elephants, which they said share close bonds with their trainers. But several former circus employees and animal rights activists contrasted the circus executives’ accounts, describing bleeding, shrieking elephants, beaten viciously by trainers. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), would not ban elephants kept by institutions accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association."

Dems Vote to Raise Pay

From State House News:

HOUSE APPROVES REVENUE COMMITTEE PAY RAISES: By a vote of 121-20, the House on Wednesday agreed to a trio of contentious pay raises, one each for the chairs of the Committee on Revenue and one for the House vice chair. House and Senate budget chiefs attempted to tack pay raises for legislative leaders onto a supplemental budget during Monday’s informal session but House Republicans held the bill up Monday and again on Tuesday. The amendment approved by the House would increase the pay of the two co-chairs by $7,500, which Rep. Angelo Scaccia argued on Wednesday would bring those lawmakers’ salaries back up to pre-2005 levels. Scaccia, who added that the House should address the pay levels of all of its members, said the Revenue Committee deals with more than 1,000 bills every session and is the second most powerful committee on Beacon Hill. House Minority Leader Bradley Jones said that during tough economic times, the Legislature shouldn’t be granting its own members pay hikes, especially quietly during informal sessions, as lawmakers first attempted to do. Rep. Harriett Stanley was the only Democrat to vote against the raises, which will benefit vice-chair Rep. William Straus, and co-chairs Rep. John Binienda and Sen. Cynthia Creem. Straus and Binienda voted present. Scaccia said the pay raises would only be retroactive to January 2008, not 2005, as one member suggested was possible. In a statement issued shortly after the vote, state

In a statement issued shortly after the vote, state Republican Party Executive Director Rob Willington said, "The arrogance of the Democrats on Beacon Hill is astounding. This is the same party that's forcing cities and towns to raise property taxes because they aren't giving them more local aid. Now they say the reason they can't provide more local aid is because they need to give themselves gluttonous pay raises. Business as usual up on Beacon Hill." The statement was issued as the House began consideration of a resolution pledging a 4.4 percent, $223 million local aid hike, to $5.26 billion. The resolution eventually passed.

Travis Brown in the News!

Republican State Committeeman Travis Brown is making news again.

"Somerville - Somerville’s got a stake in the Massachusetts GOP’s future.

Packard Avenue resident Travis Brown was just elected to chair a committee for the state Republican party. He was appointed chair of the Committee on Registration and Membership.

In order to give Republicans in the city a collective voice, Brown hosts weekly meet-ups of the Republican City Committee at Mike’s in Davis Square at 10 a.m. on Saturdays."

Read the whole article here.

New Ogonowski Web Ad

Check it out:



Also in the race for US Senate is Jeff Beatty

Springfield GOP

Congrats to John Lysak, the new Chairman of the Springfield Republican City Committee. John is also involved with the Massachusetts Young Republicans.

Visit the SpringfieldGOP blog here.

Blocked

The GOP on Beacon Hill has blocked a proposal to boost the salaries of legislators on the Revenue Committee.

St. Patricks Day

If you're Irish, and you support McCain - you can get your gear by clicking on the button below:

From the Boston Herald Today:

"While most of Massachusetts was under a flood watch this weekend, Gov. Deval Patrick was far from the gloom of his home state.

Instead, he was in Miami, addressing the "Political OutGiving" conference of gay and lesbian fundraisers.

The road trip was the latest of a series of weekend getaways made by a Democratic governor who was not shy about criticizing the travels of his Republican predecessor, former Gov. Mitt Romney. In 2006, while laying the groundwork for what turned out to be an unsuccessful presidential campaign, Romney was out of state nearly 250 days.

Last year, Patrick took a monthlong vacation at his second home in the Berkshire Mountains. Barely 10 weeks into the new year, he has left Massachusetts on weekends to campaign for Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Ohio.

He also has taken a week of vacation in the Berkshires this year, followed by a visit to Washington for a National Governors Association meeting. Immediately upon returning, he spent a day campaigning for Democrats running for state representative.

While aides defend the travel, saying it is occurring for official reasons, on Patrick’s personal time or to benefit Obama and not his own political ambitions, this weekend’s trip shows how the lines often blur.

And on every occasion, Patrick is accompanied by a State Police contingent whose airfare, hotels, meals and overtime are charged to taxpayers."

$5.00

If you do not subscribe to National Review, you can buy this special issue here for $5.00.

Amazing Video

This is by far one of the best videos I have ever seen for President. I saw this video just minutes after I put up a Winston Churchill poster in my office with the "never, never, never give up" quote.

Interesting Video on 3AM Ad

What do you think? Does this ad work?

(Our thoughts - we want none of them answering the three AM Call)

Buy Patrick!

Find out how! Click here.

(And no, we're not talking about the gov.)

Jeff Beatty in the News

One of our Senate candidates, Jeff Beatty, recently had a couple of good articles written about him

Read them here and here.

Devack Obatrick Fatigue?

The National Review has a good article up about Obama fatigue.

I wonder how long it takes for the same to be written about Gov. Patrick?

The Patrick Pamphlets

Boston Globe

Aides to Governor Deval Patrick fanned out across the State House yesterday, delivering copies of an 11-page, color brochure extolling the benefits of the governor's casino plan to individual lawmakers, a move that emphasized his key arguments in advance of the scheduled release today of an independent analysis by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

"The pamphlets sent out by Governor Patrick today are not half as slick as his phony economics," added Barney Keller, spokesman for the state Republican Party. "Instead of wasting money sending out these mailers, he should be focusing on providing Massachusetts residents with real job numbers for his proposals."

Boston Herald

“The pamphlets sent out by Gov. Patrick today are not half as slick as his phony economics,” said Barney Keller, spokesman for the state’s Republican Party. “Instead of wasting money sending out these (magazines), he should be focusing on providing Massachusetts residents with real job numbers for his proposals.”

John McCain For President

John McCain Has The Experience To Lead As Commander In Chief From Day One

Former President George H.W. Bush: "The indisputable fact that unites the greatest number of Republicans, most independents and many good Democrats is the fact that no one is better prepared to lead our nation at these trying times than Senator John McCain.” (John McCain 2008, “Former President George H.W. Bush Endorses John McCain For President,” Press Release, 2/18/08)

General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, U.S. Army (Ret.): “Senator John McCain has served our country with honor in war and in peace. He has demonstrated the type of courageous leadership our country sorely needs at this time. For that reason, he has my complete support.” (John McCain 2008, "General Norman Schwarzkopf Endorses John McCain For President," Press Release, 1/23/08)

Rudy Giuliani: “John McCain is the most qualified candidate to be the next commander-in-chief of the United States … He’s an American hero.” (“Rudy Hails His ‘Hero’ McCain,” The New York Post, 1/31/08)

Senator Joe Lieberman: “John McCain has proven that we can trust him to do what is right for our country, not only when it is easy, but when it is hard; to do what is necessary, not only when it is popular, but when it is not; and to tell us the truth, not only when it is easy to hear, but when it is not. As President, John McCain will bring America together again. He will inspire a new American unity and a new American patriotism. He will push all of us to work together to solve our biggest problems, and defeat our most dangerous enemies.” (John McCain 2008, “Senator Joe Lieberman Endorses John McCain For President,” Press Release, 12/17/07)

The Boston Herald: “There are times in this nation’s history so perilous that they cry out for a steady, experienced leader, a person so trusted that we would put the fate of this country in his hands. This is one of those times, and Sen. John McCain is that person.” (Editorial, “McCain’s The One,” The Boston Herald, 12/21/07)

New Hampshire Union Leader: “Simply put, McCain can be trusted to make informed decisions based on the best interests of his country, come hell or high water.” (Joseph McQuaid, “John McCain Is The Man To Lead America, The Union Leader, 12/2/07)

Union Leader: “McCain is by far the most informed candidate on military and foreign affairs. In our interviews with nearly all of the presidential candidates, only McCain offered a comprehensive and detailed strategic vision for maintaining America’s position as the world’s lone superpower.” (Editorial, “Commander In Chief: McCain Is The Best Choice,” New Hampshire Union Leader, 12/25/07)

Des Moines Register: “McCain is most ready to lead America in a complex and dangerous world and to rebuild trust at home and abroad by inspiring confidence in his leadership.” (Editorial, “Des Moines Register Endorses McCain,” The Des Moines Register, 12/16/07)

John McCain Is A Fiscal Hawk Who Will Reign In Out Of Control Government Spending And Keep Taxes Low

Former Congressman Jack Kemp: “John McCain is the only candidate who can be trusted to cut taxes, eliminate wasteful spending and enact conservative pro-growth policies to expand the economy. John McCain is the best choice to lead America to a more prosperous and secure future.” (John McCain 2008, “Jack Kemp Endorses John McCain For President,” Press Release, 1/7/08)

Former Sen. Phil Gramm (R-TX): “Today we have an unnecessary budget deficit, the result of wanton waste and dishonesty. John McCain has been a lonely but clarion voice on this issue: ‘Bills that perpetuate wasteful spending should be vetoed,’ he says. ‘Not some of them, all of them. The numbers should shock us; indifference to them should shame us.’ This is not a concern he discovered when he decided to run for president. I first heard him say these things when we served together in the House many years ago. To ask if he would really take on the spending establishment that runs Congress is to ask if water will wet, if fire will burn. If you want to end the spending spree in Washington, he is your man.” (Phil Gramm, Op-Ed, “Why John McCain,” The Wall Street Journal, 2/20/07)

John McCain Proposes Free-Market Solutions To Health Care

The Wall Street Journal: “The Senator’s views are panoramic, and he’s looking at a health-care landscape grounded in free-market principles. … Mr. McCain has largely predicated his candidacy on national security, but his entrance into the health-care fray solidifies the intellectual progress conservatives have made on the issue.” (Editorial, “McCain’s Medicine,” Wall Street Journal, 10/12/07)

Des Moines Register: “On health care, for example, he proposes to contain growth in costs with free-market solutions. One possibility is removing employer involvement in insurance and giving refundable tax credits to individuals ($2,500) and families ($5,000). He favors malpractice and tort reform. Veterans aren't getting the health care they deserve, he said.” (Linda Lantor Fandel, “McCain Shaped By War, But Offers More,” The Des Moines Register, 10/26/07)

new Communications Director.

The Exaggerator

From the Boston Globe

"The state Republican Party also pounced yesterday and poked Patrick for his
out-of-state campaigning for presidential candidate Barack Obama.

'Governor Patrick sure is earning his title as the 'Great Exaggerator,' Barney Keller, spokesman for the Massachusetts Republican Party, said in a written statement. 'He knows how to buy a plane ticket to Ohio, but he doesn't know how many jobs his own plan will supposedly create."

Welcome Barney Keller! We just hired Barney as our Communications Director and we are happy to have him on the team. His email is bkeller (at) massgop.com

More Golf?

From the Boston Globe

"DiMasi has come under fire himself and is the subject of an ethics complaint filed by the state Republican Party for playing golf in Florida with a top Suffolk Downs executive, Joseph O'Donnell, while the track was vying for a casino. DiMasi has said that he did nothing wrong and that, in fact, he should be lauded for turning down a golf invitation from casino mogul Donald Trump."

Nice deflection Sal. Instead of acknowledging the two exclusive golf resort outings in Florida (worth well over the legal limit of $50), you focus on the one that you happened to turn down.

D's Make C's

Today from the Boston Herald.

" 'Massachusetts is literally and figuratively digging itself into a deeper and deeper hole in terms of its infrastructure,' said Richard Greene, co-author of the Pew report.

Greene noted that Massachusetts is carrying more than $18 billion in overall debt - the highest per capita in the nation - and faces a $1-billion-per-year problem to maintain transportation infrastructure over the next 20 years."