Massachusetts Governor, Deval Patrick’s New Campaign Slogan - Yes! We Need More Taxes!

Deval Patrick, Campaigns on More Taxes! - Photo Boston Herald

Anyone living in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has noticed that they have been paying a lot more for simple things, including necessities, since the June round of taxes proposed by Governor Deval Patrick and passed by the Massachusetts Legislature went into effect. From cell phone bills, cable and satellite TV bills, to the increase in the bottom line of any given grocery receipt, a few dollars here, a few dollars there, adds up - especially in an economy where many find themselves choosing between eating and paying the rent. There are taxes and fees aplenty in the Commonwealth – all designed to boost a budget deficit that continues to outpace the income the Commonwealth derives from those individual working taxpayers and businesses that remain in the state.

In an election year, one finds U.S. representatives, and the Govenor, filling our mailboxes with brochures and flyer's touting constituent services (more on this subject at a later date). However, what one does not expect to see is the Incumbent Governor of the State known as “Taxachusetts” proposing yet another round of Taxes! From candy and soda (those are bad to you excuse) to Tobacco products that did not fall under a cigarette tax, such as cigars and pipe tobacco, (same excuse) to an increase in prescription drug fees for Medicaid recipients, a bottle tax on water and juice, and a surcharge on auto insurance – the later intended to drive those already struggling under the yoke of taxes, those underemployed, unemployed, and the elderly, to the very brink of destitution. Is he nuts?

Of course, the Governor, who is aware that his approval rating has tanked in recent months, (A recent Boston Globe/University of New Hampshire poll (Known to be generous to a certain political party – see Coakley plus 15 in the Brown/Coakley race while other pollsters had Brown up anywhere from 5 to 12 points) gave Patrick a 44% approval rating.) but believing in the power of the catchy and recycled slogan: “Yes, we can” - he decided that now is the time to raise taxes, again.

Why?

Enter the Trojan Horse.

The Governor faces a three way contest in November: Tim Cahill, Life-long Democrat conveniently turned Independent, and either the team of Republican Charlie Baker and Richard Tisie, or Republican/Independent Christy Mihos. With recent events in the Commonwealth clearly indicating that those who tax and spend – fail and retire - one has to ask why Deval Patrick continues on his path of potential taxing political suicide. Maybe he’s not as obtuse as one would believe.

The Cahill Factor: Tim Cahill, a life-long Democrat, began his career as a City Councilor, moving to the position of Country Treasurer and lastly elected State Treasurer in 2002. Cahill, who oversees the State Lottery, has had his share of notoriety. The Boston Globe report from December of 2009, talks about Cahill’s legal fees and use of “high profile, elite lawyers at the taxpayers’ expense. Apparently, when Deval Patrick began to tank in the polls, Cahill got “religion”. As of now Should Cahill receive more than 6%of the vote usually donated by the good citizens of the Commonwealth to the “Independent” running, he will insure that Deval Patrick is reelected. Sounds like a plan.

In reality, Tim Cahill may be sincere, but timing, as they say, is everything. With a disenchanted and depressed electorate, the candidates running for the governor’s office will be put under a proverbial microscope by the people of the Commonwealth – In real election terms, it is far too early to count anyone in or out, however, as the race shapes up during the summer, the handwriting should be on the walls (or in the polls).

Prediction: Deval Patrick takes the die hard progressives (26% of the 35% Democrats enrolled): Tim Cahill takes the balance of the Democrats who truly want a moderate, and 10% of the independents who believe he's truly found religion (that 19% and that is generous.) Looking more Baker/Tisie by the minute, take the balance. (12% Republican vote and the remaining 41% of the independent vote).

Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick Cuts Funding for Veterans Before Jetting off to White House Dinner

Yesterday, Massachusetts Governor, Democrat Deval Patrick, cut funds for veterans, which had previously been approved by the legislature. The reason given was that these medical services are covered “elsewhere” either through Medicare or private insurance carriers. However, most of those policies offer partial coverage, leaving those veterans using the services, liable for the balance - in many cases, balances that they are unable to afford.

Apparently, the Govenor has more concern with providing tuition assistance for those who have entered the country illegally, than providing basic health services for those who have served our country.

The Govenor made this decision prior to heading off to the White House First State Dinner

“Let them eat cake”

Patrick is up for reelection in 2010 – Tim Cahill is running as an Independent. The Republican’s, Charlie Baker, who recently announced Mass. State Senate Republican Richard Tisei as his running mate will face Christy Mihos, a populist candidate, in the Republican primary. Patrick’s approval ratings remain dismal and it is far too early in the race (given that primaries must be held) to project an outcome. Historically, Massachusetts independents receive approximately 6 to 8 percent of the vote, therefore, depending upon which Republican becomes the candidate (and it should be one that most indentifies with those outside of Beacon Hill), Patrick is facing an uphill battle and will become a mere “footnote”.


The Video below from Springfield, MA CBS Channel 3

MA - Gov. Deval Patrick Calls for In-State Tuition and Drivers Licenses for Illegal Immigrants – Schools Include “Immigration Lessons”. Next Stop:D.C.

Deval Patrick with Barack Obama - Tax and Spend image msnbc

As the Nation, lately, is most likely to follow Massachusetts’ lead in matters of economic chaos (see Massachusetts Universal Health Care Debacle), Democrat Governor, Deval Patrick has renewed his call for for illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition assistance from the Commonwealth. Based on a report released by the executive branch advisory council, illegal immigrants would be eligible for in-state tuition, complete with financial assistance, the ability to obtain a drivers license, and a host of other services detailed in the report entitled: “The New American Agenda”.

The Report, prepared in October and released by the Governor this week, is broken into three sections: The Overview: part 1,Education: part 2 and “Refugees: part 3.

All three sections of the report call for creation of more state-funded programs, something that may leave the State’s dwindling tax-paying population, wondering how much more Massachusetts can squeeze a paycheck. In July, the Commonwealth approved a round of tax increases, including a 25% hike in the sales tax, and taxes on communications (rising cable and telephone bills statewide) and a tax on Satellite Television and unemployment benefits. Desperate to cover expenses from Commonwealth Care (Massachusetts Universal Health Care Program), the State has even proposed taxing Massachusetts pet owners - no kidding. The only way to pay for these programs (some of which receive federal funding) is obvious, increase taxes on employers (what’s left of them) and those still working in the Commonwealth.

Boosting services for legal immigrants would be one thing – the nation has been built on the backs of immigrants – therefore, any proposal that would serve to aid those who have arrived here legally, are welcome, however, one finds that paying for services rendered to those who have broken the laws of the nation and by sheer numbers, have pushed away legal immigrants by reducing immigration “quotas”, is a little difficult to comprehend.

Most worrisome about the proposal are the national implications: Massachusetts policy under the Patrick administration seems to find its way to the Obama administration – and then to the halls of Congress where yet another ridiculous, tax-payer funded, unworkable program is proposed in a Bill introduced by Speaker Pelosi. Massachusetts residents have the ability to move across state lines (and as the State’s population declines, it is apparent that is exactly what is happening), however, once these idiotic programs are national, there are few choices when it comes to protecting what’s left of one’s income from the tax-happy administration in Washington.

It is, therefore, no wonder, that the Governors approval ratings have been in the tank, and Massachusetts residents are already reviewing options for 2010. Although recent polls suggest that Patrick would succeed in a gubernatorial race, with the inclusion of Democrat conveniently turned Independent, Tim Cahill, and Republican Christy Mihos (Republican turned Independent turned Republican), it remains a bit early to call this race “Safe” for the incumbent. Massachusetts voters, although interested in Independent Candidates, generally push them aside at the 10th hour for one of the major party candidates. Christy Mihos knows this too well, his poll numbers were identical to Cahill’s when he began to run, only to find that voters turned to either Patrick or Healy once inside the ballot box, leaving him with 6 percent of the vote. One can anticipate that the same thing will occur with Cahill, leaving the Commonwealth with two choices and the Governor will, in all likelihood, be asking his close friends Axelrod and Obama for employment in 2011.

Note: the opinion on immigration is based on the author being a first-generation American of Hispanic descent.

Obama Heads to Boston Fundraiser for Embattled Gov. Patrick. Patrick Touts Obama Use of Bankrupt Mass. As Model For National Health Care Reform

Obama and Patrick on the Campaign Trail - "Yes We Can"

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrickannounced that President Obama will be in Massachusetts on the 23rd of October for a fundraiser to help move “the agenda” forward. The video (below) by Governor Patrick touts that Massachusetts has been the model for the Obama administration in decisions on universal health care.

Patrick, faces an uphill battle for re-election: A recent Suffolk University Poll gives the Governor a slight lead over three challengers, Timothy Cahill, Democrat running as an Independent, and Charles Baker and Christy Mihos, two Republican’s who will face off in a primary. What is not revealed is Patrick’s overall approval rating, which is at 29% and the fact that a huge percentage (26% plus) did not weigh in on any challengers. That said, the Suffolk Poll shows Mihos with an advantage over both Baker and Cahill. Additionally, a Rasmussen Poll, taken in late August, gives Mihos the advantage over the Governor as well both Baker and Cahill. In that poll, Patrick fares slightly better with a 39% approval rating.

What is surprising is that Patrick is singing the praises of the Massachusetts Health Care Model in the first place. Although initially put into place by then Governor, Republican, Mitt Romney; once Romney was on the Presidential Trail in 2008, the original model was stuffed with mandates, taxes and fees, that have continued to drive up the cost of health care premiums for those holding on to private plans in the Bay State An additional 7 to 12% increase is projected in 2010 – which have risen approximately 40% since Commonwealth Care’s inception. Not surprisingly, with such a high cost to the Commonwealth, Massachusetts is about to ration and/or limit choices for individuals as regards their health care options
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Now, Insurance companies nationwide are weighing in on the debate on Capitol Hill, letting those that would move to a Massachusetts Model, that premiums are guaranteed to rise. The data is already in place, a working model in the form of Massachusetts’ Universal Health Care, which, as Deval Patrick has been kind enough to point out to everyone who will listen: is the model being used by the Obama Administration for proposed health care reform.

Surely there is a better model out there, such as opening up the industry to competition in order to lower premiums. This is something Patrick is also acquainted with – Massachusetts recently opened up auto insurance to competition with the result – a drop of approximately 7.7% premiums for insured’s the first year it was in place (rates are still regulated by the state, but Patrick plans, at some time, to allow insurers to set their own rates).

One additional point to be made: Should the President’s stumping (or fundraising) for Patrick fail to see his Chicago cohort reelected in 2010, in a State that is the model for the Obama administration’s policies (according to Patrick), (and at this point, all polls (including the Suffolk – one must look at the marginal’s to get the true picture in that poll – have Patrick out regardless of opposition; although Mihos has the lead across the board) one will not require a crystal ball to see that 2012 will herald total change in the House, the Senate and the White House.

Massachusetts Sales, Satellite TV and Tax on Unemployement Benefits on 8-1-09 – Battle of the Blue States- NH Readies for Influx of Mass. Tax Refugees

A Sign of the Times - Leaving Massachsuetts

Massachusetts’ newest taxes go into effect on August 1, 2009, the one tax getting all the headlines in the 25% increase in the State Sales Tax, however, there are multiple taxes that will impact consumers across the Bay State, including a 5% tax on satellite TV provider subscriptions, and provision that allows the Commonwealth to by-pass the Stimulus on Corporate Tax Rates as well as personal income taxes on 9 month subsidies for Cobra Benefit Extensions (Health Care). In 2010, a tax on all polls and wires on public ways will take effect, all taxes on corporations, and communications will end up in the lap of the consumer, either by way of corporations existing stage North or South (New Hampshire or Rhode Island), and increases in telephone and cable invoices to consumers. (For details on all new taxes visit: The Massachustts Department of Revenue)

The State of New Hampshire is welcoming the Commonwealth Residents who are crossing the border to shop. Last week, New Hampshire Governor’s John Lynch, signed signed NH Senate Bill 5 into law. This bill prohibits New Hampshire Retailers from disclosing consumer information to any “foreign” entity (i.e. the Commonwealth). Last May, the Commonwealth lost a battle with the Granite State over collection of taxes on Massachusetts residents who purchased tires in the Granite State from a chain store that had locations in several states, - this new bill is the latest in the Battle of Blues State Democrat Governors who tax and spend themselves out of office. Lynch, recently passed a hefty 38% tax increase onto New Hampshire residents and corporations (The NH Department of Revenue, however, there is little incentive for those consumers in New Hampshire to take a trip south to the Bluest State as the taxes apply to cigarettes, hotels and restaurants, and corporations.

Of InterestMassahcustts Gubernatorial candidate, Christy Mihos, has set up a webcam on the New Hampshire side of the border on route 28, , the intent of which is to prove the sales tax increase will drive the current number (18,000) of Massachusetts daily border crossers through the roof on August 1st. Mihos, a businessman who understands the impact of tax increases on both business and consumer, has the cam fed through his website here. Mihos, an independent, populist Republican, will face Charles Baker, former Health Care CEO, in the Massachusetts Primary. Both candidates are polling above Democrat Govenor Duval Patrick in a recent Boston Globe poll

The bottom line for Massachusetts, regardless of any signs of Federal Stimulus Monies, is someone has to pay for the out-of-control, budget busting, Commonwealth Care (Massachusetts State Government Run Health Care), that leaves the declining number of working Massachusetts Residents and what’s left of the employers in the State. It is no mere coincidence that when Massachusetts increases corporate and personal taxes, there is a loss of businesses first, then residents – eroding the tax base. The solution: dismantle the government run health program, turn it over to the private sector and reduce the ridiculous number of pricey mandated health benefits changing the focus on mandates to preventive care and necessary treatment of life-threatening illnesses. This would result in a) immediate increased revenue for the Commonwealth, and a reduction of costs in private health insurance premiums – or a “tax cut” for the middle class – which would allow Govenor Duval Patrick to keep the “Yes, We Can” promise of lowering middle class taxes, before he is out of a job. Meanwhile, expect Massachusetts residents who live within driving range of any state (and what’s a 2 hour drive to save $500 or more on a big-ticket item?), to take advantage of shopping North and South of the Massachusetts border.

Video from NECN – Christy Mihos “Mass Backwards” Cam

Republican Charles Baker, CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, Enters Massachusetts Governors Race.

Charles Baker image: healthcarelawadvocates. org

Charles Baker stepped down as CEO of Harvard Pilgrim’s Healthcare yesterday announcing his candidacy for Massachusetts Governor. Baker, who described his political think as similar to former Governor William Weld’s, is a fiscal conservative, socially liberal Republican. He will face Christy Mihos in the Republican primary. Mihos, who ran as an independent in 2006. Mihos characterizes himself as a “populist” Republican, and welcomed Baker into the race noting that “the best thing for the Republicans looking to win the corner office is a solid primary race.”

The winner of the primary will face incumbent Governor, Deval Patrick, who, according to the latest Rasmussen Pollwould trail both Mihos and Baker - Mihos currently had the edge, with favorables at 46% , compared to Baker at 37%. Patrick’s approval rating in March was at 33% (or roughly the percentage of enrolled Democrats in the State).

The addition of Massachusetts Treasurer, Tim Cahill, who left the Democrat Party this past week to run as an Independent against Patrick, will, in all likelihood, pull some fiscally Conservative Democrats away from Patrick, giving the edge to the Republican challenger. Cahill, who has served as the State Treasurer for the past 8 years, may be seen as a “Democrat Insider” by the State’s Unenrolled voters, who make up over 50% of the electorate.

That said, a three-way race for the Governor’s office, is what many pundits believe propelled Patrick into the office in 2006 – however, in 2006, Patrick won the Governor’s office with a final vote tally of 1,234,984, Healy, the Republican Candidate garnered 784,342 votes, while Mihos, running as an Independent took 154,628 votes. The numbers, as they say, don’t add up. Had Mihos not run as an Independent, the addition of 154,628 votes to Healy’s side, (938,970), still would have given Patrick a sizable lead of 296,014 votes. In 2006, the Republican “brand” was out of favor – times have changed. The further the Democrat’s Party Leader, President Obama, slips into the polls (refer to latest tumbling numbers via Rasmussen), the higher the unemployment rate rises, the economy will dictate a change in Brand. Although rare, this does occur in the State of Massachusetts, where the Brand is already suffering with a recent rise in the State Sales Tax of 25% (among other issues), coupled with a national view of the Democrat Party, will further serve to tarnish both the Governor and Cahill (guilt by association), leading to a Republican win in 2010.

Christy Mihos, 2010 MA Gubernatorial Candidate against Incumbent Deval Patrick (27% Approval Rating), Taps Dick Morris to Manage Campaign.

Dick Morris - Christy Mihos Campaign Manager - photo shangahijill

The Boston Herald is reporting that Christy Mihos has hired political consultant Dick Morris, as his Campaign Manager. Morris, who is widely known as the architect of Bill Clinton’s 1996 re-election bid, and has also played pivotal roles in winning campaigns for over 30 high profile politician’s, including Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, Governor Pete Wilson of California, and acted as advisor for Mike Huckabee’s gubernatorial campaign and played a role in his 2008 Presidential bid. Most importantly, Morris is familiar with Massachusetts, winning the Governor’s office for Bill Weld.

In another Herald Article, Deval Patrick, has chosen David Plouff (credited with creating the mantra “Yes We Can”) to head the Governor’s campaign. Plouff, campaign manager for Obama, will have his hands full – this race will, like the 4th district race against incumbent Barney Frank, take a national tone, given the parties involved. Also, due to the fact that the portrayal of Massachusetts as an entrenched “Blue State” is still playing like a broken record - those running against said incumbants will be given little thought or downplayed (see Herald article) in the media.

However, there are indications from local registrars offices, that a shift in sentiment is taking place across the Bay State (which should be called the “Greyest” State due the overwhelming majority of Independent or “Unenrolled” voters), with inexplicable gains in membership for both Republicans and specifically Independents. Add Patrick’s’ approval rating of 27% , which leads one to believe that Plouff will require a Titanic sized lifeboat to get out from under this particular election.

From a pragmatic point of view, Christy Mihos already has his foot in the proverbial door, having introduced himself to Bay Stater's in 2006. Mihos ran as an independent against Republican Party favorite Kerry Healy and Patrick. The outcome was a direct result of the “Yes We Can” mentality of defeating George W. Bush, with any Republican incumbent or challenger facing the media onslaught and a people’s mindset that painted anyone affiliated with one party with the same brush. The fact that, since 2006, when the Democrats swept into the Congress and continued to blame Bush for getting nothing accomplished, aided by most media, Obama had an easy ride into the oval office – and since then, has continued to blame Bush – which, has finally worn thin, specifically coupled with failing policies and an electorate that is by and large nationwide made up of independent voters.

Time for a change – Massachusetts will be given a chance to redeem itself for exporting the “Yes We Can” Carter politics nationwide (we forewarned), and although, the people of this state have consistently elected the Kennedy’s, Kerry’s and yes, even the Barney Franks, while some looked to early polls that indicated they should have all been long retired and were, dumbfounded, the fact remains, that given enough incentive (The Economy Stupid), Massachusetts those voters will flip on a dime and elect a Republican. Should this happen, and one or more prominent Democrat politician’s lose long-held seats (or in Patrick’s case – one term seat), the tone will be set for the nation – it will be the “shot heard round the world”.

To Learn More about Mihos and Massachusetts visit:Christy Mihos for Govenor 2010

Massachusetts Governors Seat up for Grabs in 2010 – Mass. Governor Duval Patrick - Approval Rating Sinks to 28%

Massachusetts Governor, Duval Patrick, is currently enjoying an approval rating of 28% - this according to a recent poll conducted by Survey USA. The Poll, sponsored by WBZ-TV Boston, was comprised of 600 adults, and show a margin of sampling error of +-3.8%. The Respondents political affiliation roughly mirrors the make-up of the electorate: with 15% Republican, 40% Democrat and 41% Independent respondents (actual makeup: 35% Democrat 51% Independent). 82% of those polled who disapprove considered themselves to be Conservative, with 71% considering themselves to be moderates (Republican and Democrat Party Affiliation), 74% of those disapproving served in the armed forces, with 68% believing that a draft is necessary, 70% attend religious services regularly with 69% of those who disapprove indentified as gun owners – 56% of the respondents polled were from the Boston area, with only 24% polling from Worcester and Western Massachusetts.

Patrick, a Democrat, campaigned on a platform of “Hope and Change”, promising middle class tax cuts and increased prosperity to Massachusetts residents. Patrick, gained the seat with the help of political advisor, David Axelrod, who also engineered the career of Barack Obama. Patrick has come under intense scrutiny lately for his proposal to raise the Massachusetts State gas tax to .19 per gallon, in order to bail out the corrupt and bloated Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.

How likely is it that Patrick will be re-elected? Respondents to a Suffolk University Poll chose little known state Treasurer Tim Cahill (D), to replace Patrick, although, to date, there have been no announcements as to his candidacy.

On the lighter side - upon release of the Suffolk Poll, Jennifer Nassour, Massachusetts Republican Chair, issued the following statement:

"I congratulate Gubernatorial Front Runner Tim Cahill on his new status - certainly he needed some good news. This poll shows the people of Massachusetts are tired of the ethical lapses and waste in state government. The Massachusetts Republican Party stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of the Commonwealth in believing we need to clean up the mess on Beacon Hill by cutting spending, ending no-show jobs and lowering taxes."

The question now remains; which Republican (there are several names being bandied about, including Massachusetts State Senator Scott Brown), will run against Patrick. Christy Mihos, Cape Code Businessman and Independent, has already thrown his hat in the ring. Mihos, ran against the Patrick, and Republican Kerry Healy in 2006, earning 7% of the vote. Mihos, however, ran the most memorable ad of the entire campaign, (YouTube shown below) one which could easily be resurrected today, as the same problems Massachusetts faced in 2006, have actually worsened under the leadership of Patrick.



In the final analysis, the biggest shocker of the poll is not the Governors low approval rating, rather the fact that the majority of respondents, regardless of ethnicity or party affiliation, consider themselves to be conservative or moderate, in the state that is considered “The Blues State”. Those conservatives, who, for years, have felt like “red headed step sisters” with each and every passing election, are hoping that the National GOP will finally turn its attention to Massachusetts and, to use our current Presidents favorite euphemism, “invest”, in Massachusetts.