Obama Comes to Mass for Cash – Channel's Patrick - Warren Acts As Attack Dog – Romney's Sense of Humor – Drives Circles Around $18K Obama Fundraiser!

The Master and the Mentored: Obama, Patrick, Axelrod - Anyone see a theme here? - image (Obama/Axelrod) Masslive - Patrick - New York Times


When a sitting President visits any state, even Massachusetts, it’s a big deal, if the President takes the time to say hello to the people who might have got him elected – unless of course, the State is a Commonwealth and that Commonwealth is Massachusetts – where Democrats overwhelmingly preferred Hillary in 2008. That said it does not prevent the President to turn to the Progressive faithful in Boston in a whirlwind grab for much needed Cash – before campaigning elsewhere, or going elsewhere for more money. The Boston Globe’s”Money is the focus during Obama’s Boston visit” - with a few interesting points:

“President Obama thanked Boston Monday for trading Red Sox third-baseman Kevin Youkilis to his Chicago White Sox, but he owed far more thanks to the supporters who donated thousands of dollars to see him at three Boston-area fund-raisers.”
“The whirlwind day — with stops at Hamersley’s Bistro in the South End, Symphony Hall, and a private home in Weston — was intended to tap a Massachusetts well that has yielded fewer maximum individual contributions than the president collected in his 2008 campaign. The number of Bay State supporters who contributed the $2,500 maximum to Obama’s campaign fund had plunged by nearly half when compared with the same period four years ago.”
President Obama spent more than an hour inside Hamersley’s Bistro, whose front windows were covered. At the restaurant, 25 supporters, hosted by Boston advertising executive Jack Connors, paid $40,000 each to attend.
Many held signs, including one that read, “The 1% of Boston Welcomes Obama.”
At Symphony Hall, general-admission tickets for a crowd of 1,800 people started at $250, with a limited number at $144 for younger supporters. And at the day’s final event at the Weston home of Judi and Douglas Krupp, 100 people who attended dinner with the president paid $17,900 each.
The pressure on the president has been ratcheted up by Mitt Romney’s fund-raising performance. In May, for the first time, Romney’s joint fund-raising committee collected more money than Obama, $76.8 million to $60 million. Despite being outpaced last month, the president’s return to Boston just before the end of the fiscal quarter should boost his numbers.

What one reads in the Boston Globe is the following: Obama’s fundraising is down, even in Massachusetts, he’s being welcomed by the 1% - or those who are not associated and make sure one knows it with “Occupy anything” – rather those that are characterized for their “Corporate Greed.” In order to attend the least pricey event, only 1800 had the $250 bucks to see the President speak, or wanted to part with it – but 100 individuals from the more elite Progressives had at least $17,900 to sit down with Obama in a private home. Finally Obama is feeling the heat from Romney’s fundraising Prowess – or his own lack of fundraising ability this time around – especially in the Bluest State, where if a Democrat isn’t a shoe-in to being with, those loafers can be made to fit.

Meanwhile – the Los Angeles Times Suggests that the Progressive Democrat Senate Candidate, Grandma Warren, is now Obama’s attack dog – the opening act for the President in Boston (maybe he’ll do us all a favor and Ms. Chow Wow Pow on the road.) The Times goes so far as to suggest that Warren has “joined forces with the President”. Joined Forces – that’s brilliant! Her motto with Romney – Bain, Bain and more Bain, with a little smattering of Outsourcing – which would be nice, if Romney had been at Bain, at the time, which he was not, and which most Democrats agree is somewhat of a toxic take on attacking Romney – but – she’s running for the Senate in Massachusetts – as a Democrat.

Remember, Warren started the Occupy Movement, which makes one wonders how she reconciles sitting down to dinner with the 1%’ers who support her better half (Obama)


Romney and His Bus - He even pumps his own gas! (image: greenautoblog

Not to let an opportunity to pull a prank go to waste, the suddenly humorous former Governor of Massachusetts, and yes, Obama foe, Mitt Romney, took his campaign bus out for a ride around downtown Boston, once again circling those Obama supporters they could find. (Weaselzippers). The left of course felt it was truly awful. Over at TMP, the word “heckling” as bandied about instead of “honking”. The point – Romney is a smart guy, if he’s doing anything, he’s recruiting! – Something that the President is, according to the Boston Globe (see beginning paragraphs) not doing in Massachusetts, but holding onto at least 50% of his 2008 supporters. Romney’s drive-by’s are simply Romney having a sense of humor, Romney being ever entrepreneurial and Romney turning Lemons into Lemonade! What happened to our national sense of humor?

As a matter of fact, Romney’s sense of humor and the more he applies his pranks, makes him ultimately more appealing, especially to those who are sick and tired of the gloom, doom and indecision that has caused the malaise that now permeates every nook and cranny of the country. Therefore, in the beginning one might have been tempted to vote for Mitt Romney because he was not Obama, now, one might be tempted to vote for Romney because he’s still not Obama, but he has a sense of humor to boot – and contrary to Elizabeth Warren’s ranting about greedy corporations, the fact is not all corporations are greedy (especially when one reads about politicians just stopping in at the Commonwealth bank of Progressive Ideology), Corporations both employ people and they pay taxes. Those taxes support Warren while she’s at Harvard teaching how to write Native American Cookbooks without even trying very hard or using one’s own materials. Mitt Romney, of course, is not running against Elizabeth Warren, he’s running against Barack Obama, and something has to make this contest interesting for those of us in the state most likely to vote – Democrat (Maybe)

One has Mitt Romney’s sense of humor or the wish to have been a fly on the wall during the debate prep between President Obama (playing himself) and John Forbes Kerry (I park my Yacht in RI to stiff the Commonwealth), playing Romney! (Boston Globe)

Saving the Best for Last:

From the Globe: :
“They figure that if we simply eliminate regulations and cut taxes by trillions of dollars, then the market will solve all of our problems,” Obama said of Romney and the Republican Party.
“We don’t need more top-down economics. What we need is some middle class-out economics, some bottom-up economics. We need a plan for better education and for better training, for energy independence, for innovation, for infra¬structure that can rebuild America,” Obama added.
If that speech sounds familiar, it echoes the notes Governor Deval Patrick struck as he won reelection in 2010. He shares a political adviser, ¬David Axelrod, with the president.

He also shares his notes, and his mantras: Yes you can, Yes you Can, Yes You Can – However, this time next year, the President may be wishing he had a different adviser, used someone else's “cliff notes” on riling up crowds and getting elected”, and had taken a few economic courses from someone other than Jimmy Carter.
From the State that turned Red Twice in the last 50 years in a Presidential election – (ironically with more Democrats in Power and Carter in office.) the President is now heading to warmer climates in the hopes of coming up with more Cash before the end of the quarter.

Speculation: Clinton Returns to Private Sector – Replacement: NM's Bill Richardson – Clinton Presidential Run Still Not Out of the Question

Hillary Clinton 2003 - Life Magazine Profile


The Examinerled with the question: Will outgoing New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson replaces Hillary Clinton as Sectary of State? Richardson, who had been offered positions within the Obama White cabinet in 2008, was one of the key Super-Delegates in Obama’s win at the 2008 Democrat convention However, at the time he was asked to join the Obama cabinet Richardson represented one more “scandal” in Obama’s cabinet choices, and declined the offer until the Indictments were cleared (Google news: Moscow Pullman Democrat, January 1, 2009).

The speculation on Hillary’s “retirement from public life” began with a few quotes from Clinton herself when queried whether or not she would seek the Presidency in 2012 – both were asked and answered on foreign soil, in early December from Bahrain and again from New Zealand, neither the time nor the place to make an announcement of that sort. She then answered the question on Fox News Sunday – once again, a resounding no to the question of a run against Obama in 2012.

Clinton, who had served as a New York State Senator, and ran against Obama for the 2008 Democrat Presidential Nomination, according to recent reports, is stepping aside to spend more time with her family. Clinton has spent the last two years working the globe and holding her own in the Obama administration - considering the vitriol of the campaign trail and the subsequent “Super Delegate” coronation of Obama over Clinton (who had the popular vote) at the Democrat Convention in 2008, her tenure with the association is nothing short of diplomatic acumen on steroids. That said, it could very well be that Hillary Clinton is tired, and wants to spend time with family and friends.

Meanwhile, David Axelrod hints at Obama’s run in 2012, and a “shake-up” at the White House, and Administration Press Secretary, Robert Gibbs, denies any major changes will be taking place. Obviously, something is afoot. Axelrod left for Chicago early in order to set up the campaign strategy for Obama’s 2012 bid, and has been the mastermind behind the Obama elections since he first rolled out Massachusetts Govenor Deval Patrick as test case for Obama in 2006. Axelrod used the same Massachusetts strategy for Obama’s 2008 bid, down to the slogan: “yes we can”. On the eve of the November mid-terms, Patrick was, this time, in a battle for the Governor’s office, however, what aided the most unpopular Govenor in Massachusetts in his reelection (by 2 points), was the former Democrat turn Independent Patrick staffer, Timothy Cahill, running as an independent. This move effectively pulled independent voters away from the Republican Challenger, to tip the scales towards Patrick. As of now, Michael Bloomberg, believed to be the national Tim Cahill, has denied he would run, however, watch for an unexpected change of heart from a semi-plausible Democrat turned independent in 2011-2012 with an announced intention to run against Obama and Brand X Republican. This scenario is not out of the question.

Back to Hillary Clinton: According to Republican Strategist, Carl Rove, via the Huffington Post, Hillary will run in 2016. Speculation perhaps that should Obama run again in 2012, regardless of the number of times he invokes the name of Ronald Reagan, he does not have the time to pick up enough of the independents that he lost over the past two years, therefore, a Republican would win the election in 2012. Thereby, the preceding scenario would open the doors to a Clinton run in 2016.

Of course, Hillary Clinton may be finished with politics, for now and she has repeatedly denied an interest in seeking the White House, hasn't she?: from CNN: 2003:

Former first lady Hillary Clinton says she has no plans to launch a bid to become the country's first woman president in the next two elections.
It has often been speculated the former first lady would make a bid for the White House, but in two interviews Sunday, she said she had "no intention" to run for president in 2008 -- and would turn down invitations to run in 2004.
Clinton said she is enjoying her current political role as a senator for New York.

The fact of the matter is that no-one, at the present time, knows who will run in 2012 on either ticket (or in the case of Axelrod’s campaign strategy, who the “straw man”may be). However, with Clinton free of the White House, and the potential candidacy of the likes of Mitt Romney, Mike Pence, Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee, and, of course, Sarah Palin, with a Republican controlled Congress and the more than likely 2012 Republican controlled Senate, would the need to run, both for the Democrat Party and for her own vindication, be out of the question? It may be far too early to place any bets, however, one might be tempted to look at Clinton for 2012. She would be a formidable candidate, both during a campaign against Obama (who has the Progressives, but not the overwhelming numbers of Moderate Democrats), and a national campaign against a right of center conservative. This former Goldwater Girl would be able to run directly at the middle. In the aforementioned scenario, the Press would, after a brief period of mourning for their candidate of choice, get behind Clinton in droves, as she would be more representative, at least in part, of the ideologues who are the U.S. press.

Of course, at the present time, it is clearly speculation, but in the opinion of this writer, Clinton would have been the clear choice in 2008 (based on her record in the senate alone), should Hillary Clinton decide to run in 2012, it would be for the love her political Party and her County. What one has to ask, is there anyone else that can match Hillary Clinton on the horizon for 2012, and would one rather have four years of one party rule beginning in 2012? As a nation, we have seen what can happen when one political party is left to its own devices while holding the Executive and the Legislative Branch, (both the Republican and Democrats). It would, to be certain, a sacrifice on Clinton’s part, but will she have the ability to turn her back on her country and the Moderate Democrats? Only time will tell.

Massachusetts – Democrats Switching Ballots to Republicans in “Surge” of Thousands Finals Days Prior to Election

Tom Wesley, a man "For and of the People" Running for Congress Against Richard Neal, and getting a helping hand from "thousands" of Democrats in the District! image Politics2010


A report from news from Channel 3, CBS News Springfield, MA, last evening began by speaking about a surge in voter registration changes and early data suggesting that Republican gains in Massachusetts suggest that change from the Bay State did not end with Scott Brown’s victory in November. From"CBS3’s, (WHFS, Springfield, MA), Matthew Campbell:

“Republicans have been surging. Riding a wave of voter frustration into the November elections, they hope to take key seats in the state and elsewhere.
So far, early numbers suggest they have a very good shot. Springfield's Election Office reported that they've seen hundreds (video below notes “if not thousands”), switch their registration from Democrat to Republican this year. Speaking with Secretary of State William Galvin, he echoes the same results from around the state.”

Both the video (below) and web version of the report began with the sign for a Democrat rally, put up on the Springfield City Hall then taken down as citizens complained about the legality of a Democrat rally banner placed on City property days prior to the event. In interviewing Governor Deval Patrick and MA2 Congressman, Richard Neal, both looked somewhat uneasy at the suggestion that change may occur on November 2nd in Massachusetts.

The shift in the party registration has been evidenced at rally’s in recent days for Neal Challenger, Republican Tom Wesley, who is dubbed as a “career citizen” in reference to his run against Congressman Neal, who was first an aid to George McGovern, then Mayor of the City of Springfield, then a State Legislator, prior to moving on to the Congress in the 1988. Neal has held that position, unchallenged, since that time, and has a record in the past two sessions of voting lockstep with Democrat Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, 98% of the time. Those attending the Wesley events have left the Democrat Party, and are working with vigor for Wesley – the biggest reason for the switch and the surge in voters (internal polls have incumbents breaking for Wesley 70/30 in the district) is the fact that Brown was sent by the people as a message, and that the message was ignored by Congress. This change in party is occurring in the rank and file as well as with elected officials. Recently, a member of the Springfield City Council, Timothy Rooke, switched parties and endorsed Republican Charlie Baker for Governor.

Additionally, in an article released by the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, on October 26th, talks about Neal having a large “war chest” from Special Interest Groups” and interestingly, Neal’s campaign manager, notes that the only polling done was at the behest of the Neal Campaign, and that Neal was doing well. This statement contradicts one made earlier on said polling. When queried by this blog regarding leaks from the campaigns polling firm suggesting Neal was showing dismal numbers in the district, it was said that there simply was no polling taking place.
Although playing “devil’s advocate”, the campaign have done a second round of polls, however, one would hazard to guess, results would be the same. Additionally, these media reports of heavy campaign war chests by Special Interest Groups coupled with the constant articles from all Bay State media about the monies brought into the district and state by both Neal and Patrick are having unintended consequences. They are firming the commitment of the general public to vote Republican and/or switch political parties based on the public distaste for deficit spending.

The Massachusetts 2nd Congressional District, not unlike the balance of the Bay State, has been, for the past few decades, led by those “unenrolleds” or independent voters who make up over 50% of the electorate. Using statistical data of the district ( here ), one can see that using figures from 2008 party registration (no longer accurate based on an unknown increase in Republican Registration and decline in Democrat Registration) the district placed 27% more votes for Scott Brown than Martha Coakely, in January of this year; this suggests certain Congressional districts, like the 2nd, which are rated Likely Democrat by Washington pundits, might better be deemed as a toss-up, at the very least.

In other words, without enough base to stem the tide, will the usual trolling for votes in Nursing homes (this blog has personal experience in that regard in the 2000 election), dead voting in the Bay State, and the union vote (12 %of the voting bloc nationwide), be sufficient to keep the career politicians in office - unlikely as it did not work for Coakley..

Therefore, if thousand are switching political affiliation across the state, then just how many Congressional Districts are in play? The answer is 9, which is historical in that there are 9 challenged Congressional races, let alone the fact that 4 to 5 of those races are most certainly on the radar. Will all races be by wide margins of 5 or more points? Most probably not, however, they will all be close, and it is now a safe bet that the makeup of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation will be changing on Nov. 2nd.

Finally, based on the video below, one has to ask, do the answers by Deval Patrick and Congressman Richard Neal, and indicate that they are ‘confident’ in this race?




To learn more about Tom Wesley and his citizen’s campaign for Congress visit www.tomwesley.com and volunteer or donate – the final days of the campaign will be critical, and when an opposition may even pull out the dead and disabled to vote to maintain a long-held office, every hand on deck is of import.
Side note: How critical are the MA Congressional Races: polling stations across the state will be monitored by volunteers, in numbers equal to or surpassing the Brown election

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
.
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 Governor’s Race 2010 Poll - Patrick: 29% Believe He Should Be Re-Elected – Mihos Beats Baker in Republican Primary (Again) – Analysis

Mihos-Patrick Matchup likely 2010 according to Recent Polls

A newly releasedpoll (marginal’s here) by Suffolk University is accompanied by the headline: “Patrick Leads Opponents Despite Negative Ratings”, however, the conclusion is a bit premature given the early nature of the race (primary is not set until Tuesday, September 14th, 2010), and the overall disapproval of the Governor’s job performance to date in that same poll.

In reviewing the marginals, the University, once again, polls 8% on campus, with the balance of the geographic areas of Massachusetts being either over represented or underrepresented (county by county census data) The sample of registered voters, once again, under represents the “unenrolled” – an ever growing portion of the electorate – currently approximately at 51% (based on Massachusetts Secretary of State Voter Registration as of 2008). Therefore, the poll, for all intents and purposes, is more entertainment at this juncture.

The Govenor, who only 29% of those polled believe should retain his seat, appears to have unusually high favorability ratings – 42% favorable/45% unfavorable and 11% undecided (1% never heard of him). Tim Cahill, Democrat turned Independent, 35% favorable, 12% unfavorable, 25% Undecided, 18% never heard of him. Republican, Charlie Baker, and fares poorly overall, 45% never heard of Baker, of those who have, 15% favorable, 11% unfavorable and 30% are undecided. The one populist candidate, running as a Republican, is Christy Mihos, 27% favorable, 23% unfavorable, 29% undecided, and 22% of those polled never heard of him.

Given this scenario and the fact that independents vote in the Massachusetts Primary (given enough interest in a given race, and one must understand that there is a great interest in the race), even among non-political junkies: Mihos would trounce Baker in the primary, leaving a three way race between Cahill, Mihos and the Incumbent, Patrick. Historically, the independent candidate does not fare well in Massachusetts, Mihos understands this quite well, running in 2006 in a three way match-up between Patrick and Kerry Healy, Mihos took 3% of the vote – Healy, weakened by the Republican brand, negative campaign ads, and lack of grassroots support, lost by over 21% To those in the state that blame Mihos for Healy’s loss, a basic math review may be in order.

Therefore, a race between Mihos and Patrick is likely – with Patrick most definitely (according to this poll) taking a loss. This is based on the pivotal question and result: Does Patrick deserve to be re-elected: a measly 29% of those polled (included 8% of university students/professors) believe that he does.

One has to understand that some polls are designed and commissioned in order to achieve results, which may be given to the press, which then broadcasts the “approved results”; never bothering to investigate the marginal’s where the real story lays. One of the most amusing aspects of this poll is a question: “Do you favor the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adding a recall vote where
citizens could remove an elected official when he or she is underperforming?” – the results: 54% yes, 38% no (the percentage of Democrats polled), with only 8% undecided on this issue. If that were, in fact, available to the state’s electorate, one would bet the house that many of those sitting on Beacon Hill would find themselves out on the street.

However, caution is in order, as again, it is still early in the season, with a primary almost a year away – but one can predict, given previous polls by Suffolk (marginals here) that the scenario of a Patrick /Mihos matchup would result.

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.

Central Massachusetts Swine Flu Latest Cases – CDC Fully Expects Fatalities Nationwide

The BostonGlobe has reported two cases of possible swine flu involving two pairs of siblings that had vacationed in Mexico over last week’s spring break. Both of the cases, one in Lowell and one in Spencer, involved children in elementary schools. Samples taken from the children’s pediatrician will be sent to the CDC for confirmation of the illness. The CDC has confirmed 5 cases of hospitalization, with an expectation of mortality from this particular strain.
Meanwhile, Sebelius was quickly confirmed by the Senate, although her track record of handling the job of Governor and her inability to pay taxes, may make Napolitano appear competent. As for the President, Barack Obama is asking that everyone remain calm.

US Representative, Ducan Hunter, has called for a border closing between his state, California. and Mexico as a precaution, however, Napolitano insists that the border will remain open “for now”. That said, with an open border policy, it may prove to be too little to late by the time the administration acts.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's administration has yet to issue any statement.

DNC Reform - Links: Obama, Odingo and Genocide

In the lastest YouTube video (shown below) from DNC Reform, highlights of Barack Obama's involvement with his Cousin, Odingo's campaign, are shown. In 2006, Obama made a trip to Kenya on the taxpayers dime. The purpose: to support his cousin, an opposition candidate. The government of Kenya was not pleased.

The most interesting aspect of this video is the much used phrases of Change and "Yes We Can". Apparently, Barack Obama's pal, Massachusetts Govenor Duval Patrick, must have come up with that one a bit earlier when Patrick was living in Chicago. Both men have close ties to David Axelrod a Democrat consultant and former reporter who is adept at trying to put out fires. (On the lighter side, it is interesting that a reporter is advising the Democrats, given that the Democrats are getting talking points directly from the Obama campaing).

DNC Reform is a grassroots organization dedicated to original Democrat standards and not the Progressive/Marxist standards present in the current party leadership.