Mass. GOP To Elect Chair January 6– Jennifer Nassour Challenged by, William (Bill) McCarthy of Worcester – Will Nassour Hold the Chair?

Jennifer Nassour Mass GOP Chair under Fire - image Boston Herald

The Massachusetts Republican Party will elect a Chairperson on Thursday, January 6th, at the Newton, MA Marriott. The current chair, Jennifer Nassour, will be challenged by William McCarthy, a Republican State Committeeman.. Mr. McCarthy called for the removal of Nassour as Chairperson at a meeting held in November immediately following the mid-term elections. Mr. McCarthy cited the lack of attention and support to the majority of Republican races outside of the Governor’s race by the State GOP as reason for Nassour’s ouster as Chairperson. There was no vote taken at that time. (WBUR).

Ms. Nassour, considered a moderate or “RINO” (Republican in name only) by the more Conservative Republicans in Massachusetts, has held the Chair since 2009. In the past election, there were over 200 Republican candidates for State and Federal offices, with Republicans picking up a gain of12 seats in the State Legislature – period, but a pick-up at the very least.

William McCarthy, hails from the Western (Worcester) section of the Commonwealth, where there is an active and growing Tea Party presence. Those members are extremely focused on grassroots development, and played a large part in the victory of Senator Scott Brown in the January 19th special election, with little or no visible input or support from a variety of local or State GOP Committees until the final week of the elections. It was the energy carried over from the Brown election that the State Party failed to capitalize on, including efforts to recruit new members to the Republican ranks. McCarthy, who sources indicate was part of the Massachusetts Huckabee for President 2008 Committee, would have bucked the State GOP trend to support former Governor Mitt Romney.

Additionally, his willingness to acknowledge and support the growing Tea Party in the Commonwealth will put him in good stead, depending upon the number of delegates who are like-minded this Thursday. One might wonder how the Tea Party fares in Massachusetts, of all States, however a link to a partial list of active Tea Party groups at www.teapartypartriots.orgshows the growing interest in the fiscal conservative movement. It is this movement that has attracted not only disenfranchised Massachusetts Republicans, but Democrats, Libertarians and Unenrolleds as well over the past two years. Many of the Republican Congressional Candidates in 2010 were either members of or affiliated with the Tea Party movement, a fact not lost on those who failed to receive any support from the State GOP.

Playing “Devil’s Advocate” for a moment, Ms. Nassour came to the job of State Chair with a monumental task of attempting to solidify the “country club” Republican City and Town Committee’s (word most often associated: dysfunctional). In addition, with less than a year into her tenure, she was expected to pull off a major win across the board based on “a climate”, yet with no discernable grass roots support outside of the Tea Party movements which felt disenfranchised from the State GOP - the collision of the two schools of thought (Ms. Nassour appears to embrace a more moderate, inclusive philosophy, which makes it difficult for those who are conservative to tell the difference between a moderate Massachusetts Republican and a Massachusetts Democrat.) is at the crux of the challenge. Additionally, the false logic that a Conservative is simply not electable in Massachusetts, while more moderate, specifically socially moderate Republicans stand a chance, is cleanly the issue at hand.

Nevertheless, this Thursday, with almost Machiavellian secrecy, and no news coverage outside of the Boston Herald, the Worcester Telegram and Gazette (Bill McCarthy’s Home Town Paper), and one or two blogs, either Jennifer Nassour will remain as Chair or one Bill McCarthy will be the new Mass GOP Chair. Although there is no mention of the Chair’s election on the official Mass. GOP Website there is a list of local State Committee Persons, who one might contact if one feels they may prefer one candidate over the other. The list is available at www.massgop.com/site/c8hJHTLKMFKqKWe/b.5817745/k.6AF3/State_Committee_Members.htm. This is part of the problem the Mass. GOP (and one could also note the secret society of the Massachusetts Democrats), has in recruitment, which may be why the Commonwealth is overwhelming “unenrolled”.

Regardless of who is elected to the State GOP Chair, that individual continues to face the daunting task of putting a solid grassroots program in place (and possibly working with the Tea Party activists in order to get his accomplished), holding town and city committees accountable for meeting and holding recruitment events, (that do not exclusively involve cocktail parties and golf games), rather get a message out to the many disenfranchised democrats and independents who would be willing converts, and finally, recruiting Republican’s to run, either first time, Tea Party, Log Cabin, or what have you, in order to ensure there is a body for every race in 2012.

One has to ask, is either one of the candidates up to this task? Baby steps are fine, however, the road to success in a politically progressive state is not going to paved with a slew of backyard barbeque's, rather with a loud, rambunctious, in the trenches and in one’s face, fiscally conservative message of less government. In other words, whoever is elected to the Chair should embrace all aspects of the party (Big Tent Theory) in order to move forward with the speed necessary to get the candidates in place for 2012. All Congressional Offices, (9 now) will be up for reelection, there is simply no reason why Massachusetts cannot send a Republican to Congress, and send Scott Brown back to the Senate. The organization needs to be tight, and that requires attention to details right down to the precinct poll watchers who will ensure a get out the vote to rival the 13 hour push by the Democrats in the waning hours of the 2010 midterms, a move that gave them all 10 congressional seats and the Governor’s office. Rome was not built in a day, but the Mass. GOP Chair must be able to accomplish a similar feat, or be challenged for not doing so.

Dissecting Massachusetts - The 2010 Mid-terms - From Dysfunctional to Viable – The State GOP and Baby Steps – Analysis

Jennifer Nassour, the Face of the Mass. GOP, image Massgopconvention.com

It began with the hope that Massachusetts would step forward and join the rest of the nation November 2, 2010 by electing Republicans to both state and congressional offices – it did not happen – reality is that change of that magnitude does not happen overnight. From the press, both local and national, to progressive community organizations, to a Democrat organization has roots in every possible nook and cranny in the State; the odds were stacked against the election of Scott Brown in January of 2010. When Brown won, against the odds, expectations for the GOP rose inside the state, however, from the outside, the pundits, specifically Beltway and the Massachusetts Press, continued to pound home the fact that Brown’s win was an anomaly and would most likely not be repeated. When the mid-terms steamrolled into November 2nd, the GOP losses were taken in stride by the press and the pundits, as if the State GOP and the Massachusetts electorate acted in a manner that was par for the course.

The celebratory Press touted the reelection of Democrats from the State and Federal offices without once acknowledging the fact that these incumbents had to fight for their positions, using every means available, the majority of them for the first time in decades. The adjectives used in the press regarding the State GOP were predictably negative and dismissive; most recently an article in the which speaks to the State GOP and finger pointing at party chair Jennifer Nassour .

Smoke and mirrors are in play at this point in the game, along with some local political maneuvering that is typical of any party when faced with a loss (GOP) and the possibility of a trend developing (State DNC and Press). One has to look realistically at the facts about what took place in Massachusetts during the past two years, to understand the magnitude of the state politics – it is far from business as usual – no matter how often the pundits, the press, and the majority party attempt to hammer home a growingly tired message.

This resurgence is said to have begun with Scott Brown and his election to the U.S. Senate in January, however, the truth of the matter is, there were individuals Republicans across the state who had already committed to running for offices (State and Federal) long before the Brown candidacy was announced. These individuals, along with the states individual conservatives, several of the Town and City Committees and a growing Tea Party movement, were specifically responsible for Browns win. What surprised many who had worked tirelessly for Brown’s campaign was how quickly his election was dismissed as an anomaly – these grassroots activists and candidates knew that it was just a beginning, and that, having grown tired of a State that was overburden with taxes and entitlement programs, and a deep seeded opposition party, the road to victory would be long and arduous. The State GOP’s convention in April was shockingly well attended, and the party atmosphere that pervaded was buoyed by the Brown win, a win that was the result of those activists, the majority of whom were not in attendance. The candidates who emerged from the convention to run for the State offices: Charlie Baker specifically, appeared to be more than capable of taking the Governor’s office and then summer barbeque's and visits with local GOP offices began, and despite the constant drumbeat of press releases from the State Party Chair, Jennifer Nassour, the press barely looked at Baker, instead focusing mainly on Patrick and Democrat turned Independent (for the election) Tim Cahill, if the race or any race were mentioned at all. Nassour one must understand, did not control the Baker Campaign, that was left to others, and reports from the South Coast suggest there was little effort put into that area from the beginning to the end on Nov. 2nd. Cahill, who took 8 points, (higher than any other independent running previously for Governor), was the key to Deval Patrick’s victory, and should have been minimized from the outset (Monday morning quarterbacking).

By the time September rolled around and the Commonwealth held its late primary contests, the candidates which emerged had little time to get out and amongst the electorate, raise funds and get out the “vote”. It was not that the electorate was apathetic; it was that Massachusetts was being touted nationwide as a state that was “safe democrat”, across the board. This sends a message that funds diverted to Massachusetts are basically wasted. One race did get national attention and that was the race in the 4th Congressional District, where Sean Bielat ran against a growingly annoyed Barney Frank; Bielat’s campaign did get the money necessary to mount a solid challenge, while the balance of the state’s federal and state challengers had to rely on individual in-state contributions and loans. What is most interesting however, and goes unmentioned is the fact that all 9 offices had to be defended, for the first time in decades, and that the usual 75% or more votes accumulated by Congressmen such as Frank, Neal and Tsongas, were reduced to 50plus% leads over their GOP challengers. They were forced to spend money, the state DNC and the National DNC were forced to spend money as well as bring in the President and former President Bill Clinton in an attempt to buoy up incumbents, who by all reports outside Massachusetts , were virtual shoe-ins.

Four years ago, one had a Dickens of a Time finding an active Town or City GOP, today, there are more in place, some of them functioning, some not. One local Western Massachusetts City Committee, held the last meeting in the Spring, and decided to sit out the summer and the election, in order to “help the candidates”, where reason would dictate that time would have been better spent coordinating with local Tea Party groups, and recruiting new members, knowing full well that Democrats were registering as Republicans by the hundreds, and had been since January of 2010. How much of an impact did that have on the races? It is hard to tell, however, one can bet an engaged City Committee coupled with grassroots organizations could move Massachusetts towards a purple hue in a matter of two election cycles.

The grass roots are neither disheartened nor disbanded; of course, there were the usual few days of angst over having worked so hard to find that one’s chosen candidate had fared well, but missed the mark – it is a natural course of events. However, the State GOP, including the Chair Jennifer Nassour, would do well to understand that those grassroots actives are now meeting and looking towards 2012, with specific goals and targets in mind. The word is out on the ground - hold onto those signs.

It is naiveté on the part of those grassroots organizers? Hardly as they understand how close so many came with so little financial backing to unseating deeply entrenched incumbents, and how, within a matter of 13 hours Democrats, aided by Community Organizers managed to rouse thousands to the polls in order to ensure the State remained blue.

Although it is also natural to blame the “head coach”, in this case one Jennifer Nassour, the State Party Chair, one must also take a moment to understand that Ms. Nassour came into an office that had previously done little to nothing, with the exception of electing Mitt Romney to the Governor’s office. There was no base, or a small base to energize, coupled with a group of city and town GOP Committees that may or may not get involved (other than an annual barbecue, golf game or cocktail party). No mean feat to pull off an election to the position of dog warden under those circumstances, given the time frame. Therefore, if the State GOP and Ms. Nassour are remotely interested in taking the gains made in 2010 (and yes, there were gains, considering the overall results), then it is time to tap into every single group, regardless of how the Tea Party may play in Boston, or Northampton, or Amherst, or the Log Cabin Republicans may play in Worcester, or if a candidate might not be up to the Country Club sniff test – they all need to be incorporated into one machine, given a good deal of attention – including listening to ideas that are sound on how to roll out the 2012 elections to win more seats, even Congressional seats – it is possible, but it takes time to build an organization, and one has to have the will and the ability to work with every available hand on deck.

So to those who think someone else may be better suited to Chair the State Party, they had best have the interest of all the Bay State Conservative factions in mind, or the party will self-perpetuate. That is the Party infrastructure, not the individual grassroots candidates and organizations forming in more cities and towns by the day (there are an astounding number of these conservative committees in Massachusetts), and those will be taking the credit for moving a state legislative, senate or Federal Congressional candidate forward to victory in 2012.

In conclusion, it is easy to play the Monday-Morning quarterback, however, looking at the overall results, given the restrictions of time (both as Chair and in the general cycle form the primary to the election), Nassour performance was just fine. She worked with what she was handed, and although one can agree more could have been done to take advantage of grassroots and attempt to get those existing Committees to organize on the ground to get out the vote for all candidates, one must also agree that type of herculean effort takes a bit more time. Yes, Virginia, there is a conservative base in Massachusetts, one that has grown to be competitive with the Democrats, one that has watched tactics and is prepared to follows suit, but one that must be acknowledged and given the tools necessary to get out the vote – and it can be done, in 13 hours, on both sides – if instead of bickering or finger pointing, the work begins today. If not, then, like the Brown election, it will be those grassroots standing alone, who will, office by office, stand up to business as usual in Massachusetts. It will not happen overnight, it will take decades if the various factions in play do not work together.

MA GOP Resurgence Evident in Primary Results – 134 Republican Candidates On Ballot for 2010 Elections

Yesterday’s primary results in Massachusetts yielded 134 Republican candidates for both State and Federal offices. For the first time in over two decades, there will be valid choices in Congressional District races in the Bay State. The majority of the Bay State’s Democrat Congressional Block has has not faced strong Republican opposition in decades – that changed yesterday. According to the Massachustts Republican Party there are 5 Candidates for Statewide Office, 104 Candidates for the Legislature, 9 Candidates for Congress, 2 Candidates for District Attorney, 2 Candidates for County Commissioner, 7 Candidates for Sheriff and 5 Candidates for Governor’s Council.

Jennifer Nassour, Chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party released the following statement following the primary results:

“I offer my sincerest congratulations to GOP nominees up and down the ballot who won their primaries, and thank all those candidates who helped renew a two-party system in Massachusetts. The real work begins now when our Republican candidates take their message of fiscal sanity to Independents and Democrats across the Commonwealth. For the first time in a long time, the wind is at our Party’s back in Massachusetts. Voters are motivated and eager for change because Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill have done nothing to create jobs -- whether it’s the Patrick-Cahill Administration’s eight tax increases or a job-killing health care bill from the Democrats in Congress. I’m confident that voter enthusiasm will only continue to surge for the GOP, and our candidates will pound the pavement through November 2nd with a message of fiscal discipline and real reform.”

One could, in fact, call the results of last night’s primary, nothing short of historical. Although there is little to be found on the majority of the results from major news outlets, and was little prior to the election and during the primary itself (with a focus on Democrat primaries for open seats and or District Attorney races), the fact that there were competitive races that resulted in 134 candidates in Massachusetts is no mean feat. It remains to be seen how long the (local state) media in the Commonwealth will be able to “ignore” the races – specifically the Congressional Races as October brings the reality of a mid-term and the opportunity for many who sat out this primary to get out and vote. The total vote results were fairly indicative of a low voter turnout, and primarily paralleled major party enrollment, meaning that the vast majority of the state’s electorate, the Unenrolled, sat out the primary.

Based on the pundits, one would think that the die has been cast for politics as usual; however, those same pundits cast doubt on the Bay State in December of 09 into the final week of the January 19th special election. It will be a combination of party partisan “red-meat”, and, more importantly, those on the ground who feel enough is enough (the unenrolled, and other party affiliates) that will ultimately make the decision. Although the media ignores, and the pundits from Washington insist the Bay State is solid blue, one cannot bet the house on incumbents retaining their offices past the November general.

Charles Baker – GOP Nominates the Strongest Candidate for Mass Govenor in Decades – Mihos States the Better Man Won

Charlie Baker, Candidate for Governor of Massachusetts - image Masslive

The Massachusetts State GOP held its convention this past Saturday in Worcester, MA - a convention that was palpably enthusiastic from a standpoint of both the candidates as well as the attendees, many of which were first time convention goers. With 4,000 plus in attendance, it was difficult to believe one was in Massachusetts – the State commonly referred to as “The Blues State”, or by most pundits writing about the states politics and specific races “Safe Democrat”. The concept that Massachusetts is "Safe Democrat" “think” may need to be revised and quickly.


Enthusiasm at State GOP Convention with Bakers Nomination - photo blog


The new blood flowing into the party sees over 170 Republicans’ running for state and national offices in 2010, with many districts seeing Republican primaries for both the State Senate and Legislature as well U.S. Congressional districts for the first time in decades. This decries the common misconception that, although Scott Brown won in Massachusetts, there are few if any Republican’s running for statewide office.

The Top GOP Ticket sees Charles Baker for Governor and Richard Tisei, (the Minority GOP State Senate Leader) for lieutenant governor. State Representative Karyn Polito received the nomination for treasurer; and accountant, Mary Z. Connaughton, for auditor. According to Jennifer Nassour, State Party Chair, there are two potential candidates to take on embattled Attorney General, Martha Coakley, yet signatures must be collected by May 4th, which the Boston Globe dubs a “Herculean task” That said, one can see Jennifer Nassour take on the challenge and get the job done.

Baker, who will run a three way race against incumbent Deval Patrick, and Democrat turned Independent, Timothy Cahill, offers voters a fresh face and common sense ideas to get the Commonwealth back on track. Although currently polling behind Cahill in one poll by 2 points (Western New England College Poll), the poll, taken prior to the convention also notes that 10% of respondents are currently undecided, and Bakers name recognition, at the time of the poll showed that 40% of the respondents chose “never heard of him” as an option. That will undoubtedly change as Baker strengthens his brand throughout the state.

Baker is at once charismatic and has that “boy next door” appeal, without seeming in the least elitists. One might say he is similar to Scott Brown, but only in the way in which the two men both worked to get through college, and their ability to relate to the “the rest of us."

Baker won the nomination in delegate balloting between himself and Christy Mihos. Mihos has since given his nod of approval to Baker, stating that the “Better man won” Kudos to Christy for being a “class act”.

What makes Baker the man for the job? He has the experience in running a business, the former embattled Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, and turned it into a profitable enterprise. He also brings State government experience to the table having served as Undersecretary for Health in the Executive Office of Health and Human Services in the Weld administration. However, it is the personal side of Baker that seals the deal – in his remarks during the convention, he spoke about the lack of opportunity in the Commonwealth, and as a parent, he wondered if his children would move elsewhere to find opportunity (as many have, and many continue to do), and how, should the State Continue on its current path, many parents would have to either get on a plane or travel a distance in order to see their children and grandchildren. It was a moment of speak from the heart, and it resonated with those who see children leaving the state, or preparing to leave, to seek homes where the taxes are not as high and the opportunities do not include a life in the service industry.

Therefore, Baker is, indeed the better Candidate for the Governor’s office, based on background, experience and empathy for those citizens who are struggling to make ends meet under the never ending request for new taxes coming out of Beacon Hill. The argument will be made - how will Baker get anything done with a legislature and Senate that is completely made up of Democrats? That will remain to be seen, as November approaches and the dust settles, odds favor that the 170 plus candidates vying for state offices as well as congressional offices, will even the field and make the path for reform under Baker a bit easier than it has been for past Republican Governors.

Although early in the game, one can predict, based on past Massachusetts gubernatorial races, where a third party is involved and the incumbent has numbers that are less than favorable (34% approval for Deval Patrick according to the Western New England poll), the more Baker is among the populace, personally and through advertising, his stock will rise, and Cahill will fall into the usual independent category of 6% come November. Of interest a recent online poll (which one cannot give too much credence, however, it did come from the Springfield Republican website – Masslive.com (which Western Massachusetts is not normally a stronghold for Republicans (with exceptions of Chicopee, Westfield and other communities who voted overwhelmingly for Brown, while Springfield voted for Coakley) – the poll results thus far: Baker: 45%, Cahill 26% and Patrick 21%. Although the actual statewide numbers may be closer to Patrick 34% (based on current approval and WNEC poll, Cahill 12% (giving him the benefit of the doubt) and Baker 54%.


Masslive.com polls shows Baker with Strong Lead

2010 Congressional Races – Analysis - Besting Barney Frank in the Massachusetts 4th Congressional District

Barney Frank (D-MA) - photo onlinecasinohero.com

One would assume, given the media drumbeat regarding Massachusetts as the Bluest State, that Barney Frank will remain the Congressman from the Massachusetts 4th District until they pry his cold dead body out of the seat at the ripe old age of 110. Although Frank did have opposition for the seat from Republican Earl Sholley in 2008, Sholley’s campaign was so far “under the radar” that it is no wonder Frank carried the district by 68%. The final tally from the 4th gave Frank 203,032 ballots cast out of a total 315,734. That said, the 4th District is comprised of the following counties: Bristol, Middlesex, Norfolk and Plymouth – The voter registration for these four counties (as of October 2008), was as follows: Total, 2,072,793 with: 751,174 Democrats, 206,326 Republican, and 860,140 Unenrolled. (A voter registration trend that is the norm for every district in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.) The Counties of Bristol, Middlesex and Norfolk and Plymouth are shared with the 3rd District, including certain wards in the City of Fall River, as well as the 5th, 6th , 7th , 8th, 9th and 10th Districts. With the Democrat incumbent in each district winning handily, only 3 were opposed by Republican candidates. (It is also interesting to note that none of these candidates we “well-known” within the district in which they campaigned).

Barney Frank in his "youth" - photo: barneyfrank.biz

How disgusted are the people of Massachusetts over lack of choice? In these districts, 415,543 votes were cast as “blank”. , the higher blank vote count in districts where the Incumbent Democrat ran unopposed. The total votes in each district were roughly the same as the 4ths, with the highest voter turnout in the 5th, at 400,846, with 127,171 blank ballots cast.

Therefore, the Democrats can assume they will receive at least 36% of the districts Registered Democrats votes, losing the 12% of Republican votes, and with no known opposition, taking the majority of the Independent Vote. This scenario will continue, unless, of course, alternative candidates emerge that will target Republican and Independent voters, by actively campaigning for a maximum of 9 months, but especially hard in the final 3 months of the campaign. Campaigns are not won by only preaching to the choir (although those barbeque's and cocktail parties are essential for fundraising in the early stages), but by taking a message of fiscal responsibility directly to the taxpayer, regardless of party affiliation. Covering a district may appear daunting, but it is a far less daunting task that covering the State.

As far as Frank and the 4th district are concerned, in the 2008 election, the opposition candidate(s), Sholley (who incidentally has a few issues that made him less than perfect, an underfunded campaign that got off to a late start) managed to amass 75,571 votes, Susan Allen, an Independent, and also unknown, received 19,848 votes, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Bugs Bunny received 337 votes, and those that could not vote for Frank, did not know Sholley or Allen well enough to vote for either of them, and could not remember the name of a cartoon character, cast 16,946 bank ballots.

Frank appears to have that district sown up, however, since he’s had more of the spotlight given his high profile position in the Congress, allowing for bizarre and often inflammatory statements, coupled with his ties to Freddie and Fannie and his desire to cut the military budget by an astounding 25%there are a growing number of individuals nationwide and within the District that would prefer Barney retire.

The 4th district varies demographically, from the working class and fishing industry in the Fall Rivers/New Bedford Area - (said Fishing Industry Frank keeps supplied with pork), to the middle and upper middle income strongholds of Plymouth County - and party affiliation is stacked against Frank - although widely believed to be a Democrat Stronghold, the 4th district is overwhelmingly designated unenrolled, at over 50%. A well funded and prepared candidate (not yet announced), who runs his media message on Frank's association with Fannie and Freddie, points to the fact that the district has become increasingly impoverished despite the support Frank throws their way, and knocks on all the doors in the district (so to speak) will do well.

Barney Frank's Replacement - TBA

With an albeit small, but energized State Republican Party under the leadership of Chair, Jennifer Nassour, the task of defeating Frank is not as far-fetched as one had previously believed. The fact that the Republican Party is hitting every news source on a daily basis with strong criticism of Democrats who are less than fiscally or ethically sound, is sending a message to the voters that yes, indeed, there is an alternative. Prior to Ms. Nassour taking the lead, the silence form the State GOP was deafening.

Take the 2008 Senate election as an example, although polls indicated that over 51% of the states populace would prefer to see John Kerry retire, and he faced opposition in Republican candidate Jeff Beatty, Kerry still won the election rather handily. When one examines the polls released during the campaign, (Rasmussen, Suffolk and Survey USA), Beatty tracked between 29 and 35% approval, with 40 and 30% of voters indicating he was “unknown”, what is interesting is that Beatty’s approval rose in direct proportion to the decline in numbers of respondents indicating “unknown” over a period of three months. Had Beatty changed strategy or more likely had the wherewithal to run advertising across the state; the outcome may have been quite different. In the final analysis, the Candidate that makes himself known in the 4th district, specifically a fiscally conservative, moderate candidate that campaigns strong in the final quarter of the campaign, will banish Frank to the footnotes of history.

Massachusetts – Sales Tax Increase to 7% - one of 22 Proposed Taxes Under Consideration

The Democrat controlled Massachusetts Legislature, in concert with “tax and spend” Governor Deval Patrick are considering a long list of new taxes and fees in order to satisfy the run amok State budget. On the table,a proposed increase in the State sales tax to 7%. Massachusetts’ unemployment rate (March) is currently at 7.8%, and over 12% in cities in Barney Frank’s 4th District. Simply put, the sales tax will serve to hurt those on the middle and lower rungs of the economic spectrum. When coupled with inflation, additional tax burdens adversely affect the quality of life of both the middle class and more so, those living on fixed incomes, such as senior citizens. One may argue that a 2% increase in the sales tax would only be a slight burden; however, coupled with increased inflation, and additional state and federal taxes, those living on fixed incomes begin to choose between buying a pound of hamburger, or certain necessary paper products.
It may be an unintended consequence; however, levying tax upon tax, at both the state and federal level, makes life for many unmanageable.

The State legislature has an additional 22 proposals on the table regarding taxes and fees, including sales taxes on services such as e-mail, internet sales and online banking.

Regarding the burden on additional taxes, Jennifer Nassour, Chair of the Massachusetts GOP issued the following statement:
“Families are struggling these days, and yet state government is still out of control. Last year, every Republican voted against an irresponsible Democrat budget that spent too much,” Massachusetts GOP chairwoman Jennifer Nassour said in a statement. “With Republican leadership in the Massachusetts Legislature, we will restore fiscal discipline and relieve the crushing burden of high taxes on Massachusetts families.”

Ms. Nassour has a valid point – Massachusetts has suffered hard and long – Beacon Hill is rife with corruption, and taxing the populace is the rule, not the exception. When any government body is run by a super-majority of one-party, specifically one that purports to be “for the working class”, yet, places the largest burdens upon same, opposing viewpoints are cast aside and little can be done to bring balance to the madness that is Massachusetts (or for that matter, now that Massachusetts political think has been exported nationwide – the entire United States). The only way this Republic can have an effective legislature is when there is a balance of competing ideas within the same. Unless and until that happens, term limits imposed on career legislatures would be a great start, the trend will, unfortunately continue. Alternately, when elections occur, an opportunity exists to level the playing field. It is the hope of the majority of the residents of this Commonwealth, that the corner office will see a new face come 2010 – one similar to that of Former Governor Mitt Romney – at the least, a start in the right direction.

Duval Patrick - Tax Hikes - Massachusetts Legislature Weighs How Many More The Can People Bear

Mass. Gov. Duval Patrick with Obama - image Boston.com

Massachusetts GovernorDuval Patrick has requested that the Legislature impose a plethora of new taxes on the Commonwealth, yet legislators are beginning to balk at imposing an additional tax burden on the citizens of the State. With a dwindling tax base and an increasing budget deficit due, in part, to the insatiable state-mandated health care reform the debts from the corruption ridden “Big Dig” and the Governor’s decision to hire high priced State personnel, the Governor is at a loss as to how to increase revenues without making budget cuts – the answer – taxes.

Patrick has suggested imposing a .19 cent per gallon additional gas tax, which is still under consideration, increases in the States Registry Fees and at least 3 other taxes, designed to close the budget gap. Legislatures, in fear of being ousted, are considering budget cuts. Patrick, who is apparently oblivious to the recent polls suggesting that his approval rating is far from stellar, is continuing to suggest new ways to tax the Commonwealth out of existence.

With increasingly vocal Republican State Senate members, in concert with Republican Chair, Jennifer Nassour, the pressure is on the administration and the Democratic Legislators to pull the plug on taxes and seriously consider reform – or face defeat in 2010. The solution as far as the legislator is concerned:
“You're not going to get people to vote on four or five different taxes," said Representative Daniel Bosley, a Democrat from North Adams. "People can't feel like we're raising taxes on them every week. You need . . . to do this one time." Should the legislator take a clue from Mr. Bosley, the backlash would be substantial – any increase in taxes during a recession is political suicide. "Yes We Can" elect a new Govenor.

Deval Patrick Plans Second Run for Governor – Despite Many Missteps and Dismal Poll Showings

Massachusetts Governor,Deval Patrick (D), has voiced is intent to run for second term in 2010, despite his administrations multiple missteps and sliding poll ratings. Recent polls have the governor approval rating at 28%, and the chances of that number improving over the next year is unlikely, given the controversy surrounding several unpopular steps taken by the administration.

The most notable is the ongoing debate over the Massachusetts Gas Tax; Patrick originally asked for a .19 cent per gallon increase in the state gasoline tax, which would have Massachusetts residents paying the highest gas tax in the nation. The backlash to the tax comes from both Massahcusetts”> business leaders, as well as the general public. A recent petition signed by over 16,000 Massachusetts residents (Western Mass), was handed to Lieutenant Governor, Tim Murry.

Why the tax increase? To cover salaries for the corrupt and embattled MBTA, and ostensibly to repair roads and bridges in the state – those familiar with the behemoth of bureaucracy that is the MBTA, understand that any past increases have resulted in higher salaries and few improvements in the highways and byways – the infamous Big Dig is one of the projects.

Patrick’s most recent gaffe is the hiring of individuals for government positions at high salaries – most notable – the recent hire of State Sen. Marion Walsh (D), to a position with a salary of $175,000, which Walsh declined due to the uproar in the Bay State.

What is most upsetting to Massachusetts residents is the dismal economy in the state, increases in taxes and fees on an ongoing basis, loss of jobs due to the states high corporate taxes, and the constant threat of budget cuts from the corner office crying poor. The same office who consistently creates positions for “friends” at higher than average salaries – and then describes the outcry over press coverage of his boondoggles as ”trivial”.

Most of the Pressure on the Governors’ decisions to consistently pad the Sate Payroll, has been brought by Massachusetts GOP Chair, Jennifer Nassour: (On the recent Walsh Hiring)

MassGOP Chairman Jennifer Nassour said, "The Massachusetts Republican Party stood up for the taxpayers by protesting the creation of a patronage job for a supporter of Governor Patrick, and we are pleased that Senator Walsh has done the right thing by refusing the appointment. This absurd process has taught us, once again, that we cannot rely on the Patrick Administration to seek real, meaningful reform on Beacon Hill. Unbelievably, Governor Patrick still contends HEFA set the proposed salary at $175,000, when emails from his own staff clearly show a Governor's Office determined to give Senator Walsh a $100,000 pay raise."

"Attention should now be turned to rooting out waste and inefficiency throughout government in order to relieve the tax burden on working families. Thousands of people lost their jobs last month, and I call on the Governor to work as hard at creating jobs for those people as he did at creating a job for a political ally," concluded Nassour”

According to the poll (here), Patrick could face defeat in 2010 from just about anyone, regardless of Party affiliation; the consensus appears that Patrick must go. To borrow a phrase from Patrick’s campaign, Massachusetts is saying “Yes We Can” boot you to the curb.

Lest anyone forget: This is Deval Patrick's Campaign on "Yes We Can"
("Yes We Can Drive Massachusetts into the Ground")

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.

Deval Patrick (D-MA) On Defense Over Transportation Chief, Patrick May End Up Back in Chicago in 2010

James Aloisi - Boston Globe

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick needed assistance in dealing with the debt from Boston’s notorious Big Dig – so logic dictated that the best person to head the Mass. Department of Transportation would be the very person who spent years burying the growing cost of the project - one James Aloisi. Patrick contends that Aloisi’s experience make him a valuable asset, yet it was this very type of asset that Patrick decried in his bid for the Governor’s office only four years ago: From: August 20, 2006 Worcester Telegram

Mr. Patrick has raised similar concerns and said the administration has failed to address problems with the project for years.

“The trouble I and lots of others have is, we have known for years that it was billions of dollars over budget and had structural deficiencies and our elected executives, including the governor, have shown a breath-taking lack of curiosity about where that money went and what those structural deficiencies were, until this fatal accident,” Mr. Patrick said. “That is a shame.”

Mr. Patrick has said that as far back as 1998, the state inspector general was issuing warnings about safety problems in the tunnels and that a “Big Dig culture” on Beacon Hill ignored those warnings and also failed to act effectively to control cost overruns or collect for overcharging by contractors.

It’s almost as if the Governor is theorizing that there is not a great deal of difference between hiding the money and finding the money – the solution to finding money to cover exorbitant Turnpike Authority salaries, mismanagement of funds and a need to keep the behemoth in Boston stable – raise the gas tax, increase tolls and take it out on the taxpayers of Massachusetts - who are already overburdened by an administration that has lived up to expectations: spend, then tax.

Backlash to the gas tax increase has been statewide. In Western Massachusetts, WHYN talk Radio has an online petition - “No Massachusetts Gas Tax Hike” – addressed to the Governor. The tag line reads: “We not interested in Digging mismanaged state agencies out of their Big financial hole!”. 16,237 signatures have been affixed to the petition since it went live on-line.

Deval Patrick and Obama - Boston.com (Patrick one of Obama's most visible surrogates)

The Governor, in an attempt to evade growing criticism of his gas tax increases scheme, decided to buy time by tapping into the Turnpike Authority’s Reserves. The administration had previously held back tapping this reserves due to the agency’s “low credit rating." However, this is an emergency - the Governor is experience low public opinion.

Massachusetts GOP Chair, Jennifer Nassour issued the following statement yesterday in response to the Governor's decision to tap cash into cash reserves: “If the Patrick Administration could tap cash reserves, why wasn't this option clearly explained earlier to the toll- and taxpayers? Why are they waiting until the last-minute to make this suggestion? Why has the Governor said nothing about his administration's failure to make reforms, like the promise to reduce 100 jobs at the Turnpike? Why hasn't the governor forcefully rejected his Transportation Secretary's declaration that 'reform before revenue' is a 'meaningless slogan'?"

"The Governor needs to stop focusing on tax and toll increases and start putting some serious effort into real reforms, including eliminating wasteful spending like the no-show jobs on Beacon Hill and the newly created jobs for his friends and neighbors. The Governor needs to explain to the hardworking families of Massachusetts who are struggling to manage their own household budgets why he chose to try to ram through an 11th hour tax increase instead of tackling real, obvious reforms."

Ms. Nassour, as always, brings up some very valid points – points that resound with voters in the troubled Bay State. These voters, however, are not certain Patrick is capable of reform – therefore, the Chicago style of governing that invaded Beacon Hill in 2006, may be given a ticket back in Illinois in 2010.

Massachusetts Republicans Protest Gas Tax Increase – Governor Backtracks

Massachusetts Gas Tax Protest - photo Boston Globe

Dissent is has been brewing in the Bluest State over a proposed increase in the Massachusetts State Gas Tax. A rally, organized by Massachusetts Republican Chair, Jennifer Nassour, took place in front of the State House in Boston yesterday. Video clip from New England Cable News Network is shown below. WCBV Boston, ran the story, noting that State Representatives are on the fence – backlash from constituents is growing, and 2010 is right around the corner. The Globe, downplayed the protest, however, and supported the Governor quoting Patrick as: “flexible on the size of the tax hike.” From Western Massachusetts, Representative Wager, of Chicopee told the Globe he is receiving anti-tax messages from his constituents, citing that his office has not received as many calls on any issue in the past 18 years. That said; he is still considering support for the tax.

The proposed increase in the Massachusetts Gas Tax is to cover mounting debt for road repair and salaries. That said, The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority is no stranger to scandal (Big Dig, Salaries!), and the Stimulus Bill that was rammed through the Senate should provide Massachusetts with funds for road repair. Further, the Party Faithful are touting the same line: Republican’s were in control; therefore, we have to fix it (see video). Of course, this might fly if the State House had not been controlled by one party over the past several decades, leaving the Governors’ office, the sole Opposition to the excesses of Beacon Hill, an uphill battle that often left Massachusetts Republican Governors’ frustrated. Due to the fact that the “Yes we Can” (increase your taxes, spend until we drop) Duval Patrick has been in that office since 2006, with a likeminded legislature, the idea that the populace will buy into that line is growing increasingly unlikely. Protests are what is needed, and a hearty thank you to Jennifer Nassour, for working for the people of Massachusetts; party politics aside, Republicans, Democrats and Independents all suffer in the Bay State, and she is giving a voice to every resident. Should this continue, regardless of how Beacon Hill and the Globe play it, if the pressure stays on, the proposed gas tax may end up being just that: proposed, not enacted.

Stimulus – No Transparency equals Democrats Lying or A Recipe for Republican Revival

Photo from AP Photo by J. Scott Applewhite from DailyLife.com

Transparency in Government, the much touted “change” that Obama supporters heartily cheered about, appears to have disappeared in light of excuses regarding “a need to act fast” (or: Chicken Little: “The Sky is Falling”). A downloadable copy of the bill that was in the House is still available on-line, yet the Senate Version, to which Pelosi promised to give a 48 hour public window (transparency), is not yet online, and was not online in time for the late, Friday the 13th, Senate Vote. What this means, in plain English, is that the Senators who voted for that Act, had no clue as to the contents. There was insufficient time to read the bill - and those Partisan Democrats who signed off on this Act, did so blindly.

Regardless of a string of broken promises in less than two months of the new administration, the Stimulus appeared to be a panic driven act, that greedy and ideological legislatures, taking advantage of the hue and cry a nervous and apparently inept White House (not the public), added untold sums of debt through the addition of pet projects that, for all intents and purposes, could have been shelved for a later date, until the economy stabilized. What prompted the addition of pet programs and projects having nothing at all to do with stimulating the economy, rather creating bigger government (37 new bureaucracies at last count), is anyone’s guess, but, with those legislatures that live and die by the polls, it is a good bet that had they not acted now to add their favorites, they may not get another chance.

An outline of what this “Act” contains, is available at The G.O.P. House, however, this is an incomplete list due to last minute add-on’s that took place in the Senate – the details however, are bone-chilling to anyone who has ever balanced a checkbook, or had to use fiscal restraint in order to: fill a gas tank, pay the mortgage or buy groceries (average working Americans). These line items (from the G.O.P. House link above) are noted as Questionable or Non-Stimulative Spending; and include some worthy programs, however, those are questionable only due to timing, and the others are outright waste.

Questionable or Non-Stimulative Spending:
• $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts
• $2 billion for the Neighborhood Stabilization Fund, providing funds to organizations such as ACORN, which has been accused of practicing unlawful voter registration in recent elections
• $10 million for the inspection of canals in urban areas
• $100 million for grants to small shipyards
• $198 million to authorize payments to certain Filipino veterans from WWII
• $300 million for the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program
• $2 billion to support the manufacturing of advanced vehicle batteries
• $1 billion for Community Development Block Grants
• $1.3 billion for Amtrak, including $450 million for a new rail security grant program not included in either the House-passed or the Senate-passed bills
• $300 million for federal procurement of plug-in and fuel efficient vehicles
• $8 billion for a High Speed Passenger Rail Program, after the House did not include any funding for the program and the Senate included $2 billion, which will fund at least one project from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
• $15 million for historic preservation at historically black colleges and universities
• $170 million for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to research the causes, effects, and ways to mitigate climate change
• $200 million for Americorps and other paid "volunteerism" programs
• $400 million for NASA to accelerate climate research missions
• $5.5 billion for federal buildings (GSA), including $4.5 billion to convert federal buildings into "high-performance green buildings" and $450 million for a new headquarters for the Department of Homeland Security.
• $210 million for a new grant program to modify and upgrade local fire stations
• $142 million for the Coast Guard to alter or remove 4 obstructive bridges
• $25 million for the Smithsonian Institution for maintenance backlogs
• $1 billion for expenses in conjunction with the 2010 decennial census
• $650 million for Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupons
• $1 billion for a Prevention and Wellness Fund, which can be used for sexually transmitted disease (STD) education and prevention programs at the CDC
• $500 million to replace a 30-year old computer system at the Social Security Administration
• $500 million for a health professions training program-funding which an earlier committee report said were allocated because "a key component of attaining universal health care reform will be ensuring the supply of primary care providers."

On February 4th, Rasmussen polls reported that a mere 37% of the general public supported the Stimulus Bill, subsequent emergency polling by White House media source CBS showed a conveniently sharp increase in support for the Bill. Which begs the question: “Did CBS confine its demographics to Congress?”

Should the general public’s feelings regarding this lack of transparency, pushed through on a Friday night, massive spending boondoggle, be in line with Rasmussen, then the haste with which those ideologues voted is clear. They hope that their constituents’ will either forget they voted “Yea”, or that somehow, this will work in time to save their Senate and Congressional behinds. The clock is ticking. What is most amusing is the headlines accusing the Republicans of not cooperating on the Stimulus – giving Republicans in every Congressional district possible ammunition in 2010. It will, at the very least, be difficult for those in the dog house with their constituents to explain how on earth George Bush prevented them from voting “No”. Many may not care a whit, counting on the time-tested voting blocks of African-American’s, Hispanics and Catholics to carry them blindly to another term – that said, there have been some recent changes over at the G.O.P. that may change minds, specifically in those demographics that are considered “owned” by the D.N.C. (See aggressive new R.N.C. Chair Michael Steele, who happens to be Catholic (a much sought after large voting block), African-American, and a technology savvy and likable guy.

In other words, the press and those Democrats in the Congress and Legislature who blindly followed Pelosi and Reid down that yellow-brick road laden with ideological, partisan future debt will play a hand in the fastest turn-around of a party’s fortunes in modern history. The public is aware, and even the proposed Fairness Doctrine, will not keep those suffering in the trenches (taxpayers) from voting. One has to remember that when Reagan clocked Carter (Massachusetts voted for Reagan twice), it was without: talk radio or Fox News – it was word of mouth and disgust with the Democrats out-of-control spending and a weakening economy (never mind those foreign policy debacles) that brought changes to the nation, first the White House and then both houses.

This Massachusetts Conservative understands that history has a funny way of repeating itself, and fully expects a very interesting and competitive 2010 election. The season has begun in the Bay State, with names already floated to replace Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick (D): Scott Brown, Brad Jones, Karyn Polito, Michael Sullivan, Lou Evangelidis, and Bruce Tarr .

Given the fact that Massachusetts does tend to vote when over-taxed, (50 plus percent of the electorate are “unenrolled”) any one of the aforementioned would be able to give Patrick the boot in 2010. This trend may go towards the Senate and Congressional seats that will be up for re-election in 2010, including Ted Kennedy’s – the newly elected Mass. G.O.P. chair Jennifer Nassour, is of like mind with the Party Chair, Michael Steele, who, upon gaining the Party Chair, made the statement that his “friends in the North east” will no longer be abandoned. At that time, neither Steele, nor Nassour had the benefit of the press branding Republicans as anti-stimulus and the subsequent distrust of the bill by those that vote, on both sides of the aisle. This current administration may go so far as to change many once-safe “Blue” states – “Red”.

To read the last version available (House version) as of 7:47 am on Valentine’s Day 2009: visit: The Library of Congress which will give you a link to download the last version directly from the Congressional Printing office. The PDF is 1400 plus pages long, and, when one cuts through the “legalese”, the sheer amounts devoted to non-stimulating projects, boggles the mind. In addition, it was hinted at that this version, was not final, and that more was added behind closed doors (hence, no public notice and an inability of a Senator, even had it been Clark Kent, to read through the pages in time to make an informed decision for their constituents.

Image from: Patriot from patriot.eponym.com

Hero of the Week: Rep. John Boehner (YouTube Video of his House Speech 2/13/09)

G.O.P. – Ramps Up To Rock the World Wide Web

With the burgeoning importance of the world-wide web, including social networking sites, as tools for political parties – the Democrats are generally known to be tech savvy; using websites like Face Book and MySpace to reach younger constituents to get out the vote, or support policy. The use of the web and compatible technology (SMS) was critical to the campaign of Barack Obama, and the ability to raise funds and awareness though the web played a significant role in his election. (Including a little help from his friends at Google) - What was touted in the press, of course, was the superior use of the web by the Obama Campaign, however, tech savvy Republican’s using any means possible, including sms, and twitter, managed to hold sway in the Capital in a protest over Speaker Pelosi’s childish vacation maneuver to avoid hearings on critical energy bills – House Republicans managed to get their message out – using the web – and the Speaker ultimately returned to put the House in Session.

The G.O.P. House has now unveiled the new G.O.P.gov, an easy to navigate, fast loading, portal for G.O.P. legislators and their constituents. With the election of Michael Steele, the RNC website is growing some legs, all in time for the 2010 elections. How important is the web to Republicans? The new Massachusetts Party Chair, Jennifer Nassour, through the use of the web, is putting a face on the Massachusetts Republican Party – Ms. Nassour is using Face Book and Twitter, and plans a revamp of the State GOP site. She also uses the media to her advantage, with her name appearing in articles regarding state budget issues. Why is this important? Equal time – to get in front of the voters – the 12 million registered republicans understand that the Party has a chair, and it won’t hurt that news form the G.O.P. is now reaching the 51% of the electorate in the state that decides each election (the “unenrolleds”). With Steele promising his friends in the Northeast some much needed attention for the national party, a tech savvy State GOP chair, and a populous that has grown weary of the new administration before the first 100 days, 2010 may see a shift in house seats in the Bay State (including the Governor’s office).

The more political consumers are allowed to interact with their legislatures and state or national party's through every available means, the better that candidate or party will fare. The G.O.P. is turning the corner on technology – now the question is – will the Democrats be able to meet or exceed their constituent’s expectations, or will those moderate Democrats find it much easier to connect with a G.O.P. candidate or legislator?

You Tube Introduction to New GOP.Gov below.

Massachusetts State GOP Party Candidates – Franco and Nassour offer Divergent Plans for the Future of the State Party.

The Massachusetts State Republican Committee will, at the end of January, elect a new Chairperson to lead the Party. The Republican Party in Massachusetts is considered to be almost non-existent by most media reports, however, the rise in “unenrolled voters”, and the slight but nearly identical decline in membership of the Democrat Party vis a vis the Republican Party is barely mentioned. According to the Secretary of State Voters statistics the Democrats make up 36.95% of the electorate, Republicans, 11.62%, “Unenrolled, 50.75%, and the balance Third Party designates. This represents a decline from 2006 for both the Democrat (36.91%) and Republican (12.5%) Party with an increase in in the number of “Unenrolled” (49.79%). Therefore, it will be up to the new GOP State Committee Chair to effectively brand the Party and reach out to those disenfranchised Conservatives who now designate themselves as “Unenrolled”. It should not go without notice that the 2008 Return of Votes for Massachusetts shows: Total Votes Cast: 3,102,995, with 1,108,854 votes cast for the McCain-Palin ticket compared to 1,904,097 votes cast for the Obama-Biden ticket, the balance going to third party candidates. Therefore, 36 percent of the electorate voted for the McCain-Palin ticket (see: 11.62% Registered as Republican) with 61% voting for the Obama-Biden ticket – the difference: “Unenrolled” voters in Massachusetts can make or break either Party.

Therefore, the two candidates for State Committee Chair have the daunting task of re-branding the Party to appeal to those “unenrolled” – many of whom are “grassroots conservatives”. A brief summary of the plans put forth by Mike Franco and Jennifer Nassour follows:

Mike Franco offers a three-point plan: the first point being to Recruitment of Grassroots and Committee Republicans with an eye towards rebuilding from the ground up – with a focus on seeking grassroots approval and endorsements, building coalitions between committee membership and issues groups, and an appeal to the “populist constituencies of Independents and Reagan democrats. Franco also puts for that the Party should be grounded in True Republicanism – noting that a good percentage of the electorate falsely believes the GOP to be “a country-club Party divorced from the lives of ordinary voters”. In short, Franco proposes a renewal and restoration of the Party image by emphasizing core values such as limited government, lower taxes, gun ownership and property rights and free enterprise and fair trade. He goes on to cite the results of California’s Proposition 8, noting that 70% to 53% of Black and Latino’s supported Proposition 8, while supporting the Obama-Biden ticket. He feels that in order to attract those voters, the Massachusetts Party must stand on core principles such as: Advocating for public policy in line with natural law, supporting family issues to include pro-life and traditional marriage and fielding multiple, statewide representative candidates. He further feels that although there are differences within the State Party, that the Party should adopt the same stance as the Republican National Committee, which stands in direct opposition to eh Democrats.

Franco’s final point is the restoration of the State Party through a process of fundraising and overall reorganization of the various local and regional state committees, the “nuts and bolts” of running the organization. He summarizes that it may take as long as three to five years to rebuild the party, with an emphasis on re-branding. For more on Franco and the Mass GOP Race, visitPolitickerMA.

Jennifer Nassour, also a candidate for the Mass Republican State GOP chair, has offered a comprehensive plan to renew and revitalize the State Party. She begins by emphasizing the decline in voter registration and also looks at rebuilding from the “bottom up”. She underscores that the Party has great strengths, dedicated activist, willing fundraisers and that the fundamental message of the Party does resonate with Massachusetts voters. She calls for a “top-down” management style, one which would rely on a strong base of grassroots support. Further, she feels that the MassGOP is a “voice for common sense in the Commonwealth”, the core of job creation and entrepreneurship, demanding individual responsibility, defending family values and limited government and taxation, as well as including basics such as public safety and education are the cornerstone values that will appeal to new members. Ms. Nassour’s plan begins with a focus on fundraising: She favors the Creation of a Finance Committee and Chair, Establishment of regional fundraising events geared towards attracting all interested voters emphasising a lower-dollar amount. The creation of specific campaigns to meet target needs - voter registration drives, candidate support, technology upgrades and advertising. She also intends to hold specific “group targeted events” – including young professionals, women and youth. She is in favor of suspending the Chair’s Salary, as well as implementing other fiscally conservative programs within the State Party.

Nassour’s plans for Grassroots and Field operations are extensive. She includes distributing media outreach materials in order to carry the Mass GOP message to the regional media, and includes briefings and talking points timed to coincided with GOP activity on Beacon Hill. She also seeks to energize city, ward and town committees, offering incentives to those who excel at voter registration and fund raising and well as implementing several voter registration programs in concert with the local and city Committees.

Nassour is goal-oriented and believes in team-building as a means to an end – this includes restructuring the state committee to work with a newly designed “Farm Team”. This “Farm Team” (grassroots) will be supported by utilizing new media messaging via blogs and weekly videos as well as the enlistment of former leaders and elected officials to mentor new candidates and committees. Grassroots cannot be secured without the use of Technology. Nassour plans to modernize the party’s communications, including blogs, online videos and emails marketing. This plan will bring the Massachusetts State GOP into a more competitive arena, allowing “Young Republicans” to fully participate.

Nassour also proposes increasing the competitiveness of Republican candidates for the 2010 elections, with a focus on retaining and increasing seats held by Republicans on the State level. She focuses on Messaging – regaining an outspoken voice in order to spread the message to every corner of the Commonwealth. She proposes engaging the press, and using new technologies in order to effectively brand the Party.

Jennifer Nassour's complete plan is available here at JenniferNassour.com.

Regardless of which of the two candidates for the Massachusetts State GOP chair is elected by committee at the end of this month, one thing is certain; the candidate that will engage the media, work hand in hand with grassroots conservatives (many of which are designated “Unenrolled”) to increase voter registration and turnout and, most importantly, one who understands the necessity to include grassroots conservatives, specifically unenrolleds, will be able to accomplish the unthinkable: fast track a vibrant and robust Republican Party within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts State GOP Chair attracts Two Candidates

Peter Torkildsen’s, resignation as Massachusetts State GOP Chairman, has brought two candidates (that can be verified), forward that want to tackle the job of moving the Massachusetts Republican Party in a positive direction. Massachusetts Republicans actually lost seats in the last election – in a state where over 50% of the voters are registered as “unenrolled” – is mind-boggling - from a statistics standpoint.

Will new leadership address the issues of conservatives in the Bay State, garner enough press (outside of New England Cable News) to brand both the party and any candidates, and, most importantly, act like (tired but appropriate analogy) Reagan Republicans?

(Ronald Regan won the Bay State twice - by sticking to his conservative principals, while having the sense to include all peoples, into the party (including Union Democrats, all ethnicity and genders). In other words, he did not win the Bay State by declaring himself pro-choice.)

The Candidates in brief: Mike Franco , of East Longmeadow, has not held public office, and ran two failed campaigns for Governors council (neither should be held against a candidate), Franco who is a fathers-rights activist is also unapologetically pro-life and pro-family.

Jennifer Nassour, a mother, wife and long-time Republican activist, is referred to as “a breath of fresh air” by State Senator Scott Brown (one of the few Bay State Republicans to hold an office)
(Being a "party insider" should not be held against anyone.)

A comment responding to an article in the Boston Herald regarding Scotts endorsement of Nassour was blatantly sexist, suggesting that Nassour stick to her present employment as a “mom”. (Making her even more qualified in the mind of a Conservative Feminist.) Nassour has a hefty resume, especially as a fund-raiser, a quality badly needed should the Republican Party hope to regain ground in Massachusetts - they will need to consider branding and a paid media blitz, as they face a less than friendly press. Therefore, someone with the ability to multi-task ("mom"), is an aggressive fundraiser and who understands how to use the media (including social media)may be the ticket.

That said, be it Franco or Nassour who is chosen on the 27th by members of the State Committee, ignoring the grassroots, failing to push conservative Republican candidates by aggressive branding, and most importantly, acting like Democrats, will assure that the status qua remains the same.

Note: Jeff Beatty, Republican candidate for Senate 2008, had little press outside of the New England Cable News Network and the Cape – that said Suffolk University Polls conducted at various points in the campaign showed a specific increase in approval for Jeff Beatty, consistent with the percentage of those polled on “name recognition”.