Rand in San Fran – the Buzz – the Audacity!

The “Wire” asks can Rand Paul’s Brand play in San Fran?” in an article suggesting that he is stepping into territory not normally claimed by any GOP candidate – therefore, it’s about money. The Washington Post suggests much the same thing, while intoning “Why Rand Paul is opening an office in Northern California – obviously the money and the libertarians that live there.

They may be partly right, given that no-one knows the real reasons behind what the man does, except for – Rand Paul, however, maybe, just maybe, he’s onto something. Yes, California is not one of the first states to vote in any primary in the general elections, and yes, they do have Silicon Valley which has both the cash and liberty minded folk. However, it may also be true that one might go where no-one goes, simply to cash in on more fans, to find common ground and dialog with those thought to be totally closed minded and unable to communicate across an aisle. He is building bridges rather than putting up fences and regardless of the level of successes in this “blue” state, at least he is trying.

How many voters in state not New Hampshire or Iowa or South Carolina ever see an actual live candidate or potential candidate? – Very few. Heck, over here in Massachusetts, it’s like sighting a duck-billed moose. They fly over, drive through, but do not necessarily stop and actually talk to the people. One party believes it owns the Commonwealth, the other party, well; they wait until the tide turns and the Governor’s office is up for grabs (GOP and Democrats hold that office equally). That said the last candidate for a presidential primary that came to the Bay State was Hillary Clinton – good for her.

Hopefully Rand Paul inspires others to take a side road and visit those who live in entrenched areas, they may be surprised. Most “blue “states have one thing in common, an unequal amount of Democrats to Republicans and an overwhelming amount of “unenrolled, other party, independents” – those who will change minds or hearts. So, take the 3 electoral votes from New Hampshire and drive down the road, and possibly snag 9 or 10 from Massachusetts, it may make the difference. Logic dictates otherwise, and besides closed door, high ticket, campaign diner parties, the likelihood of any of the not yet and potential candidates of stopping in the Bay State to visit is admittedly slim. However, it is still admirable to treat California as if it were, say, any other state where the ordinary guy on the street gets to say hello to a possible future president.

Washington Post Reports Rand Paul Jest re: Fencing Off Massachusetts – Elite Lack sense of Humor grounded in Truth – Why MA is largely ignored in General Elections

An piece in the Washington Post – entitled “In the Loop” reported that Rand Paul jested about fencing off Massachusetts from New Hampshire whilst Paul was in the Live Free or Die state (Washington Post).

Also noted in the same article is the fact that former MA senator, Scott Brown recently announced his intent to run for the Senate in New Hampshire, where he now resides.

Massachusetts has lost a good deal of its population to New Hampshire in recent years, a rather snarky article from the Concord Monitor regarding the differences between the two states from 2013, suggested that Massachusetts residents move to New Hampshire for a better life. Also that they would never have a Senator that posed nude for Cosmopolitan (as a difference), which, may in the long run, come back to haunt those writers. It is all in good fun, this back and forth between two states, in some respects, however, the loss of population to the northern neighbor, most likely resulted in the loss of a congressional seat for Massachusetts in 2011-2012 - People flee Massachusetts for a less – taxing time.

New Hampshire reacts to the tax state (MA) by suggesting that excessive taxes in Massachusetts should stay in Massachusetts –and that from a State, thanks to those refugees from Boston, that now sports a Democrat Governor.

Naturally, Rand Paul (R-KY) is a lightning rod for the left and the right – given his current “front-runner” standing in the pre-presidential candidate sweepstakes. The Wall Street Journal, which is most likely to support a Bush (inside the beltway) candidacy, opines that should Rand Paul be the nominee, the White House will remain shuttered to Republicans. Of course, that’s opinion, however, not opinion laced with reality.

One would hope that as Senator Paul is keen on going where Republican’s don’t normally tread, he might rally in Massachusetts should he campaign in earnest in 2015-2016. He might be pleasantly surprised to learn that the Bay State is chock full of colleges, as well as sporting an electorate that is 50% unenrolled (meaning independent), and Republicans, such as they are, refer (in low voices) to themselves as “Jeffersonian Republicans” which is code for “Libertarian”.

Of course, it’s difficult to shake of the mantle of “Bluest State”, one where State House speakers are most likely to retire to Federal Prison, and the dead rise in record numbers each election cycle, which may be why no-one really bothers to campaign in Massachusetts in a general election – even Mitt Romney barely set foot in the state he once governed. Yet, those who are contemplating a run, perhaps could find it in their hearts to give those long-suffering Massachusetts “unenrolled”, “Jeffersonian Republicans, and straight up Libertarians a break this time and grace us with a visit or two. Although the fence might dissuade them from dropping in, some in the Bay State still maintain a sense of humor!

Mike Huckabee
On the Campaign Trail

The Hope Star is reporting that Mike Huckabee is campaigning for John McCain and speaking for him as well, in supporting Republican candidates across the country. Mike Huckabee continues to play down his possible place on the V.P. list, and goes on to re-state his support for the party and candidates. He is headed to New Hampshire to campaign for Bob Clegg article from the Boston Globe here . Clegg is a state senator running for Congress. To learn more about candidates Mike Huckabee is supporting visit: HuckPac.com