As the race for the Hampden 2nd Congressional district winds down to its final weeks, there has been, to date, very little coverage by the local news outlets on the race. Recently that has changed to include at least one Google alert per candidate (Tom Wesley Republican, Richard Neal Democrat) per day, either by blog and or surprising a newspaper article. This particular race has to be one of the least covered races by the mainstream media in the entire 50 states. Therefore, those searching for news about candidates must resort to investigating whatever sources they can find. It’s not easy.
One would think something as historical as a challenger to a 22 year incumbent might be newsworthy, considering this year, Republican Challengers in Massachusetts are neither “fringe” candidates, or lackluster candidates, but candidates that can resonate with the people, across party lines, and attract attention, from everyone except: the main news.
Below is a video taken when Richard Neal announced his reelection campaign? The following is a greatly abridged except from the video, which is worth watching.
Abridge Richard Neal Remarks from WWLP video – promises to continue to protect social security and make sure that Medicare remains protected - Speaks comfortably in the body of his peers – of his saving of Westover Air Reserve Base, and thanks the Labor movement here, for their support – spent time protecting the middle class – knows the challenges – and that the people inspire him, not vice versa.
WWLP Video Richard Neal Open House available at WWLP.com and YouTube.
Although one has to applaud the Congressman for campaigning, for the first time in decades for his seat, he has recycled the same material used for the past 10 elections, Social Security, Westover Air Reserve Base, and his protection of the middle class. (Usually found in ones mailbox every two years on a glossy postcard.)
None of these are issues that are on the tops of the minds of those in the district.
For example:
A constituent might want to know, why Congressman Neal voted for additional stimulus funds, voted for the health care reform act, and while the people are suffering here in Western Mass and the Hampden 2nd in General, he voted to take a break in order to get back to his district to campaign. The reason the later is important: it allowed the Bush Tax Cuts to expire, and that means, less in every constituent’s paycheck on the 1st of January, reduction in child tax credit, and on the corporate side, a hiring freeze.
Therefore, those are important issue stat affect every single person in the distinct, and on Medicare, and Social Security – Neal does not talk about his vote on Health Care Reform, in its final package, the fact that those Social Security Recipients have lost their Medicare Advantage plan. Many of whom have lost access as of now, to medicine that is life sustaining. Go figure – he did not bring that up.
In all fairness, that may be because he has no clue that this little gem was included in the Health Care Reform Bill that was signed (along with Government takeover of the student loan industry which has insured higher interest rates for all students and parent entering college – idea to pay for health care reform) because he didn’t’ read it. If he did read it and let it pass, shame on him, if not, then shame on him too.
WWLP did do a feature on Tom Wesley, it was fair, and gave an overview of Mr. Wesley, but the only place one can find that video now is on Face book – It is not on the WWLP website (unless it’s hidden under some category like food, and this blog searched the site. One can access the video on face book via a link here to a recent piece by WWLP on Tom Wesley,Republican Candidate against Richard Neal. The video on Face book does not have an embed feature. The fact that it is not on the NBC Affiliate site, does not serve the public, as it is a good piece, and gives insight into Mr. Wesley and offers up some of his ideas for change in the Congress and how Mr. Wesley differs from Mr. Neal.
It’s beginning to appear to constituents, more by the day, that the lack of coverage on this race, means only one thing – that the incumbent, Richard Neal is in more trouble than previously thought, and that come November, he and members of his staff, may find themselves joining the 9.6 (or higher if one subscribes to Gallup) percent of Unemployed Americans.
Showing posts with label Tom Wesley for Congress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tom Wesley for Congress. Show all posts
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Tom Wesley, Republican Candidate - MA Hampden 2nd District, Running Against Incumbent, Richard Neal (D) – Candidate Profile and Q & A – 2010 Mid-Term
On Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 voters will go to the polls across the United States and choose individuals to represent them in both State and Federal positions. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, there are 10 U.S. Congressional Races; the outcome of each District race will define the make-up of the 112th Congress and the course of the nation. The Congress is especially important due to the fact that members draft legislation, and work in tandem with the U.S. Senate in order to make the laws which impact U.S. Citizens daily lives. The Congress also has the power over the governments’ purse strings, giving members of Congress the ability to fund programs and appropriate tax payers dollars in order to run the government. In other words, the individual members of Congress, collectively in one body, have more power than the U.S. President when it comes to the laws of our nation. Therefore, Decisions on which candidate to choose should be made on an individual basis, with time taken to learn about the candidates prior to casting a vote. To that end, this blog is presenting “Candidate Profiles”, which are in a Q&A format. Questions were only changed to reflect the candidate’s political party and current status (incumbent or challenger). The balance was not edited to reflect the views of this blog and remains unabridged. Hopefully, this will allow readers to get to know the candidate a bit more, both on a personal level as well as how they perceive the important issues facing the nation as well as the Congressional District.
Tom Wesley Candidate Profile
Tom Wesley, Candidate for U.S. Congress, MA 2nd District - image Wales GOP
Brief biography
I am a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy, received my BS degree and US Coast Guard license as a Third Mate of Vessels of Any Gross Tons, Upon Oceans. I was able to sail any ship, anywhere in the world. Instead, I went on active duty in the US Navy and earned my wings as a Naval Aviator. I flew helicopters in the Cold War during the Reagan years and served with distinction in operations in the Pacific, including operations involving search and salvage of the Korean Airline Flight 007 shoot down. I later served in the Pentagon with the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as part of a prestigious internship program. I was one of only two junior naval officers on the staff.
My business career began in aerospace and defense industries with large corporations in sales and marketing positions of progressive responsibility. These positions allowed me to expand my global travel credentials. I did venture into entrepreneurial pursuits involving aerospace exports and eventually into consumer imports. The venture ultimately failed due to market forces and noncollectable debt.
I returned to corporate life and ultimately got involved in the Life Science industry where I actually ran factories, built products in this country and developed an understanding of the global factors that create an environment ripe for outsourcing. I am currently Director of Strategic Planning and Corporate Sustainability for a large multi-national corporation in Milford, MA.
Always active in my community, I have been involved in my church, serving as moderator and chairman of various boards and committees, and in Boy Scouts, where I am the current Scoutmaster of my troop in Hopedale.
Q. As a conservative – can you define what you feel conservatism means to you?
A. American Conservatism is a byproduct of American individualism and American exceptionalism. Its roots derive from the Western entrepreneurial spirit of adventure, high risk and high reward. It is the essence of the American Dream where anything is possible for those who are committed to success.
Q. When did you first discover you were a conservative (Republican)?
A. Actually, I first voted for Jimmy Carter and then had the experience of serving under him as Commander-in-Chief. I became a conservative-minded person when Ronald Reagan became my Commander-in-Chief.
Q. Are you originally from Massachusetts? If so, where in Mass? If you lived elsewhere, why did you choose the 2nd district to make your home?
A.
I was born in Brooklyn, NY, as a second-generation Polish immigrant. Uncle Sam made sure that I had lots of addresses during my career. I have lived in Florida, Maine, California, Hawaii and DC during my Navy years. Business took me to New Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts. My wife and I enjoyed the atmosphere of the small town of Hopedale, its proximity to my workplace and the quality of the education available to my children.
Q. You’re married and have children, (grown?) – do you feel that the 2nd district is the best place to raise a family and why?
A.
I have two grown daughters, 26 and 24, who have been unable to sustain employment in Massachusetts and are staking their claims out of state, and a 17 year old that is a senior in Hopedale HS. I do hope that we can restore the second district as a place where our children can settle down and raise their families.
Q. Why did you decide to run, what made you feel you wanted to give up your time to run for public office?
A.
I took an oath of office, not once but twice, to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. I have never been an elected official but have been a public servant all my life. I view this task as my patriotic duty to our generation and the next and for the unborn generations of Americans yet to come.
Q. As you are aware, Scott Brown did win the district, but lost Springfield and Northampton at the time. How do you feel you relate to both independents and democrats while still maintaining your conservative principles?
A. It is not possible to win every heart and mind or to win every vote. What I tell people who will not vote for me is that I will be their Congressman, too. We may not always agree on the issues but I will always tell you where I stand. And when it comes to services, all of my constituents will be treated with equality and respect.
Issues:
Q. What do you feel are the three most important issues facing American’s today? List
A.
1. Economy
2. Immigration
3. Healthcare Reform
Q. What do you feel are the three most important issues facing the 2nd district? List
A.
The issues are the same as at the national level. They touch us in the pocketbook and in the heart. They have the potential to derail the American Dream and undermine the future of our children.
We must also ensure that our schools are producing quality graduates who are ready to work in a modern economy with the necessary skill sets that our innovative economy requires.
Q. Are there any other issues you feel are of import?
What are your personal solutions to solving the problems (choose two) that you feel are a priority for the 2nd district?
A. The economy must be our first priority. We must get people working once again. Jobs go offshore because of government greed in taxation. The US has the highest tax rate in the world. It forces companies to offshore havens. We must work towards halving that rate and look to level the playing field against unfair foreign competition. We must also seek to ensure that government regulation does not unnecessarily burden our businesses as they compete internationally.
The issue of immigration, both legal and illegal, must be addressed very quickly in the 112th Congress. Until we can stop the flow of people across our border who have no authority or right to be here, we cannot distinguish between those who mean us no harm from those who do. Those who do bring drugs, violence, human trafficking, and the threat of terrorism against our way of life. It is an imperative that we seal the border in order to control entry to this country. On the legal front, we must pursue a comprehensive overhaul of regulations and policies in order that those who come here on short term visas cannot overstay their welcome; those who wish to stay can be fairly evaluated; and, those who wish to enter are fairly treated.
Q. If you are elected to represent the Massachusetts 2nd Hampden Congressional District, what would you author as your first piece of legislation and why.
A.Unless the 111th Congress acts to rescind the upcoming tax hikes, this may be the first legislation required. Our economy is too fragile to absorb such an increase.
Q. Do you feel pork is important to the district? (If yes, or no, explain.)
A. Pork contains fat. We have enough worthy projects in this nation that we should not be measured by how many dollars one can bring back to the district to fund abstract ideas or white elephants. I think this district is capable of competing for resources on the merit of the project alone. And I would admonish my colleagues to do the same.
Q. I’m a 2nd district voter - you just knocked on my door – introduce yourself and tell me why you should get my vote.
A.Hello, my name is Tom Wesley, a Navy veteran, a first time candidate and career citizen, just like you. I am not running against the 22-year incumbent career politician, Richard Neal, as much as I am running for my vision of America in the 21st century. It is a vision that foresees an era of American leadership in political, economic and moral arenas. It is a vision that protects the American dream for you, your children and the unborn generations of Americans yet to come. I run because I am your neighbor: not because I live next door to you but because I value the things that you do. This is our Congress and we must fight to regain our voice in Washington. And this is our time. Too much is at stake for us not to take this election very seriously. I ask you for your vote so that we can begin the process of moving this country forward once again.
To learn more about Tom Wesley visit: www.tomwesley.com
To learn more about Richard Neal (MA-D) visit www.nealforcongress.com
In summery, remember, every vote counts, therefore, get out and vote on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010. Many a race, even for Federal office, has been determined by a handful of votes. Often there are questions on the ballots which allow citizens to choose to fund a certain local project, or to actively participate in a state law, such as a reduction of the Massachusetts State income tax. Therefore, if one feels strongly about a particular issue or candidate the only way to positively effect change is to get out and vote, regardless of party. There is an old adage, and regardless of the outcome of any given race or ballot question, if one does not vote, one cannot complain.
Tom Wesley, Candidate for U.S. Congress, MA 2nd District - image Wales GOP
Brief biography
I am a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy, received my BS degree and US Coast Guard license as a Third Mate of Vessels of Any Gross Tons, Upon Oceans. I was able to sail any ship, anywhere in the world. Instead, I went on active duty in the US Navy and earned my wings as a Naval Aviator. I flew helicopters in the Cold War during the Reagan years and served with distinction in operations in the Pacific, including operations involving search and salvage of the Korean Airline Flight 007 shoot down. I later served in the Pentagon with the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as part of a prestigious internship program. I was one of only two junior naval officers on the staff.
My business career began in aerospace and defense industries with large corporations in sales and marketing positions of progressive responsibility. These positions allowed me to expand my global travel credentials. I did venture into entrepreneurial pursuits involving aerospace exports and eventually into consumer imports. The venture ultimately failed due to market forces and noncollectable debt.
I returned to corporate life and ultimately got involved in the Life Science industry where I actually ran factories, built products in this country and developed an understanding of the global factors that create an environment ripe for outsourcing. I am currently Director of Strategic Planning and Corporate Sustainability for a large multi-national corporation in Milford, MA.
Always active in my community, I have been involved in my church, serving as moderator and chairman of various boards and committees, and in Boy Scouts, where I am the current Scoutmaster of my troop in Hopedale.
Q. As a conservative – can you define what you feel conservatism means to you?
A. American Conservatism is a byproduct of American individualism and American exceptionalism. Its roots derive from the Western entrepreneurial spirit of adventure, high risk and high reward. It is the essence of the American Dream where anything is possible for those who are committed to success.
Q. When did you first discover you were a conservative (Republican)?
A. Actually, I first voted for Jimmy Carter and then had the experience of serving under him as Commander-in-Chief. I became a conservative-minded person when Ronald Reagan became my Commander-in-Chief.
Q. Are you originally from Massachusetts? If so, where in Mass? If you lived elsewhere, why did you choose the 2nd district to make your home?
A.
I was born in Brooklyn, NY, as a second-generation Polish immigrant. Uncle Sam made sure that I had lots of addresses during my career. I have lived in Florida, Maine, California, Hawaii and DC during my Navy years. Business took me to New Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts. My wife and I enjoyed the atmosphere of the small town of Hopedale, its proximity to my workplace and the quality of the education available to my children.
Q. You’re married and have children, (grown?) – do you feel that the 2nd district is the best place to raise a family and why?
A.
I have two grown daughters, 26 and 24, who have been unable to sustain employment in Massachusetts and are staking their claims out of state, and a 17 year old that is a senior in Hopedale HS. I do hope that we can restore the second district as a place where our children can settle down and raise their families.
Q. Why did you decide to run, what made you feel you wanted to give up your time to run for public office?
A.
I took an oath of office, not once but twice, to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. I have never been an elected official but have been a public servant all my life. I view this task as my patriotic duty to our generation and the next and for the unborn generations of Americans yet to come.
Q. As you are aware, Scott Brown did win the district, but lost Springfield and Northampton at the time. How do you feel you relate to both independents and democrats while still maintaining your conservative principles?
A. It is not possible to win every heart and mind or to win every vote. What I tell people who will not vote for me is that I will be their Congressman, too. We may not always agree on the issues but I will always tell you where I stand. And when it comes to services, all of my constituents will be treated with equality and respect.
Q. What do you feel are the three most important issues facing American’s today? List
A.
1. Economy
2. Immigration
3. Healthcare Reform
Q. What do you feel are the three most important issues facing the 2nd district? List
A.
The issues are the same as at the national level. They touch us in the pocketbook and in the heart. They have the potential to derail the American Dream and undermine the future of our children.
We must also ensure that our schools are producing quality graduates who are ready to work in a modern economy with the necessary skill sets that our innovative economy requires.
Q. Are there any other issues you feel are of import?
What are your personal solutions to solving the problems (choose two) that you feel are a priority for the 2nd district?
A. The economy must be our first priority. We must get people working once again. Jobs go offshore because of government greed in taxation. The US has the highest tax rate in the world. It forces companies to offshore havens. We must work towards halving that rate and look to level the playing field against unfair foreign competition. We must also seek to ensure that government regulation does not unnecessarily burden our businesses as they compete internationally.
The issue of immigration, both legal and illegal, must be addressed very quickly in the 112th Congress. Until we can stop the flow of people across our border who have no authority or right to be here, we cannot distinguish between those who mean us no harm from those who do. Those who do bring drugs, violence, human trafficking, and the threat of terrorism against our way of life. It is an imperative that we seal the border in order to control entry to this country. On the legal front, we must pursue a comprehensive overhaul of regulations and policies in order that those who come here on short term visas cannot overstay their welcome; those who wish to stay can be fairly evaluated; and, those who wish to enter are fairly treated.
Q. If you are elected to represent the Massachusetts 2nd Hampden Congressional District, what would you author as your first piece of legislation and why.
A.Unless the 111th Congress acts to rescind the upcoming tax hikes, this may be the first legislation required. Our economy is too fragile to absorb such an increase.
Q. Do you feel pork is important to the district? (If yes, or no, explain.)
A. Pork contains fat. We have enough worthy projects in this nation that we should not be measured by how many dollars one can bring back to the district to fund abstract ideas or white elephants. I think this district is capable of competing for resources on the merit of the project alone. And I would admonish my colleagues to do the same.
Q. I’m a 2nd district voter - you just knocked on my door – introduce yourself and tell me why you should get my vote.
A.Hello, my name is Tom Wesley, a Navy veteran, a first time candidate and career citizen, just like you. I am not running against the 22-year incumbent career politician, Richard Neal, as much as I am running for my vision of America in the 21st century. It is a vision that foresees an era of American leadership in political, economic and moral arenas. It is a vision that protects the American dream for you, your children and the unborn generations of Americans yet to come. I run because I am your neighbor: not because I live next door to you but because I value the things that you do. This is our Congress and we must fight to regain our voice in Washington. And this is our time. Too much is at stake for us not to take this election very seriously. I ask you for your vote so that we can begin the process of moving this country forward once again.
To learn more about Tom Wesley visit: www.tomwesley.com
To learn more about Richard Neal (MA-D) visit www.nealforcongress.com
In summery, remember, every vote counts, therefore, get out and vote on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010. Many a race, even for Federal office, has been determined by a handful of votes. Often there are questions on the ballots which allow citizens to choose to fund a certain local project, or to actively participate in a state law, such as a reduction of the Massachusetts State income tax. Therefore, if one feels strongly about a particular issue or candidate the only way to positively effect change is to get out and vote, regardless of party. There is an old adage, and regardless of the outcome of any given race or ballot question, if one does not vote, one cannot complain.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tom Wesley, Republican Candidate Against Richard Neal (D-MA), 2010 Election Profile and Analysis
Tom Wesley, candidate for Hampden 2nd Congressional District MA - running against Richard "Rangel" Neal
Tom Wesley, a Navy veteran and international businessman, won the Hampden 2nd District primary yesterday and will go on to face, 12 term Democrat Incumbent Richard Neal in the November Mid-term. Not surprisingly, the race has, to date, received little to no attention on a national scale, (or local scale for that matter, example: this race is not mentioned today in the Districts Largest Newspaper, The Springfield Republican. The paper is instead, focusing on the the Hampden County District (Democrat) attorney race and adding other races in more as after thoughts) In addition, Google News alerts for this Congressional District, as of 6:21 am yielded 4 (four) news stories total on this particular race. Interestingly, avoidance of this sort was also used in the January 19th Special election, where Brown Bested Coakley in the Hampden 2nd.
Tom Wesley, now with a primary under his belt, is ready to take one of the most low-profile, dangerous Democrats in the Congress, one Richard Neal. The plus side, is Neal, who ran uncontested, is not viewed favorabliy in the District and although no polling data (other than internals) exists yet, one has to factor Neal as vulnerable, due to the need to bring Bill Clinton in to stump for him and the local Union sending out emergency emails to hold standouts for Neal (running uncontested) at polling places yesterday. (So he would not appear vulnerable). Therefore, Tom Wesley stands a better than even chance of becoming the first Republican in over two decades to rest the seat from Neal and hand it back to the people.
Although an AP story, which is being quoted in articles regarding Tom Wesley (Boston Globe, post primary edition)includes an AP story line released on the 11th of September, about a bankruptcy filed by Tom Wesley for a business he owned in 2000. Businesses, not unlike politics, have their ups and downs, and filing for bankruptcy is no shame in Corporate American. Consider in 2002 KMart filed for Bankruptcy Protection, with the only consequence being the company survived. Therefore, the fact that Tom Wesley, running as a fiscal conservative, filed bankruptcy for a business in 2,000, (10 years ago), is somewhat of a moot point, and possibly the only point that Richard Neal will have as ammunition against Mr. Wesley.
How well will that work for Neal? That remains to be seen (most likely with like minded committed Progressives and union leaders(note: note the rank and file), however, one thing is certain, negative ads will not work in this district (or other districts in the Bay State) – and running on his Record, may be something Neal would rather avoid, given his straight Party line voting pattern for the past 24 years.
The Tea Party and the Pioneer Valley.
Yes the Tea Party was a factor in this primary election, giving Wesley the preferred Tea Party status, which will be helpful to him in the general. Based on the numbers (lower voter turnout), however, Mr. Wesley must now turn to attracting the all important unenrolled voter, and here’s where it gets easier. A recent gallop poll on trust in institutions comes into play in regards to Tom Wesley’s candidacy: The military (extends to members past and present) is the number one trusted institution in the nation, followed by small business, which ranked 2nd, according to the same poll, Congress (see Richard Neal) ranks dead last in Confidence. Therefore, Mr. Wesley scores twice in confidence, where has Neal begins the general with a negative.
Mr. Wesley will be a formidable candidate against Richard Neal and with the support of the Tea Party as well as Conservatives, Independents and, yes, Democrats, he is in a position to best Neal. What Tom Wesley took from the Primary is the need to target Springfield hard (Richard Neal’s Home Town) along with Chicopee, and yes, Northampton. Without those three cities, regardless of the eastern part of the district weighing in, one cannot win a general. Those conservatives in Springfield and Chicopee will look forward to the radio, television ads plus the hip mailers from Tom Wesley, as will those unenrolled neighbors who are critical to the outcome. Therefore, as Mr. Wesley will be working for the Hampden 2nd, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States of America, please visit: www.tomwesley.com and volunteer or donate!
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