John Kerry Makes Appearance in
Western Massachusetts

Photo, Springfield Republican, MassLive

If one has difficulty remembering the last time John Kerry made an appearance in the other half of his home state, it is because he simply does not travel here that often. He was in the area yesterday, visiting supporters for his 2008 re-election bid. Local CBS Affiliate Channel 3 speculated about the possibility of Kerry being given a place in the Obama administration, noting of course, that Obama would first have to get the Democratic nomination, then actually get voted into the White House. Kerry replied that he’d like to keep his current job.

The Springfield Republican article here talks about Kerry’s 25 years in the senate and his visit to two cities in the Western Half of the state, Northampton and Springfield. To some in this neck of the woods, it appears that it may have been 25 years since his last visit. He has faced little or no opposition to his seat in the past, however, 2008 is different, which may be why he has a sudden interest in making an appearance in this forgotten part of the Bluest State.

Enter Jeff Beatty. Jeff Beatty (R) is the strongest opposition candidate that Kerry has faced in the past 25 years. Beatty is a conservative Republican, willing to work with those on the other side of the aisle in order to get the job done. He has the necessary credentials to enter the Senate as a viable replacement to the lackluster Kerry.

Jeff’s Republican opponent, Jim Ogonowski, failed to collect the necessary signatures in order to place his name on the ballot, and some of the signatures he did collect are being called into question. The Boston Globe reported yesterday article here that Ogonowski fell short of the necessary votes, and from the Left Leaning Carpetbagger blog , reports that Ogonowski is supported by the national party, an embarrassment since he failed to garner the signatures. Jeff Beatty on the other hand, is more of a grassroots candidate, has out raised Ogonowski by both funds and signatures, and is polling very favorably against John Kerry. This may be why John Kerry is suddendly inetrested in WEstern Massachusetts.

To learn more about Jeff Beatty, visit his website: Jeff Beatty .com Kerry may have the support of the Bay state rank and file Democrats, but it is the Independent or Unenrolled voters, who make up more than 50% of the state’s electorate, who will make the difference in this election. It may just be time for a change.

Nathan Bech (R) Challenges Olver for 1st Congressional District (MA)

Nathan Bech

Nathan Bech is challenging John Olver’s Congressional seat this year. Olver has held this seat for the past 17 years and epitomizes Massachusetts Progressive politics exported nationally. The 1st Congressional District is the largest district in the state of Massachusetts in area, and includes the noteworthy cities of Northampton and Amherst (often dubbed by locals as NoHo and The People’s Republic of Amherst). Those two areas, in particular make up Olver’s core constituency. The rest of district is fairly grounded in reality (considering this is Massachusetts). Bech lists his top priorities as the economy, healthcare and Iraq, with environment, education, immigration, taxes, government waste, energy, second amendment, national security, veterans and the sanctity of life to follow. Note: he takes a strong conservative, yet moderate stand on all issues and is worth consideration: pro-choice, border control, simplified taxes and cutting taxes for the middle class, and of specific interest to this household, tax credits for parents choosing to enroll children in parochial or private schools. To learn more about Nathan Bech and his stand on the issues, go to: NathanBech.com

Some interesting statistic on the makeup of the Massachusetts Electorate: From the Cape Code Times a listing by Cape county (a slightly progressive part of the state) shows that the unerolled in the state make up more than 50% of the electorate. A great deal will depend on the state's unenrolled in 2008 - should they vote moderately, those congressional and senate seats currently being challenged could, if supported by the party, export Massachusetts conservatism to the nation - for a change.

Tuesday’s Tidbits

Barack Obama and the Chicago Political Machine

Last night a reference was made on the O’Reilly Factor to Barack Obama’s ties to the Chicago Political Machine headed by Mayor Richard Daley. Bill O’Reilly promised further investigation into these ties prior to the November election. Finding references is not particularly difficult. On February 26, 2007, The Washington Post reported that Obama had endorsed Daley for Mayor, a switch from a prior position that Obama held regarding the corruption surrounding Daley’s administration. Chicago politics is strikingly similar to Massachusetts politics, you pay to play.

Speaking of which,

Jeff Beatty questions Jim Ogonowski's Fraudulent Ballot Signatures

Jeff Beatty, Republican Candidate for Senate (MA), has questioned Jim Ogonowski’s, the other Republican candidate for MA senate, collection of signatures. (The Lowell Sun article here) Apparently Ogonowski is, to date, short of the 10,000 signatures necessary to be placed on the November ballot. Ogonowski is running a slick pre-campaign, has been to Washington to request and receive help from the beltway, and knows how to get around Massachusetts politics. It is alleged that the signatures include several deceased residents. Surprised? Jeff Beatty, a relative newcomer to Massachusetts politics, has cried foul and is asking for an investigation. Pundits and bloggers from the Bay state such as the Red Mass Group, are calling Jeff an amateur. Frankly, better an amateur (i.e.: newcomer to Massachusetts politics) than a fraud. Jeff Beatty is in the best position to defeat John Kerry in November – polls indicate the same (Google John Kerry 08 senate race polls). However, with Mass. Politics Chicago style, being right is does not always go over well with either the political party or the press, which brings me to:

Hillary Clinton’s Historical References

Hillary Clinton made historical references in order to explain or defend a Democrat primary lasting well into June. Unfortunately, she referenced the assignation of Robert Kennedy and, Obama and Company, (campaign and the media) took it very personally. Clinton’s remarks were clearly an historical references, yet, as in most instances, regardless of who might be speaking (President Bush on the 60th anniversary of Israel, Mike Huckabee joking at an NRA convention, etc.), remarks are seen as a personal affront to Barack Obama. Clinton’s remarks sent the press into overdrive – see article from the New York Times here. The problem appears to be that Barack Obama is already concerned about an assasination attempt and, at the request of Homeland Security’s Chertoff, is surrounded by Secret Service details. Apparently, whenever anyone in a high profile position makes a statement, they had best figure out if somehow, someway it may be of some offense to Barack Obama. The word ridiculous comes to mind.