Wednesday, September 8, 2010
CMassPolitics.com Interview: Mike Perotto, 13th Worcester House District
CMassPolitics.com spoke with Mike Perotto (D-Worcester) about his campaign for state representative in the 13th Worcester House District.
CMassPolitics.com Interview: Gina DiBaro, 13th Worcester House District
CMassPolitics.com spoke with Gina DiBaro (D-Worcester) about her campaign for state representative in the 13th Worcester House District.
What are the GOP rep. candidates thinking?
As interesting as all the personalities and "grilling" are, what do the five Republican candidates for 3rd District Congressman stand for? Here are a few of the ideas they proposed at Tuesday's debate in Westborough.
This being the Republican primary, take it as read that all five candidates dislike President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Jim McGovern (natch), amnesty for illegal immigrants, the concept of health care as a right, and "cap-and-trade legislation"; and are generally well disposed toward a broad reading of the Second Amendment, small government, tax cuts (including the "Bush tax cuts" set to expire in January), family, God, honesty and hard work. Their opinions of motherhood and applie pie were not solicited.
Robert Chipman (R-Plainville): First priority would be passing a Balanced Budget Amendment. Also supports the line-item veto (as a constitutional amendment; it was found unconstitutional when passed as a law in the 1990s). Is against the recent extension of unemployment benefits to 99 months.
Robert Delle (R-Paxton): Main economic plank is creating more enterprise zones for small businesses. All Defense Department spending should be done in the United States. Implement tax havens within U.S. territorial borders, to recapture the banking business that has fled to Caribbean islands and other low-tax or low-regulation countries. As a "free-market absolutist," believes illegal immigration is best curtailed by cutting off "free money" programs (welfare, public housing, etc.) to anyone who isn't a legal resident.
Brian Herr (R-Hopkinton): Touted potential dividends from improving local digital infrastructure, such as increased attractiveness to business, and easier sharing of medical records (to reduce the administrative costs of health care). Would send military troops to patrol the Mexican border.
Marty Lamb (R-Holliston): Has a seven-point plan to end illegal immigration. Advocates having troops on the border to defend against what he calls an "invasion." Would ask Supreme Court to interpret (not rewrite) the 14th Amendment as not applying to so-called "anchor babies" because the parents, illegal immigrants, were not "subject to the jurisdiction" of the United States. Instead of government health plans, he proposed giving tax credits for individuals to purchase insurance.
Michael Stopa (R-Holliston): Use unspent stimulus money to extend the Bush tax cuts two more years. Wants Washington out of the business of "social engineering and political payback" that drives most spending plans; would rather see partnerships with business. "These people [Democratic leadership] basically view profit with hostility. ... We're going down there not to fix the economy, but to fight with the people who are trying to destroy the economy."
Every candidate specifically mentioned wanting to repeal "Obamacare," though only a couple went into great detail. Herr said he'd like to see the health care system defined on a state-by-state basis, and said the real problem -- high costs -- can be tamed through better technology and tort reform. Stopa said he wants to follow "the Massachusetts model for dismantling Obamacare" -- he said he's the only candidate campaigning on this platform, which could have the recent health care law nullified "in 2012, with Michele Bachmann in the White House."
On Social Security, which the moderator called a "Ponzi scheme," Stopa said he'd like to raise the retirement age and perhaps privatize 1/3 of each account. Chipman agreed and added that he'd index benefits to prices, not wages. Delle called the program "Democrats at their best, free money for everyone." He would give people the option to "buy out" of the program. Herr stood against raising the retirement age, but would like to incorporate modern investment techniques into Social Security. Lamb called the existing accounts "sacred" but said he'd like to let new workers contribute to individual retirement plans instead of Social Security.
And who are these guys? Based on their own (often repeated) statements, Chipman's "the man of 'no'" on his School Committee and speaks for the "silent majority" awakened during the health care debate; Delle is a lawyer, true conservative and the only one who really understands Central Massachusetts; Herr is a small-government advocate who touts his local government experience (selectman and Planning Board) and his role helping craft a 0% increase town budget this year; Lamb is a Tea Party member (it means "Taxed Enough Already," he noted) and small business owner; Stopa is a Ph.D. physicist, "Reagan conservative" and founder of the Harvard University Tea Party ("I fight with liberals every day.").
Other takes on the Westborough debate (and I feel sorry for the two headline writers who inadvertently used the exact same phrase in this morning's newspapers):
MetroWest Daily News: Candidates Grill Each Other at 3rd District Debate in Westborough
Telegram & Gazette: GOP Candidates Grill Each Other; Victor to Face McGovern in 3rd
This being the Republican primary, take it as read that all five candidates dislike President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Jim McGovern (natch), amnesty for illegal immigrants, the concept of health care as a right, and "cap-and-trade legislation"; and are generally well disposed toward a broad reading of the Second Amendment, small government, tax cuts (including the "Bush tax cuts" set to expire in January), family, God, honesty and hard work. Their opinions of motherhood and applie pie were not solicited.
Robert Chipman (R-Plainville): First priority would be passing a Balanced Budget Amendment. Also supports the line-item veto (as a constitutional amendment; it was found unconstitutional when passed as a law in the 1990s). Is against the recent extension of unemployment benefits to 99 months.
Robert Delle (R-Paxton): Main economic plank is creating more enterprise zones for small businesses. All Defense Department spending should be done in the United States. Implement tax havens within U.S. territorial borders, to recapture the banking business that has fled to Caribbean islands and other low-tax or low-regulation countries. As a "free-market absolutist," believes illegal immigration is best curtailed by cutting off "free money" programs (welfare, public housing, etc.) to anyone who isn't a legal resident.
Brian Herr (R-Hopkinton): Touted potential dividends from improving local digital infrastructure, such as increased attractiveness to business, and easier sharing of medical records (to reduce the administrative costs of health care). Would send military troops to patrol the Mexican border.
Marty Lamb (R-Holliston): Has a seven-point plan to end illegal immigration. Advocates having troops on the border to defend against what he calls an "invasion." Would ask Supreme Court to interpret (not rewrite) the 14th Amendment as not applying to so-called "anchor babies" because the parents, illegal immigrants, were not "subject to the jurisdiction" of the United States. Instead of government health plans, he proposed giving tax credits for individuals to purchase insurance.
Michael Stopa (R-Holliston): Use unspent stimulus money to extend the Bush tax cuts two more years. Wants Washington out of the business of "social engineering and political payback" that drives most spending plans; would rather see partnerships with business. "These people [Democratic leadership] basically view profit with hostility. ... We're going down there not to fix the economy, but to fight with the people who are trying to destroy the economy."
Every candidate specifically mentioned wanting to repeal "Obamacare," though only a couple went into great detail. Herr said he'd like to see the health care system defined on a state-by-state basis, and said the real problem -- high costs -- can be tamed through better technology and tort reform. Stopa said he wants to follow "the Massachusetts model for dismantling Obamacare" -- he said he's the only candidate campaigning on this platform, which could have the recent health care law nullified "in 2012, with Michele Bachmann in the White House."
On Social Security, which the moderator called a "Ponzi scheme," Stopa said he'd like to raise the retirement age and perhaps privatize 1/3 of each account. Chipman agreed and added that he'd index benefits to prices, not wages. Delle called the program "Democrats at their best, free money for everyone." He would give people the option to "buy out" of the program. Herr stood against raising the retirement age, but would like to incorporate modern investment techniques into Social Security. Lamb called the existing accounts "sacred" but said he'd like to let new workers contribute to individual retirement plans instead of Social Security.
And who are these guys? Based on their own (often repeated) statements, Chipman's "the man of 'no'" on his School Committee and speaks for the "silent majority" awakened during the health care debate; Delle is a lawyer, true conservative and the only one who really understands Central Massachusetts; Herr is a small-government advocate who touts his local government experience (selectman and Planning Board) and his role helping craft a 0% increase town budget this year; Lamb is a Tea Party member (it means "Taxed Enough Already," he noted) and small business owner; Stopa is a Ph.D. physicist, "Reagan conservative" and founder of the Harvard University Tea Party ("I fight with liberals every day.").
Other takes on the Westborough debate (and I feel sorry for the two headline writers who inadvertently used the exact same phrase in this morning's newspapers):
MetroWest Daily News: Candidates Grill Each Other at 3rd District Debate in Westborough
Telegram & Gazette: GOP Candidates Grill Each Other; Victor to Face McGovern in 3rd
13th Worcester: Barnet leads in fundraising, cash on hand
Buoyed by a $10,000 personal loan to her campaign, Margo Barnet (D-Worcester) led all of her Democratic challengers in fundraising for the 13th Worcester District House seat.
Barnet raised just over $33,000 in the reporting period from January 1 through August 27. She also has more cash remaining in her campaign account, reporting $14,694 left to spend in her quest for the open seat being vacated by Bob Spillane (D-Worcester).
However, a closer look at Barnet's report with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance indicates that she could be in for more criticism from fellow candidates over her perceived ties to special interests.
In last week's debate, Barnet came under fire for the endorsements she has received from Political Action Committees across the state. Campaign records show that Barnet has benefited from those PACs to the tune of $2,700, more than any other candidate in the race.
Her main critic at the debate, Mike Perotto (D-Worcester), has also been a top beneficiary of PAC money. Perotto's take from PACs was second in the district, with $1,900 logged from the organizations. No other candidate in the race has received more than $550 from PACs and two candidates, Gina DiBaro (D-Worcester) and Joff Smith (D-Worcester) reported no PAC money at all.
Barnet has also raised more money from out-of-state and out-of-district sources than any of the other candidates. 58% of the $23,159 she has raised (outside of her personal loan) have come from donors outside of Worcester or Paxton, with over $4,600 of that coming from outside of Massachusetts.
Despite leading all candidates in fundraising, Barnet has raised the least money from Worcester and Paxton, bringing in only a tick over $7,000 from the towns in the district. The best local fundraiser was DiBaro, who pulled in $10,420 from local donors.
(Smith only logged $6,975 in itemized receipts from the district, but logged over $3,000 in small, un-itemized contributions. While his verified contributions were less than Barnet's, he undoubtedly brought in more than $50 in small contributions from the district. Barnet itemized all of her receipts, claiming zero un-itemized contributions)
Smith and Don Sharry (D-Worcester) find themselves in a strong position to make a late push, each of them having over $12,000 still in the bank. Despite raising nearly $20,000 in the period, DiBaro has spent nearly all of it, leaving her campaign with just over $3,000 to spend in the last week of campaigning. Perotto's campaign is also nearly broke, with just $1,330 left out of nearly $17,000 raised.
John Mahoney (D-Worcester) raised the smallest amount in the period, banking just over $15,000, however he started the period with over $15,500 from his city council campaign coffers.
Here are some raw numbers:
Total Fundraising (1/1/10-8/27/10)
Margot Barnet...$33,159
Joff Smith...$19,714
Gina DiBaro...$19,430
Don Sharry...$17,245
Mike Perotto...$16,716
John Mahoney...$15,165
Cash on hand (as of 8/27/10)
Barnet...$14,694
Smith...$12,944
Sharry...$12,455
Mahoney...$9,117
DiBaro...$3,310
Perotto...$1,330
District Contributions*
DiBaro...$10,420
Sharry...$9,745
Mahoney...$9,250
Perotto...$7,550*
Barnet...$7,017
Smith...$6,975*
Out-of-District Contributions (Out-of-State in parentheses)*
Barnet...$13,442 ($4,621)
Smith...$9,700 ($550)*
DiBaro...$9,010 ($600)
Sharry...$7,250 ($900)
Mahoney $5,365 ($500)
Perotto $3,850 ($450)*
Political Action Committees
Barnet...$2,700
Perotto...$1,900
Mahoney...$550
Sharry...$250
DiBaro...$ 0
Smith...$ 0
*--"District" includes all contributions from Worcester and Paxton. Many contributions from Worcester may have been from parts of the city outside the district. Smith and Perotto each reported over $3,000 in un-itemized contributions, which are not included in the District and Out-of-District totals.
Barnet raised just over $33,000 in the reporting period from January 1 through August 27. She also has more cash remaining in her campaign account, reporting $14,694 left to spend in her quest for the open seat being vacated by Bob Spillane (D-Worcester).
However, a closer look at Barnet's report with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance indicates that she could be in for more criticism from fellow candidates over her perceived ties to special interests.
In last week's debate, Barnet came under fire for the endorsements she has received from Political Action Committees across the state. Campaign records show that Barnet has benefited from those PACs to the tune of $2,700, more than any other candidate in the race.
Her main critic at the debate, Mike Perotto (D-Worcester), has also been a top beneficiary of PAC money. Perotto's take from PACs was second in the district, with $1,900 logged from the organizations. No other candidate in the race has received more than $550 from PACs and two candidates, Gina DiBaro (D-Worcester) and Joff Smith (D-Worcester) reported no PAC money at all.
Barnet has also raised more money from out-of-state and out-of-district sources than any of the other candidates. 58% of the $23,159 she has raised (outside of her personal loan) have come from donors outside of Worcester or Paxton, with over $4,600 of that coming from outside of Massachusetts.
Despite leading all candidates in fundraising, Barnet has raised the least money from Worcester and Paxton, bringing in only a tick over $7,000 from the towns in the district. The best local fundraiser was DiBaro, who pulled in $10,420 from local donors.
(Smith only logged $6,975 in itemized receipts from the district, but logged over $3,000 in small, un-itemized contributions. While his verified contributions were less than Barnet's, he undoubtedly brought in more than $50 in small contributions from the district. Barnet itemized all of her receipts, claiming zero un-itemized contributions)
Smith and Don Sharry (D-Worcester) find themselves in a strong position to make a late push, each of them having over $12,000 still in the bank. Despite raising nearly $20,000 in the period, DiBaro has spent nearly all of it, leaving her campaign with just over $3,000 to spend in the last week of campaigning. Perotto's campaign is also nearly broke, with just $1,330 left out of nearly $17,000 raised.
John Mahoney (D-Worcester) raised the smallest amount in the period, banking just over $15,000, however he started the period with over $15,500 from his city council campaign coffers.
Here are some raw numbers:
Total Fundraising (1/1/10-8/27/10)
Margot Barnet...$33,159
Joff Smith...$19,714
Gina DiBaro...$19,430
Don Sharry...$17,245
Mike Perotto...$16,716
John Mahoney...$15,165
Cash on hand (as of 8/27/10)
Barnet...$14,694
Smith...$12,944
Sharry...$12,455
Mahoney...$9,117
DiBaro...$3,310
Perotto...$1,330
District Contributions*
DiBaro...$10,420
Sharry...$9,745
Mahoney...$9,250
Perotto...$7,550*
Barnet...$7,017
Smith...$6,975*
Out-of-District Contributions (Out-of-State in parentheses)*
Barnet...$13,442 ($4,621)
Smith...$9,700 ($550)*
DiBaro...$9,010 ($600)
Sharry...$7,250 ($900)
Mahoney $5,365 ($500)
Perotto $3,850 ($450)*
Political Action Committees
Barnet...$2,700
Perotto...$1,900
Mahoney...$550
Sharry...$250
DiBaro...$ 0
Smith...$ 0
*--"District" includes all contributions from Worcester and Paxton. Many contributions from Worcester may have been from parts of the city outside the district. Smith and Perotto each reported over $3,000 in un-itemized contributions, which are not included in the District and Out-of-District totals.
Who's on 3rd?
Last week, the best question asked at the 13th Worcester House District Democratic debate was: "Who's the front-runner in this race, and why shouldn't we vote for him or her?"
They didn't ask that question at the 3rd Congressional District debate Tuesday in Westborough -- it might have seemed out of place on a dais where the candidates maintained a relatively collegial manner, with so many references to supporting whoever wins the primary on Sept. 14. However, each candidate was given the chance to ask a question to any two of his colleagues (or two questions to one), and we tracked each one down after the debate to ask whether the choice of whom to question gave any insight on who's ahead in this race of political newcomers trying to unseat Congressman James McGovern (D-Worcester).
Is Michael Stopa of Holliston the front-runner? He thinks so, and "I have the most articulated positions," to boot, he added in a quick interview after the debate. During the portion of the debate when candidates could ask each other questions, he and Herr were the only ones to be targeted twice by the same opponent -- Robert Chipman used both his questions on Stopa (he later said, "he's the [second-]best candidate, next to me"). Robert Delle also questioned Stopa. Stopa was asked whether he would voluntarily limit himself to three terms (no, he wouldn't make a unilateral limit, but he supports term limits in the form of a constitutional amendment that's binding on all candidates); what makes him think he knows the district after having been born outside it, and living several years overseas; and how he plans to stay in touch with the sprawling district, once elected (he hopes the contacts he's made in the campaign -- including Chipman -- will be his eyes and ears).
Is Brian Herr of Hopkinton the front-runner? He thinks so. Stopa identified him as the best fundraiser, "a really good resume" and the chief among his rivals. So did Marty Lamb, who said he believes the race is between he and Herr. Herr believes it's a three-way race, with he, Lamb and Stopa.Both of his rivals Lamb questioned Herr twice on his financial disclosure dustup earlier in the year. In response to the questions from Stopa and Lamb, Herr sharply criticized his opponents and newspapers for blowing what he termed "one missed deadline" out of proportion.
Is Marty Lamb of Holliston the front-runner? He thinks so, citing the support of Tea Party voters who recognize him as one of them. Delle used one of his questions to call Lamb "the master of the gimmick" and ask why he thought Congress could pass amendments to enact the line-item veto and a balanced budget requirenent -- key planks in Lamb's economic platform -- when the amending process is notoriously lengthy, and after the 1994 "Contract with America" Congress failed to make those proposals stick. Lamb said failure in 1994 shouldn't mean advocates should stop trying. Herr tossed a softball to Lamb, asking how he voted on a Proposition 2 1/2 override (a tax increase) in Holliston. Lamb said all three voters in his house voted "no." Stopa tried to tag Lamb as a Johnny-come-lately to conservatism, noting that Lamb had donated $500 each to Democratic leaders such as Ed Markey, Tom Daschle and Joseph Lieberman in 2005. The money, Lamb explained, was part of a lobbying effort to strengthen U.S. support for Israel; "I wasn't politically involved then; I am now."
What about the two Roberts? Neither one would identify a front-runner to CMassPolitics.com -- instead endorsing the field. Each was asked only one question from his rivals: Stopa asked Robert Chipman to talk about how he got involved in his local School Committee, in Plainville. Herr asked Robert Delle where he'd ever shown public leadership; Delle noted he'd been on the Planning Board in Westborough for more than six years. Herr, a selectman, said he'd still rather vote for a candidate who had "created jobs in the public sector."
Delle said his ties to the Worcester area -- he was born in the city and lives in Paxton after recently moving from Westborough -- make him the logical candidate to unseat the incumbent. "If you pull in someone from Middlesex County, they're going to have a hard time beating McGovern," Delle said. "As they say, 'he's a commie but he's our commie.'" Holliston and Hopkinton are both in Middlesex County, which hosts only four of the district's 28 cities and towns.
Later today we'll take a look at some of the issues discussed at the debate.
Update: Reporter's error -- Stopa didn't ask Herr any questions.
They didn't ask that question at the 3rd Congressional District debate Tuesday in Westborough -- it might have seemed out of place on a dais where the candidates maintained a relatively collegial manner, with so many references to supporting whoever wins the primary on Sept. 14. However, each candidate was given the chance to ask a question to any two of his colleagues (or two questions to one), and we tracked each one down after the debate to ask whether the choice of whom to question gave any insight on who's ahead in this race of political newcomers trying to unseat Congressman James McGovern (D-Worcester).
Is Michael Stopa of Holliston the front-runner? He thinks so, and "I have the most articulated positions," to boot, he added in a quick interview after the debate. During the portion of the debate when candidates could ask each other questions, he and Herr were the only ones to be targeted twice by the same opponent -- Robert Chipman used both his questions on Stopa (he later said, "he's the [second-]best candidate, next to me"). Robert Delle also questioned Stopa. Stopa was asked whether he would voluntarily limit himself to three terms (no, he wouldn't make a unilateral limit, but he supports term limits in the form of a constitutional amendment that's binding on all candidates); what makes him think he knows the district after having been born outside it, and living several years overseas; and how he plans to stay in touch with the sprawling district, once elected (he hopes the contacts he's made in the campaign -- including Chipman -- will be his eyes and ears).
Is Brian Herr of Hopkinton the front-runner? He thinks so. Stopa identified him as the best fundraiser, "a really good resume" and the chief among his rivals. So did Marty Lamb, who said he believes the race is between he and Herr. Herr believes it's a three-way race, with he, Lamb and Stopa.
Is Marty Lamb of Holliston the front-runner? He thinks so, citing the support of Tea Party voters who recognize him as one of them. Delle used one of his questions to call Lamb "the master of the gimmick" and ask why he thought Congress could pass amendments to enact the line-item veto and a balanced budget requirenent -- key planks in Lamb's economic platform -- when the amending process is notoriously lengthy, and after the 1994 "Contract with America" Congress failed to make those proposals stick. Lamb said failure in 1994 shouldn't mean advocates should stop trying. Herr tossed a softball to Lamb, asking how he voted on a Proposition 2 1/2 override (a tax increase) in Holliston. Lamb said all three voters in his house voted "no." Stopa tried to tag Lamb as a Johnny-come-lately to conservatism, noting that Lamb had donated $500 each to Democratic leaders such as Ed Markey, Tom Daschle and Joseph Lieberman in 2005. The money, Lamb explained, was part of a lobbying effort to strengthen U.S. support for Israel; "I wasn't politically involved then; I am now."
What about the two Roberts? Neither one would identify a front-runner to CMassPolitics.com -- instead endorsing the field. Each was asked only one question from his rivals: Stopa asked Robert Chipman to talk about how he got involved in his local School Committee, in Plainville. Herr asked Robert Delle where he'd ever shown public leadership; Delle noted he'd been on the Planning Board in Westborough for more than six years. Herr, a selectman, said he'd still rather vote for a candidate who had "created jobs in the public sector."
Delle said his ties to the Worcester area -- he was born in the city and lives in Paxton after recently moving from Westborough -- make him the logical candidate to unseat the incumbent. "If you pull in someone from Middlesex County, they're going to have a hard time beating McGovern," Delle said. "As they say, 'he's a commie but he's our commie.'" Holliston and Hopkinton are both in Middlesex County, which hosts only four of the district's 28 cities and towns.
Later today we'll take a look at some of the issues discussed at the debate.
Update: Reporter's error -- Stopa didn't ask Herr any questions.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
State Roundup: Candidate Overload
With just one week to go before the primary, every news outlet, political committee, fair and parade organizer, and ice cream vendor is subject to a visit from a candidate. Here's a round up of items from late last week and the holiday weekend...
Worcester County Sheriff
The Telegram reports that Scot Bove (D-Holden) took a leave of absence from his job at the jail five weeks ago in an effort to distance himself from the appearance of a conflict of interest:
The Telegram also looks at the race from a high level, focusing on the candidates' differing views of the job description.
Second Worcester House District
All five candidates for state representative, including the two Democrats vying for the nomination next Tuesday, faced off in a debate at Mt. Wachusett Community College.
First Middlesex House District
Five challengers for this open seat also faced off last week in a forum in Townsend. There are three Democrats and two Republicans vying for their respective nominations next week.
The race is apparently so interesting that even the Globe sent a reporter outside of 495 to see what is going on out in the woods.
Second Franklin House District
Candidates for this open seat also continued their seemingly endless string of debates with two more events in Greenfield last week. Democrats faced off in a forum sponsored by the Greenfield Democratic Town Committee. The Franklin County School Committee Caucus, among others, also held a candidate forum to discuss the issue of education. Steven Adam (R-Orange) and Genevieve Fraser (U-Orange) joined the four Democrats in the discussion.
18th Worcester House District
Rep. Jennifer Callahan was in Blackstone for the first day of school, passing out backpacks to disadvantaged children.
37th Middlesex House District
Worcester and Middlesex Senate District
Rep. Jen Benson (D-Lunenburg) and Sen. Jennifer Flanagan (D-Leominster) served ice cream to and answered questions from seniors at the Pearl Brook Senior Housing Complex.
Middlesex and Worcester Senate District
Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) spoke at a home in Marlborough that had been bought out of foreclosure by the city of Marlborough and refurbished for resale as affordable housing thanks to a state grant.
Sixth Worcester House District
Mike Jaynes (R-Southbridge) writes on SpeakOutSouthbridge.com that he is the most conservative candidate in the race for the Republican nomination.
Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Senate District
Daniel Dubrule (R-Ashburnham) officially announced his candidacy for the seat currently held by Sen. Stephen Brewer (D-Barre).
Governor's Council
The Sentinel and Enterprise takes a look at Jen Caissie (R-Oxford) and Fran Ford (D-Paxton), the two candidates running for the open Governor's Council seat.
Worcester County Sheriff
The Telegram reports that Scot Bove (D-Holden) took a leave of absence from his job at the jail five weeks ago in an effort to distance himself from the appearance of a conflict of interest:
Scot J. Bove has taken a leave of absence from his job as assistant deputy sheriff while he runs for the Democratic nomination for sheriff.Bove also discusses the impact of the Sheriff's race on a tavern he owns in Worcester, saying he will recuse himself from all business operations should he be elected.
Thomas J. Foley, his opponent, questioned how it is possible to be objective in supervising employees who either donated or refused to donate to his election effort. Mr. Foley, a former state police superintendent, said his policy is to not accept campaign contributions from sheriff's department employees.
Mr. Bove said he has taken a six-week leave of absence, ending with the primary Sept. 14 primary. He acknowledged that he continued working at the jail from the time he announced his candidacy in January until last month.
The Telegram also looks at the race from a high level, focusing on the candidates' differing views of the job description.
Second Worcester House District
All five candidates for state representative, including the two Democrats vying for the nomination next Tuesday, faced off in a debate at Mt. Wachusett Community College.
First Middlesex House District
Five challengers for this open seat also faced off last week in a forum in Townsend. There are three Democrats and two Republicans vying for their respective nominations next week.
The race is apparently so interesting that even the Globe sent a reporter outside of 495 to see what is going on out in the woods.
Second Franklin House District
Candidates for this open seat also continued their seemingly endless string of debates with two more events in Greenfield last week. Democrats faced off in a forum sponsored by the Greenfield Democratic Town Committee. The Franklin County School Committee Caucus, among others, also held a candidate forum to discuss the issue of education. Steven Adam (R-Orange) and Genevieve Fraser (U-Orange) joined the four Democrats in the discussion.
18th Worcester House District
Rep. Jennifer Callahan was in Blackstone for the first day of school, passing out backpacks to disadvantaged children.
37th Middlesex House District
Worcester and Middlesex Senate District
Rep. Jen Benson (D-Lunenburg) and Sen. Jennifer Flanagan (D-Leominster) served ice cream to and answered questions from seniors at the Pearl Brook Senior Housing Complex.
Middlesex and Worcester Senate District
Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) spoke at a home in Marlborough that had been bought out of foreclosure by the city of Marlborough and refurbished for resale as affordable housing thanks to a state grant.
Sixth Worcester House District
Mike Jaynes (R-Southbridge) writes on SpeakOutSouthbridge.com that he is the most conservative candidate in the race for the Republican nomination.
Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Senate District
Daniel Dubrule (R-Ashburnham) officially announced his candidacy for the seat currently held by Sen. Stephen Brewer (D-Barre).
Governor's Council
The Sentinel and Enterprise takes a look at Jen Caissie (R-Oxford) and Fran Ford (D-Paxton), the two candidates running for the open Governor's Council seat.
Congressional Roundup: Democrats "slightly ahead" in fundraising by huge margins
Congressional fundraising reports were due last week and now that the numbers are in, it looks like the Republicans running for Congress will have their work cut out for them. We start in the Fifth Congressional District, where the Sentinel and Enterprise headline writer says "Tsongas slightly ahead":
Niki Tsongas (D-Lowell): $517,000
Jon Golnik (R-Carlisle): $77,600
Sam Meas (R-Haverhill): $28,600
Bob Shapiro (R-Andover): $3,300
Tom Weaver (R-Westford): Did not report
Pretty tough news cycle when your six-and-a-half to one money advantage is considered a "slightly ahead"...
Third Congressional District
According to the Telegram and Gazette, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Worcester) has a slightly better than slight lead--as in a 64-fold advantage--over his opponents:
James McGovern (D-Worcester): $964,303
Brian Herr (R-Hopkinton): $14,603
Marty Lamb (R-Holliston): $9,505
Michael Stopa (R-Holliston): $7,544
Bob Delle (R-Paxton): $4,600
Patrick Barron (U-Worcester): $2,500
Robert Chipman (R-Plainville): "almost nothing"
Yesterday, McGovern was the keynote speaker at the Labor Day breakfast in Worcester. According to the Telegram, he told the audience that he was tired of Republican criticism on the economy. "The people who drove us into this ditch shouldn’t be complaining about the size of the tow truck to get us out of the ditch," he said.
Late last week, McGovern visited a factory in Fall River that makes camouflage material for military uniforms. McGovern also appeared on WICN-FM Radio to talk about the issue of global hunger. Visitor's to McGovern's website can sign up before tomorrow to get a special web-only video announcement.
Lamb was also on the airwaves over the weekend, appearing with Rachel Miselman on the BlogTalkRadio.com network.
Not to be outdone, Delle has released his first radio ad.
Second Congressional District
Finally, Jay Fleitman (R-Nothampton) spoke out against the Democrats' handing of the economy at a Republican candidates' forum in South Hadley late last week.
BOSTON -- Sluggish fundraising from the four Republican candidates running in the 5th Congressional District could put the winner of the primary election, now less than two weeks away, at a marked disadvantage against U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, who out-raised all of her opponents combined over the past two months....The cash-on-hand tally, according to the Sentinel:
Tsongas raised $121,323 in July and August, leaving her with about $517,000 on hand as she prepares to enter the general election campaign. Though she has far surpassed her opponents' fundraising efforts, her less-than-sizable war chest could force her campaign to make decisions down the stretch about where they want to spend and where they can cut back.
Niki Tsongas (D-Lowell): $517,000
Jon Golnik (R-Carlisle): $77,600
Sam Meas (R-Haverhill): $28,600
Bob Shapiro (R-Andover): $3,300
Tom Weaver (R-Westford): Did not report
Pretty tough news cycle when your six-and-a-half to one money advantage is considered a "slightly ahead"...
Third Congressional District
According to the Telegram and Gazette, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Worcester) has a slightly better than slight lead--as in a 64-fold advantage--over his opponents:
With nearly $1 million in the bank, U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern is easily winning the fundraising battle against his six challengers.The Telegram's cash-on-hand tally:
Five Republicans and one independent candidate are also running for the 3rd district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. According to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission this week, the best financed Republican in the race, Brian J. Herr of Hopkinton, has $14,603 on hand, compared to Mr. McGovern's $964,303.
James McGovern (D-Worcester): $964,303
Brian Herr (R-Hopkinton): $14,603
Marty Lamb (R-Holliston): $9,505
Michael Stopa (R-Holliston): $7,544
Bob Delle (R-Paxton): $4,600
Patrick Barron (U-Worcester): $2,500
Robert Chipman (R-Plainville): "almost nothing"
Yesterday, McGovern was the keynote speaker at the Labor Day breakfast in Worcester. According to the Telegram, he told the audience that he was tired of Republican criticism on the economy. "The people who drove us into this ditch shouldn’t be complaining about the size of the tow truck to get us out of the ditch," he said.
Late last week, McGovern visited a factory in Fall River that makes camouflage material for military uniforms. McGovern also appeared on WICN-FM Radio to talk about the issue of global hunger. Visitor's to McGovern's website can sign up before tomorrow to get a special web-only video announcement.
Lamb was also on the airwaves over the weekend, appearing with Rachel Miselman on the BlogTalkRadio.com network.
Not to be outdone, Delle has released his first radio ad.
Second Congressional District
Finally, Jay Fleitman (R-Nothampton) spoke out against the Democrats' handing of the economy at a Republican candidates' forum in South Hadley late last week.
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