By Auditi Guha
Wicked Local Cambridge
Posted Nov 25, 2009 @ 09:56 AM
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Cambridge — .
Hundreds crowded the Somerville High School auditorium last week to be heard at the Green Line extension community meeting by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act.
While all were happy to see the information available and the chance for public comment, most said the long-awaited Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (DEIR/EA) presented is inadequate and will not serve as a complete environmental plan for the $1 billion extension project.
Full story
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
GOP Gov. Candidate Charlie Baker Chooses Running Mate
Nov 23, 2009 1:26 pm US/Eastern Mass.
GLEN JOHNSON, AP Political Writer
BOSTON (AP) ― Gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker followed a Massachusetts Republican tradition on Monday by selecting a veteran state legislator to be his running mate in next year's election.
Baker, the former Harvard Pilgrim Health Care president, tapped Sen. Richard Tisei as his ally for a primary against fellow Republican Christy Mihos. The winner faces the Democratic incumbent, Gov. Deval Patrick, and state Treasurer Timothy Cahill, who is running as an independent, in the November 2010 general election.
"Throughout his career in public service, Richard has built a solid voting record as a fiscal conservative and a reformer of state government," Baker said in a statement issued as he appeared with Tisei.
Tisei, a longtime legislator from Wakefield but largely unknown outside the state's anemic GOP circles, labeled Baker "the right person at the right time to get us out of this mess."
Full story
GLEN JOHNSON, AP Political Writer
BOSTON (AP) ― Gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker followed a Massachusetts Republican tradition on Monday by selecting a veteran state legislator to be his running mate in next year's election.
Baker, the former Harvard Pilgrim Health Care president, tapped Sen. Richard Tisei as his ally for a primary against fellow Republican Christy Mihos. The winner faces the Democratic incumbent, Gov. Deval Patrick, and state Treasurer Timothy Cahill, who is running as an independent, in the November 2010 general election.
"Throughout his career in public service, Richard has built a solid voting record as a fiscal conservative and a reformer of state government," Baker said in a statement issued as he appeared with Tisei.
Tisei, a longtime legislator from Wakefield but largely unknown outside the state's anemic GOP circles, labeled Baker "the right person at the right time to get us out of this mess."
Full story
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Scott Brown in the Boston Globe
I think Massachusetts voters should understand that if Scott Brown was the Junior Senator from Massachusetts yesterday, or if that seat remained open, Senator Reid's healthcare bill - which includes full coverage for illegal aliens and tax payer funded abortions - would not have passed for debate. The possibility of a U.S. Senator Scott Brown is what caused the Obama Administration, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid to use so much clout to install Paul Kirk in Kennedy's seat as a reliable vote last month. It is also what is causing them to move mountains and spend hundreds of millions in bribes to Senators like Landrieu and Lincoln to pass this unconstitutional boondoggle before the special election in January here in Massachusetts.
Make no mistake about it, Capuano and Coakley are both left wing hacks that will support whatever Obama and Pelosi tell them to. We've seen this for decades in Massachusetts, with Markey, Frank, Kerry, Kennedy, and our other federal politicians telling us what distinguished, independent-minded courageous leaders they are, only to watch them get elected and jump right into the satchel for the DNC and Democrat Caucus on every issue. Capuano or Coakley will surely support cap-and-trade, Stimulus Part III-X, Fairness Doctrine Part Deux, and most pivotally, the healthcare take over.
Scott Brown - Obama's worst nightmare, and America's best hope to retain their constitutional liberties until the cavalry arrives in 2010.
-Nick McNulty, Medford GOP
Home / Globe / Opinion / Op-ed Scott Brown
Tax cuts and fiscal discipline
By Scott Brown
November 22, 2009
I’M THE candidate running for the US Senate who you may not have heard of before but that you need to get to know. I’ve never served in Washington before. I don’t have Hollywood actors who have endorsed my campaign. I’m not the cautious politician who measures every word. I’m not a megamillionaire.
As a state senator, I’ve stood up to the tax-and-spenders at the State House. I’m a lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard’s Judge Advocate General Corps. I have two daughters, Ayla, who plays basketball at Boston College, and Arianna, a pre-med student at Syracuse. I’ve been married to my wife, Gail, for more than 23 years.
I’m running because our state is hurting. The unemployment rate continues to rise. The response of the one-party political machine in Massachusetts has been to raise taxes of every type. The race for the Senate comes down to this: all my Democratic opponents will vote to raise taxes even higher, and I will not. Higher taxes will further weaken our economy and put even more people out of work.
I want to cut taxes. Years ago, President Kennedy called for an across-the-board tax cut for families and businesses. Here’s what he said: “Every dollar released from taxation that is spent or invested will help create a new job and a new salary and these new jobs and new salaries can create other jobs and other salaries, and more customers and more growth for an expanding American economy.’’
Kennedy understood, as I do, that we can strengthen America by letting people keep more of their own money. That, and not adding to the size and scale of government as we did with the stimulus, is what will get the economy moving.
Another of my priorities is curbing out-of-control federal spending. Recent news out of Washington that US debt has topped $12 trillion for the first time is an urgent reminder of just how much pork barrel spending has bankrupted the budget and tarnished both political parties.
Full column
Make no mistake about it, Capuano and Coakley are both left wing hacks that will support whatever Obama and Pelosi tell them to. We've seen this for decades in Massachusetts, with Markey, Frank, Kerry, Kennedy, and our other federal politicians telling us what distinguished, independent-minded courageous leaders they are, only to watch them get elected and jump right into the satchel for the DNC and Democrat Caucus on every issue. Capuano or Coakley will surely support cap-and-trade, Stimulus Part III-X, Fairness Doctrine Part Deux, and most pivotally, the healthcare take over.
Scott Brown - Obama's worst nightmare, and America's best hope to retain their constitutional liberties until the cavalry arrives in 2010.
-Nick McNulty, Medford GOP
Home / Globe / Opinion / Op-ed Scott Brown
Tax cuts and fiscal discipline
By Scott Brown
November 22, 2009
I’M THE candidate running for the US Senate who you may not have heard of before but that you need to get to know. I’ve never served in Washington before. I don’t have Hollywood actors who have endorsed my campaign. I’m not the cautious politician who measures every word. I’m not a megamillionaire.
As a state senator, I’ve stood up to the tax-and-spenders at the State House. I’m a lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard’s Judge Advocate General Corps. I have two daughters, Ayla, who plays basketball at Boston College, and Arianna, a pre-med student at Syracuse. I’ve been married to my wife, Gail, for more than 23 years.
I’m running because our state is hurting. The unemployment rate continues to rise. The response of the one-party political machine in Massachusetts has been to raise taxes of every type. The race for the Senate comes down to this: all my Democratic opponents will vote to raise taxes even higher, and I will not. Higher taxes will further weaken our economy and put even more people out of work.
I want to cut taxes. Years ago, President Kennedy called for an across-the-board tax cut for families and businesses. Here’s what he said: “Every dollar released from taxation that is spent or invested will help create a new job and a new salary and these new jobs and new salaries can create other jobs and other salaries, and more customers and more growth for an expanding American economy.’’
Kennedy understood, as I do, that we can strengthen America by letting people keep more of their own money. That, and not adding to the size and scale of government as we did with the stimulus, is what will get the economy moving.
Another of my priorities is curbing out-of-control federal spending. Recent news out of Washington that US debt has topped $12 trillion for the first time is an urgent reminder of just how much pork barrel spending has bankrupted the budget and tarnished both political parties.
Full column
Friday, November 20, 2009
The cost of on-the-job training
By MITT ROMNEY 11/19/09 5:04 AM EST
During the presidential campaign, many Americans thought that Barack Obama’s lack of leadership experience would not prevent him from being an effective president. His eloquence, his insistence that, yes, he could solve any problem and his image, so artfully crafted by his advertising team, led by David Axelrod, convinced many that hope could trump demonstrated ability. It has not. Nowhere is the evidence more apparent than in his mismanagement of the conflict in Afghanistan.
In March, not long after taking office, President Obama explained his convictions regarding the conflict. He charged that “the terrorists who planned and supported the Sept. 11 attacks are in Pakistan and Afghanistan.” Further, “if the Afghan government falls to the Taliban, that country will again be a base for terrorists who want to kill as many of our people as they possibly can.” And he concluded: “To succeed, we and our friends and allies must reverse the Taliban’s gains and promote a more capable and accountable Afghan government.” What followed this bold and definitive goal was the classic failing of people without real leadership experience: the inability to do what is necessary to achieve one’s objective.
The president refused to focus on what was most important. He took on so many tasks that he underinvested in the most critical ones. The restructuring of the entire health care system and his cap-and-trade proposal eclipsed the economy and the war. Investor Warren Buffett, the “sage of Omaha,” counseled him against such a foolhardy agenda, but Buffett’s wisdom was no match for the heady prospect of all-encompassing change.
Full column
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Hearing for Public Input on Environmental Impact of Green Line Extenstion Project
- Allison Goldsberry
An important public hearing on the Green Line extension to Medford and Somerville is being held on Wednesday.
The state will present the draft environmental impact report (DEIR) it recently filed. The public will have the opportunity to comment about the report at the meeting and in writing until January 8, 2010.
The public hearing is at 6PM at the Somerville High School Auditorium. The school is located at 81 Highland Avenue.
“This is our opportunity to hear how our feedback has been incorporated into the project design, learn about its current status, and give additional feedback on everything from where the terminus station will be located to how mitigation is addressed,” said State Representative Carl Sciortino (D-Medford, Somerville) in an email to constituents.
The DEIR is the culmination of 24 months of analysis and preliminary design and engineering for the project, which will extend Green Line service from Lechmere Station in Cambridge through Somerville to Medford.
The report will need the approval of the state’s Executive Office of Environmental Affairs for the project to proceed to the next phase of detailed engineering and final design.
The report was posted to the Green Line Extension project website- click here to read it.
The report was delayed for many months due to citizen opposition in Somerville over the placement of a maintenance facility. According to the state transportation department, the report includes two additional options for the site of the controversial storage and maintenance facility.
EOT called the addition of the two potential sites “a good solution to move the project forward.” The agency was required to file the DEIR on December 1, 2008, but the filing was delayed due to its efforts to “find a positive resolution” regarding the maintenance facility location.
Written comments on the report can be sent to the following:
Secretary Ian Bowles
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
MEPA Office
Attn: Holly Johnson, MEPA Analyst
EEA #13886
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Fax: 617-626-1181
Email: Holly.S.Johnson@state.ma.u
An important public hearing on the Green Line extension to Medford and Somerville is being held on Wednesday.
The state will present the draft environmental impact report (DEIR) it recently filed. The public will have the opportunity to comment about the report at the meeting and in writing until January 8, 2010.
The public hearing is at 6PM at the Somerville High School Auditorium. The school is located at 81 Highland Avenue.
“This is our opportunity to hear how our feedback has been incorporated into the project design, learn about its current status, and give additional feedback on everything from where the terminus station will be located to how mitigation is addressed,” said State Representative Carl Sciortino (D-Medford, Somerville) in an email to constituents.
The DEIR is the culmination of 24 months of analysis and preliminary design and engineering for the project, which will extend Green Line service from Lechmere Station in Cambridge through Somerville to Medford.
The report will need the approval of the state’s Executive Office of Environmental Affairs for the project to proceed to the next phase of detailed engineering and final design.
The report was posted to the Green Line Extension project website- click here to read it.
The report was delayed for many months due to citizen opposition in Somerville over the placement of a maintenance facility. According to the state transportation department, the report includes two additional options for the site of the controversial storage and maintenance facility.
EOT called the addition of the two potential sites “a good solution to move the project forward.” The agency was required to file the DEIR on December 1, 2008, but the filing was delayed due to its efforts to “find a positive resolution” regarding the maintenance facility location.
Written comments on the report can be sent to the following:
Secretary Ian Bowles
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
MEPA Office
Attn: Holly Johnson, MEPA Analyst
EEA #13886
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Fax: 617-626-1181
Email: Holly.S.Johnson@state.ma.u
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
2010: HEATING UP IN MA
Posted: Monday, November 16, 2009 10:20 AM
by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2010
Stu Rothenberg on how the political environment has turned against Democrats. “The gubernatorial results should remind us that context matters and that over the past six months, the political context has changed dramatically,” he writes, adding: “Now it will be the GOP who can push the ‘culture of corruption’ argument that Democrats used so successfully in the recent past. Now Republicans will complain about high unemployment numbers, about causalities in Afghanistan and the administration’s foreign policy and about the government’s inability to get H1N1 flu shots to the American public. Moreover, as we are already seeing with health care reform, the internal contradictions of the Democratic Party are becoming apparent. For the past year, the national media have been focused on internal Republican divisions. But now, a fracturing in the Democratic ranks is likely to give plenty of fodder for journalists, columnists and talking heads. This is likely to further erode Democratic poll numbers.”
MASSACHUSETTS: Passion or hot-headed? The Boston Globe on Michael Capuano: “In fact, numerous words were exchanged but they were all of the heated variety. And in the end, Brown filed an application for a criminal complaint -- dismissed a month later for a lack of evidence -- alleging that Capuano ‘threatened to kill my dog and then me while holding an aluminum bat.’
Although Capuano denied threatening to kill Brown, he never denied threatening to kill her dog and, to this day, remains unapologetic. ’I would like you to find the father who would let a rottweiler rip his kid apart,’ he said. ‘Was I angry? Damn right I was.’”
Meanwhile, “Stephen Pagliuca, a Democratic candidate for Senate, is blitzing the television airwaves with ads declaring he will be immune to the powerful influence that special interests and their well-connected lobbyists wield over Congress because he won’t take their donations. But Bain Capital Partners, where he has been a senior managing partner and made his huge fortune, has spent millions to hire high-powered Washington lobbyists to protect its special interests on Capitol Hill.”
by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2010
Stu Rothenberg on how the political environment has turned against Democrats. “The gubernatorial results should remind us that context matters and that over the past six months, the political context has changed dramatically,” he writes, adding: “Now it will be the GOP who can push the ‘culture of corruption’ argument that Democrats used so successfully in the recent past. Now Republicans will complain about high unemployment numbers, about causalities in Afghanistan and the administration’s foreign policy and about the government’s inability to get H1N1 flu shots to the American public. Moreover, as we are already seeing with health care reform, the internal contradictions of the Democratic Party are becoming apparent. For the past year, the national media have been focused on internal Republican divisions. But now, a fracturing in the Democratic ranks is likely to give plenty of fodder for journalists, columnists and talking heads. This is likely to further erode Democratic poll numbers.”
MASSACHUSETTS: Passion or hot-headed? The Boston Globe on Michael Capuano: “In fact, numerous words were exchanged but they were all of the heated variety. And in the end, Brown filed an application for a criminal complaint -- dismissed a month later for a lack of evidence -- alleging that Capuano ‘threatened to kill my dog and then me while holding an aluminum bat.’
Although Capuano denied threatening to kill Brown, he never denied threatening to kill her dog and, to this day, remains unapologetic. ’I would like you to find the father who would let a rottweiler rip his kid apart,’ he said. ‘Was I angry? Damn right I was.’”
Meanwhile, “Stephen Pagliuca, a Democratic candidate for Senate, is blitzing the television airwaves with ads declaring he will be immune to the powerful influence that special interests and their well-connected lobbyists wield over Congress because he won’t take their donations. But Bain Capital Partners, where he has been a senior managing partner and made his huge fortune, has spent millions to hire high-powered Washington lobbyists to protect its special interests on Capitol Hill.”
Monday, November 16, 2009
Letter to the Medford Transcript
Medford -
To the editor:
It was hard to determine who wrote the [Transcript’s Nov. 5] editorial, Chris Matthews or Keith Olberman. I never saw such a one-sided editorial in my life as what the Transcript is trying to pass off as fair and balanced. It quoted the far left media matters as its source. That’s like asking Hitler to evaluate the B’nai B’rith organization.
The editorial starts off about the brush back between Obama and FOX new and how it’s beneath the presidents dignity to even get involved. Then the editorial goes the same route as the president and his henchmen calling FOX anything but a new organization.
Repeating foolish statements about being an arm of the Republican party. Get real!!! If it weren’t for FOX, the whole country would only get half the story.
I have been reading the Transcript since it first was published. Never was there any similar article about the press as it pummeled George Bush for eight years. Where was the Transcript then??
Where is the umbrage regarding, ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, CNN and the rest of the solid Obama press lemmings? You mentioned the tea parties and no one who had an opposing view was interviewed. Maybe you should have been watching lapdogs ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN or MSNBC because that is all you saw.
Instead of whining maybe Obama could take a page out of George Bush’s book who took the blows and did it his way. Maybe before long Obama will stop his cry baby act and start governing.
Richard Arthur Grant
To the editor:
It was hard to determine who wrote the [Transcript’s Nov. 5] editorial, Chris Matthews or Keith Olberman. I never saw such a one-sided editorial in my life as what the Transcript is trying to pass off as fair and balanced. It quoted the far left media matters as its source. That’s like asking Hitler to evaluate the B’nai B’rith organization.
The editorial starts off about the brush back between Obama and FOX new and how it’s beneath the presidents dignity to even get involved. Then the editorial goes the same route as the president and his henchmen calling FOX anything but a new organization.
Repeating foolish statements about being an arm of the Republican party. Get real!!! If it weren’t for FOX, the whole country would only get half the story.
I have been reading the Transcript since it first was published. Never was there any similar article about the press as it pummeled George Bush for eight years. Where was the Transcript then??
Where is the umbrage regarding, ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, CNN and the rest of the solid Obama press lemmings? You mentioned the tea parties and no one who had an opposing view was interviewed. Maybe you should have been watching lapdogs ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN or MSNBC because that is all you saw.
Instead of whining maybe Obama could take a page out of George Bush’s book who took the blows and did it his way. Maybe before long Obama will stop his cry baby act and start governing.
Richard Arthur Grant
Upcoming GOP Events
Medford City Council is having a public forum with the Mass. Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) officials in attendance on November 17th at 7 p.m. at City Hall, to discuss the proposed Green Line Extension.
Scott Brown's US Senate campaign is asking for volunteers to make phone calls or help with door knocking. Please contact the team at 781-444-0200 or Laura Goodspeed laura@brownforussenate.com or Rob Fortes robertfortes@brownforussenate.com
Tuesday, November 17th, Mihos fundraiser with Dick Morris at Salvatore's at the Riverwalk, 354 Merrimack St, Lawrence. Book signing tickets are $300PP, $500/ couple. General admission: $35PP, $60/couple. RSVP: 508-771-0900 x227 or email: bscalzi@christy2010.com
Tuesday, November 17th, Kara Fratto, candidate for state rep, 30th Middlesex, campaign kickoff with guest speaker Bill Hudak, candidate for Congress, 6th district, 6:30PM at Woburn Elks Lodge, 295 Washington St. tickets are $30PP, $50/couple. RSVP 781-205-4895
Wednesday, November 18th, 7PM. Sandi Martinez Committee reception at the home of Jacques Wajsfelner in Weston. RSVP to events@sandimartinez.com
Wednesday, November 18th, MA Republican State Committee Meeting, DCU Center in Worcester
Thursday, November 19th, Martinez Committee reception and book signing with Howie Carr at the home of Lawrence and Michael Mehl, 59 Lincoln St, Waltham. RSVP to events@sandimartinez.com
Saturday, November 21st, Earl Sholley Committee Dinner Dance, 6-11 PM, Elks Lodge, 4500 No. Main St, Fall River $20. Advance ticket purchase only. RSVP: 508-254-7785
Monday, November 23, 7:30pm, Arlington Republican Town Meeting at the Arlington Public Safety Building (Police Station)
Tuesday, November 24th, Martinez Committee Gala Cocktail Reception with CLT Founder Barbara Anderson,7 PM at the home of Janice & Kerry Kissinger, 189 Elizabeth Ridge Rd, Carlisle. RSVP: events@sandimartinez.com
Thursday, December 3rd, Scott Brown Fundraiser, at the home of Cynthia and Paul Avella, 94 Grist Mill Rd, Littleton, 5:30 - 7PM. RSVP to Paul: 978-354-7235
Sunday, December 6, Meet the Candidates at the Great Mandarin Restaurant, 186 Cambridge Rd, Woburn at 5PM. Invited candidates: Scott Brown, US Senate; Charlie Baker, Governor, Sam Meas, Congress, 5th district. Confirmed Candidates: Christy Mihos, Governor; Mary Connaughton, Auditor, Earle Stroll, Auditor, Bill Hudak, Congress, 6th district; Kara Fratto, 30th Middlesex district. Tickets: Early rsvp by November 30th, Seniors and children $20 PP, others $25 PP. On Dec 1, all tickets increase $10 per person; RSVP: hehatch@gis.net
Wednesday, December 9th, MassGOP Christmas Party, 6-9 PM, at Johnnie's On The Side, 138 Portland St, Boston. Tickets: $50 PP. RSVP: Ljones@MassGOP.com
Scott Brown's US Senate campaign is asking for volunteers to make phone calls or help with door knocking. Please contact the team at 781-444-0200 or Laura Goodspeed laura@brownforussenate.com or Rob Fortes robertfortes@brownforussenate.com
Tuesday, November 17th, Mihos fundraiser with Dick Morris at Salvatore's at the Riverwalk, 354 Merrimack St, Lawrence. Book signing tickets are $300PP, $500/ couple. General admission: $35PP, $60/couple. RSVP: 508-771-0900 x227 or email: bscalzi@christy2010.com
Tuesday, November 17th, Kara Fratto, candidate for state rep, 30th Middlesex, campaign kickoff with guest speaker Bill Hudak, candidate for Congress, 6th district, 6:30PM at Woburn Elks Lodge, 295 Washington St. tickets are $30PP, $50/couple. RSVP 781-205-4895
Wednesday, November 18th, 7PM. Sandi Martinez Committee reception at the home of Jacques Wajsfelner in Weston. RSVP to events@sandimartinez.com
Wednesday, November 18th, MA Republican State Committee Meeting, DCU Center in Worcester
Thursday, November 19th, Martinez Committee reception and book signing with Howie Carr at the home of Lawrence and Michael Mehl, 59 Lincoln St, Waltham. RSVP to events@sandimartinez.com
Saturday, November 21st, Earl Sholley Committee Dinner Dance, 6-11 PM, Elks Lodge, 4500 No. Main St, Fall River $20. Advance ticket purchase only. RSVP: 508-254-7785
Monday, November 23, 7:30pm, Arlington Republican Town Meeting at the Arlington Public Safety Building (Police Station)
Tuesday, November 24th, Martinez Committee Gala Cocktail Reception with CLT Founder Barbara Anderson,7 PM at the home of Janice & Kerry Kissinger, 189 Elizabeth Ridge Rd, Carlisle. RSVP: events@sandimartinez.com
Thursday, December 3rd, Scott Brown Fundraiser, at the home of Cynthia and Paul Avella, 94 Grist Mill Rd, Littleton, 5:30 - 7PM. RSVP to Paul: 978-354-7235
Sunday, December 6, Meet the Candidates at the Great Mandarin Restaurant, 186 Cambridge Rd, Woburn at 5PM. Invited candidates: Scott Brown, US Senate; Charlie Baker, Governor, Sam Meas, Congress, 5th district. Confirmed Candidates: Christy Mihos, Governor; Mary Connaughton, Auditor, Earle Stroll, Auditor, Bill Hudak, Congress, 6th district; Kara Fratto, 30th Middlesex district. Tickets: Early rsvp by November 30th, Seniors and children $20 PP, others $25 PP. On Dec 1, all tickets increase $10 per person; RSVP: hehatch@gis.net
Wednesday, December 9th, MassGOP Christmas Party, 6-9 PM, at Johnnie's On The Side, 138 Portland St, Boston. Tickets: $50 PP. RSVP: Ljones@MassGOP.com
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Mihos urges tax cuts
By Paul Crocetti/Daily News staff
MetroWest Daily News
MARLBOROUGH — .Describing himself as a "consummate outsider," gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos yesterday called for sweeping cuts in taxes and state employees.
Mihos is making a run for the corner office as a Republican after previously attempting to win election as an independent.
"If you're looking for an insider, I'm not your candidate," Mihos said at the a breakfast event presented by the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber President and CEO Susanne Morreale Leeber introduced Mihos as a "dear friend of Massachusetts toll payers and taxpayers."
Mihos told the group of about 50 city and business leaders that he is working with Carla Howell, of the Center for Small Government, on a 2010 ballot question that would lower the state sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent.
Full story
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
What the Pelosi Health-Care Bill Really Says
OPINION
NOVEMBER 7, 2009
By BETSY MCCAUGHEY
The health bill that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is bringing to a vote (H.R. 3962) is 1,990 pages. Here are some of the details you need to know.
What the government will require you to do:
• Sec. 202 (p. 91-92) of the bill requires you to enroll in a "qualified plan." If you get your insurance at work, your employer will have a "grace period" to switch you to a "qualified plan," meaning a plan designed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. If you buy your own insurance, there's no grace period. You'll have to enroll in a qualified plan as soon as any term in your contract changes, such as the co-pay, deductible or benefit.
• Sec. 224 (p. 118) provides that 18 months after the bill becomes law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will decide what a "qualified plan" covers and how much you'll be legally required to pay for it. That's like a banker telling you to sign the loan agreement now, then filling in the interest rate and repayment terms 18 months later.
On Nov. 2, the Congressional Budget Office estimated what the plans will likely cost. An individual earning $44,000 before taxes who purchases his own insurance will have to pay a $5,300 premium and an estimated $2,000 in out-of-pocket expenses, for a total of $7,300 a year, which is 17% of his pre-tax income. A family earning $102,100 a year before taxes will have to pay a $15,000 premium plus an estimated $5,300 out-of-pocket, for a $20,300 total, or 20% of its pre-tax income. Individuals and families earning less than these amounts will be eligible for subsidies paid directly to their insurer.
• Sec. 303 (pp. 167-168) makes it clear that, although the "qualified plan" is not yet designed, it will be of the "one size fits all" variety. The bill claims to offer choice—basic, enhanced and premium levels—but the benefits are the same. Only the co-pays and deductibles differ. You will have to enroll in the same plan, whether the government is paying for it or you and your employer are footing the bill.
• Sec. 59b (pp. 297-299) says that when you file your taxes, you must include proof that you are in a qualified plan. If not, you will be fined thousands of dollars. Illegal immigrants are exempt from this requirement.
• Sec. 412 (p. 272) says that employers must provide a "qualified plan" for their employees and pay 72.5% of the cost, and a smaller share of family coverage, or incur an 8% payroll tax. Small businesses, with payrolls from $500,000 to $750,000, are fined less.
Eviscerating Medicare:
In addition to reducing future Medicare funding by an estimated $500 billion, the bill fundamentally changes how Medicare pays doctors and hospitals, permitting the government to dictate treatment decisions.
• Sec. 1302 (pp. 672-692) moves Medicare from a fee-for-service payment system, in which patients choose which doctors to see and doctors are paid for each service they provide, toward what's called a "medical home."
The medical home is this decade's version of HMO-restrictions on care. A primary-care provider manages access to costly specialists and diagnostic tests for a flat monthly fee. The bill specifies that patients may have to settle for a nurse practitioner rather than a physician as the primary-care provider. Medical homes begin with demonstration projects, but the HHS secretary is authorized to "disseminate this approach rapidly on a national basis."
A December 2008 Congressional Budget Office report noted that "medical homes" were likely to resemble the unpopular gatekeepers of 20 years ago if cost control was a priority.
• Sec. 1114 (pp. 391-393) replaces physicians with physician assistants in overseeing care for hospice patients.
• Secs. 1158-1160 (pp. 499-520) initiates programs to reduce payments for patient care to what it costs in the lowest cost regions of the country. This will reduce payments for care (and by implication the standard of care) for hospital patients in higher cost areas such as New York and Florida.
• Sec. 1161 (pp. 520-545) cuts payments to Medicare Advantage plans (used by 20% of seniors). Advantage plans have warned this will result in reductions in optional benefits such as vision and dental care.
• Sec. 1402 (p. 756) says that the results of comparative effectiveness research conducted by the government will be delivered to doctors electronically to guide their use of "medical items and services."
Questionable Priorities:
While the bill will slash Medicare funding, it will also direct billions of dollars to numerous inner-city social work and diversity programs with vague standards of accountability.
• Sec. 399V (p. 1422) provides for grants to community "entities" with no required qualifications except having "documented community activity and experience with community healthcare workers" to "educate, guide, and provide experiential learning opportunities" aimed at drug abuse, poor nutrition, smoking and obesity. "Each community health worker program receiving funds under the grant will provide services in the cultural context most appropriate for the individual served by the program."
These programs will "enhance the capacity of individuals to utilize health services and health related social services under Federal, State and local programs by assisting individuals in establishing eligibility . . . and in receiving services and other benefits" including transportation and translation services.
• Sec. 222 (p. 617) provides reimbursement for culturally and linguistically appropriate services. This program will train health-care workers to inform Medicare beneficiaries of their "right" to have an interpreter at all times and with no co-pays for language services.
• Secs. 2521 and 2533 (pp. 1379 and 1437) establishes racial and ethnic preferences in awarding grants for training nurses and creating secondary-school health science programs. For example, grants for nursing schools should "give preference to programs that provide for improving the diversity of new nurse graduates to reflect changes in the demographics of the patient population." And secondary-school grants should go to schools "graduating students from disadvantaged backgrounds including racial and ethnic minorities."
• Sec. 305 (p. 189) Provides for automatic Medicaid enrollment of newborns who do not otherwise have insurance.
For the text of the bill with page numbers, see www.defendyourhealthcare.us.
—Ms. McCaughey is chairman of the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths and a former Lt. Governor of New York state.
Printed in The Wall Street Journal, page A17
Monday, November 9, 2009
Michael Capuano ranks 10th in Congress for skipping votes
Another early day for Mike Capuano... Ted Kennedy has been #1 on the Senate absentee list for years, so I don't see how this disqualifies Mike from the Moonbatstakes. Also, us citizens of the Commonwealth are actually better represented when our lawmakers do not go to work, so Mike's fast becoming my favorite moonbat.
-Nick McNulty
Michael Capuano ranks 10th in Congress for skipping votes
By Dave Wedge
U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano has missed more Capitol Hill votes than all but nine of the nation’s 435 members of Congress, skipping key tallies this year on veterans issues, defense spending, highway funding and the impeachment of a federal judge, records show.
Capuano, who has boasted he is the Senate hopeful that most “closely mirrors” late U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, ranks 10th in missed votes among members of Congress, blowing off 128 votes - or 14 percent - this year, according to congressional records compiled by The Washington Post.
The Somerville Democrat, who has pinned his Senate hopes on his claim to be the most connected Washington insider in the race for Kennedy’s seat, missed a series of votes just last week, including a bill to fund a new veterans hospital in Washington state, as well as another to help small businesses land financing. He also missed October votes on Department of Defense and Homeland Security spending and a key vote on a massive highway construction funding package.
Martha Coakley AWOL in Amherst
Senatorial Candidate Martha Coakley - and her sister who has lived overseas - both were absent from the Foreign Policy debate in Amherst. All other candidates were present, and Coakley is now hard at work, in true John Kerry fashion, trying to avoid any other televised debates. The 3 other Democrat candidates want at least 3 more, Coakley will only agree to one, and it will likely be on a Friday night, or during a Patriots game, as John Kerry did when running against Jeff Beatty.
Scott Brown is waiting in the wings to clean the clock out of whichever moonbat emerges, likely Coakley who is running this campaign as she has run her entire career, by ducking the voters, wasting millions of taxpayer dollars, and consolidating special interest support behind her candidacy.
Nick McNulty
Scott Brown is waiting in the wings to clean the clock out of whichever moonbat emerges, likely Coakley who is running this campaign as she has run her entire career, by ducking the voters, wasting millions of taxpayer dollars, and consolidating special interest support behind her candidacy.
Nick McNulty
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Rasmussen:58% Say Next President Likely To Be Republican
Fifty-eight percent (58%) of likely voters say it is at least somewhat likely the next president of the United States will be a Republican, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
The number has been trending in this direction since Democrat Barack Obama took office in January and is up 14 points since then.
Thirty-one percent (31%) of voters see it as Very Likely that the next president will be a Republican.
Full story
The number has been trending in this direction since Democrat Barack Obama took office in January and is up 14 points since then.
Thirty-one percent (31%) of voters see it as Very Likely that the next president will be a Republican.
Full story
Looking to 2010, GOP focuses on fiscal restraint
Massachusetts GOP Chairman Jennifer A. Nassour
By Ralph Z. Hallow and Donald Lambro THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael S. Steele is working behind the scenes to unify state GOP leaders around an anti-spending, small-government theme for the 2010 midterm elections, seeking to shunt family values to second-tier status in pursuit of independent voters whose economic fears cost Democrats in Tuesday's elections
Massachusetts GOP Chairman Jennifer A. Nassour and GOP leaders see independent, moderate voters who swing elections as ripe and want to ensure the Republican Party is best positioned to pick off their support.
"If I had to focus on the issues we should run on next year," they would be "spending, jobs, big government and taxes. That's what people are talking about," Mrs. Nassour said.
Exit polls showed that independent voters, who powered President Obama and Democrats to victory in 2008, rushed to Republicans on Tuesday by a 2-to-1 margin, delivering a landslide victory to Republican Robert F. McDonnell over Democrat R. Creigh Deeds in Virginia's gubernatorial contest and upending incumbent New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine. Republican Chris Christie won the solidly blue state.
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael S. Steele is working behind the scenes to unify state GOP leaders around an anti-spending, small-government theme for the 2010 midterm elections, seeking to shunt family values to second-tier status in pursuit of independent voters whose economic fears cost Democrats in Tuesday's elections
Massachusetts GOP Chairman Jennifer A. Nassour and GOP leaders see independent, moderate voters who swing elections as ripe and want to ensure the Republican Party is best positioned to pick off their support.
"If I had to focus on the issues we should run on next year," they would be "spending, jobs, big government and taxes. That's what people are talking about," Mrs. Nassour said.
Exit polls showed that independent voters, who powered President Obama and Democrats to victory in 2008, rushed to Republicans on Tuesday by a 2-to-1 margin, delivering a landslide victory to Republican Robert F. McDonnell over Democrat R. Creigh Deeds in Virginia's gubernatorial contest and upending incumbent New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine. Republican Chris Christie won the solidly blue state.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
’09 a return to normal
Dems want to believe the myth
By Charles Krauthammer
Friday, November 6, 2009
WASHINGTON - Sure, Election Day 2009 will scare moderate Democrats and make passage of Obamacare more difficult. Sure, it makes it easier for resurgent Republicans to raise money and recruit candidates for 2010. But the most important effect of Tuesday’s elections is historical. It demolishes the great realignment myth of 2008.
In the aftermath of last year’s Obama sweep, we heard endlessly about its fundamental, revolutionary, transformational nature. How it was ushering in an FDR-like realignment for the 21st century in which new demographics - most prominently, rising minorities and the young - would bury the GOP far into the future. One book proclaimed “The Death of Conservativism,” while the more modest merely predicted the terminal decline of the Republican Party into a regional party of the Deep South or a rump party of marginalized angry white men.
This was all ridiculous from the beginning - 2008 was a historical anomaly. A uniquely charismatic candidate was running at a time of deep war weariness, with an intensely unpopular Republican president, against a politically incompetent opponent, amid the greatest financial collapse since the Great Depression. And still he won by only seven points.
Full column
ROMERO SEEKS SUPPORT FOR ELECTION EFFORT
Karla Romero, a candidate for State Representative, is seeking election to the State Legislature in 2010 from the 35th Middlesex District which is composed of parts of Malden and Medford. Medford’s Wards 1 and 2 and parts of Wards 3, 7 and 8 are included in the District currently held by Representative Paul Donato. Describing herself as a fiscal conservative and social moderate Romero hopes her campaign against an entrenched opponent will be successful and bring change to the District.
Speaking about her views on spending levels and the ever increasing burden on taxpayers at the October 27th meeting of the Medford Republican City Committee, Karla stated that she hopes to slow the growth in government spending. The Malden resident is enthused about the possibilities; she understands the amount of hard work ahead and asks for the support of the Committee and voters in the District.
Speaking about her views on spending levels and the ever increasing burden on taxpayers at the October 27th meeting of the Medford Republican City Committee, Karla stated that she hopes to slow the growth in government spending. The Malden resident is enthused about the possibilities; she understands the amount of hard work ahead and asks for the support of the Committee and voters in the District.
STATE AUDITOR CANDIDATE CONNAUGHTON AT OCTOBER MEETING
Former Massachusetts Turnpike Board member Mary Z. Connaughton, candidate for State Auditor, spoke at the October 27th meeting of the Medford Republican City Committee about her public service experience and how her ‘insiders view’ has shaped her understanding of the important need for change at all levels of State government.
Mary’s first foray into public office began when she was asked by the Framingham Republican Committee to run for State Representative. While she lost that race, she was surprised later when then Governor Romney asked her to be a board member of the Turnpike Authority. Her skills as a trained CPA helped her quickly grasp the finances of the Authority.
Connaughton spoke on many of the not well known details of the Transportation Reform Bill which has created a State-wide Authority with a five member Board which now has taken control of the Massachusetts Highway Department, the Massachusetts Turnpike, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, the MBTA and several regional airports across the State. The term of office for the newly appointed Board members will run to 2013, which will prevent the next Governor from having control of that body until his last year in office. Interestingly, part of the 71 million dollar startup cost may include raises to Mass Highway workers to equal Mass Turnpike employees.
As a result of her service on the Turnpike Authority Board, Connaughton has developed strong views about the independence and oversight needed to properly lead the State Auditors office. With the decreased resources available to the working press, fewer reports on the doings of many State agencies are provided to the public. She stated that the need for more transparency when evaluating and reporting on State agencies has not been addressed by the current State Auditor.
Hello, Tipping Point
Kim Strassel
The Obama presidency was always a race against time.
'We don't look at either of these gubernatorial races . . . as something that portends a lot for our legislative efforts," insisted White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Tuesday, as New Jersey and Virginia voters gave Democrats a thumping. Unfortunately for the White House, its opinion no longer counts.
On Jan. 20, Barack Obama began a race against time. The White House knew its liberal agenda would prove unpopular in many parts of the country represented by Democrats. So long as the president looked strong, those Blue Dogs and freshmen and swing-state senators would stick. Show them any sign of weakness, however, and rattled Dems would begin to care more about their own re-elections than they did their president.
Tuesday, the White House hit that tipping point.
Full column
The Obama presidency was always a race against time.
'We don't look at either of these gubernatorial races . . . as something that portends a lot for our legislative efforts," insisted White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Tuesday, as New Jersey and Virginia voters gave Democrats a thumping. Unfortunately for the White House, its opinion no longer counts.
On Jan. 20, Barack Obama began a race against time. The White House knew its liberal agenda would prove unpopular in many parts of the country represented by Democrats. So long as the president looked strong, those Blue Dogs and freshmen and swing-state senators would stick. Show them any sign of weakness, however, and rattled Dems would begin to care more about their own re-elections than they did their president.
Tuesday, the White House hit that tipping point.
Full column
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Pelosi Breaks Pledge to Put Final Health Care Bill Online for 72 Hours Before Vote
Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office tells THE WEEKLY STANDARD that the speaker will not allow the final language of the health care to be posted online for 72 hours before bringing the bill to a vote on the House floor, despite her September 24 statement that she was "absolutely" committed to doing so.
House members are still negotiating important issues in the bill--whether it will provide taxpayer-funding for abortions, for example. Pelosi is pushing for a Saturday House vote, and a number of big changes will be introduced, likely less than 24 hours before the vote takes place (if in fact it does). The Rules Committee hasn't yet released its resolution, or rule, that must be passed before the bill can move from committee to the floor. The rule will set the terms of debate and determine what amendments are in order.
It seems likely that the rule will allow very few, if any, up-or-down votes on amendments on the House floor. Rather, the rule will include a series of amendments that will all be adopted at once if the rule passes
Full column
House members are still negotiating important issues in the bill--whether it will provide taxpayer-funding for abortions, for example. Pelosi is pushing for a Saturday House vote, and a number of big changes will be introduced, likely less than 24 hours before the vote takes place (if in fact it does). The Rules Committee hasn't yet released its resolution, or rule, that must be passed before the bill can move from committee to the floor. The rule will set the terms of debate and determine what amendments are in order.
It seems likely that the rule will allow very few, if any, up-or-down votes on amendments on the House floor. Rather, the rule will include a series of amendments that will all be adopted at once if the rule passes
Full column
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
True conservatives just want a turn
By Jonah Goldberg
November 3, 2009
Let me offer a counter-theory, admittedly lacking in such color but making up for it with evidence and consideration of what conservatives actually believe.
After 15 or 20 years of steady moderation, many conservatives think it might be time to give their ideas a try.
Bush's "compassionate conservatism" was promoted as an alternative to traditional conservatism. Bush promised to be a "different kind of Republican," and he kept that promise. He advocated government activism, and he put our money where his mouth was. He federalized education with No Child Left Behind -- coauthored by Teddy Kennedy -- and oversaw the biggest increase in education spending (58%) in history, according to the Heritage Foundation, while doing next to nothing to advance the conservative idea known as school choice.
With the prescription drug benefit, he created the biggest new entitlement since the Great Society (Obama is poised to topple that record). He increased spending on the National Institutes of Health by 36% and international aid by 74%, according to Heritage. He oversaw the largest, most porktacular farm bills ever. He signed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, a massive new regulation of Wall Street. His administration defended affirmative action before the Supreme Court. He pushed amnesty for immigrants, raised steel tariffs, supported Title IX and signed the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform legislation.
Oh, and he, not Obama, initiated the first bailouts and TARP.
Now, not all of these positions were wrong or indefensible. But the notion that Bush pursued conservative ideas with "dogmatic fixity" is dogmatic nonsense.
Full story
November 3, 2009
Let me offer a counter-theory, admittedly lacking in such color but making up for it with evidence and consideration of what conservatives actually believe.
After 15 or 20 years of steady moderation, many conservatives think it might be time to give their ideas a try.
Bush's "compassionate conservatism" was promoted as an alternative to traditional conservatism. Bush promised to be a "different kind of Republican," and he kept that promise. He advocated government activism, and he put our money where his mouth was. He federalized education with No Child Left Behind -- coauthored by Teddy Kennedy -- and oversaw the biggest increase in education spending (58%) in history, according to the Heritage Foundation, while doing next to nothing to advance the conservative idea known as school choice.
With the prescription drug benefit, he created the biggest new entitlement since the Great Society (Obama is poised to topple that record). He increased spending on the National Institutes of Health by 36% and international aid by 74%, according to Heritage. He oversaw the largest, most porktacular farm bills ever. He signed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, a massive new regulation of Wall Street. His administration defended affirmative action before the Supreme Court. He pushed amnesty for immigrants, raised steel tariffs, supported Title IX and signed the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform legislation.
Oh, and he, not Obama, initiated the first bailouts and TARP.
Now, not all of these positions were wrong or indefensible. But the notion that Bush pursued conservative ideas with "dogmatic fixity" is dogmatic nonsense.
Full story
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
ELECTION 2009: Newcomers Falco, Guzik, Scarpelli and O'Keefe oust long-time three incumbents
By Nell Escobar Coakley & Matthew Reid/medford@cnc.com
Tue Nov 03, 2009, 09:50 PM EST
Medford -
It’s a changing of the guard, as sweeping changes took place on the Medford School Committee tonight, with no less than four newcomers pushing out incumbents.
Both City Council incumbents and Mayor Michael J. McGlynn were voted back in.
George Scarpelli topped the School Committee ticket, with 4,162 votes followed closely by fellow newcomer John Falco with 3,849 votes. Challengers Sharon Guzik and William O’Keefe also swept into office with 3,374 and 3,155 votes respectively.
The night’s voting left only two incumbents — Ann Marie Cugno and Paulette Van der Kloot — holding on to their seats with 3,657 and 3,182 votes each.
Long-time School Committee members William Brady, Robert E. Skerry Jr. and Lena DiGiantommaso were ousted, much to the surprise of onlookers in City Hall waiting for the evening’s results.
Full story
Tue Nov 03, 2009, 09:50 PM EST
Medford -
It’s a changing of the guard, as sweeping changes took place on the Medford School Committee tonight, with no less than four newcomers pushing out incumbents.
Both City Council incumbents and Mayor Michael J. McGlynn were voted back in.
George Scarpelli topped the School Committee ticket, with 4,162 votes followed closely by fellow newcomer John Falco with 3,849 votes. Challengers Sharon Guzik and William O’Keefe also swept into office with 3,374 and 3,155 votes respectively.
The night’s voting left only two incumbents — Ann Marie Cugno and Paulette Van der Kloot — holding on to their seats with 3,657 and 3,182 votes each.
Long-time School Committee members William Brady, Robert E. Skerry Jr. and Lena DiGiantommaso were ousted, much to the surprise of onlookers in City Hall waiting for the evening’s results.
Full story
Monday, November 2, 2009
Revolt in New York (a cautionary tale for Massachusetts Republicans)
Beltway bigs misjudged public dismay against the Democratic agenda in Washington.
The Wall Street Journal
Saturday's decision by Republican Dede Scozzafava to drop out of tomorrow's special Congressional election in upstate New York is a potentially big political moment that could help to return the GOP to first principles—or could lead to internecine ruin. Much will depend on how GOP leaders and conservative activists respond.
Picked by GOP elites without a primary and with a voting record to the left of many Albany Democrats, Ms. Scozzafava faced a revolt by local and national conservatives in favor of businessman Doug Hoffman, who was nominated on the Conservative Party line. The longtime GOP assemblywoman saw herself falling in the polls and yesterday endorsed Democratic lawyer Bill Owens, who could still win the GOP-leaning seat with a plurality.
The voter revolt ought to be a lesson to the GOP's backroom boys, especially in New York state, where the old Al D'Amato insider club has led the party to irrelevance. GOP state chairman Joe Mondello, now thankfully retired, and Beltway bigs misjudged public dismay against the Democratic agenda in Washington. Nominating a candidate who "can win" in the Northeast does not have to mean someone whose voting record is more liberal on taxes and unions than that of most Blue Dog Democrats.
(emphasis added)
Full story
The Wall Street Journal
Saturday's decision by Republican Dede Scozzafava to drop out of tomorrow's special Congressional election in upstate New York is a potentially big political moment that could help to return the GOP to first principles—or could lead to internecine ruin. Much will depend on how GOP leaders and conservative activists respond.
Picked by GOP elites without a primary and with a voting record to the left of many Albany Democrats, Ms. Scozzafava faced a revolt by local and national conservatives in favor of businessman Doug Hoffman, who was nominated on the Conservative Party line. The longtime GOP assemblywoman saw herself falling in the polls and yesterday endorsed Democratic lawyer Bill Owens, who could still win the GOP-leaning seat with a plurality.
The voter revolt ought to be a lesson to the GOP's backroom boys, especially in New York state, where the old Al D'Amato insider club has led the party to irrelevance. GOP state chairman Joe Mondello, now thankfully retired, and Beltway bigs misjudged public dismay against the Democratic agenda in Washington. Nominating a candidate who "can win" in the Northeast does not have to mean someone whose voting record is more liberal on taxes and unions than that of most Blue Dog Democrats.
(emphasis added)
Full story
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Romney goes to bat for Brown
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, left, was with State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, at a fundraising event Friday night at Lucianos at Lake Pearl in Wrentham. (Staff photo by Mark Stockwell)
WRENTHAM - Former Gov. Mitt Romney Friday declared that Washington is being run by "neo-monarchists" and the country needs a second revolution to restore power to the people.
Romney, speaking at a fund-raising event for state Sen. Scott Brown, urged those in attendance to send Brown to Washington to help the revolution along.
The Republican and former presidential candidate compared the current political situation to the conditions that existed in 1776.
Back then, he said, monarchists believed in a "strong central leader" while revolutionaries wanted to hand government over to the people.
The people won and the result was a "stronger nation and the land of opportunity," he said. Currently the country is being run by those who believe in "government telling us what to do," including government-run health care and deficit spending.
Romney said the first signs of change may come Tuesday in races for governor in New Jersey and Virginia.
Republicans are running well in both races, he said.
"We'll win there if there is no cheating," he said after repeating a joke that the races "are within the margin of cheating."
Full story
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