Food for thought for the Massachusetts GOP - Holly Robichaud

Food for thought for the Massachusetts GOP

Here a few ideas for Massachusetts Republicans to consider for moving forward:

1. Offer a clear and concise message of government accountability and economic opportunity. Since losing the Corner Office over two years ago Massachusetts Republicans have been rudderless. Our Party and legislative leaders have failed to vocalize the differences between the two parties and why the Commonwealth would have been better off if we had elected a Republican Governor in 2006.

Republicans should rally around a message of fiscal discipline that would include a Taxpayer Bill of Rights, ethics reform, rolling back the income tax to 5% as promised, pension reform, school choice, full disclosure campaign finance plan and tough on crime proposals such as reinstating the death penalty, arresting illegal immigrants, and securing our ports.

Just as important in outlining a positive message, the GOP needs to aggressively illustrate how Governor Patrick has failed in so many ways. While the state accumulated a $2 billion deficit, he has increased his office budget by 80%, opened new offices in DC and western Massachusetts, added 2000 new state employees to the payroll, created a paid-volunteer program and offered $1 billion in corporate welfare to the bio-tech industry. Moreover, Patrick has completely dropped the ball on his two top campaign promises of cutting property taxes and putting 1000 new police officers on the street.

2. Create a farm team—For 16 years we were the Party with just one goal of winning the Governor’s office. It may not be sexy, but we must elect selectmen, school committee members, aldermen, etc. to municipal office. Moreover, you cannot beat someone with no one.

3. Combine technology and old fashion boots on the ground campaigning—It is not enough to recruit candidates, the Party must be prepared to help them with quality advice. Unfortunately for years, candidates have been mentored by staff members and consultants who have never won a race. It was like having the blind lead the blind. If candidates are properly trained on how to use new technology and build a grassroots team, they have a 75% better chance in winning on Election Day.