Governors Debate at Emerson

Posted on October 16, 2010 by billmanzi

The Governor’s debate held at Emerson yesterday. I have not had the opportunity to view it, but here it is. The Herald story on the debate is here.

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1

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Tom Reilly Endorses Charlie Baker, and More Cahill

Posted on October 15, 2010 by billmanzi

Former Democratic Attorney General Tom Reilly yesterday endorsed Republican Charlie Baker for Governor, extolling his virtues as the head of Harvard Pilgrim. Reilly, who lost the Democratic nomination for Governor to Patrick four years ago, worked with Baker while AG to help turn around Harvard Pilgrim. Reilly will and has been accused of sour grapes, and his wooden campaign style has been compared (in not so endearing terms) to Charlie Baker’s. I guess it is a good pickup for Baker, but it is not going to move the needle a whole lot.

In the meantime the impacts of the emails released showing the Cahill campaign looking to get a boost from lottery advertising are now sinking in, with multiple media hits on Cahill today. The Globe hit him in an editorial, , while Scott Lehigh hit him hard in an op-ed. Not a good media day for Treasurer Tim, and it will not be getting better any time soon.

Baker released a new ad, and in my humble opinion it is not effective. I just don’t see him making a connection with voters, and this ad gives us more of the same. The clock is ticking on the Baker campaign. They have precious little time to “move the needle”. This ad will not be moving anything.

David Paleologos defends the Suffolk polling methodology, and reminds us of his calling the Scott Brown win while other pollsters had Martha Coakley leading that race. On this discussion I think David has the clear high ground. Believe the Suffolk numbers.

http://www.necn.com/common/CSN/necn/NECNembedplayer.swf

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The Angle-Reid Debate

Posted on October 15, 2010 by billmanzi

Sharron Angle debated Harry Reid last night, and I got a chance to watch some of it. I was struck by how poor a debater Reid really is, looking the part of the Washington insider. Reid failed to take it to Angle on the many issues that she is wide open on, and in my opinion left her on stage as an equal. Reid’s performance has to be a disappointment to Democrats, especially in light of Angle’s own (in my opinion) lack of debating skills. Harry Reid is a smart man, but you wouldn’t know it from the performance last evening. MSNBC covered the debate, and Lawrence O’Donnell had third party Tea Party candidate Scott Ashjian on, and he reminds us how third party candidates can just be skunks at the garden party. In this case Angle’s interactions with Ashjian came up during the debate, and Ashjian, in the interview, called Angle a career politician and a liar.

Reid already has released an ad attacking Angle over his response to the insurance company mandate question during the debate. That didn’t take long. And Angle is hitting Reid hard over the tax issue with her own ad. This is a marquee race, and may be the most closely watched in the country. And it is going to come down to the wire.

Read the Washington Post article here.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32545640

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Federal Funds Awarded for Substance Abuse Education

Posted on October 14, 2010 by billmanzi

I was pleased to join Congresswoman Niki Tsongas and Sheriff Frank Cousins as they announced the awarding of a $280,000 grant to the Essex County Sheriff’s Office for programs to educate high school students about substance abuse. Methuen High School, under the leadership of Dean Brouder and Principal Jim Giuca, has an outstanding program with heavy student participation. We were able to interact with students who participate in this great program at the event, and several students spoke to us about the value of this program. Sheriff Cousins has done an outstanding job on this program, and the Sheriff and I are deeply grateful for the partnership with Niki Tsongas, who has brought needed federal resources to this program. Below is the Press Release by the Office of the Congresswoman.

Tsongas and Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins announce federal funds for substance abuse prevention program for local high school students

METHUEN, MA – October 7, 2010 – This afternoon at Methuen High School, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas presented the Essex County Sherriff’s Department with $280,000 in federals fund that will help sustain their Comprehensive Substance Abuse Education and Treatment Program in local schools for the 2010-2011 school year. Tsongas presented the funds to Sherriff Frank Cousins and was also joined by Methuen Mayor Bill Manzi, Methuen school administrators and students that have benefitted from the program.

“These federal funds will help continue the highly successful ‘Towards No Drug Use’ program in Essex County High Schools during these difficult economic and budgetary times,” said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. “Through the program, high school students learn about the importance of saying no to drugs, avoiding violence and other strategies for being successful in life. Sheriff Cousins and Methuen High should be commended for working cooperatively to help students avoid barriers to successes and excel in school.”
“This project was first supported by our late Senator Edward M. Kennedy and has succeeded in creating a positive influence in the lives of students at schools throughout Essex County,” said Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins. “There are too many young men and women who end up in jail because of drugs and alcohol and it is so important that they have access to the educational resources and support that helps them make good decisions. The ‘Towards No Drug Use’ program is one of those critical resources and I would like to thank Congresswoman Tsongas for her strong support of this initiative.”

The “Towards No Drug Use” (TND) program teaches drug abuse and violence prevention to students at high schools throughout Essex County, including at Methuen & Lawrence High Schools. The program is administered collaboratively through the local high school, community based organizations and law enforcement agencies and has been credited with helping students make healthy decisions and focus on their life goals. The funds, secured by Tsongas as part of the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2010, will cover the clinical portions of the program, as well as provide books and materials for participating students. The program may also be replicated by similar agencies throughout Massachusetts, New England, and nationally.

“Each year, my staff and I meet with local elected officials, city and town managers, directors of nonprofit organizations, major employers, economic development specialists, first responders, health providers, and university administrators in our area to find out where the Fifth Congressional District could benefit most from federal investment and how exactly this federal investment would be used,” explained Congresswoman Tsongas. “As my constituent’s liaison to the federal government, I submit those projects that advance these goals in our communities, and which meet the strict requirements established by the agency within the government that would provide funding for them, as well as the appropriate committee of jurisdiction in Congress. The Towards No Drug Use’ program met all of these criteria which is why they were awarded the federal funds they received today.
Tsongas Announcement

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Suffolk on Mass Governors Race

Posted on October 14, 2010 by billmanzi

Governor Deval Patrick has surged to a 7 point lead over Republican Charlie Baker in the latest Suffolk Poll, released yesterday. Patrick is at 46%, to 39% for Baker, and 10% for Tim Cahill. From the Suffolk press release:

“Deval Patrick’s lead is driven by some core levels of support,” said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “These core demographics – coupled with the perceptions that he has run the best campaign and has the best temperament to be governor – are driving forces as the governor’s race enters this final stretch.”

Patrick has, up to this point, clearly run the best campaign. He has been disciplined, exceedingly polite, and likable on the campaign trail. Baker, on the other hand, has come off as somewhat angry, a bit ill mannered, and I believe a much colder figure for the voters. His continued saga with Tim Cahill has proven to be a major distraction to his campaign, and if the polling turns out to be correct on election day his appearance with Paul Loscocco will turn out to be one of the major political gaffes in Massachusetts history.

In looking at the numbers a couple of things do jump out at you. The Governor is crushing Baker in what Paleologos calls “Worcester West”, leading Baker by 19%. Tim Murray has been great for the ticket, and the Governor’s investment of time in the West is now paying dividends. He is wiping him out in Suffolk County, leading by 55%. And Baker’s lead amongst independents, while at 16%, is being held down by Cahill, who still gets 14% of all independent voters.

Paleologos, on Channel 7, said that Deval Patrick is on the goal line, ready to score. He could still fumble, but right now it is his election to lose.

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Suffolk in Nevada Following the Tea

Posted on October 13, 2010 by billmanzi

Suffolk University pollster David Paleologos was in the field in Nevada, and has unveiled numbers showing Harry Reid with a slight lead over Republican (and Tea Party favorite) Sharron Angle. Reid leads Angle by a 45% to 43% margin, with leaners included. Reid was written off as politically dead months ago, but Angle has been hammered relentlessly by Reid on Social Security, Medicare, the VA, and a host of other subjects where Angle has put her foot firmly in her mouth. Reid’s attacks have now driven Angle’s negatives over 50%, a place that Reid himself is very familiar with.

Reid is holding over 80% of Democrats, while Angle holds but 75% of Republicans. Like everywhere else independents are fleeing the Democratic brand, with Angle up by 20% with that group. A wild card in this race is the presence on the ballot of “Tea Party” candidate Scott Ashjian, who is polling at 2%. Ashjian’s presence could be a real problem for Angle in a tight race, as you could safely assume those tea party voters would not be with Harry Reid. Angle herself appears to take the threat seriously, having met with Ashjian to try to move him out of the race. That blew up in her face when Ashjian publicly claimed he was being bullied by Angle.

Tight race that the Republicans should have put in the bank months ago. If Reid pulls it out Republican losses here and Delaware could tip the Senate balance in favor of the Dems.

Read about the Angle- Ashjian meeting here.

The new Suffolk poll.

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New Sniping in Governor's Race

Posted on October 13, 2010 by billmanzi

The campaign for Governor in Massachusetts reached some new depths today, with former aides to Tim Cahill releasing internal emails that seem to show a connection between the campaign and a new lottery ad campaign. (Treasurer Cahill runs the Massachusetts Lottery). The emails were released as part of the continuing court action brought by Cahill against those former aides. From the Globe:

“Get the Lottery immediately cutting a spot and get it up,” Cahill campaign adviser Dane Strother, wrote to four top campaign aides on July 27, according to emails released as part of a lawsuit Cahill filed against his former aides last week. “Needs to focus on the lottery being the best in the country and above reproach.”

Cahill is downplaying the significance of the emails, but they certainly don’t make his campaign look good. This entire episode has not made anyone look good, but it continues the focus on the Cahill-Baker feud, and takes the heat off the Governor. A slew of new ads are out. Get ready for some real tough assaults in the next couple of weeks. Read the Globe story on the Cahill/Lottery issue here.

The RGA Ad

The Deval Patrick Ad

Cahill Ad

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Barney Frank and Sean Bielat in the Fourth

Posted on October 12, 2010 by billmanzi

Barney Frank, facing a real challenge in this difficult year for incumbents, debated his opponent Sean Bielat twice yesterday, mixing it up on housing, don’t ask don’t tell, and on government intervention in the markets. Bielat went right for the jugular, accusing Frank of promoting policies that led to the housing meltdown. From the Herald:

“He supported housing policies that casued the economy to crumble,” said Sean Bielat, who’s running for the 10th congressional district.

Bielat’s point, that Frank forced banks to make loans to uncreditworthy recipients, has been a constant theme for Republicans. Frank obviously denied the charge.

“Home ownership is not the answer for everyone. I fought for more rental housing,” Frank said.

Bielat didn’t hide on Social Security, advocating a hike in the retirement age to right the system. Fair to say that Barney Frank didn’t expect to have to deal with a young wippersnapper that could be within striking distance at this point in his career. Both campaigns are up on TV. Those ads are below.

Read the Herald story here.

Read the Globe story here.

http://www.necn.com/common/CSN/necn/NECNembedplayer.swf

http://www.necn.com/common/CSN/necn/NECNembedplayer.swf

http://www.necn.com/common/CSN/necn/NECNembedplayer.swf

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President Launches on the Chamber

Posted on October 11, 2010 by billmanzi

The Democratic Party and the President, taking it on the chin from the Chamber of Commerce, have launched a counter-attack, broadly implying that the Chamber is using foreign money to finance the Republican Party campaigns it is supporting. The President attacked Karl Rove and his Cross Roads group as well as the Chamber, broadly implying that foreign money was involved. The counter attack has been fierce, with Karl Rove going on Fox and attacking the President for making “unsubstantiated” claims. The Fox clip below has that exchange after the Cantor-Wasserman start.

The Face the Nation clip also has the White House getting called on the accusation, but I think the larger point here is transparency. Should donors to participating groups be made public. In the past Republicans have advocated for a system of campaign finance that lifts donation limits but would make available to the public the names of all donors. The Chamber of Commerce definitely is not on board with that concept.

A blog posting over at the left leaning Think Progress got this ball rolling.

A link to the posting from Think Progress that makes accusations about the Chamber of Commerce and foreign money.

The New York Times article here.

Read the Washington Post story on the dust up with the Chamber of Commerce here.

http://cnettv.cnet.com/av/video/cbsnews/atlantis2/cbsnews_player_embed.swf

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Baddour Hits the Airwaves

Posted on October 11, 2010 by billmanzi

Senator Steve Baddour hit the airwaves with a new TV spot touting his independence from Beacon Hill. Despite some turmoil in the GOP ranks in that Senate fight Baddour has taken the race seriously, having a big campaign kickoff in Haverhill a few weeks back and now launching this TV spot.

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