Baker Launches "Had Enough" Tour

Posted on May 18, 2010 by billmanzi

Republican Charlie Baker has launched the “had enough” tour, unveiling a new campaign slogan and internet ad targeting Governor Patrick and Treasurer Tim Cahill. With criticism of his campaign beginning to ramp up Baker does apparently need to shake things up a bit. Time will tell whether this tactic will work, but I think Baker has not yet “introduced” himself to the voters, and so I tend to agree with the Outraged Liberal who cites Baker’s lack of voter definition as something that needed to be addressed before he went negative. The Globe has a piece on Baker’s new theme, with the Governor calling on Baker to stop the negativity. But Baker’s team pointed to the negative ads run in 2006 against Kerry Healey by the Patriot Majority, with Governor Patrick at first denying those ads were negative, but later backtracking.

But yesterday the governor asserted that the group that ran the ads, the Patriot Majority Fund, “did not run negative attack ads.’’ Asked to explain Patrick’s characterization, his campaign later issued a statement acknowledging that the ads were negative.

“In 2006, a negative preprimary ad was run by a third party and was denounced by the governor and his campaign,’’ the statement said. “That is exactly what the governor was calling on Charles Baker to do today.’’

A lot more give and take to come, but Charlie Baker’s team is hearing the criticism and reading the polling data. They know they need to change gears, but I am not sure they have the right formula yet in this three man race.

Posted in State News | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

RGA Continues to Pound Cahill

Posted on May 16, 2010 by billmanzi

The RGA assault on Tim Cahill continues unabated, and the latest Rasmussen poll shows it is having some impact. Today’s Herald has some commentary on the Cahill situation, with Howie Carr telling Cahill to “man up” or get out. Carr seems to have homed in on the problem pretty well. Cahill has to suffer the blows now, because he cannot raise enough money to respond or to even define himself to the electorate. And a second Herald column by Atty. John Sivolella continues this line, with the obvious flaws in Cahill’s strategy now beginning to become apparent. Cahill is conserving cash now to make sure he will have the resources to compete coming down the stretch, but by then it may be too late. A difficult quandary for Tim and for independents in general. The cash simply dries up. And the RGA has plenty more to spend, along with Democratic interest groups as well. A difficult road ahead for Tim.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=11445058&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=FF0000&fullscreen=1

Tim Cahill: I Wasn’t Invited from Republican Governors Association on Vimeo.

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The President on Financial Reform

Posted on May 15, 2010 by billmanzi

The President continues the drumbeat on financial reform, talking about the benefits of reform, specifically Main Street benefits. The President knows that this is a political winner, and I think the Republicans know it as well. I would expect the President to keep up the pressure until he gets a bill out of the Senate.

Posted in National News | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Negative Ads Hurting Cahill?

Posted on May 12, 2010 by billmanzi

A new Rasmussen survey shows Governor Patrick widening his lead over his two main opponents, with independent Tim Cahill falling badly into third place. From Rasmussen:

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has gained ground over the past month and now earns 45% of the vote in his bid for reelection against Republican Charlie Baker and independent Tim Cahill. That’s a 10-point jump from a month ago and the Democratic incumbent’s best showing in surveys stretching back to June of last year.
A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely voters in the state finds Baker with 31% support and Cahill earning just 14% in a three-way contest with Patrick. Ten percent (10%) remain undecided.

Based on Rasmussen it appears that the heavy buy by the Republican Governor’s Association is beginning to have an impact on the Cahill candidacy. But it also shows that the Governor appears to be benefiting from the mud-fight between Baker and Cahill, with his best poll results in some time. You can be assured that the RGA and other outside groups will soon turn their attention (and ad money) to Governor Patrick. The Governor’s team has begun laying the groundwork for response to the expected assault by the Republicans.

A number to watch is the survey results for independents. In this survey Baker leads in that group with 36%, to Governor Patrick’s 28%, while Cahill has 21%. That is a big turn around, and is a favorable sign for Baker. In the last survey (not Rasmussen) Cahill led in that category. It is really unlikely that Baker can win this race without a significant lead with independents. It appears he has at least turned the corner in that category.

Cahill continues to take heavy criticism for refusing to identify areas of the budget that he would cut that match his desire to cut state revenues. The latest volley comes from Scott Lehigh over at the Globe, who called Cahill’s campaign tactic “election year cotton candy”. Ouch! Read Rasmussen here.

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Breanah O’Handley Wins May Soar Award

Posted on May 11, 2010 by billmanzi

Congratulations to Breanah, the May SOAR award winner.

Reason(s) for Recognition:

Breanah is a young woman who has matured greatly from her freshman year. She is a model student, actively involved in all her academic and inclusion classes. Breanah is dedicated to her family, and an individual who is sensitive, caring and friendly. Breanah is a student who excelled within the Graduated Curriculum Program (GCP) and transitioned to all inclusive classes by her senior year. Over the course of the last few years, Breanah wanted to challenge herself academically and took chances and registered for one Inclusion class, increasing these classes by her senior year, which in turn, has become successful for her. She was not only able to maintain consistency in obtaining good grades in all her academic inclusion classes but also past the state mandated MCAS test and will be graduating with her class with honors.. Breanah is a model student for her peers to emulate and is respected by her teachers. Breanah’s character resembles one that exemplifies beautiful values. She is honest, trust worthy, protective of others, thoughtful, kind, considerate and passionate about life. Breanah also demonstrates a diligent work ethic, has a great sense of humor and is resilient in getting tasks accomplished accurately. Breanah was currently involved in the Best Buddies Program. It is a program that helps nurture and foster friendships within the students of the special education and general population of Methuen High School. In her sophomore year, Breanah has had the elite position of The “Best Buddies” Director. She was responsible to communicate with the buddies and the peer buddies and organize handouts to be given and received. In the classroom, Breanah is a leader and an active participant in lessons… She is relentless in her commitment to strive to improve her skills and abilities.
Breanah is conscientious and a responsible family member who seeks to help her family. Breanah has been challenged with obstacles in her life however; she rises up to any occasion to overcome these obstacles as opposed to quitting when situations become tough and overwhelming. She is able to learn from these challenges and is consequently able to assimilate lessons into her own personal experiences. Breanah has a great way of putting things into proper perspective over time and does not allow herself to dwell in areas that can bring her down.
Finally, Breanah welcomes friendships from individuals, regardless of their race or ethnic background. She does not harbor judgment on other individuals. Breanah has a gift to see the hearts of others and embraces them with openness and acceptance. She works hard to see goodness in people. She is an individual who gives of herself to others. What is respectful in this process is her ability to accomplish this with a high degree of dignity and with grace. In closing, Breanah brightens the room whenever she walks into it. She has a smile that is contagious. Her positive attitude, personal character and genuine goodness are virtues and qualities that make this young woman stand out in a crowd.

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Meg Whitman on the Descent

Posted on May 10, 2010 by billmanzi

The California Governor’s race is one that should have it all, and as we get closer the Republican race has begun to heat up. The Democrats have paved the way for former Democratic Governor Jerry Brown to be the nominee with the withdrawal of Gavin Newsome from the race, and Meg Whitman, the former CEO of eBay looked like a lock for the Republican nomination. But Whitman is, despite her pouring of about $59 million of her own money into the race, has seen a massive lead over Republican opponent Steve Poizner shrink to ten points or less in the last month. And while Poizner hits her from the right Jerry Brown and the Democrats are clubbing her from the left, unleashing their own attack ads. Whitman has received national Republican support from her national political patron Mitt Romney, but seems to be caught in the same “anti-incumbent, anti establishment” undertow that cashiered Utah Senator Robert Bennet . Yes Whitman is not an incumbent, but she has been on the airwaves enough to make people think she is one. She has also been hurt amongst Republicans by Poizner’s strong anti immigration stand. (Poizner supports the new Arizona law, while Whitman has been non-committal) The Democrats appear to be hoping for a Poizner win, figuring him to be easier pickings in the general election. I think they may be right. Should be a great and interesting race in a very key State for Democrats hoping to hold onto the Presidency in 2012.

Read the Huffington Post story here.

Posted in National News | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

President Obama on Health Care Reform

Posted on May 8, 2010 by billmanzi

With health care reform one month old the President reviews some of the upfront benefits of the changes, including help for seniors in the “donut hole”, health care tax breaks for small business, a patients bill of rights, and a prohibition on insurance companies dropping people when they get sick. Extended coverage for young adults, who will now be able to stay on their parents health plans until age 26, is moving forward ahead of schedule. These benefits will make this reform much more difficult to repeal than Republicans would have you believe. The bill has front loaded the most attractive parts of reform, while leaving some of the more difficult parts to later implementation dates. Can’t wait to see which Republicans advocate ending the assistance for seniors in that “donut hole.”

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The Problem with Arbitrators

Posted on May 8, 2010 by billmanzi

The award of a 19% pay raise through an arbitrators ruling for Boston firefighters has caused some real political tumult, with firefighters praising the decision and Mayor Menino and managers throughout the Commonwealth just shaking their heads in disbelief. The arbitrator gave substantial additional contract value to the firefighters for agreeing to random drug testing (about 2.5 percent for that provision). The award exceeds the roughly 14 percent other Boston unions won through bargaining, and puts Mayor Menino in a tough position. The arbitrators ruling will need to be ratified by the Boston City Council. There was ongoing dispute between the parties over the financial impact of the award, with the arbitrator rejecting some of the city’s financial claims. From the arbitrators ruling (Boston Globe):

“I conclude that the city’s proposal to skim the frosting, pocket the cake, and avoid paying the fair, reasonable, and affordable value of the meal is a hound that will not hunt,’’ Eischen wrote. “To hold otherwise would ascribe zero value to a milestone drug and alcohol policy of enormous, lasting, and arguably ‘priceless’ benefit in terms of human lives of firefighters and members of the public saved or rescued.’’

Eischen contended that the package will cost the city $39.4 million in retroactive pay; the city says the award will cost $74 million in back pay and wages going forward.

The figures do not include savings the city will realize under the award for increased employee contributions for health insurance and tighter management control of sick leave.

Mayor Mazzarella of Leominster, a member of the arbitration panel, strongly dissented from the ruling:

Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella of Leominster, the management representative on the three-member arbitration panel, dissented on the economic aspects of the award, calling it “a slap in the face of the citizens of Boston.’’ He urged the Boston City Council, “to conduct an independent review of Arbitrator Eischen’s financial conclusions, because I do not believe they are accurate.’’

Mazzarella reiterated his assertion that Eischen and the third member of the panel — Robert McCarthy, president of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts — had approved the additional 2.5 percent pay increase at the 11th hour.

When members of the Legislature suggest (as they have done in the area of health care) that cities accept binding arbitration as a provision of any agreement they seem incredulous when it is rejected out of hand. This decision shows the basis of that rejection. The arbitrator appears to believe that it is business as usual, and that difficult economic times require no sacrifice from the public sector. He could not be more wrong. Municipal finance continues to spiral in an out of control fashion, with numbers like these promoting a movement towards total decimation of municipal services and sound financial footings for cities. Firefighters do an incredibly difficult job, and they should be compensated fairly. But this decision cannot be justified, in my opinion. Read the Globe story here.

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9/16977198001?isVid=1

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Mayor Manzi Names Michael Gueli as May Artist of the Month

Posted on May 7, 2010 by billmanzi

Methuen Artist’s Work on Display in the Mayor’s Office

Mayor William M. Manzi has named Michael Gueli as May’s Artist of the Month. Gueli is a graduate of Central Catholic High School and Northeastern University. In his free time Mike enjoys watercolor painting particularly seascapes, still life, and landscapes. Mike is a member of the Arts Institute Group of Merrimack Valley and the Woburn Arts Association where he has exhibited his artwork. He continues to paint under the instruction and inspiration of Charles Margeson, professional artist from Georgetown, MA.

Mayor Manzi stated, “Mike is one of the many talented artists living and working in our community. It is an honor to display his artwork. I am impressed by his exceptional use of the watercolor media. I encourage people to come to my office and view Mike’s paintings.”

The Methuen Artist of the Month Program was created by Mayor Manzi four years ago in order to give members of the Methuen Arts Community a forum to display their work and to encourage participation in Methuen’s growing and vibrant creative economy. Methuen artists interested in being considered as Artist of the Month should contact the Mayor’s Office.

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Cahill Hits Haley and Republicans

Posted on May 6, 2010 by billmanzi

Tim Cahill struck back again at the million dollar ad buy unleashed on him by the Republican Governor’s Association, hitting the RGA chairman Haley Barbour and the Republican Party in general. Cahill’s attack shows how difficult it will be for him, as he tries to win Republican votes while attacking the Republican Party. Cahill is responding to a wave of attacks, including a new internet ad put out by the RGA which targets him again with severe criticism of his record. Baker and Cahill are involved in a real mud fight while Governor Deval Patrick cruises the State, campaigning effectively and often. I caught the Governor on Fox with VB yesterday and thought he did a great job. A long way to go yet, but the fundamentals of the campaign are being formed, and right now they favor Governor Deval Patrick.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=11445058&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=FF0000&fullscreen=1

Tim Cahill: I Wasn’t Invited from Republican Governors Association on Vimeo.

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