In an open letter, Anne Fox President of the Massachusetts Citizens for Life advised State Party chair Jennifer Nassour that most of the newly elected Republican House members are proclaimed pro-life supporters. In her November 15th letter Ms. Fox states:
Dear Ms. Nassour,
Along with the rest of the state, we at Massachusetts Citizens for Life have been looking at the election results. There are a couple of important facts to which we would like to draw your attention.
Most of the newly elected State Representatives in Massachusetts are pro-life. We are delighted by this outcome.
In addition, the huge Republican sweep across the country was accomplished by pro-life candidates. The Republican wins in Massachusetts were almost entirely reserved to those candidates who are willing to defend human life.
Looking at the data, it seems obvious that the lack of "surge" in Massachusetts is attributable to the fact that the statewide candidates were led by a man who describes himself as "To the left of Obama on social issues" and were coached by professional consultants who told them to steer clear of anything that sounded pro-life. That was bad advice.
For many election cycles now, Republicans have been winning nationally running with pro-life positions. The Republican win of note over that time in Massachusetts is Scott Brown. Senator Brown took pro-life positions on the legislative issues facing the US Senate. The factor which propelled him to victory was his promise to be the "41st vote" against pro-abortion, pro-rationing Obamacare. He was also helped by Martha Coakley's "Shannon O'Brien moment" when Ms. Coakley said that pro-life people should not be allowed to work in emergency rooms.
Keep in mind, as as of 10/13/10 the number of registered Republicans in MA has dropped to a new low of 474,798 voters, representing a mere 11.33% of all voters. If the MA GOP Leadership wants the State Republican Party to remain relevent, they must reconsider their advocacy of candidates who are "left of Obama" and adopt true Republican Principles.
We respectfully suggest that in reviewing your statewide loses, you learn from the local successful legislative races and listen to those newly elected who embraced the value of life. In setting a course for the future, the leadership of the MA GOP should embrace, and not abandon, the core principle on which it was founded - the defense of Life.
We would respectfully suggest that leaders of the party in this state meet with successful national Republicans to understand better the role of life issues. Of course, we would to meet with you locally as well.
Sincerely,
Anne Fox, President
Sunday, November 28, 2010
GOP Chair on hot seat after dismal Election
State Committeeman Bill McCarthy of Worcester led an effort to oust Massachusetts Republican State Party chairwoman Jennifer Nassour claiming she misspent the party's cash - funneling $1.2 million into failed GOP candidates for Governor and Congress while ignoring other races.
GOP State Committeeman Bill McCarthy had announced that he would push for a vote to remove Nassour at the November GOP meeting in Newton. McCarthy said "I've spoken to a number of candidates who have won and they either received no help or little help."
Nassour spent $1.17 million on Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker's ads. She also spent at least $132,000 to help congressional candidates. Baker and the nine GOP Congressional candidates all lost. The GOP more than doubled its seats in the state House of Representatives from 16 to 34 - but that's still to few to influence most House votes.
The chairwoman of the state Republican Party used rulings by the party's parliamentarian, secretary and lawyer at the November 17th meeting, who said that McCarthy had not followed the procedure outlined in the By-Laws to call for a 'Special Meeting' to remove the chair, in order to stop any effort to replace Nassour prior to the required election for Party Chair at the yet to be announced January 2011 meeting.
Click here to see related story.
GOP State Committeeman Bill McCarthy had announced that he would push for a vote to remove Nassour at the November GOP meeting in Newton. McCarthy said "I've spoken to a number of candidates who have won and they either received no help or little help."
Nassour spent $1.17 million on Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker's ads. She also spent at least $132,000 to help congressional candidates. Baker and the nine GOP Congressional candidates all lost. The GOP more than doubled its seats in the state House of Representatives from 16 to 34 - but that's still to few to influence most House votes.
The chairwoman of the state Republican Party used rulings by the party's parliamentarian, secretary and lawyer at the November 17th meeting, who said that McCarthy had not followed the procedure outlined in the By-Laws to call for a 'Special Meeting' to remove the chair, in order to stop any effort to replace Nassour prior to the required election for Party Chair at the yet to be announced January 2011 meeting.
Click here to see related story.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Changes in Voter ID Laws Needed
With the November elections over many problems and questions concerning voting procedures in Massachusetts, and in other States across the country, still remain to be addressed. One change that should be put in place now - is a requirement for Voter ID - to be presented by all who wish to excercise their right to vote.
The federal Help America Vote Act mandates that all states require identification from first-time voters who register to vote by mail and did not provide identification with their mail-in voter registration. Twenty six states have broader voter identification requirements that what HAVA requires. In these states, all voters are asked to show identification prior to voting. Eight of these states specify that voters must show a photo ID; the other eighteen states accept additional forms of identification that do not necessarily include a photo. In no state is a voter who cannot produce identification turned away from the polls - all states have some sort of recourse for voters without identification to cast a vote. However in Georgia and Indiana, voters without ID vote a provisional ballot, and must return to election officials within a few days and show a photo ID in order for their votes to be counted.
Click here to view video.
The federal Help America Vote Act mandates that all states require identification from first-time voters who register to vote by mail and did not provide identification with their mail-in voter registration. Twenty six states have broader voter identification requirements that what HAVA requires. In these states, all voters are asked to show identification prior to voting. Eight of these states specify that voters must show a photo ID; the other eighteen states accept additional forms of identification that do not necessarily include a photo. In no state is a voter who cannot produce identification turned away from the polls - all states have some sort of recourse for voters without identification to cast a vote. However in Georgia and Indiana, voters without ID vote a provisional ballot, and must return to election officials within a few days and show a photo ID in order for their votes to be counted.
Click here to view video.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Next Meeting of the Winchester GOP October 21st
The Winchester Republican Town Committee will hold it's next meeting in the Community Room at the Winchester Police Station 30 Mt. Vernon Street at 7:00PM on Thursday evening October 21st.
Friday, October 1, 2010
QUESTION 2: Repeal and Reform 40B
Recently groups interested in preserving Chapter 40B have begun suggesting that the proposed repeal and reforms to 40B will greatly impact seniors and low income families. This is patently false and misleading. Chapter 122B and Chapter 40R provides for various agencies and housing authorities to build and provide permanent housing for seniors, low and moderate income earners, and disabled individuals - even though the State Auditor has reported that the Legislature has not full funded them for several years.
The proposed changes would repeal an existing State law that allows a qualified organization or developer wishing to build housing the ability to circumvent local zoning laws and regulations that are often based on natural and man-made infrastructural limitations and the impact to local communities, by including government-subsidized housing that includes low and moderate income units to apply for a single comprehensive permit, thus shortening the time needed to prepare a response to such proposals. Developers can force a City or Town to allow such developments even if the local ZBA denies the comprehensive permit as unreasonable and inconsistent with local needs such as the costs related to overcoming natural limits such as topography and the ability to supply water and treat waste.
Most low and moderate income based units included as part of such developments are phased out after a 20-30 year period and revert to market pricing. The time limits are favored by developers because sooner or later when the subsidized housing units revert to market pricing the State will insist that the local community allow new development and increase the population further to meet the latest State standard.
Click here to read further details.
The proposed changes would repeal an existing State law that allows a qualified organization or developer wishing to build housing the ability to circumvent local zoning laws and regulations that are often based on natural and man-made infrastructural limitations and the impact to local communities, by including government-subsidized housing that includes low and moderate income units to apply for a single comprehensive permit, thus shortening the time needed to prepare a response to such proposals. Developers can force a City or Town to allow such developments even if the local ZBA denies the comprehensive permit as unreasonable and inconsistent with local needs such as the costs related to overcoming natural limits such as topography and the ability to supply water and treat waste.
Most low and moderate income based units included as part of such developments are phased out after a 20-30 year period and revert to market pricing. The time limits are favored by developers because sooner or later when the subsidized housing units revert to market pricing the State will insist that the local community allow new development and increase the population further to meet the latest State standard.
Click here to read further details.
Dembrowski Reception at Lucia's
Supporters and interested voters from Winchester and the surrounding communities in the Seventh Congressional District are invited to attend a reception with Dr. Gerry Dembrowski which will be held at the Lucia Ristorante, 13 Mt. Vernon Street in Winchester on Tuesday October 5, 2010. The reception is scheduled to start at 7:00PM with a dinner followed with remarks by the candidate. The suggested donation levels are $100 and $250. A television advertistement titled "Is the American Dream Dead?" has been made with the hopes of raising sufficient funds to help purchase air times prior to the general election on November 2nd.
For further information or to make reservations RSVP Jessbarnes@gerry2010.com.
For further information or to make reservations RSVP Jessbarnes@gerry2010.com.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Winchester Ladies and Town Committees Party Together
Tasty morsels, cheeses and crackers, dips and sauces, and a variety of entrees and sparkling beverages were in abundance as the Women's Republican Club of Winchester and the Winchester Republican Town Committee held their Annual Cocktail Party and Fundraiser together on Friday evening September 17th.
George Georgountzos, candidate for State Representative for the Towns of Winchester and Stoneham; David Carnevale, candidate for State Senate in the 2nd Middlesex District; Paul Carruccio, candidate for Governors Councilor in the 6th District; Woburn City Clerk Bill Campbell, candidate for Secretary of State; State Senator Richard Tisei, candidate for Lt. Governor; and Dr. Gerry Dembrowski, candidate for US Congress in the 7th Congressional District were present and introduced to the nearly one hundred attendees at the fundraising event held at the home of Dan and Heather Daglio.
George Georgountzos, candidate for State Representative for the Towns of Winchester and Stoneham; David Carnevale, candidate for State Senate in the 2nd Middlesex District; Paul Carruccio, candidate for Governors Councilor in the 6th District; Woburn City Clerk Bill Campbell, candidate for Secretary of State; State Senator Richard Tisei, candidate for Lt. Governor; and Dr. Gerry Dembrowski, candidate for US Congress in the 7th Congressional District were present and introduced to the nearly one hundred attendees at the fundraising event held at the home of Dan and Heather Daglio.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Next Meeting of the Winchester GOP September 16th
The Winchester Republican Town Committee will meet in the lower level 'Waterfield Room' at Town Hall 71 Mt. Vernon Street at 7:00PM, on Thursday evening September 16th.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Dembrowski Reception at Great Manderin
Supporters and concerned voters from the communities from the eastern end of the seventh Congressional District are invited to attend a reception for Dr. Gerry Dembrowski which will be held at the Great Manderin Restaurant 186 Cambridge Street at the 'Four Corners' intersection in Woburn on Sunday September 12, 2010. The reception which is scheduled to start at 5:30PM includes an 'all you can eat' buffet. A donation of $25 is asked from those who wish to make their reservations by September 10th and $35 from those who wish to pay at the door. For further information or to make reservations RSVP Helen Hatch at helenhatch@yahoo.com subject line: Gerry.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Annual Fundraiser Date Set
The Women's Republican Club of Winchester and the Winchester Republican Town Committee will again co-sponsor their Annual Cocktail Party and Fundraiser which has been set for Friday, September 17, 2010. This years social scheduled to start at 6:30PM will offer an assortment of tasty morsels and snacks for the enjoyment of the attendees, many of which are home-made. A sip or two of a pleasing beverage will add to the fun of socializing with friends.
Several candidates for elected office have been invited and are expected to make remarks. The invited guest speakers include: George Georgountzos, Esq., candidate for State Representative, David Carnevale candidate for State Senate for the 2nd Middlesex District, Bill Campbell, Esq., candidate for Secretary of State, Dr. Gerry Dembrowski candidate for U.S. Congress and State Senator Richard Tsei candidate for Lt. Governor.
The annual event is expected to provide funds that will be donated to various campaigns by the two organizations. For further information call Marie at 781-729-8313.
Several candidates for elected office have been invited and are expected to make remarks. The invited guest speakers include: George Georgountzos, Esq., candidate for State Representative, David Carnevale candidate for State Senate for the 2nd Middlesex District, Bill Campbell, Esq., candidate for Secretary of State, Dr. Gerry Dembrowski candidate for U.S. Congress and State Senator Richard Tsei candidate for Lt. Governor.
The annual event is expected to provide funds that will be donated to various campaigns by the two organizations. For further information call Marie at 781-729-8313.
Friday, August 20, 2010
GOP Candidates Shift into High Gear
With the September 14th Primary only weeks away and the November General Election following closely behind, Republican candidates in local, state-wide and congressional races are shifting into high gear as the summer vacation period ends and the new school year begins. Some Polls suggest that voters have made up their minds on several of the contested races, but where primaries are needed to nominate party choices for the November Ballot, many candidates are still seeking voter commitment.
During the Spring and Summer candidates for various offices have been reaching out to voters with fundraisers and 'social' activities which have included BBQ fests and finger food extravaganza's at private homes; "Meet and Greet" events at local eateries and pubs, VFW Halls and Country Clubs; and 'entertainment programs' such as the one held at the North Shore Music Center in Beverly by 6th District Congressional Candidate Bill Hudak.
'Retail Politics' still underway include a whirlwind of door-to-door reachouts to voters at home, food markets, dumps and re-cycle centers, train stations, post offices, senior citizen events, and at parades and religious festivals.
The number of lawn signs are beginning to dot the landscape and 'Stand Outs' on street corners across the area are becoming more frequent as the summer wanes. Meanwhile calls to likely voters asking for their vote are reminding some of the convenience of voting in advance by Absentee Ballot at local City or Town Halls. Absentee Ballot voting has become a popular way of participating in elections by senior citizens and others who may have difficulty in reaching and entering sites that are not friendly to the disabled. Parking and weather also play an important role in deciding whether to vote on election day.
Billboard Advertising has also begun to appear on behalf of Dr. Gerry Dembrowski who is a candidate in the 7th District for U.S. Congress against Cong. Ed Markey. The first two billboards (the new electronic type) were 'lite up' on August 1st along I-93 in Stoneham and Medford.
Several debates have been held among candidates vying for state-wide and congressional offices on Radio and TV and more are planned for the Fall. Media Advertising during the final period are sure to flood the listening and viewing audiences with power points on important issues.
The Republican Town Committee and the various campaign representatives of local candidates for State Representative and State Senate are seeking volunteers to make the final appeals for both the Primary and General Elections a success.
During the Spring and Summer candidates for various offices have been reaching out to voters with fundraisers and 'social' activities which have included BBQ fests and finger food extravaganza's at private homes; "Meet and Greet" events at local eateries and pubs, VFW Halls and Country Clubs; and 'entertainment programs' such as the one held at the North Shore Music Center in Beverly by 6th District Congressional Candidate Bill Hudak.
'Retail Politics' still underway include a whirlwind of door-to-door reachouts to voters at home, food markets, dumps and re-cycle centers, train stations, post offices, senior citizen events, and at parades and religious festivals.
The number of lawn signs are beginning to dot the landscape and 'Stand Outs' on street corners across the area are becoming more frequent as the summer wanes. Meanwhile calls to likely voters asking for their vote are reminding some of the convenience of voting in advance by Absentee Ballot at local City or Town Halls. Absentee Ballot voting has become a popular way of participating in elections by senior citizens and others who may have difficulty in reaching and entering sites that are not friendly to the disabled. Parking and weather also play an important role in deciding whether to vote on election day.
Billboard Advertising has also begun to appear on behalf of Dr. Gerry Dembrowski who is a candidate in the 7th District for U.S. Congress against Cong. Ed Markey. The first two billboards (the new electronic type) were 'lite up' on August 1st along I-93 in Stoneham and Medford.
Several debates have been held among candidates vying for state-wide and congressional offices on Radio and TV and more are planned for the Fall. Media Advertising during the final period are sure to flood the listening and viewing audiences with power points on important issues.
The Republican Town Committee and the various campaign representatives of local candidates for State Representative and State Senate are seeking volunteers to make the final appeals for both the Primary and General Elections a success.
Republican Teens Organize
Teens from several New England States met in Arlington on August 2nd to elect Officers and begin a process defining their objectives and fullfilling the legal requirements necessary to receive approval from the National Federation of Teenage Republicans and meet the requirements of the various State Republican Parties. While some local High School TARs Clubs have been charted in the Northeast over the years, no state-wide or regional body exists to spawn the creation of local High School Clubs or maintain their existence.
The August 2nd meeting was led by Sean Harrington, the Arlington High School student who has received much media attention concerning his call for the display of an American Flag in each Arlington classroom and more recently for the recitation of the 'Pledge of Allegiance' at the beginning of the school day. A battle now mostly won by a carefully crafted vote of the Arlington School Committee ensuring that the voluntary recitation by any student, so desiring, will have the opportunity to do so each school day. The vote of the School Board also prevents the punishment of any student, teacher or administrator for not saying it.
All of the students from other New England States attending the Arlington meeting also previously attended a meeting of the National Federation of Teenage Republicans (TARS) which later included a tour of the Capitol in Washington DC and meetings with several elected officials including Senator Scott Brown and Congressman Ron Paul. Incoming Arlington High School senior Sean Harrington who was an in-studio guest on several local radio talk shows when the story of his efforts were first reported, more recently made appearances on 'Fox and Friends' and the Glenn Beck TV programs.
Long-time Republican activist Dr. Mildred Jefferson and State Committeeman Bernie Green were named as adult supervisors to the new Massachusetts Federation of Teenage Republicans and the New England Federation of TARS. Working with the National Federation Jefferson and Green will attend meetings, provide oversight and supervise their activities.
The August 2nd meeting was led by Sean Harrington, the Arlington High School student who has received much media attention concerning his call for the display of an American Flag in each Arlington classroom and more recently for the recitation of the 'Pledge of Allegiance' at the beginning of the school day. A battle now mostly won by a carefully crafted vote of the Arlington School Committee ensuring that the voluntary recitation by any student, so desiring, will have the opportunity to do so each school day. The vote of the School Board also prevents the punishment of any student, teacher or administrator for not saying it.
All of the students from other New England States attending the Arlington meeting also previously attended a meeting of the National Federation of Teenage Republicans (TARS) which later included a tour of the Capitol in Washington DC and meetings with several elected officials including Senator Scott Brown and Congressman Ron Paul. Incoming Arlington High School senior Sean Harrington who was an in-studio guest on several local radio talk shows when the story of his efforts were first reported, more recently made appearances on 'Fox and Friends' and the Glenn Beck TV programs.
Long-time Republican activist Dr. Mildred Jefferson and State Committeeman Bernie Green were named as adult supervisors to the new Massachusetts Federation of Teenage Republicans and the New England Federation of TARS. Working with the National Federation Jefferson and Green will attend meetings, provide oversight and supervise their activities.
Caucus Elects Green to State Committee
Medford City Committee Chairman Bernie Green was elected as State Committeeman for the Second Middlesex District at a caucus held at Winchester Town Hall on June 21st. The meeting of elected members in the Senatorial District from the organized Town and Ward Committees in Somerville, Medford, Woburn and Winchester was held to fill the position which had been open for nearly two years.
Green narrowly lost re-election at the Presidential Primary in March 2008 after serving a four year term as State Committeeman from 2004 to 2008. The current term will expire in April 2012. The election of the new State Committeeman was ratified by the State Committee members in attendance at the June 23rd business meeting held in Newton.
Green narrowly lost re-election at the Presidential Primary in March 2008 after serving a four year term as State Committeeman from 2004 to 2008. The current term will expire in April 2012. The election of the new State Committeeman was ratified by the State Committee members in attendance at the June 23rd business meeting held in Newton.
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