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.