Many of you will remember how Jeff Beatty got snookered by a firm in DC that took up to 85% of the money it raised for him. Our Friend Jordan Gehrke, formerly the Communications Director of the Tim Cahill campaign, now the same on the Sharron Angle campaign was the Director of Development for such a firm, Base Connect. It seems that firm is now in Hot Water for it's role in the Sharon Angle campaign in Nevada. Salon.com is reporting that "Angle spent more than $600,000 on shady firm".
Sharron Angle, who has fallen behind Harry Reid in several recent polls and can scarcely afford to squander any resources, has sunk $637,000 into a notorious D.C. direct mail firm. A Salon review of the Nevada Republican's FEC filings found that Angle has forked over about 20 percent of all the money she's raised to Base Connect, which is known for charging its conservative clients exorbitant fees -- as high as 80% -- and was recently dropped by a sitting Republcian congressman because of its terrible reputation.
Formerly known as BMW Direct, Base Connect describes itself "a full-service creative agency for conservative candidates running at the national level." For the past several election cycles, the firm's M.O. has gone like this: find a longshot conservative candidate running against a well-established Democratic incumbent, then launch a national fundraising campaign by sending direct mail to a list of true-believing but small-time conservative donors around the country.
The catch is that as much 75 or 80 or even 95 percent of the money raised is paid back to Base Connect and its "partner" companies (which are based in the same suite in the same building just off K Street in Washington). GOP consultant Bill Pascoe dubbed this "subprime fundraising." And Erick Erickson once said that candidates who use the firm are in danger of losing RedState's endorsement, presumably because conservative donors' money is going to a fundraising agency rather than actually helping the cause. Rep. Joseph Cao (R-LA) dropped all ties with Base Connect after Talking Points Memo reported in March he was paying the firm 75 percent in fundraising fees.
But the story doesn't end there. It seems Salon has figured out the connection between Angle's new campaign staffer and Base Connect.
UPDATE: We may have just found out how Angle ended up employing Base Connect: Jordan Gehrke, who was just named Angle's communications director after a stint as her deputy campaign manager, used to work as director of business development for Base Connect when it was known as BMW Direct. It's not clear when he left the firm. But this is not the first time current or former Base Connect staffers have been involved in the campaigns that employ the firm. (h/t Jon Ralston)
It seems as though Base Connect was NOT hired by the Cahill Campaign. I wonder if that's why Mr. Gehrke is no longer there?
Massachusetts 5th congressional district has a PVI of D+7. It is the 131th most Democratic district in the nation, and the 2nd most Republican district in Massachusetts. In 2008, Incumbent John Tierney (D) defeated Richard Baker (R) by a 70% to 30% margin. This year Tierneys is being challenged by Bill Hudak (R) and Robert J. McCarthy Jr. (R). David Michael Sukoff (R) is not on the ballot according to the Secretary of State's office.
Bill Hudak is a practicing attorney and founder of Hudak Law Offices in 1986. A former President of the Saugus Rotary Club, he has also owned businesses in travel, real estate and vending. Bill Hudak is campaigning against reckless spending, for lower taxes, for the repeal of Obamacare, and other issues. He has raised $487,989 ($215,628 from the candidate) and has $126,235 cash on hand. More information is available on his website HudakForCongress.com
Rob McCarthy is an attorney in private practice and former Major in the U.S. Marine Corps who served in Operation Desert Storm. He is campaigning for the Economy and Jobs, Energy and the Environment, Education, and other issues. He has raised $27,816 ($27,010 from the candidate) and has $26,261 cash on hand. More information is available on his website Vote4Rob.org
John Tierney has raised $561,697 and has $1,550,056 cash on hand.
Endorses Jeff Perry for 10th Congressional District Seat
Boston The Massachusetts Citizens for Life Federal PAC, the political arm of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, has endorsed Jeff Perry for Congress in the Tenth Congressional District.
According to Jack Rowe, Chairman of the Fed PAC, "As a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Jeff Perry has been a strong advocate for life. He even voted against state funding of embryonic stem cell research."
Rowe further stated, "Perry opposes tax funding of abortion and takes a pro-life position on all important issues. He also will work to replace Obamacare with ethical, affordable health care for all. Jeff Perry has proven his commitment to protect our most vulnerable citizens our unborn children. Jeff Perrys record should earn him the support of all voters who are concerned with the right to life and the protection of the most vulnerable members of the human family."
Funny how things work. Our good friend Joe Sheehan has been using identity politics to paint Tim Cahill as the great Irish Catholic hope for the Commonwealth. Funny thing that. It seems our intrepid treasurer has a touch of the Boston Brahmin in him, at least a quarter worth.
His grandmother, Florence Lynch, is a descendant of one of Massachusetts' Boston Brahmin families, the Spauldings, who were instrumental in the founding of both Braintree and Chelmsford.
I wonder if there is any more identity politics our friend Joe would like to bring up.
Former Republican State Party Chairman Says Lamb Best Chance to Defeat Congressman McGovernment
Holliston, MA ...Today, July 26, 2010, Marty Lamb, Republican candidate for Congress in Massachusetts Third District, proudly announced that former Republican State Party Chairman Jim Rappaport has endorsed his candidacy.
"We need more business leaders serving in Congress. That's why I am supporting Marty Lamb. He is the only candidate, Republican or Democrat, running who has signed the front of a paycheck and created jobs. Marty knows first-hand the burdens the federal government places on small businesses and how mandates are job killers," said Rappaport.
For over two decades Rappaport has been active in GOP politics. He served at the Republican Party Chairman for 4 1/2 years. Rappaport has run statewide twice and served on numerous steering committees. He is also on the Board of Trustees for Dana Faber and the Board of Trustees for the Rappaport Family Foundation.
"I am honored to have Jim's support. Once again we are showing great momentum in this race," said Lamb.
Lamb's campaign has a tremendous lead with friends on Facebook and last week he won an online poll for Massachusetts Republicans.
"Marty has also earned my support due to the comprehensive plans he has developed for dealing with illegal immigration and cutting government spending. He is the only candidate who has done his due diligence," added Rappaport.
Despite a perfect 100% voting record, past political donations to the group, and a long celebrated career of vehement support for the group, Richard Tisei and his "left of Obama (on social issues)" running-mate Charlie Baker, just were not enough for NARAL to throw their support behind.
via twitter:
@VOTEDEVAL: RT @andersonchang: @votedeval and @timmurray2010 proud to have the endorsement of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts #magov #mapoli
Even as NARAL threw Republicans under the bus for the past decade here in Massachusetts, Richard Tisei stood by them and zealously defended their positions. Now, he'll be running his first race in years without their endorsement. One has to imagine he is a little disappointed. And Charlie too, having gone way out on the limb with his proud socially liberal positions.
Richard should have picked his friends a little better. My heart aches for them, really.
Massachusetts Motorcycle PAC (MMPAC) announces endorsement of Jeff Perry, 10th Congressional District of Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Motorcycle Political Action Committee (MMPAC) is pleased to announce it's endorsement for Jeff Perry, 10th Congressional District of Massachusetts.
Currently serving his fourth term as State Representative for the 5th Barnstable District, Jeff is the Ranking Member of the Committees on Education and Public Safety & Homeland Security. He also serves as a member on the House Ways and Means Committee and the Committee on State Administration.
Jeff is a 100% supporter of the Legislative Agenda of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA), has voted in favor of Senate Bill Number 2344, dubbed Ryan's Bill-a Motorcycle Safety Bill for Junior Operators, and is currently signed on as Co-Sponsor to every other MMA bill still pending. Since Jeff's election in 2002, he has become known as a friend of motorcyclists in Massachusetts and Jeff pledges continued support for our issues.
As State Representative, Jeff has attended MMA meetings to speak to those in attendance about economic issues, motorcycle issues, and the importance of being active in the governmental process.
When informed of MMPAC's endorsement, Jeff said, "I am proud to receive the endorsement of this group who are so very dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of motorcyclists' rights. It has been my pleasure working closely with the MMA for the betterment of all motorcycling within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As someone who enjoys motorcycling myself, I pledge to continue to be a friend to all who ride."
To: CLT activists
From: Barbara Anderson
July 28, 2010
Update on Constitutional Conventon tomorrow
We have confirmed that the Legislature does plan to hold a constitutional convention on July 29 at 1 pm, and intends to take up Senate Bill 23, the constitutional amendment that doesn't allow any petitions that impact society. It states that "The rights to freedom and equality; the right of each individual to be protected by society in the enjoyment of life, liberty and property..." shall not be the subject of an initiative petition.
This would prevent any tax cut or limitation petition. However, a CLT member suggested to me last evening that the momentum behind SB 23 may be the illegal immigration issue. Certainly this language could prevent any initiative petition on that subject.
Senate Bill 23 on the initiative process is number 2 on the ConCon agenda, right after the amendment for an independent redistricting commission. So they'd have to act on redistricting before they can vote on SB 23, or vote to move SB 23 ahead of redistricting.
So they could do two bad things in one session: vote to keep gerrymandering (which we all know is racist :~), and kill the initiative petition process.
CLT has sent out a news release, and an email to legislators which is copied below.
To: the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention, July 29, 2010
from: Citizens for Limited Taxation
Leave the initiative petition process alone.
I would normally assume that the Massachusetts Legislature, during the last week of
the session, in a volatile election year with many angry voters, would not attack the
initiative petition process which is beloved across the political arena.
Yet, there it is, Senate Bill 23, a constitutional amendment from Sen. Cynthia Creme
and 20 co-sponsors on the Thursday constitutional convention agenda. SB 23 would
basically end the initiative petition process by adding this language to the items
prohibited by the present initiative process:
"The rights to freedom and equality; the right of each individual to be protected by
society in the enjoyment of life, liberty and property, according to standing laws."
This is silly; our constitution already prohibits any initiative attempting to change the
Bill of Rights. Sen. Creme and her allies should get over the recent attempted
marriage amendment; that issue is clearly settled here in Massachusetts; gay marriage
is the law of this land.
This new language threatens all citizens who use the petition process: left to right and in-between.
Certainly its broad generalization could be used to argue against tax limits and tax cuts; but it could
also stop a petition like CLT's proposed amendment in opposition to the Kelo decision.
All citizens should resent the sneaky way Senator Creme and her allies got SB 23 onto the ConCon agenda.
SB 23 belongs in the Election Laws Committee; by putting it in Judiciary proponents hoped to sneak it through
without opponents finding it. Nice try. Almost worked but the Tea Party caught it!
Well, now that we've noticed, there will be a fight as pro-inititiative legislative allies
oppose moving SB 23 to the top of the calendar for that quick vote. Give it up,
petition-haters; the people will not easily surrender their defense against the likes of
you. But if you must vote on this, we look forward to the required roll call spotting
all the enemies of the people's initiative.
I got this email from a Joisey friend earlier today -
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: ###
Date: Tue, Jul 27, 2010 at 5:08 PM
Subject:
To: %%%
Hacker:
What is with Mass Congressperson Barney Frank causing a ruckus on the Fire Island Ferry down heah in the New Yawk metro area. I really think you can do a summer humor piece on this one, he was bent out of shape because he didn't get the 1 dollah senya discount. Like this guy knows how to watch a buck, billions to the Investment Bankers disappear and he worries about a buck senya discount.
Pack.
Now, while I know that the Packy is an unimpeachable source, I just had a hearty laugh and decided to check it out before posting. But since it's on Fox25, I guess the story is out there...
Here is the audio of the Massachusetts 10th Congressional District Debate between Joe Malone, Jeff Perry, and Ray Kasperowicz. The debate was held on WATD FM.
Ok, the legislature didn't really say that, but that would be the effect of the stupidest piece of legislation passed this year on Beacon Hill.
As Boston.com reports, the legislature has approved a bill that would award Massachusett's 12 Electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote.
Massachusetts Legislature has approved a new law intended to bypass the Electoral College system and ensure that the winner of the presidential election is determined by the national popular vote.
"What we are submitting is the idea that the president should be selected by the majority of people in the United States of America," Senator James B. Eldridge, an Acton Democrat, said before the Senate voted to enact the bill.
Senator Eldridge, we are not a democracy, we are a Federal Republic. The President of the United States is NOT the "President of America" but of our Union of States. The Electoral College, like the U.S. Senate, is designed to give power to individual states. This is an important, no, critical component of our federalist form of Government.
This in effect awards the electoral votes of our state to the winner of the most votes in Texas, California, and New York states. Not only is this a foolish attack upon out Federal Republic form of government, but it is ripe for public outrage in the not unlikely event that a Republican wins the popular vote in 2012 as happened in 2004.
Will the legislature cause a constitutional crisis by moving to change the law in a lame-duck session in December of 2012 after a "President-Elect" Sarah Palin, or Newt Gingrich, or Dick Cheney wins the most votes?
The Electoral College meets at the end of Decemeber. Don't think the legislature won't retroactively change a law? Ask Senator Kirk about that.
First let's start with the premise, that I share, that BP was highly negligent in their operation of the Deepwater Horizon Drilling Rig. The biggest tragedy of this mess has been the initial loss of life on that oil rig. BP should be responsible for making restitution to those who's life has been upended by their callousness. That is not in doubt.
What is in doubt, is the long term environmental impact of the oil spill. ABC News reported today that cleanup crews are having trouble finding oil to clean up.
For 86 days, oil spewed into the Gulf of Mexico from BP's damaged well, dumping some 200 million gallons of crude into sensitive ecosystems. BP and the federal government have amassed an army to clean the oil up, but there's one problem -- they're having trouble finding it.
Why might they be having trouble finding oil from the spill? Lets start with the fact that although it sounds like a large number 200 million gallons really isn't all that large.
It may be helpful if we look at an analog to see how large one million gallons of water really is. One Million gallons of water is 133,680.5 cu ft. One acre is 43,560 sq ft. So take the latter and divide it by the former and you are left with 3.07 feet. That means that 3 feet of water on one acre of land is approximately one million gallons of water.
The land area of Vatican City is 0.17 sq miles or 108.8 acres. That means that 200 million gallons of oil would cover a land area of about two Vatican Cities three feet deep. When put that way we can begin to put into perspective how much oil really spilled.
I ask Richard Neal a few tough questions. I have never had to interrupt my own video, until now. If you agree that we should Repeal Neal, please join our growing organization in the #MA02 district.
PEMBROKE - Coming off of a great primary debate in Plymouth last night, 10th District Congressional candidate Joe Malone continues the momentum, announcing three major endorsements of his campaign.
The legendary Polly Logan, a former National and State Republican Committee member from Cohasset has jumped on board Joe's team. "Joe has a strong record as one of this state's most consistent and passionate conservatives. Joe has not just talked about Republican principles, but he has delivered on them," said Logan. "Joe has an unmatched record of reforming government and standing up against big government. And is exactly what we need for our candidate in November and our Congressman in Washington. I look forward to being part of this energized campaign."
Another well known figure has also enthusiastically endorsed Joe, Falmouth's own Tommy Leonard who is the founder of the Falmouth Road Race. "I'm proud to support Joe Malone for Congress. Joe is one of us and I know he will go to Washington and fight for working men and women. People respond to Joe because they know he will be a strong leader for us in Washington. Joe recognizes that it's time for less government, lower taxes and more freedom."
Former Republican State Representative Nancy "Hasty" Evans, who lives in Falmouth, noted Joe's energy in announcing her support. "I am impressed with Joe's hard work, and his ability to excite the people he meets. He has an unmatched energy and has been all over the Cape asking for our support and I believe he has earned it based on his record of reforming government and fighting for the taxpayers. I know he will work just as hard in Congress as he has on everything he has done-we need some of the energy for the people down in DC."
These three add to a long and growing list of supporters for Joe, and come as his campaign surges following last night's primary debate hosted by the Plymouth League of Women Voters.
With his reputation on the rocks, Sen. John Kerry informed tax collectors today he will cough up some $500,000 in state and local taxes for his ultra-luxe yacht Isabel.
"As we've said from the beginning, we have always complied with tax laws and we always will. ... The payment is being made promptly," Kerry said in a statement to the Herald today.
"We've reached out to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and made clear that, whether owed or not, we intend to pay the equivalent taxes as if the boat's home-port were currently in Massachusetts," Kerry added.
The Herald first reported Friday that Kerry did not pay the state's 6.25 percent sales tax on his 76-foot luxury yacht that he bought in March for $7 million and now docks in sales-tax free Rhode Island.
How nice of him. My personal favorite "whether owed or not." If you don't think you owe a tax you fight paying it! As the MassGOP Chairwoman Jennifer Nassour put it in a statement:
"Senator Kerry will only pay the taxes because he got caught. He should spend more time creating jobs rather than customizing his yacht. Democrats think they live by another set of rules and the voters of the Commonwealth will soon remind them they do not."
Massachusetts 5th congressional district has a PVI of D+8. It is the 124th most Democratic district in the nation, and the 3rd most Republican district in Massachusetts. In 2008, Incumbent Niki Tsongas (D) was unopposed. However, in the 2007 special election she defeated Jim Ogonowski by a 51% to 45% margin. This year Tsongas is being challenged by Jonathan A. Golnik (R), Sam M. Meas (R), Robert L. Shapiro (R), Thomas J.M Weaver (R), Robert E. Clark (U) and Dale E. Brown (U).
Jon Golnik is a former foreign currency trader and current small business owner selling college apparel. He is running on a platform of Jobs and the Economy, Energy Independence, Spending and The National Debt, National Security and Terrorism, and other issues. He has raised $205,418 ($105,000 from the candidate) and has $112,814 cash on hand. More information is available on his website JonGolnik.com
Sam Meas is a former Cambodian refugee who escaped the war zone along the Cambodia-Thai border and eventually immigrated to the United States as an "unaccompanied minor." He is currently a Principal with State Street Global Advisors, a division of State Street Corporation. He is running on a platform of the Economy, Health Care, Energy and the Environment, Immigration, and Veterans issues. He has raised $55,475 ($25,000 from the candidate) and has $1,075 cash on hand. More information is available on his website SamMeasForCongress.com
"Bob Shapiro has served as a pharmacist, manager, software engineer, math teacher and small business owner. A self taught student of Austrian economics, he is running on a platform of cutting federal spending to balance the budget without raising taxes, repealing the new healthcare law, allowing free markets to guide our energy future most efficiently, and opposing "The Global Warming Hoax." (remove federal spending and deficits.) He has raised $27,944 ($25,873 from the candidate) and has $2,851 cash on hand. More information is available on his website Shapiro4Congress.org
Tom Weaver has an BS in Aerospace Engineering from the US Naval Academy and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He formerly served as a Navigator, Electrical Officer, and Certified Naval Chief Nuclear Engineer in the militray. He is currently the founder and owner of DTW Systems which specializes in membrane technology. He is running on a platform of Private Job Creation, Our Children's Future, Protecting the Environment while Producing More Energy, and National Defense. FEC flings do not show any money raised for Tom Weaver. More information is available on his website TomWeaverForCongress.com
Incumbent Niki Tsongas has raised $1,248,815 and has $567,997 cash on hand. Independent Dale Brown has raised $2,489 ($1,500 from the candidate) and has $180 cash on hand. Independent Robert Clark has raised $6,183 (all from the candidate) and has $566 cash on hand.
Plymouth - 10th Congressional Candidate and "Citizen Legislator" Ray Kasperowicz highlighted his own relevant experience in a Congressional debate with Bob Hayden, former State Treasurer Joe Malone, and State Representative Jeff Perry.
As an independent auditor of government, small businessman, CPA, and Navy veteran Kasperowicz stressed that he has the proper skills to fix the fiscal mess in Washington and will be a Congressmen that the citizens of the 10th District can be proud of.
Ray's experience as an independent auditor of government has put him on the front line of protecting the taxpayer. In Ray's 25 years of experience as an independent auditor he has audited governments, government pension plans, identified improper use of federal grant dollars, conducted forensic audits, issued government financial statements, as well as performed financial viability studies of wind turbines.
If citizens are looking for a Congressman with the skills and experience necessary to fix the fiscal mess in Washington - Ray is the candidate that fits the bill. Ray can pick up a governmental budget or government report and understand what he is looking at. Also, his experience as a CPA and small businessman gives him first hand experience understanding the impacts that an onerous tax code has on the working families and small businesses of the 10th District.
The debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters, WATD, and PACTV took place in the Mayflower Room of Plymouth Town Hall.
If you would like to learn more about Ray Kasperowicz please go to www.ray2010.com
