The voters’ choice: positive solutions or the politics of personal destruction

By Jennifer Logue

Last spring, I had the privilege of being nominated by Sen. Scott Brown to represent Massachusetts at the national Republican Women’s Summit in Washington, DC.

The mood at the conference was upbeat and enthusiastic. Participants heard from congressmen and political activists who described a renewed energy and commitment across the nation to elect leaders who would reverse the damage inflicted by two years of trillion-dollar “stimulus” debacles, tax increases and corporate bailouts. They supported their statements with hard numbers showing that the vast majority of Americans opposed not only the disastrous health care legislation, but also the big-government, tax-and-spend stimulus policies of the current administration.

They also offered a caveat: Be prepared, they told us, for the most negative, personally destructive political campaigns you have ever seen. Today’s far-left Democratic Party had access to the same polling results and statistics, conference leaders explained. They knew they couldn’t win on the issues, because on every issue, the people were against them. So the only option left was to demonize their opponents in an attempt to make their tax-and-spend liberal candidates seem palatable by default.

Sadly, this prediction has come to pass. We’ve seen it across the nation, as conservative candidates have been vilified, lampooned and harangued by opponents who have nothing positive to say about their own campaigns. And we’re seeing it here in the 10^th congressional district race as well.

 State Rep. Jeff Perry is a National Guard veteran, former police officer and a four-term state legislator.  He has served honorably, fighting against the overwhelming Democratic majority on Beacon Hill to cut taxes, reduce government spending and prevent illegal immigrants from collecting welfare and other state benefits. He has run a positive, courteous and dignified campaign based on the issues, explaining in great detail his positions on health care, social security, taxes, national security and immigration reform.

His opponent, William Keating, has addressed none of these issues. Instead of telling the voters where he stands on the critical problems facing our nation, Mr. Keating has chosen to follow the Democratic Party political playbook, stooping to the worst kind of gutter politics and political mudslinging.

With just 12 days to go before the election, Mr. Keating has yet to run a single ad explaining his positions on the issues or his qualifications for the job he seeks. Instead, he has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars running negative attack ads that are at best distorted and misleading and at worst outright false, causing some stations to pull the advertisements. He has bombarded local residents with negative and malicious mailings and telephone calls – all in an attempt to distract voters from the fact that Bill Keating has no positive plan of his own for getting America back on track.

On November 2, voters have a choice. They can vote for Jeff Perry, and send a message to Washington that the days of trillion-dollar deficits, billion-dollar bailouts and welfare for illegal immigrants are over. Or they can vote for Bill Keating and ensure that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has yet another rubber stamp to support her far-left, big-government agenda.

But voters have another choice to make as well. A vote for Jeff Perry is a vote for positive, courteous political campaigns that show voters the respect they deserve by focusing on the critical issues facing our state and the nation. A vote for Bill Keating is a vote for the politics of personal destruction – a bare knuckles, no-holds-barred, win-at-any-cost battle that subjects voters to months of dirty, demeaning and dishonorable behavior.

On Tuesday November 2, I will be voting for the candidate who showed voters the courtesy of telling us where he stands on the issues and what he will do if elected.  That candidate is Jeff Perry.

John Quincy Adams wreath-laying draws patriots from near and far

Patriots from near and far honored the 243rd anniversary of John Quincy Adams’ birth yesterday, when a White House wreath-laying ceremony was held at  United First Parish Church in Quincy.  The annual ceremony — superbly organized each year by Arthur Ducharme, director of the church’s Historic Interpretive Program — was particularly moving this year, as the program featured remarks by the Massachusetts native who now holds Adams’ former U.S. Senate seat: Sen. Scott Brown.

U.S. Senator Scott Brown

Brown, whose wife Gail also attended the ceremony, noted how “humbling” it was to hold the seat held by a man whose entire life, from cradle to the grave, was devoted to the service of his country. He also referenced a quote by Adams that held special significance for him: “Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” 

It’s a sentiment, Brown said, he has endeavored to live by each time he has taken a vote during his political career.

Caroline Keinath, deputy superintendent of the Adams National Historical Park, noted how her 11-year-old daughter asked her to bring their  ”Scott Brown” campaign lawn sign for the senator to sign. “You certainly have helped engage young people in democracy and the political process,” she said.

Other noted guests at yesterday’s ceremonies included Quincy Mayor Tom Koch, U.S. Rep. William Delahunt, state Sen. Robert Hedlund, state Rep. Stephen Tobin, state Sen. Michael Morrissey and Norfolk County Register of Deeds William O’Donnell. City Councilor Margaret Laforest and John Iredale, candidate for state representative, also were in attendance.

Jennifer Logue with Janine Turner and her daughter, Juliette

The prize for traveling the farthest distance to attend yesterday’s ceremony undoubtedly went to Janine Turner. The well-known actress (“Northern Exposure,” “Friday Night Lights”) flew all the way from Texas with her daughter, Juliette, to attend the ceremony. Turner, a self-professed history buff and John Adams fan since childhood, is co-chair of Constituting America, a non-profit aimed at educating Americans — and children in particular — about the U.S. Constitution. Visit the site to read Turner’s blog post about her Quincy visit and to peruse the wealth of constitutional resources it offers.

President Lyndon Johnson started the tradition of honoring deceased U.S. presidents on their birthdays by sending a large red, white and blue wreath from the White House to be placed on their graves by a military honor guard. Yesterday’s ceremony for John Quincy Adams marked the first time the Quincy ceremony has featured a sitting U.S. senator.

Former Lt. Governor Kerry Healey endorses Jeff Perry

          Health care and the economy were the topics on everyone’s minds at a recent cocktail reception for state Rep. and Congressional candidate Jeff Perry.

         Held at The Neighborhood Club, the reception was organized by Dr. John Dalton and Dr. Lisa Antonelli, who invited many of their medical colleagues to meet Perry (R-Sandwich), who is running to fill the 10 congressional seat currently held by Rep. William Delahunt.

         “I’m particularly pleased to see so many doctors here tonight,” Antonelli told attendees. “Up until now, the medical community has not really been active as a political force, and as we’ve seen with the recent passage of this health care legislation, we need to become much more vocal and active in sharing our perspective on the best ways to provide affordable health care for all.”

        Perry agreed.

        “Throughout the entire health care bill debate, input from the medical community was all but ignored,” he said. “Instead of being viewed as part of the health care solution, doctors have been unfairly portrayed as being part of the problem.”

       Perry noted that he was one of just two state legislators to vote against passage of Massachusetts’ much-vaunted health care legislation that mandated insurance coverage.

       “I voted against the Massachusetts legislation because it didn’t adequately address the real problem with health care today and that’s the cost,” he said. “Since the bill was passed, those rising costs have begun to cripple the state budget, and I’ve worked with other legislators to push for proposals that would lower health care costs and improve the delivery of health care services. And as your representative in Congress, I’d do the same.”

       A special guest at the Quincy reception was former Lt. Governor Kerry Healey, who has endorsed Perry’s campaign for U.S. Congress.

        ”When Jeff called and told me he was running for Congress, I told him, ‘I don’t care who else is running, I’m with you,’” Healey said. “Jeff Perry is a solid, strong legislator and I know he’ll work as hard for you in Congress as he has in the state legislature.”

        Healey’s endorsement follows that of another well-known Republican –U.S. Senator Scott Brown.
        “Having served with Jeff in the legislature, I know that, like me, he believes in low taxes, a strong national defense and in the pro-growth policies that will create jobs and get our economy moving again,” Brown said in his endorsement. “By electing Jeff Perry, the voters of the 10 Congressional District will once again be sending a strong message to the politicians in Washington that the time has come to start listening to the people. If you believe that Washington is broken, Jeff is just the guy we need to help fix it.”

        For more information on Jeff Perry and his candidacy, visit www.jeffperryforcongress.com.

Scott Brown endorses Jeff Perry for 10th Congressional seat

The Scott Heard ‘Round the World!

Two hundred and thirty six years ago, a small yet impassioned group of Massachusetts colonists dressed up as Indians, braved the winter chill and took a stand against the unfair and oppressive tax policies of a tone-deaf government, launching a movement that would change history. Yesterday, history to some extent repeated itself, as Massachusetts voters braved heavy snow and freezing rain to send a similar message to the Obama administration and the Democratically controlled Congress.

Make no mistake: The election of Republican Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Ted Kennedy was every bit the “Massachusetts Miracle” it’s been touted to be. Just as dumping crates of tea into the icy waters of Boston Harbor foreshadowed the start of a revolution, yesterday’s decisive victory in bluer than blue Massachusetts demonstrates just how disenfranchised and ignored American voters are feeling by a White House and Congress determined to ram Socialist policies down the throats of an angry public.

That sound you hear? It’s the Obama administration’s wake up call — one that Washington ignores at its own peril.

Why I’m supporting Scott Brown for U.S. Senate

A group of Scott Brown supporters from Quincy went into Boston Sunday to “welcome” the president, and someone asked if they could interview me about why I’m voting for Scott. (I think he got more than he bargained for!)

CNN: White House preparing for Coakley’s defeat

A study in contrasts: Scott and Martha on the campaign trail

You can tell a lot about a campaign  from the enthusiasm of its supporters. Here’s a Patriot Ledger photo taken at yesterday’s rally for Scott Brown in Quincy:

Now, here’s a Boston Globe photo of Martha Coakley greeting her “supporters” yesterday. Can’t you just feel the excitement?!

 

 

Scott Brown: Bold New Leadership tour energizes voters

The energy was palpable yesterday as Scott Brown’s Bold New Leadership Bus Tour traveled across the state, taking his message of fiscal restraint and government for the people — not the special interests — to voters across the Commonwealth.

More than 500 people flocked to Quincy Center for the first stop on the tour, setting an upbeat, enthusiastic tone for later stops in Plymouth, Hyannis and Middleboro.

Strangely, other than a handful of Coakley signholders in Plymouth, the much-touted “Democratic Machine” was nowhere to be seen along the tour. Perhaps Coakley’s supporters are taking a cue from their candidate and avoiding contact with regular voters in favor of wining and dining high-priced DC lobbyists.

Brown supporters preparing for ‘Massachusetts Miracle’

With new polls showing Scott Brown pulling ahead in the special election for U.S. Senate, the Brown campaign is seeing a surge in volunteers requesting signs, bumper stickers and overall enthusiasm. More than two dozen Brown supporters were “freezin’ for a reason”  out on Quincy Shore Drive this morning, garnering cheers, waves, thumbs up and honking horns from commuters. (You know, those people who get up early and go to work every day?)

Longtime campaign volunteers are saying that never in their lifetime have they seen the electorate so energized by a campaign — and in the dead of winter, no less! It’s this surge of enthusiasm that has some Americans preparing for a “Massachusetts Miracle,” the likes of which this nation hasn’t seen since a ragtag bunch of colonial farmers took on the world’s greatest empire and kicked it on its you-know-what!

Election Day is January 19 –Vote for Scott Brown and help uphold the American tradition of fighting to preserve freedom!

Poll shocker: Scott Brown surges ahead in Senate race

Looks like Milk Carton Martha’s refusal to get out and campaign and shake hands with anyone other than Washington lobbyists is helping to turn the tide. The Boston Herald reports a new poll showing Scott Brown in the lead:

 Poll shocker: Scott Brown surges ahead in Senate race.

Mass GOP calls out Coakley on ties to health care lobbyists

The Mass. GOP have a new ad that calls Martha Coakley on her bogus claims of holding health insurers accountable:

Given Coakley’s record of turning a blind eye toward corruption on Beacon Hill — at least corruption involving Democrats — this ad rightly asks voters to question how tough she’ll be on Big Pharma and health insurers when her campaign is largely funded by their lobbyists?

Herald: Scott Brown for U.S. Senate

And the endorsements just keep coming for Scott Brown!  Now, the Boston Herald has added its name to the list of Massachusetts media outlets endorsing a vote for true change (as opposed to that hope-y, change-y thing half the country fell for last year).

 Herald: Scott Brown for U.S. Senate.

Scott Brown, Charlie Baker speak at ‘Bold New Leadership Reception’

Kumu Gupta sent along this report from the Senate/Gubernatorial campaign trail:

Kumu Gupta (right) joins attendees at the Bold New Leadership reception in welcoming gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker (center)

 

A Bold New Leadership Reception in honor of Republican Nominee State Senator Scott Brown, candidate for US Senate, was held January 6 at Taj Boston with special guest Charlie Baker, candidate for governor in 2010. Senator Scott Brown of Wrentham, a three-term state senator representing Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex districts is running for the seat left vacant by the the late Senator Ted Kennedy.

 

Senator Brown is against wasteful government spending and higher taxes. Senator Brown is a decorated member of the Massachussetts Army National Gaurd serving for 30 years, holds the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Judge Advocate  General’s Corps (JAG) and was awarded Army Commendation Medal for meritorius service in homeland security following terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 2001. Scott Brown believes a strong military and vigorous homeland defense will protect our interests and security around the world and at home, especially now, following the Christmas Day incident with Al Queida aboard a Delta flight.

 

Among the supporters attending the evening were Asian Americans For Brown, led by Kumu Gupta, ward 1 chair of the Quincy Republicans and Joseph Wong of the MA Asian American Republican Association. Also in attendance were Jennifer Nassour, chair of Massachussetts GOP and Jody Dow,  national committeewoman of the RNC (Republican National Committee) who came up  from Washington DC for the event.

 

The race for the US Senate seat  is a crucial one, given the important issues facing the state and the country and will come down to voter turn out on Jan 19th as the gap between Senator Brown and Attorney General Martha Coakley rapidly shrinks,  with some polls giving the senator a sharp edge.

Washington Post: Scott Brown seen as gaining on Coakley

Tomorrow’s Washington Post enters the media fray surrounding the Scott Brown-Martha Coakley Senate race,  joining the chorus of downright scared liberal elitists who can’t bear to think of “Ted Kennedy’s seat” falling into the hands of (gulp!) a Republican! (Will someone please give these so-called pundits a basic civics lesson, starting with the fact that in the United States of America, congressional seats don’t belong to individuals or political dynasties, but to the people?)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/10/AR2010011002198.html

As much as the liberal mainstream media attempts to feign objectivity by peppering their stories on the race with qualifying phrases like “…appears to be gaining” and “is seen by some as gaining ground,” it’s clear that Democrats are less than happy with Martha Coakley’s somnolent campaign style.  That’s perplexing, since Coakley’s entire career has been defined by an overabundance of caution. From the clergy abuse scandal — which she initially broomed under the rug until the furious parents of victims hired private attorneys to press civil charges — to her refusal to prosecute corrupt state (Democratic) leaders, Coakley has repeatedly refused to go to war unless she’s absolutely certain she can win. And that’s not often. When she has reluctantly entered the fray, Coakley’s carefully measured motions  have kept her safely on the center line, and usually led to an ambivalent outcome that pleased neither side.

In short, Martha Coakley doesn’t play to win. She plays not to lose.

Why the Democratic establishment thought Coakley’s SOP would change for this Senate race is unclear. Perhaps they were so confident that no Republican could mount a serious challenge that they believed even Coakley’s innate fear of a fair fight couldn’t screw this up.

That overconfidence may well be the Democrats’ undoing. Because now more than ever, Massachusetts residents want someone in Washington who will stand up and fight for what’s right, even if the cause appears lost. During the campaign, Scott Brown has shown himself all too willing to do just that. Martha Coakley,meanwhile, has shown she just doesn’t have it in her.

Worcester Telegram and Gazette endorses Scott Brown

Momentum continues to build for a Scott Brown victory, as evidenced by this endorsement by the Worcester Telegram and Gazette:

 Telegram.com – A product of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

POLITICO: Pollster: Mass. race ‘losable’

Momentum’s building for Scott Brown — and the Democrats are starting to panic, as evidenced by the Kennedys’ “Hail Mary” endorsement and this article from Politico:

 POLITICO: Pollster: Mass. race ‘losable’ – Ben Smith – Pollster: Mass. race ‘losable’.

From Martha Coakley’s mouth to Scott Brown’s ad: She said what??

Momentum building for Scott Brown victory

Democrats will no doubt deny it, but most objective observers have noted a palpable shift in the special election dynamic this week. Even hard-core, partisan pundits have softened their rhetoric, as comments have shifted from, “Of COURSE Martha’s gonna win!,”  and “It’s virtually certain Coakley will win…” to “Do you think Brown could actually pull this off?” and “You know, if Brown pulls this off…”

Adding to the Democrats’ worst nightmare is Curt Schilling’s endorsement of Brown:

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/31140.html

…and a new Rasmussen poll that puts Brown within striking distance of Coakley:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/01/new_senate_poll.html

John McCain endorses Scott Brown for U.S. Senate