The sense that I needed to conjure up something clever bore down upon me as I approached the computer keyboard today. It was as though I had to come up with a thought that would wrap up 2008, putting the events of the year, the election and even the ice storm into perspective, into the Republican perspective, that is. However as I mulled over what to write I decided that probably the most important thing we could do as Republicans in Massachusetts is get a new leader voted into the House. Dick Callahan, Chairman of the Holden Republican Town Committee, sums up why State Representative Lew Evangelidis should be the new minority leader. As is usual for Mr. Callahan he thinks of novel ideas and approaches not discussed or even considered by anyone, and in his letter to the editor gets to the crux of the danger of single party governance. ". . . domination in both the State Senate and House prevent majority members from effectually opposing their leadership on any issue; resulting in a virtual dictatorship by a few. The only point of view heard is that of the majority leaders."
As my end-of-the-year wrap-up I offer you Dick Callahan's thoughts that encompass nearly every issue related to electing Lew Evangelidis as leader of the House GOP.
State Representative Lew Evangelidis should be elected Minority Leader of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Democrats, Independents and Republicans all share a common interest to improve state governance. Single party occupation of the Governor's office, with vast majorities in both the State Senate and House make the need for effective minority leadership imperative. Less obvious, domination in both the State Senate and House prevent majority members from effectually opposing their leadership on any issue; resulting in a virtual dictatorship by a few. The only point of view heard is that of the majority leaders. The Old Saw, "A Statesman is a politician who stands up straight because he/she is under equal pressure from all sides" reigns. The current Minority Leader has been ineffectual; minority positions are invisible. Democracy requires debate encompassing all sides of issues. Lew Evangelidis, a fiscal conservative and social moderate, has a proven record of leadership. This past election he outpolled every other candidate (including unopposed Democrats); with over 80% of the vote. Opposed in the previous election, 27% of the voters who voted for Governor Patrick crossed Party lines to vote for Evangelidis; swamping his opponent. Lew is an energetic, articulate spokesperson for the minority point of view. Republican state representatives have an obligation to provide the public with effective minority leadership. Please hold your Republican representative accountable.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wake Up & Smell the Coffee -- Someone Has a Plan
After Marshall Horwitz wrote a wonderful letter about why the state needs new, effective GOP leadership in the House and why State Representative Lew Evangelidis should assume that role, the "Worcester Telegram & Gazette" instead publishes an "As I See It" column by Brian Burke. Titled "It is vital for GOP to find way to reverse state's one-party rule" (Tuesday, Dec. 30, p.A7) Mr. Burke makes some true and important points (except that as of 2009 we're down to 16 reps in the House, not 19) but neglects to use his pen to support a highly effective leader and vote-getter, State Rep. Lew Evangelidis. Mr. Burke states, "I have not yet heard anyone with an entirely satisfactory design for getting this done, but it is essential that we find a plan for making the state GOP viable once more and giving voters in the state meaningful electoral choice." Okay, Mr. Burke, I've got a plan. Instead of grabbing the limelight in today's paper, why didn't you point to the person who can lead Massachusetts Republicans out from the black hole? Rather than saying what we all know, why didn't you use your opportunity to offer a solution to the problem, rather than posing the situation, thus keeping yourself neutral in the leadership choice? All of us know the GOP is in dire straits. For one day, Mr. Burke, you had the pulpit and instead of using that platform to better the Republican party, you usurped it.
Massachusetts needs a leader who truly cares about the Republican party. Representative Lew Evangelidis is that man. He has the dedication, the perserverance, the common sense, the desire and the fortitude to work hard and to oppose the Democratic majority. Mr. Burke, you should have looked closer to home before writing your generic article that keeps you balanced between whoever is elected next House minority leader.
To read Dr. Horwitz's op ed piece, scroll down to the December 11 entry. To read Brian Burke's commentary, click on the link below.
http://www.telegram.com/article/20081230/NEWS/812300338/1054/OPINION
Massachusetts needs a leader who truly cares about the Republican party. Representative Lew Evangelidis is that man. He has the dedication, the perserverance, the common sense, the desire and the fortitude to work hard and to oppose the Democratic majority. Mr. Burke, you should have looked closer to home before writing your generic article that keeps you balanced between whoever is elected next House minority leader.
To read Dr. Horwitz's op ed piece, scroll down to the December 11 entry. To read Brian Burke's commentary, click on the link below.
http://www.telegram.com/article/20081230/NEWS/812300338/1054/OPINION
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Latest Press on Rep. Evangelidis' Run for Minority Leader
http://www.telegram.com/article/20081223/NEWS/812230364/1003/RSS01&source=rss
It is not coincidental that the last entry on this blog was posted Thursday, December 11th. The ice storm hit Central Massachusetts that day and the day after Princeton shut down, as did many of the surrounding towns. The people of Princeton pulled together with a remarkable spirit of giving and a tremendous sense of community. Whenever there was something that needed to be done, somebody did it, without being asked. Many individuals contributed to re-building this town and caring for our citizens, and so with a heart overflowing with joy and gratitude, I write to you on this Christmas Eve Day.
Representative Evangelidis has worked tirelessly throughout the aftermath of the ice storm and has helped in every way he could to speed the process of recovery. He put his campaign for House GOP leader aside throughout the restoration and vowed not to rest "until every light was on in [his] district." He kept public officials in each town informed about the latest goings-on and visited shelters in his district. Not having internet access, Mr. Evangelidis drove to the Gale Free Library in Holden to check his e-mail, should anyone need help and from there sent e-mails explaining the progress being made by each municipal light department. Above is a link to an article in yesterday's "Telegram & Gazette" written by John J. Monahan (Dec. 23. p.B1). Read about the race for minority leader by clicking on the link.
It is not coincidental that the last entry on this blog was posted Thursday, December 11th. The ice storm hit Central Massachusetts that day and the day after Princeton shut down, as did many of the surrounding towns. The people of Princeton pulled together with a remarkable spirit of giving and a tremendous sense of community. Whenever there was something that needed to be done, somebody did it, without being asked. Many individuals contributed to re-building this town and caring for our citizens, and so with a heart overflowing with joy and gratitude, I write to you on this Christmas Eve Day.
Representative Evangelidis has worked tirelessly throughout the aftermath of the ice storm and has helped in every way he could to speed the process of recovery. He put his campaign for House GOP leader aside throughout the restoration and vowed not to rest "until every light was on in [his] district." He kept public officials in each town informed about the latest goings-on and visited shelters in his district. Not having internet access, Mr. Evangelidis drove to the Gale Free Library in Holden to check his e-mail, should anyone need help and from there sent e-mails explaining the progress being made by each municipal light department. Above is a link to an article in yesterday's "Telegram & Gazette" written by John J. Monahan (Dec. 23. p.B1). Read about the race for minority leader by clicking on the link.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Marshall Horwitz on The State-of-Affairs
Marshall Horwitz, Vice-Chairman of the Holden Republican Town Committee, has put together a wonderful, well thought-out, meaningful article detailing many reasons why Representative Lew Evangelidis should be voted House minority leader. Dr. Horwitz begins by speaking about the state of affairs in Massachusetts. From that he leads into why Rep. Evangelidis is capable of enacting positive change in our Party and how growth in the Republican Party can lead to better government in the Commonwealth.
Reading Dr. Horwitz's article may help spark some creative writing in you that's just waiting to burst forth, or at the very least, give you some ideas for topics. For specific how-to's on submitting a letter to the "Telegram & Gazette", along with more suggestions, scroll down to the December 8 entry.
Dear Sir:
The recent announcement by State Rep. Lewis Evangelidis that he is seeking the position of minority leader is exciting for the Republican Party, good for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and healthy for the concept of democracy.
The current state of the political scene in Massachusetts is discouraging. We see scandal after scandal unfolding daily. The crippling stranglehold special interests have over our one party state government is clearly not in the best interests of the citizens. We see a perpetual perp walk of legislative leaders on the television. Competition breeds responsibility and accountability. A strong and respected opposition party is good for all the citizens of Massachusetts.
The most glaring need for a visible minority opposition can be seen in the events surrounding the 2004 and 2008 presidential election. In 2004, with Sen. John Kerry likely to become President, the state legislature stripped then Gov. Romney of his authority to appoint an interim replacement for Sen. Kerry's seat. The Democratically controlled legislature sounded the populist clarion that so much power concentrated in the hands of the governor would deny the people the Commonwealth the right to chose Sen. Kerry's successor. So a special election would be called. This charade was done to preclude Gov. Romney his option to choose a member of the Republican Party, which he surely would have done. Just a few months ago, with Sen. Kerry a potential nominee for the position of Secretary of State, the legislature floated the idea of returning the very same power removed from Gov. Romney to Gov. Patrick. There can only be one of two reasons for such a reversal of thought. Either the legislature has decided that the voters are not now qualified to make an intelligent decision in a special election, or since Gov. Patrick would certainly choose a member of has party to replace Sen. Kerry, it would be advantageous to avoid an election where even the remotest chance of a win by a Republican could exist. Clearly the latter is a far more logical explanation. The unchecked legislature once again carries on its own little fiefdom with no regard or respect for the people.
Just a few days ago, Sen. Kennedy surrendered his post as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. His ill heath makes it a possibility he might not complete his term which expires in 2012. Certainly the issue of his replacement could come up. And if it does, the strong money is on the legislature launching a pre-emptive strike and passing a bill allowing Gov. Patrick to choose an interim senator
Gov. Patrick stated a few days ago: "We are awash in cynicism in the Commonwealth''. We should be. The governor himself added 2000 employees to the state payroll. A state senator who resigned his position after multiple sexual harassment charges goes on a state funded junket to the tune of almost $25,000. The Speaker of the House, Sal DiMasi has billed his campaign for travel expenses, yet still collects his per diem allowance. The legislature routinely rewards retroactive pension increases for the politically connected, even awarding benefits to those who opted out of the state funded program. The list goes on and on. All at the taxpayer expense. Yes, Governor, we are awash in cynicism. And rightfully so.
Even sadder than the antics of this farce is the silent voice of the state Republican party. The leadership of the Republican party is almost never seen on television and rarely seen in print. Few people can identify the minority leader either in the State Senate or State House of Representatives. On November 20,2008 in television interview on NECN hosted by Jim Braude, Rep. Lew Evangelidis and Rep. David Linsky (D. Natick) engaged in a thoughtful and constructive discussion about issues facing the Commonwealth. During this discussion, Mr. Braude, who politically is just slightly to the right of Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont, said : "By the way, I don't vote Republican very often, but having 16 Republican representatives out of 160 is not good for democracy." When Jim Braude is more active in promoting the need for an active opposition than the current opposition leadership, it's a pretty good signal that the current Republican leadership needs some fresh faces.
Rep. Evangelidis has served his district well since 2002. In that election, he defeated an incumbent Democrat, only the second time in a decade where a Republican candidate defeated an incumbent Democrat. In 2006 he won reelection by a 70/30 margin over a Democratic challenger in an overwhelmingly Democratic district. In 2008 no candidate from the Democratic party challenged him. This is unheard of in Massachusetts. Rep. Evangelidis has been tireless working for the district in obtaining funds for the cleanup of the Wachusett oil spill, Wachusett Greenways, Rutland Hospital and a host of other worthy projects. He has spearheaded efforts to return lottery money to the towns, tighten laws against sex offenders and drunk drivers, and streamline state government. He has been recognized for his legislative achievements by such diverse groups as conservationists, sportsmen, and small business associations. His attendance for roll call votes was a perfect 100%.
To succeed in accomplishing these tasks requires skill, patience, hard work, a willingness to listen, and a lot of common sense. No one can question Rep. Evangelidis' talents in these characteristics. He will bring a new vitality to the state Republican party. It is clear that if the Republican party follows the same leadership it has now, it will get more of the same result, nothing. Change for the sake of change is hollow. Change with the expectation of progress is the change we need now. The current leadership of the Republican party should welcome this change and recognize that new blood would also bring new life. The phrase "transparency in government" is all the buzz these days. Transparency is great, invisibility isn't. A more effective government can be had if we have a visible opposition party. The purpose of an opposition party is to be in opposition. It need not be obstructionist. But it has to exist.
Our founding fathers were wise enough to insist upon a system of political and judicial checks and balances. Crafting our constitution was a difficult and often contentious process, but well worth the effort. Democracy is well served by effective leadership and openness in government. The current Republican State Representatives will serve their constituents, and all the citizens of this state, well by electing Rep. Lewis Evangelidis as minority leader.
Sincerely,
Marshall L. Horwitz D.D.S.
marshalldds@gmail.com
Reading Dr. Horwitz's article may help spark some creative writing in you that's just waiting to burst forth, or at the very least, give you some ideas for topics. For specific how-to's on submitting a letter to the "Telegram & Gazette", along with more suggestions, scroll down to the December 8 entry.
Dear Sir:
The recent announcement by State Rep. Lewis Evangelidis that he is seeking the position of minority leader is exciting for the Republican Party, good for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and healthy for the concept of democracy.
The current state of the political scene in Massachusetts is discouraging. We see scandal after scandal unfolding daily. The crippling stranglehold special interests have over our one party state government is clearly not in the best interests of the citizens. We see a perpetual perp walk of legislative leaders on the television. Competition breeds responsibility and accountability. A strong and respected opposition party is good for all the citizens of Massachusetts.
The most glaring need for a visible minority opposition can be seen in the events surrounding the 2004 and 2008 presidential election. In 2004, with Sen. John Kerry likely to become President, the state legislature stripped then Gov. Romney of his authority to appoint an interim replacement for Sen. Kerry's seat. The Democratically controlled legislature sounded the populist clarion that so much power concentrated in the hands of the governor would deny the people the Commonwealth the right to chose Sen. Kerry's successor. So a special election would be called. This charade was done to preclude Gov. Romney his option to choose a member of the Republican Party, which he surely would have done. Just a few months ago, with Sen. Kerry a potential nominee for the position of Secretary of State, the legislature floated the idea of returning the very same power removed from Gov. Romney to Gov. Patrick. There can only be one of two reasons for such a reversal of thought. Either the legislature has decided that the voters are not now qualified to make an intelligent decision in a special election, or since Gov. Patrick would certainly choose a member of has party to replace Sen. Kerry, it would be advantageous to avoid an election where even the remotest chance of a win by a Republican could exist. Clearly the latter is a far more logical explanation. The unchecked legislature once again carries on its own little fiefdom with no regard or respect for the people.
Just a few days ago, Sen. Kennedy surrendered his post as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. His ill heath makes it a possibility he might not complete his term which expires in 2012. Certainly the issue of his replacement could come up. And if it does, the strong money is on the legislature launching a pre-emptive strike and passing a bill allowing Gov. Patrick to choose an interim senator
Gov. Patrick stated a few days ago: "We are awash in cynicism in the Commonwealth''. We should be. The governor himself added 2000 employees to the state payroll. A state senator who resigned his position after multiple sexual harassment charges goes on a state funded junket to the tune of almost $25,000. The Speaker of the House, Sal DiMasi has billed his campaign for travel expenses, yet still collects his per diem allowance. The legislature routinely rewards retroactive pension increases for the politically connected, even awarding benefits to those who opted out of the state funded program. The list goes on and on. All at the taxpayer expense. Yes, Governor, we are awash in cynicism. And rightfully so.
Even sadder than the antics of this farce is the silent voice of the state Republican party. The leadership of the Republican party is almost never seen on television and rarely seen in print. Few people can identify the minority leader either in the State Senate or State House of Representatives. On November 20,2008 in television interview on NECN hosted by Jim Braude, Rep. Lew Evangelidis and Rep. David Linsky (D. Natick) engaged in a thoughtful and constructive discussion about issues facing the Commonwealth. During this discussion, Mr. Braude, who politically is just slightly to the right of Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont, said : "By the way, I don't vote Republican very often, but having 16 Republican representatives out of 160 is not good for democracy." When Jim Braude is more active in promoting the need for an active opposition than the current opposition leadership, it's a pretty good signal that the current Republican leadership needs some fresh faces.
Rep. Evangelidis has served his district well since 2002. In that election, he defeated an incumbent Democrat, only the second time in a decade where a Republican candidate defeated an incumbent Democrat. In 2006 he won reelection by a 70/30 margin over a Democratic challenger in an overwhelmingly Democratic district. In 2008 no candidate from the Democratic party challenged him. This is unheard of in Massachusetts. Rep. Evangelidis has been tireless working for the district in obtaining funds for the cleanup of the Wachusett oil spill, Wachusett Greenways, Rutland Hospital and a host of other worthy projects. He has spearheaded efforts to return lottery money to the towns, tighten laws against sex offenders and drunk drivers, and streamline state government. He has been recognized for his legislative achievements by such diverse groups as conservationists, sportsmen, and small business associations. His attendance for roll call votes was a perfect 100%.
To succeed in accomplishing these tasks requires skill, patience, hard work, a willingness to listen, and a lot of common sense. No one can question Rep. Evangelidis' talents in these characteristics. He will bring a new vitality to the state Republican party. It is clear that if the Republican party follows the same leadership it has now, it will get more of the same result, nothing. Change for the sake of change is hollow. Change with the expectation of progress is the change we need now. The current leadership of the Republican party should welcome this change and recognize that new blood would also bring new life. The phrase "transparency in government" is all the buzz these days. Transparency is great, invisibility isn't. A more effective government can be had if we have a visible opposition party. The purpose of an opposition party is to be in opposition. It need not be obstructionist. But it has to exist.
Our founding fathers were wise enough to insist upon a system of political and judicial checks and balances. Crafting our constitution was a difficult and often contentious process, but well worth the effort. Democracy is well served by effective leadership and openness in government. The current Republican State Representatives will serve their constituents, and all the citizens of this state, well by electing Rep. Lewis Evangelidis as minority leader.
Sincerely,
Marshall L. Horwitz D.D.S.
marshalldds@gmail.com
Monday, December 8, 2008
There's Work To Be Done
Dick Callahan, Chairman of the Holden Republican Town Committee, (pictured at right) recently sent out the letter below, written as an e-mail, asking friends, family and acquaintances to please join in the effort to help get State Representative Lew Evangelidis elected as House minority leader. (Please note I changed the original to fit the forum of a web/blog posting.)
Dick accurately states what is needed for this campaign. Writing a letter to the "Telegram & Gazette" would be a great way for you to begin. If writing a letter to the T & G is something you'd like to do, feel free to e-mail me and I will gladly get back to you with ideas and helpful hints. Try to come up with points that nobody can disagree with, Democrat, Republican or Independent. This campaign is about the future, about change, about "shaking things up on Beacon Hill," as Lew likes to say. Remember to limit your number of words to 250 and most importantly, keep it positive! With 16 Republicans in the House as of 2009, we cannot afford to alienate anyone.
Please e-mail your T & G letters to: letters@telegram.com and write "letter to the editor" in the subject line. Also please be sure to include your phone number and mailing address.
So please take a moment to look over Dick's list of things to do and think about if you can help in any way. If you could do just one thing on his list you would be contributing towards getting Lew Evangelidis elected as the new leader of the GOP in the Massachusetts House.
Fellow Republicans,
You have probably heard that Lew Evangelidis is challenging incumbent Minority Leader Brad Jones for the position of minority leader. I'm writing to ask you to make a unique contribution to Lew's effort.
Please:
1. Write a letter to the "Telegram & Gazette".
2. Think of friends, relatives or business associates who live in other parts of the State.
3. E-mail or call your friends and ask them to write a letter to the editor of their local newspaper.
4. Send them the link to this blog with a brief explanation and ask them to e-mail the link and this message to their group of friends anywhere in the State. Your friends will be able to multiply this message. This is essential to become effective.
5 . If you know them well enough , ask them to cc you or me with their e-mail addresses.
6.Offer to write a letter for those friends who are too busy and have them send it to their newspaper.
This is a great opportunity to provide the Party with young effective leadership that can articulate our views to the electorate statewide. This will not be easy, however, everyone knows a change is needed and about half of the delegation is looking for change. All Lew needs is nine votes.
The following is a list of statistics and reasons you can use to convince your acquaintances that Lew is the right person at this time to be minority leader.
1. Lew knows how to win elections, and winning elections is essential to building the Party:
In this past election Lew was one of the only unopposed Republicans in the State. In his District Lew tallied over 80% of the vote, more votes than any other candidate on the ballot including all unopposed Democrats.
2. Lew knows how to attract Independents and moderate Democrats to the Party.
In 2006 Lew was opposed by a Democrat and posted 69% of the vote. Also in that same election, Lew received the second highest percentage of any contested race for the Legislature in the State.
3. Lew is an effective communicator.
Increasingly Lew is being asked to participate in local and statewide news and talk shows. Click on the link in the November 28 entry below to view Lew's latest TV appearance with Jim Braude on New England Cable News.
Lew presents an attractive, cogent and intelligent image, critical for a minority leader. Content is the most important, however, in mass media, image is essential. At 6' 7 " Lew combines memorable, attractive looks with reflective and articulate communication skills.
4. Lew presents effective alternatives to Democrat proposals.
Whether it is gas taxes, tolls, environmental issues, or social issues, Lew has succeeded in his district by consistently combining responsible fiscal conservatism with responsible social and environmental policies . He is against higher taxes in all forms, has outlined ways to achieve higher ethical standards in government and effectively supported his district's schools and land conservation efforts. He takes on the big issues and proposes fiscally conservative and socially moderate solutions that attract independents and middle of the road Democrats to our Party .
5. Lew is respected on both sides of the aisle.
Lew has a record of responsible cooperation with Democrats. He has worked successfully with Senator Harriett Chandler (D) on a number of local issues concerning environment and education. However, he is consistent in his opposition to higher taxes and bigger government. People on both sides of the aisle know where Lew stands and respect his views.
6. Lew is a fiscal conservative and a social moderate.
Lew has shown that you don't need to be against good schools, effective police and fire departments, effective local government and responsible conservation movements to oppose increased government spending and government growth. Election results show he has convinced his constituents that you can have effective public services if you increase the efficiency and effectiveness of government. As minority leader Lew can carry this message statewide.
7. Lew is a proven organizer.
Lew defeated a Democrat incumbent six years ago by organizing an effective grass roots campaign himself. He did it on his own. Since then Lew has organized a district wide network of activists unparalleled in the State Republican Party. He seeks to apply these skills across the State as minority leader.
8. Lew is effective.
Although the State Legislature is overwhelmingly Democrat, Lew has effectively represented his district, successfully proposing and obtaining large increases in state aid to district towns, schools and conservation organizations. He was named Legislator of the Year in 2008 by the Parks and Recreation Department. As mentioned above, he is the biggest vote getter in the Republican Party.
Over the last six years our numbers have dropped from 24-16. Republican representation in the State Legislature just slipped from 19 to 16 members. Not one new seat was won and three Republican incumbents lost their seats in the past election. TheRepublican message is neither clear nor heard. The Republican image is of a party against everything: schools, environment, parks, and taxes. As minority leader Lew will spread the message that you can be for the first
three and against the last.
9. It's time for a change.
Keeping the same leadership will gain us the same results.
House representatives will elect the minority leader on January 7th.
I'm asking you to convince two people a week outside of our district to write to their local paper. Please start today!
It would help me if you would send me the names and e-mail addresses of the people you contact for future reference.
We have just gone through a frustrating election cycle, when as Massachusetts Republicans, we could do nothing effective to change the outcome of the election. Now is a chance to do something that can strengthen our party and advance the career of an outstanding Republican.
Thank you for reading this long message.
I urge you to commit to this effort.
Dick Callahan
Dick accurately states what is needed for this campaign. Writing a letter to the "Telegram & Gazette" would be a great way for you to begin. If writing a letter to the T & G is something you'd like to do, feel free to e-mail me
Please e-mail your T & G letters to: letters@telegram.com and write "letter to the editor" in the subject line. Also please be sure to include your phone number and mailing address.
So please take a moment to look over Dick's list of things to do and think about if you can help in any way. If you could do just one thing on his list you would be contributing towards getting Lew Evangelidis elected as the new leader of the GOP in the Massachusetts House.
Fellow Republicans,
You have probably heard that Lew Evangelidis is challenging incumbent Minority Leader Brad Jones for the position of minority leader. I'm writing to ask you to make a unique contribution to Lew's effort.
Please:
1. Write a letter to the "Telegram & Gazette".
2. Think of friends, relatives or business associates who live in other parts of the State.
3. E-mail or call your friends and ask them to write a letter to the editor of their local newspaper.
4. Send them the link to this blog with a brief explanation and ask them to e-mail the link and this message to their group of friends anywhere in the State. Your friends will be able to multiply this message. This is essential to become effective.
5 . If you know them well enough , ask them to cc you or me with their e-mail addresses.
6.Offer to write a letter for those friends who are too busy and have them send it to their newspaper.
This is a great opportunity to provide the Party with young effective leadership that can articulate our views to the electorate statewide. This will not be easy, however, everyone knows a change is needed and about half of the delegation is looking for change. All Lew needs is nine votes.
The following is a list of statistics and reasons you can use to convince your acquaintances that Lew is the right person at this time to be minority leader.
1. Lew knows how to win elections, and winning elections is essential to building the Party:
In this past election Lew was one of the only unopposed Republicans in the State. In his District Lew tallied over 80% of the vote, more votes than any other candidate on the ballot including all unopposed Democrats.
2. Lew knows how to attract Independents and moderate Democrats to the Party.
In 2006 Lew was opposed by a Democrat and posted 69% of the vote. Also in that same election, Lew received the second highest percentage of any contested race for the Legislature in the State.
3. Lew is an effective communicator.
Increasingly Lew is being asked to participate in local and statewide news and talk shows. Click on the link in the November 28 entry below to view Lew's latest TV appearance with Jim Braude on New England Cable News.
Lew presents an attractive, cogent and intelligent image, critical for a minority leader. Content is the most important, however, in mass media, image is essential. At 6' 7 " Lew combines memorable, attractive looks with reflective and articulate communication skills.
4. Lew presents effective alternatives to Democrat proposals.
Whether it is gas taxes, tolls, environmental issues, or social issues, Lew has succeeded in his district by consistently combining responsible fiscal conservatism with responsible social and environmental policies . He is against higher taxes in all forms, has outlined ways to achieve higher ethical standards in government and effectively supported his district's schools and land conservation efforts. He takes on the big issues and proposes fiscally conservative and socially moderate solutions that attract independents and middle of the road Democrats to our Party .
5. Lew is respected on both sides of the aisle.
Lew has a record of responsible cooperation with Democrats. He has worked successfully with Senator Harriett Chandler (D) on a number of local issues concerning environment and education. However, he is consistent in his opposition to higher taxes and bigger government. People on both sides of the aisle know where Lew stands and respect his views.
6. Lew is a fiscal conservative and a social moderate.
Lew has shown that you don't need to be against good schools, effective police and fire departments, effective local government and responsible conservation movements to oppose increased government spending and government growth. Election results show he has convinced his constituents that you can have effective public services if you increase the efficiency and effectiveness of government. As minority leader Lew can carry this message statewide.
7. Lew is a proven organizer.
Lew defeated a Democrat incumbent six years ago by organizing an effective grass roots campaign himself. He did it on his own. Since then Lew has organized a district wide network of activists unparalleled in the State Republican Party. He seeks to apply these skills across the State as minority leader.
8. Lew is effective.
Although the State Legislature is overwhelmingly Democrat, Lew has effectively represented his district, successfully proposing and obtaining large increases in state aid to district towns, schools and conservation organizations. He was named Legislator of the Year in 2008 by the Parks and Recreation Department. As mentioned above, he is the biggest vote getter in the Republican Party.
Over the last six years our numbers have dropped from 24-16. Republican representation in the State Legislature just slipped from 19 to 16 members. Not one new seat was won and three Republican incumbents lost their seats in the past election. TheRepublican message is neither clear nor heard. The Republican image is of a party against everything: schools, environment, parks, and taxes. As minority leader Lew will spread the message that you can be for the first
three and against the last.
9. It's time for a change.
Keeping the same leadership will gain us the same results.
House representatives will elect the minority leader on January 7th.
I'm asking you to convince two people a week outside of our district to write to their local paper. Please start today!
It would help me if you would send me the names and e-mail addresses of the people you contact for future reference.
We have just gone through a frustrating election cycle, when as Massachusetts Republicans, we could do nothing effective to change the outcome of the election. Now is a chance to do something that can strengthen our party and advance the career of an outstanding Republican.
Thank you for reading this long message.
I urge you to commit to this effort.
Dick Callahan
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