A Republican Take On The House by Richard Callahan

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.