On the eve of the sales tax hike and with the current Governor's ratings spiraling downward, Charlie Baker confidently stepped onto the state stage when he signed papers yesterday at the Office of Campaign and Political Finance in Boston. Why can I not stop smiling? Is it because I see a viable future, a path being made clear and a leader who will rally the Republican Party in Massachusetts? Is it because I see reasonableness and monetary sensibility being renewed? Is it because I see common sense and good government returning to our Commonwealth? Or is it because I see the possible revitalization of social moderation coupled with fiscal conservatism? I dare say it's all of the above.

Don't just take my word, however. Read what John Walsh, Chairman of the Democratic State Committee, said about Charlie Baker. Although he continues with criticism, Walsh is quoted in yesterday's T & G as saying, "'He's tall and blonde and handsome and articulate and smart, and all those things..'" (p.A4) Need I say more?

Watch Charlie Baker tonight at 7:00 on "Greater Boston" with Emily Rooney, channel 2, WGBH and be sure to visit his new website at http://www.charliebaker2010.com/


Telegram & Gazette, Thursday, July 30, 2009, "Baker begins governor's race not tied to national GOP" by John J. Monahan, p.A4
http://www.telegram.com/article/20090730/NEWS/907300688/1052

Telegram & Gazette, Wednesday, July 29, 2009, "Baker launches Web video spot" by John J. Monahan, p.A4
http://www.telegram.com/article/20090729/NEWS/907290380/1052

The Boston Globe, Wednesday, July 29, 2009, "Baker depicts himself as turnaround artist" by Martin Finucane, p.B5
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/07/29/baker_campaign_video_paints_image_of_turnaround_artist/

Boston Sunday Globe, July 26, 2009, "Patrick support plummets, poll finds" by Frank Phillips and Matt Viser, p.A1
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/07/26/globe_poll_shows_patricks_approval_rating_falling/

The Boston Globe, Thursday, July 30, 2009, "For starters, Baker jabs at Patrick" by Matt Viser, p.A1
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/07/30/for_starters_baker_jabs_at_patrick/