Like David, I found this Herald endorsement of Kerry Healey (besides predictable) really laughable. And pathetic! And…awfully short. They must have run out of of justifications real quick (bold mine):
Kerry Healey is a far better candidate and a far better person than the campaign she waged.
The Kerry Healey we have gotten to know during her years as lieutenant governor is smart, committed and passionate about the issues that are important to the people of Massachusetts - issues like education and lower taxes and keeping your word to the voters. But it is an unfortunate fact of political life that few people in this state got to know that woman and her able running mate, Reed Hillman, former head of the state police and a former legislator.
It is even more unfortunate that this campaign hardly ever focused on issues…
…
The Boston Herald is pleased to endorse the real Kerry Healey, a woman who is fully qualified to lead this state as governor.
As David says, yeah, right…Kerry Healey had nothing to do with the tone of her campaign, or how it was run, and who bought orange jumpsuits so a bunch of skinheads could go intimidate the family of Patrick’s campaign manager. Nothing Muffy coulda done about that, really. It doesn’t reflect her character when she doesn’t condemn the tactics of said “volunteers” or can’t stop talking about old cases of Deval’s while avoiding the true facts about those cases.
I can’t wait to see what twists and distortions of logic the Lowell Sun comes up with when they finally endorse Kerry Healey! Ought to be a blast chewing that to pieces.
Blue Mass Group reports on how Galvin is bringing in some of the problematic Diebold voting machines to Massachusetts, which will be available in 28 cities and towns to be tested by voters with disabilities as well as anyone else who cares to use them.
These machines have voter-verified paper trails but there are many documented problems with them, as Bonifaz’s former campaign manager points out.
Now, I know we have to comply with HAVA (the Help America Vote Act) - in fact I think we’re late in complying - but I’m disgusted with any state giving any money at all to this well-known shoddy company. In light of their failure to deal with their terrible, hackable software, and their machines breaking down all over the country causing all sorts of election problems, I would think Galvin would care a little more about the integrity of our elections.
Here’s some of my main beefs:
I’m sorry, I have lost all respect for Galvin. I won’t be able to vote for him. He has once again refused to debate his opponent (Green Party candidate Jill Stein) and shows the same distaste for real democracy he always has. He’s also part of the hackocracy. The more I hear about him, the less I like him. I’m a real democrat - which is why Bill Galvin disappoints me so. I will probably pull the lever - or rather, mark the circle - for Stein. I want the best person for the job of protecting the integrity of our elections, and Galvin just ain’t the one.
And if you are in one of the 28 guinea pigs–er, communities–who’re getting these things in your polling places, refuse to use them. Read up on the problems with this model, and then call Galvin and tell him that he’s making a huge mistake. You can reach the Secretary of State Election Division at (617) 727-2828, fax them a letter at (617) 742-3238, or send them that letter at:
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Elections Division
McCormack Building, Room 1705
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
The next governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, was in Lowell yesterday and participated in a number of activities including a visit to the Greater Lowell Boys and Girls Club. He was joined by a host of city leaders: Lowell Mayor Bill Martin, Lowell City Councilman George Ramirez, State Senator Steve Panagiatakos and Congressman Marty Meehan and others. He also visited the Middlesex Street police sub-station, right next door to the club where the Lowell police officers’ union, IBOP Local 382, as well as the Middlesex County Sherriff superior officers’ union endorsed his candidacy.
Later on that evening, there was a fundraising event hosted by Congressman Meehan at his house and then the two returned to the lower Highlands neighborhood to attend a rally at the Pailin City Restaurant. It is a very spacious hall with tables that comfortably sit 12 people. The palce was packed with members of the Cambodian-American community and others who enthusiastically greeted Deval as well as Congressman Meehan who introduced him. It was obvious to me that the Cambodian-American community of Lowell is highly politicized and organized. I for one am happy that they are supporting Deval. I am certain that not only they will vote but they will work to get out the vote. (more…)
The following post was written by one of our LiL reporters.
Parents, teachers, and education leaders today joined together to challenge Lieutenant. Governor Kerry Healey’s statement from Wednesday night’s debate, in which she bragged that across the state the student to teacher ratio is “13.2 to 1.” Unfortunately, we all that does not hold true in the Merrimack Valley, where student class size reaches the high twenties.
Moderated by Lowell City Councilor George Ramirez, a number of elected officials stepped to the podium at the local Chelmsford Coordinated Campaign Headquarters with testimonials to refute Healey’s assertion.
Among those who spoke, was Paul Georges, President of the United Teachers of Lowell, who stated that, “When I first heard the 13 to 1 I thought I misheard 30 to 1 because that is far more realistic”
He was joined by Donna Newcomb, an educator at Lowell High School, who reminded everyone that four Greater Lowell State Representatives, Rep. Golden, Rep. Hall, Rep. Atkins, and Rep. Nangle had sent letter to the Lieutenant Governor asking for a meeting with the Lieutenant Governor. Newcomb said, “We followed up with a series of phone calls over the course of many weeks, and although Healey said they would be willing to set up a meeting with us, she never did and eventually, we gave up.” She reminded those gathered that the “issues in the classrooms are more than just the academics. And without the proper support, our children cannot get the education that they deserve.”
Chelmsford School Committeeman, Angela Taranto stated that he “…was amazed by Kerry Healey statement of 13 to 1 children in the classroom.” He added that he personally knows that “when Healey has been pressed on the specifics of education her response has been, ‘I’m only the Lieutenant. Governor’”
Nashoba Valley School Committee member and Waltham High School Teacher, Sam Poulten, mentioned that his classes range in size from 21 – 24 and stated “We are doing a good job, and not because of the present Governor and Lieutenant Governor, but because of the teachers, administrators and staff. The worst thing about what said is that she planted a seed in everyone’s mind that we are a special interest group. But, we are not asking for more were asking for enough to do our job. It is about what people value, and I do not think that she values public education. Deval Patrick has made it clear that he does, and that is why I am, supporting Deval Patrick for Governor”
At the conclusion of the gathering, everyone in attendance reaffirmed their support for Deval Patrick because of his total commitment to education not only with class size but also with expansion of early education opportunities, a longer school day and coordinated after-school programs. All those in attendance agreed that it is time for a change.
I am feverishly working a client deadline, so no time at all for blogging. However, this highly disappoints me:
Many of you are aware of the “use it or lose it” campaign started by Chris Bowers to ask democratic congressional candidates in unopposed or safe seats to reach in and give more of their campaign money to the DCCC or the DSCC. In Massachusetts, I am happy to say that many have responded — including Ed Markey.
The odd man out is Marty Meehan. Please help call his office. I think it makes him look bad for any future statewide race.
At a time when thousands of rank and file Massachusetts democrats are scraping any money they can to throw into our expanding number of congressional races around the country, Meehan, sitting on $4.8 million, and totally unopposed, is doing absolutely nothing with this appeal. Disgraceful. And something to remember. Please join me in calling Marty and telling him to act like a true democrat.
btw, my Act blue page is www.actblue.com/page/toby
From Chris Bowers at MYDD
Barney Frank, Mass. (4) MA_04 giving on hand $821,196
Martin T. Meehan, Mass. (5) MA_05 No Republican opponent 978-251-3151 202-225-3411 NOT GIVING - on hand$4,886,325Edward J. Markey, Mass. (7) MA_07 giving on hand $2,360,862
Michael E. Capuano, Mass. (8) MA_08 giving on hand $535,536
I know Marty and some of his supporters are doing a lot, including hosting fundraisers, but so are these other dudes. I also have heard that Rep. Meehan was very excited to see the grassroots support for Deval at the last community meeting; but Marty, you gotta be excited about taking back the House too! So why not pony up a little of that dough you’ve been sitting on, for races across the country? (Max yourself out on all those races, and then give to the DCCC or DNC afterwards too!) If you want to excite the grassroots for your next bid for higher office, believe you me, this is one way to get us on board.
[Edit: David gives us a couple number to call: 978-251-3151, and 202-225-3411 if you can’t get anyone there.]