Left In Lowell

This past week, the Federal Election Commission issued the latest fundraising totals (money raised in the first 3 quarters of this year) for the Presidential Candidates. For the most part, the greater Boston media focused on Barack Obama raising $2.7 Million to Hilary Clinton, $2.1 Million. Romney still leads the pack with $3.6 Million raised in this state.

After reviewing the FEC’s data, I was surprised that of the $11,570,298 raised in Massachusetts only $23,680 came from Lowell. That is about .002%; 0.2 of 1%; An insignificant amount for the State’s fourth largest city.

There are a number of reasons for this low figure. One has to do with the lack of funds available for political campaigns. We just finished a highly contested municipal election with many candidates and we had the special Congressional election. Those who would donate to election campaigns are probably dried out. Also, most Lowellians involved in politics focus on local and state campaign.

Another contributing factor may be that since Congresswoman Nikki Tsongas is not supporting anyone in the primary, there is no major push for fundraising in Lowell.

Maybe some participated through PACs or unions; I am not sure.

Here is the breakdown by candidate:

Dick Howe really says it all.

The editorial then warns those on the Commissioner of Education selection committee to avoid being seduced by geographical considerations (Baehr is from Massachusetts while the other two finalists are from Ohio and New York). The Sun demands that “The best leader among the finalists should be named the state’s next commissioner no matter where he or she lives or works.” Isn’t this the same newspaper that spent the fall condemning Baehr for not promoting or hiring enough people from Lowell.

Indeed…but then, logical analysis has never been certain editors’ strong suits over at the Sun.

But for those certain persons, any chance not taken to bash the Lowell schools, teachers, or unions is a tragedy of the highest level, isn’t it?

Really, MediaNews Group, Inc. ought to find some better leadership for the Sun. It’s dying a slow death of irrelevancy and stupidity.