Hub Politics Exclusive Interview With Rob Willington on His Departure From The MassGOP

Hub Politics recently had the opportunity to interview Robert Willington, who just announced his departure as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Republican Party. The following was conducted via email December 20-21, 2008.

Q: Last night you revealed that you were leaving the MassGOP as the executive director, can you tell us about that?

A: Yes. I think this interview exemplifies the power of new media. I loaded up my car and decided to share this personal experience with my followers on Twitter and it quickly turned into something much bigger. Bloggers were calling me, State Committee members were emailing me and my Tweeters were tweeting me (that sounds ridiculous).

Q: You are a big fan of Twitter, so clearly it was no coincidence that you revealed your departure from the MassGOP on Twitter, as opposed to a press release from the MassGOP?

A: oops,.. just answered that above. But to add to it, Twitter is a personal Google. For instance, the other day I was hanging with @davidall at McGann’s pub and he was saying how he could ask a question in Twitter and it would be answered immediately. Another person asked him, “can’t you do that with Google?” and he agreed and we both shrugged our shoulders, affirming the question. As I thought about it more, I realized why @davidall preferred getting his answers from Twitter. In life, we desire human, personal interaction and this is the power of Twitter. Google, although great, is a computer and twitter is human – this is why Twitter wins over google when looking for answers. We’d rather get an answer from someone than from a something. Follow me @willington and @massgop @keepthatfaith and @blogsforjoy !

Q: The question on everyone’s mind must be “Why is Rob leaving?” So, Rob, why are you leaving?

A: My heart is with the MassGOP….I’m from Massachusetts (go Rockport Vikings) and love working for the GOP in the bluest of blue states. However, I’m not the CR (College Republican) activists sleeping on couches in campaign headquarters anymore. When I joined the MassGOP, I was a single bachelor….I didn’t need much, I just wanted a basic salary and to travel around the state helping the GOP. Now, I’m married with two recent WeePublicans. My personal world has changed a lot.

Q: So what is more challenging, being the executive director for the Republican Party in a ridiculously blue state, or fatherhood?

A: Executive director for the Republican Party in a ridiculously blue state, my wife is a rock star.

Q: So, what is next for Rob Willington? How about your web projects, Keep That Faith and Blogs For Joy. Will you be focusing more on those now?

A: No, I’m going to be very, very busy. BlogsForJoy.com and KeepThatFaith.com have taken a lot of my spare time recently, but in a way, both projects have a mission to be open-source and collaborative. BlogsForJoy.com should do well without my 100% attention and the same is true with KeepThatFaith.com (donate content), are there any conservatives out there that know their way around Photoshop?

You will hear more from me very soon.

Q: Aside from your departure, Chairman Peter Torkildsen also announced last month that he wouldn’t seek reelection. How do you feel about the future of the MassGOP, given the change of leadership it is experiencing?

A: It’s often joked that “There is nowhere to go but up” but it’s not true – we lost 3 seats this year. The future for the MassGOP is strong because there are a NUMBER of tools for the new team to use. I wrote a detailed manual on what we are doing and how to continue the building at the local level. Politics Magazine noticed how we (MassGOP) were winning non-partisan seats at the municipal level; school committee, selectman, mayor etc…. these candidates attended our trainings and were given access to voter vault. This is revolutionary, empowering these local candidates with sophisticated campaign technology is very important. A state senator once told me over breakfast that the GOP won’t see these results for at least ten years; he is probably right. We launched GOP Farm Team as a site dedicated to building these municipal offices for the GOP.

Q: You made a huge push for internet based grassroots efforts. Do you hope your internet influence will remain part of the MassGOP’s game plan?

A: It will, because it’s all set up – all of the MassGOP Twitter followers, the MassGOP Facebook friends, the thousands that expect mass emails, those that have signed up for our Mass Text messages, those that are dedicated MassRootsGOP.com followers….the new team has no choice because it’s such an efficient way to communicate and get things done. The foundation is built, the contacts (names, addresses, phone numbers, emails) are in the system; we have identified over 50,000 contacts through our aggressive online tactics. This was not easy and the new team has a wealth of info to use.

Also, using the internet is a way to multiply your office – this is what Chris Anderson calls the “Long Tail.” Many hands make light work. We can’t afford a huge staff, so what are our options? Only one answer – empower Joe Activist with the tools he needs to make things happen. When I started, I could not believe how much valuable information was stored on the MassGOP computers. MassRootsAction was my way of exporting this data out of the office and into the hands of the grassroots where it can be much more useful.

Q: Did you join the MassGOP with a set of goals, and do you feel that you accomplished those goals?

A: My goal was to turn the party inside out, to decentralize it. I think I made a major step towards this goal but more needs to be done. Before joining the MassGOP, I had a lot of campaign experience and I always had the perspective as a campaign manager out in the field (I managed two state rep campaigns in Massachusetts). I tried to have a “boots on the ground” perspective knowing how disadvantaged we were as Republicans in Massachusetts. I realized we needed some leverage and new media was the only way to give us leverage without spending a lot of resources. Almost all of the new media tools that we used were free.

Q: Is running for political office in your future?

A: Probably not.

Q: You sure? There is a Senate seat for sale in Illinois.

A: True, but considering the history of that particular Senate seat, I am way too qualified for it.

Q: Clearly, politics is a huge part of your life. What else are you about?

A: I’m working on my next step now – I have Keep That Faith and Blogs For Joy as side projects that keep me busy.  But besides politics and new media, traveling, family, photography, anything British and trying to put a dent in my book collection. 

Q: Do you think there is hope for Massachusetts?

A: Massachusetts voted for Reagan twice and recently had the longest running list of GOP Governors in America (16 years). So, Massachusetts voters can pull the lever for a Republican. In truth, most people are more motivated for personality than principle. I think it’s a mistake to say the Reagan victories were victories for conservative ideals and Obama’s victory is a victory for liberalism. Obama had a strong, likable personalty (the beer factor). Party building continues among the faithful – those that are motivated and involved because of the principles of the party. We can’t wait for a strong, likable personality (a Mitt Romney) to come and be the savior of the MassGOP. We need to act now, while knowing there are not going to be crowds of people coming to build.

One of the most destructive things within the party (and it’s not just the MassGOP that has this problem) is that campaigns feel entitled to MassGOP dollars just because they threw their hat in the ring. Talk about liberalism. If a campaign ignores our campaign schools and we know he or she will get in the mid or high 30’s on Election Day, why should we spend precious dollars on that candidate to bring them a few percentage points higher? What’s the value in bringing a candidate from 38% of the vote to 41% when we could be spending it on a campaign that we know is in the high 40’s? Too often, criticisms are served by people who are zoomed in on their district or area. Only if they could pull back and see the big picture they would have a much better perspective. This isn’t socialism where we are going to split the pot equally among all the campaigns.

The MassGOP can not bring a candidate from 39% of the vote to 50% plus one on Election Day – it’s up to the individual campaign to put themselves in a position to win, then the Party can come in to work like heck to put them over the finish line. Put us in field goal range. However, all campaigns deserve basic support – trainings, technology, lists, example fundraising letters, example direct mail, contacts and open communication with the State Party to serve as “in-house” consultants.

Q: Speaking of “The Beer Factor” there any pubs in Boston you will miss?

A: Yes, below the MassGOP HQ is Johnnies On The Side and we called it JohnniesDownBelow….great spot. Also, McGann’s as mentioned earlier, is a classic Boston Irish pub- you feel that you need to present your passport every time you walk in , it’s a perfect getaway (although there are pictures of John Forbes Kerry on the wall). And of course, the Red Hat was a short walk from the MassGOP HQ and it too has a great Boston atmosphere.

Q: As Executive Director, you were a big part of the Massachusetts Republican Party. With that behind you, who would you like to thank?

A: Hub Politics for sure, you guys rock. I’d also like to thank the State Committee members that were helpful and supportive, and everyone who saw the decentralized vision for the party that I had. I’d like to thank Darrell Crate for hiring me as Political Director three years ago and Peter Torkildsen for hiring me as Executive Director. Brian Dodge was a great Executive Director to work under and he helped me with the old-media when I took over as ED. I also want to thank every candidate that ran for office and carried the GOP banner in a awful year – those people are real GOP warriors. And of course, the troopers on the ground – the Massachusetts Young Republicans, the College Republicans along with anyone that made a phone call or knocked on a door. Amber Hillman and her victory staff were phenomenal with the amount of calls they were producing for John McCain. The BeverlyGOP and their self-organization skills (and volunteer skills) should be copied around the state, the Concord GOP for getting an office up and jamming it with volunteers, the AttleboroGOP for being a mini-MassGOP by traveling around the state helping other Republican Town Committees, and the BerkshireGOP with Peter Giftos, Matt Kinnaman and Jim Bashour. The Berkshire GOP has a full time office staffed by with an Executive Director out in Pittsfield, a very blue part of the state but they have an awesome team.

Q: Who are the political figures that you admire?

A: Washington, Churchill, Thatcher, Reagan. The non-political, but politically influential figures are: Friedrich Hayek, William F. Buckley, Whittaker Chambers, Frank Meyer, Russell Kirk, Dinesh D’Souza, & Thomas Sowell. D’Souza is one of the best minds that we have right now. This is why KeepThatFaith.com is having so much fun with Richard Dawkins, who refused to debate Dinesh D’Souza. This is the first KTF video and here is the follow-up video.

Q: If you could have a beer with any of the aforementioned political figures, who would you pick, and which pub would you choose?

A: Great question – probably comes down to either Whittaker Chambers since his life was so incredible, I loved his book Witness, but William F. Buckley also had an amazing life; former CIA officer, author to several books, ran for mayor, hosted Firing Line, brought the diverse conservative movement under one magazine, founded YAF, avid sailor – he did it all. Buckley is the godfather of modern American conservatism. Probably Buckley. I’d probably take Buckley to McSorley’s in NYC, would love to see him roll up in his scooter coming from the upper east side.

Q: Do you have last message of hope for the Republican in Massachusetts who are tired of the one-party rule here?

A: Yes, stop thinking in terms of “committees.” Someone once said, “if computers ever get too powerful, organize them into a committee – that will do ‘em in.” Next time you go to Washington D.C., or in the State House, look around for a statue of a committee – you won’t find any, there is a very good reason for that. Committees slow the process down and curve productivity (thank God Congress is comprised of committees). Folks, time is flying by and we need action in local communities now. First, set up a blog (our interns can get you one for free, very quickly) and become THE voice of your community, not just the GOP voice. Interview your board of selectman, interview your High School principle, talk to your police chief, how are the local shop owners doing? Take pride and interest in your community and use the blog as the window into it.

There are over 70 million blogs in the world, but there will only be 1 blog with a GOP perspective in your community. Pretty soon, many in the town will be visiting your blog to see what is going on, to see personalities and figures that they see every day – so long as you create good, quality content people will be coming back. Second, too often these committees will meet, eat, and retreat. After each meeting ask yourself this: how did we push back the Democrats and/or advance the GOP at this meeting? Did you combine your meeting with a phone bank targeting likely GOP activists to build the committee, did you combine it with a mailing to recruit new people or raise funds, or asking people to run for office? If we are about local action, then let’s see some local traction and stop looking up to 85 Merrimac Street for a hand out. I know of some other State Parties that often complain to the Republican National Committee for not getting funds or assistance – I have told the RNC directly that I don’t expect anything from them (however, they have given us a tremendous amount of support with our website, voter vault, and guidance…I often used the RNC as a non-monetary resource). Third, go door knocking and talk to the Unenrolled (independent) voters that voted in previous GOP primaries and invite them into the GOP – voter registration card in hand along with an invite to the Republican Town Committee social event that you are having next month. Grassroots means you knocking on doors.

Don’t just be a Republican that shows up once every 2 years to hold a sign on the street corner while sipping a Dunkin Donuts coffee – signs have not, and never will win elections. Enough with the signs. Get to a training and learn about voter identification and GOTV and become a little more sophisticated in your targeting and approach. Sign waving is a secondary campaign activity, not a primary one. GOP campaigns need to focus on the fundamentals that win elections (personal contact from trusted sources) not counting beeps and thumbs-ups on street corners. There are a lot of great posts on MassRootsAction on this stuff.

Finally, I say this as a conservative; enough with the “RINO” talk. What a waste of time. It wasn’t until the 1964 election that the conservatives began to find a political home in the GOP. Liberalism is an old political movement, conservatism is not. The Republican Party used to be the Party of the Lodge’s and Rockefeller’s. The people tossing around “RINO” are acting as if the GOP has held their particular view since the 1800’s. Folks, the movement began only 40 years ago, this thing is still pretty new. If you are a conservative and you retreat because of the “RINO’s” in the Party, then you are giving up on this fairly modern effort and the Party will be less conservative as a result. The same is true with the other camps in the GOP – when I met with the Log-Cabin Republicans, and the Rockefeller/Lodge Republicans etc and they complain that the Party is too conservative I tell them to get more involved because politics is about showing up. If you are complaining about a certain wing of the Party, chances are, it’s because that wing has showed up and you have not. You have two options: show up, or continue to complain about the other group showing up.

Lastly, if you are passionate about an issue then seriously start thinking about starting a PAC (political action committee) to raise funds to help in the 2010 battle. The GOP candidates got hammered with special interest money from the unions and other left-wing groups in 2008. We have a few solid allies on our side, but we need more ammunition. Start a PAC, develop a fundraising team and start building the bank to help candidates in 2010.

If you need help with starting a PAC, or if you want to reach me for any reason (for criticism, or for my address to send me iTunes cards for Christmas) you can reach me at rwillington[AT]massgop[DOT]com

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah everyone and please just do a little something this Holiday season. Joy is not finite – you can create a lot of it today and tomorrow by simply doing something. Visit Blogs For Joy and check the Joy Avenues to find out how you can create joy.

KeepThatFaith,

Brian Dodge Leaves MassGOP

Executive Director Brian Dodge has resigned from his position with the Massachusetts GOP.

The head of the Massachusetts Republican Party has decided to take a new job out of state.

GOP Executive Director Brian Dodge says he’s going to become communications director for the Retail Industry Leaders Association, which is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia.

Party Chairman Peter Torkildsen laments the loss of Dodge, who runs the GOP on a daily basis.

But Dodge’s departure comes seven months after Republicans not only lost the governor’s office after 16 years, but fell to anemic levels in the Legislature. There are only 19 in the 200-member House and Senate.

Is there a connection between Dodge’s departure and the recent losses on Beacon Hill? I think it would be a stretch to make that suggestion, but rest assured many will think it.

Political Director Robert Willington will serve as Interim Executive Director.

Permanent Vacation

State employees got a pretty good gig, and now, on top of their 13 paid holidays, Governor Deval Patrick is trying to add 12 paid volunteer days to the work calendar.

A much-hyped program that gives state workers up to a dozen paid days off per year to “volunteer” in a wide variety of community activities gives another perk to employees who already have one of the most generous benefit packages in the country.

Massachusetts is tied for sixth nationally in the number of paid holidays for state workers with 13, including the Suffolk County-only holidays Evacuation Day and Bunker Hill Day.

Former GOP Gov. Mitt Romney, now running for president, tried unsuccessfully to abolish those two holidays and a spokesman says the 12 paid volunteer days being trumpeted by Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick are yet another taxpayer-funded giveaway.

“This is not a program that Gov. Romney actively sought to promote,” spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said. “Gov. Romney’s view was that state employee benefits were too generous.”

Patrick spokesman Joe Landolfi fired back, saying: “It’s not surprising that the former governor didn’t support a program that promotes civic engagement as he was barely engaged in the business of running the commonwealth for much of his last year.”

This is some kind of joke, right? State employees are already coddled and babied with an additional 12 days of paid time-off. Why can’t these humanitarian state employees volunteer when the rest of us do: after normal working hours and the weekends.

Volunteering should be done out of the kindness and generosity of the person volunteering, not because Joe Taxpayer is paying for it. That defeats the intent and spirit of volunteering.

A Herald analysis shows that if the 80 employees in the governor’s office took full advantage of the program, the one-year cost would be $217,000. The taxpayer cost just for Patrick, who makes $140,000, to take all 12 paid volunteer days would be about $6,400. There are 50,000 state workers eligible to participate in the program.

“Beyond the loss of productivity for days off, consider the cost of tasking other state employees with making sure their co-workers aren’t just extending their weekends,” said state GOP spokesman Brian Dodge. “With bright ideas like this one, the stream of wasted money directly attributed to Deval Patrick is quickly becoming a raging river.”

The is already hurting from lack of productivity in state government; increasing the number of paid days off will only make an already unproductive and inefficient public work force even more unproductive and much more inefficient.

This program stinks. How about we start by saving money…like by paying state workers to do their jobs. Seeing as the have a penchant for slacking off and all in all not working, perhaps the Governor could considering firing state employees who don’t do a damn thing.

MassRepublicans Target MassRepublicans For Truth

The Massachusetts Republican Party is saying that the anti-Romney group, MassRepublicans for Truth, did not seek permission to use the name of the Party, and wants them to stop giving the Party a bad name.

Bay State GOP officials say a new anti-Mitt Romney group is giving Massachusetts Republicans a bad name and they’re demanding it stop.

The founders of Web-based MassRepublicans for Truth Рwhose mission includes exposing the former governor’s flip-flopping on key issues Рdidn’t ask the Massachusetts Republican Party for permission to use the name, said Brian Dodge, executive director of the state party.

Dodge fired off a letter yesterday to the state Attorney General’s Office complaining an organization that “expressly opposes or supports candidates” can’t use the established party name without party approval. On its Web site, MassRepublicans for Truth describes itself as a “federal political action committee comprised of local activists around the United States whose focus is on nonpartisan education and advocacy on important national issues.”

Holly Robichaud, one of the group’s founders, said, “This is nothing more than an attempt to step on our First Amendment rights.”

See our interview with MassRepublicans for Truth co-founder Ron Vining, who rejected the notion that his chances of having a role in the future success of the Massachusetts Republican Party would be damaged by his latest efforts.

HUB POLITICS: Your chances of having a role in the future success of the Massachusetts GOP are very likely wiped out, which is a bizarre thing to happen to someone who sought the chairmanship of the Party. Is it worth it?

RON VINING: I find the tone of that question both biased and insulting. I reject the premise that I am now somehow banished from the Mass GOP….

I suspect his answer may be different today–if it’s not, it should be.

GOP Urges Investigation of Trav’s Successor

That whisper you hear out of Beacon Hill is the combined voices of the Republican legislators who want an investigation into questionable spending by Senate President Travaglini’s likely successor, State Sen. Therese Murray.

State Sen. Therese Murray is expected to be handed the reins of the Senate today over the objection of Republicans who want a vote delayed until a probe of questionable tourism spending she approved is complete.

Murray (D-Plymouth) is slated to be named the new Senate president today in a carefully choreographed transfer of power that will end the four-year reign of Robert E. Travaglini, who is set to leave for a lucrative lobbying career.

But the state GOP wants the Senate to hold off on a vote until the inspector general finishes probing questionable spending by Tourism Massachusetts, a non-profit championed by Murray that saw $5 million in taxpayer dollars stripped away by Gov. Deval Patrick.

Peter Torkildsen, Chairman of the Massachusetts GOP, wants the Senate to delay Murray’s election to Senate President until after the Inspector General’s investigation is complete.

“(The IG) is investigating the use and possible misuse of millions in taxpayer dollars and we think this is significant,” said state GOP Chairman Peter Torkildsen.

Torkildsen said questions over Murray’s support of funding for Tourism Massachusetts should prompt the Senate to appoint an acting president until the outcome of the IG probe.

Don’t expect any delays, but thanks for trying.

Continue reading for a copy of the Press Release from the Massachusetts GOP.

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