Hub Politics Farewell Address

Five years ago today we launched Hub Politics. We joined the fold with a handful of other conservative blogs that were blogging about national and local issues. It was a conscience decision to set us apart from the rest by focusing exclusively on the issue regarding Massachusetts. For five years we have done just that. We launched two additional blogs, Deval Patrick Watch, to keep tabs on our Governor, and Save WRKO, which has been keeping an eye on the local media. It’s been a long and amazing journey.

On this fifth anniversary of the launch of this blog, we are writing to announce the retirement of Hub Politics.

This decision was both expected and unexpected, and many factors led to this end. From the start, it has always just been the two of us (with some occasional guest bloggers). As we saw our own schedules making blogging less and less frequent, our attempts to garner new writing talent to fill the void were never fruitful. Our commitments to our careers, education, and personal lives have made blogging at Hub Politics increasingly difficult. In the past year and half, Aaron has obtained his Master’s Degree in Architecture, and is currently taking his Architectural Registration Exams. Matt has moved to New York, gotten married, and bought a house.

Over the years, we met many political figures serving the Commonwealth, and covered (and attended) many political events. We witnessed political disappointments as we lost the corner office in 2006, and watched in dismay as the imbalance of Beacon Hill was exacerbated. This year, we had the great fortune to be at the epicenter of a Republican victory that astonished the nation. Still forthcoming, we have high hopes that the Republican Party will take back the Corner Office, and continue the trend of Republican victories in this state, and nationwide. While we originally expected to be actively blogging for this upcoming election, the unfortunate reality is we will not be taking part in blogging this year’s election.

We have had the pleasure of meeting many bloggers, politicians, candidates, enthusiasts, activists and media personalities over the years that will now call friends and we are grateful for having met them, but this is not goodbye. We will no longer be blogging here, but we are not gone.

We are grateful for the opportunities that came to us as a result of our efforts with Hub Politics. We have contributed our views as invited guests on local talk radio like WRKO 680 AM and 969 FM Talk, and local news show like Fox25 and CBS4. We’ve been profiled by the Boston Globe and been regularly quoted by the Boston Herald. There are even a few stories broken on Hub Politics. With all the competition, it is extremely rewarding to be one of those blogs that gets to make a difference.

Making this decision easier is knowing that there will still be a strong presence of conservative blogs in Massachusetts that wasn’t really here five years ago. To all of them we wish the best of luck and hope that they will be a force for continued prosperity of the conservative movement in the Commonwealth.

In closing, we would like to thank all the readers of Hub Politics who made this venture worthwhile. It was our pleasure to serve you.

Happy Fourth of July
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More information about the future of the hubpolitics.com domain will be posted at a later date.

ALERT: Phony Calls Tell Massachusetts Residents Pro-Life Group Opposes Scott Brown

Hub Politics was just alerted about a disturbing story of dirty tricks being used against Scott Brown.

Behind in the polls to Republican Senate candidate Scott brown, supporters of pro-abortion candidate Martha Coakley have evidentially reached into their bag of dirty tricks. A Washington, D.C. based company is making calls to Massachusetts residents pretending to represent a prominent pro-life group.

The calls, from 202-461-3441, a Washington number registered to a company called SOOH, claim to be from Massachusetts Citizens for Life.

The caller claims the pro-life group is opposing Scott brown because of his stance against the health care bill, but as MCFL president Anne Fox told LifeNews.com late Monday, the opposite is true.

“Pro-lifers are receiving phone calls from people claiming to be Massachusetts Citizens for Life. The callers say that MCFL is not supporting Scott Brown because of his position on health care,” she said. “The truth is that Massachusetts Citizens for Life is supporting Brown because of his position on health care.”

The same number is also making calls to other state residents with various messages all attacking Brown.

If you receive such a call, please report it by calling 1-800-462-VOTE (8683).

Hub Politics Election Day Coverage Begins

Polls just opened around the Commonwealth… it’s time to make some history.

Check in with Hub Politics throughout the day for continuing coverage of the election, both on hubpolitics.com and be sure to check in with us tonight, as our coverage will continue from the Scott Brown Victory Party in Boston on Twitter.

Now, go vote!

Scott Brown Phone Bank in Marblehead!

Local activist and friend of Hub Politics, Nate Walton, is recruiting people to phone bank for Scott Brown on the North Shore.

Dear Friends,

Interested in helping elect Scott Brown any way you can? Here is your chance! There will be an important phone bank for Scott TOMORROW (Monday, January 18) in Marblehead. The phone bank will begin at 5:00 PM and end at 9:00 PM. It will take place at the Gerry 5 VFA, 210 Beacon Street, Marblehead.

Voter turnout calls are crucial for victory, especially in a special election when general awareness may be low. Suburban Boston will be key to a Brown victory, and winning Marblehead will be particularly important towards ensuring Scott has a strong showing on the North Shore.

If you want to help make history, please come by the Gerry 5 tomorrow to make calls for Scott. If you can, please bring one friend or more. Please contact me with any questions. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Interested? E-mail Nate.

Coakley Throws Her Hat In

Attorney General Martha Coakley has set her eyes on the recently vacated Senate seat of the late Senator Ted Kennedy.

Today, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley announced her candidacy for United States Senate. Coakley, who has dedicated the past 23 years of her career to public service, pledged to draw upon her extensive experience to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to Washington.

“It would be an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Massachusetts in the United States Senate,” Coakley said. “Throughout my career I have worked to be an effective voice for the people of Massachusetts and to make sure our government works, and that it works for the people. I believe government should work well and work for everyone.”

In announcing her candidacy, Coakley pledged innovative leadership to revitalize the nation’s economy and restore economic security for all citizens. She stressed her determination to address health care reform, protection of the environment, providing for safety and protecting our civil rights.

Coakley’s announcement comes amidst speculation that former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling is thinking about running for the Senator Kennedy’s seat as a Republican.

An astute reader at Hub Politics wants to know if it is a violation of FEC law for a sitting Attorney General to use her State Office as the Headquarters for a Federal Campaign?