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?

What a Wonderful World

Red Mass Group on Gov. Patrick’s success at bringing jobs to the Commonwealth.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released it’s state-by-state economic data for the month of June today. Massachusetts unemployment rose from 8.2% in May to 8.6% in June. This 0.4% increase was worse than the national increase of 0.1%, worse than any other New England state, and 40th nationally overall. While we are in a national and international economic recession, under one party Democratic rule Massachusetts continues to do one of the worst jobs at handling the recession.

Since January of 2007 when Deval Patrick became Governor and joined the Democratic super majorities in the state legislature unemployment has risen from 4.6% to 8.6%. 137,506 people have been added to the list of unemployed and Massachusetts has shed 134,442 net jobs. Massachusetts all time high was 10.9% in January, 1976.

Just wait until Deval’s tax hikes go into effect.

UPDATE: More from Mary Connaughton, the Boston Globe and Boston Herald.

SECOND UPDATE: From Hub Politics, Hillary Chabot and Dave Wedge.

THIRD UPDATE: More from the Globe and the Boston Herald.