The Race For Ted’s Seat

The race for governor is taking a back seat to the very high profile race to fill the senate seat vacated by the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. Attorney General Martha Coakley was the first to throw her hat in, and it comes as no surprise that she was quickly endorsed by EMILY’s List. As far as other Democrats, expect Rep. Michael Capuano and Rep. Stephen Lynch to follow suit.

And what of the Republicans? All speculation to date, but the list of possibilities include former White House Chief of Staff Andy Card, State Senator Scott Brown, and Curt Schilling. There was a rumor that Chrisy Mihos would have stepped aside from the gubernatorial race to run for Kennedy’s former seat…and thankfully, he is staying put. Former Lt. Governor and failed gubernatorial candidate Kerry Healey has also said she will not be running–thank god.

Curt Schilling will be best remembered for a bloody sock. Let his legacy be that, and not tainted by going into politics. Possible voters apparently agree.

So what about Andy Card and Scott Brown?

Andy Card has said he is interested in the run; and when asked about the possible fall back for his connection to the George W. Bush Administration, he only said, “I’m running as Andy Card.” True, but it wasn’t long ago Senator McCain was defending himself against criticisms that he would be Bush’s third term. Sorry Mr. Card, but this isn’t 2004, this is 2009. If old Teddy had passed five years ago, I’d be much more open to your candidacy for this Special Election. As of today, I need to be convinced.

Scott Brown, on the other hand, has been widely considered a possibly Lt. Governor pick, and he would make a great compliment to the gubernatorial race. However, with this opportunity to fill Kennedy’s shoes, and I think we got an even better opportunity here. While name recognition is limited, he is considered a “rising star” in the Republican Party. His lack of name recognition could be his strongest asset. While Card could fall victim to his political connections, Brown would be virtually immune to it.

This opportunity is a rare one, and we need to put our best cards on the table. I hope the Old Boy Network of the Massachusetts Republican Party that has time and time again failed us makes a good decision for once.

Out-of-District Money Flooding Congressional Campaign Coffers

Congressmen from Massachusetts are getting most of their campaign money from outside their districts, and in some cases, outside Massachusetts, according to MAPLight.org.

The Bay State’s congressional delegation hauled in nearly $11 million in campaign cash between 2005 and 2007, 81 percent of which came from donors living outside their districts, a new study reveals.

Rep. Barney Frank (D-Newton) took in the most campaign cash of the Massachusetts delegation – $2.4 million – 91 percent of which came from outside his district and 73 percent of which came from out-of-state, according to campaign watchdog MAPLight.org.

Frank spokesman Peter Kovar said Frank’s chairmanship of the House financial services committee and involvement in gay rights and other “high-profile” national issues explains the high percentage of out-of-district donations.

Rep. Ed Markey (D-Malden) topped the Bay State list with 93 percent of his $1.1 million coming from out of his district. Markey ranked 45th of 421 House lawmakers in the study.

Nationally, House members raised $700 million, 79 percent of which came from outside members’ districts.

The study tracked donations of $200 or more.

“Instead of a voting democracy, we have a dollar democracy – may the biggest-spending special interest win,” said MAPLight executive director Daniel Newman.

Other Bay State lawmakers’ donations included:

Rep. Richard Neal (D-Springfield), $1.1 million, 90 percent out-of-district, 22 percent from Massachusetts;

Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Somerville), $1.2 million, 85 percent from outside his district, 45 percent from Massachusetts;

Rep. James McGovern (D-Worcester), $1 million, 82 percent out-of-district, 47 percent in-state;

Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-Quincy), $802,000, 81 percent out-of-district, 52 percent in-state;

Rep. James Olver (D-Amherst), $971,000, 79 percent out-of-district, 45 percent in-state;

Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-S. Boston), $1.45 million, 73 percent out-of-district, 62 percent in-state;

Rep. John Tierney (D-Salem), $769,000, 58 percent out-of-district, 57 percent in-state.

Tierney Buckles, Delahunt and Lynch Stick Up For Taxpayer

Representative John Tierney, my former representative, has changed his vote on the bailout bill. Previously voting “no” on a $500 billion bailout, he has now voted “yes” on $700 billion.

Congressman John Tierney has changed his mind and will vote for the Senate-passed $700 billion financial bailout bill.

Tierney tells The Associated Press he reluctantly is supporting the bill because it is the best among a bunch of bad alternatives and something needs to be done to ease panic in the financial markets.

Tierney, William Delahunt and Stephen Lynch were the only House members from Massachusetts who bucked their Democratic leadership and voted against the bailout plan narrowly rejected Monday. That bill did not include tax cuts and other sweeteners that are in the new version of the bill.

Delahunt and Lynch both said they wouldn’t switch their votes because the burden still sits on the taxpayers for the woes of Wall Street.

Thank you, Rep. Delahunt and Rep. Lynch for sticking up for the taxpayer. Rep. Tierney… go screw.

Bailout Roll Call

How did your representative vote on the $700 billion bailout?

U.S. Reps. Barney Frank, Michael Capuano, Ed Markey, John Olver, Richard Neal, Jim McGovern and Niki Tsongas voted for the massive $700 billion plan that ultimately failed on a 228-205 vote.

Congressmen Stephen Lynch, William Delahunt and John Tierney bucked leadership by voting against the legislation.

All 10 of Massachusetts’ House members are Democrats.

The overall party breakdown on the bill was:

140 Democrats and 65 Republicans in favor.

95 Democrats and 133 Republicans against.

Massachusetts Reps Against John Doe

It is a disgrace–but not a surprise–that only one of the Massachusetts Democrats in the House of Representatives voted in favor of all of us “John Does.”

House Republicans yesterday surprised Democrats with a procedural vote to protect public-transportation passengers from being sued if they report suspicious activity — the first step by lawmakers to protect “John Doe” airline travelers already targeted in such a lawsuit.

After a heated debate and calls for order, the motion to recommit the Democrats’ Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007 back to committee with instructions to add the protective language passed on a vote of 304-121.

All 121 of the “no” votes were cast by Democrats, while 199 Republicans and 105 Democrats voted in favor.

And who among our ten representatives voted for protecting “John Doe”? Again, not a surprise, it was Rep. Stephen Lynch representing the 9th District.

As for the rest of them, John Olver, Richard Neal, James McGovern, Barney Frank, Marty Meehan, John Tierney, Ed Markey, Michael Capuano, and Bill Delahunt…thanks for letting us know who you care about more than your constituents.

And go screw.