Posts Tagged ‘massachusetts’

Jen Benson and Kurt Hayes at the Tea Party forum

Posted: June 30, 2010 by datechguy in elections, opinion/news, tea parties
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Yesterday we had the video of the State Senate candidates, today we have the candidates for State rep for the 37th Middlesex District at the tea party candidate forum.

Jen Benson is the Democrat in her first term:

She made the case against term limits, and she pointed to the federal mandates in what we can and can’t do, it’s a fair point.

I know this next clip is kinda short but I had to break them up.

Next up is Kurt Hayes:

As the republican he had more in common with the crowd.

Hayes and Benson were both impressive, it is interesting to see that both argued against Term Limits (I say we have term limits, they are called elections and if we don’t take advantage of them it’s our own fault. As a native of NH Benson seemed a lot more conservative than the avg democrat and that has some appeal to this crowd.

As a bonus extra here is Scott Bove candidate for Sheriff of Worcester County, he only had 5 min:

His point about experience in the system is a very good one.

Overall this was a superior exchange to the first one. Benson was making the case that you need one term to get to speed but I don’t know if that’s the right take to make (true or no). Neither candidate hurt themselves and I personally think Benson helped herself more than Hayes simply by exposing voters who would normally vote against her to her positions

Update: That was Kurt with a K. My bad there.

Jen Flanagan and Neal Heeren at the Tea Party Candidate Forum

Posted: June 29, 2010 by datechguy in elections, opinion/news, short films/interviews, tea parties
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Here is the video of Jen Flanagan and her opponent Neal Heeren at the Twin city Tea party on the 28th

I recorded these in about 10 minutes swatches based on my camera and the space on my two cards:

I actually think she made a good presentation. I thought her answer on “Tea Party Extremism” was a safe answer, but I think her answer on NH was week.

She did meet with people privately and talked for a while, as I said before she deserves a lot of credit for showing up.

Here is her opponent Neal Heeren

I missed the start of his speech as my batteries needed switching.

Without a question Heeren was a weaker speaker, he had to refer to his notes quite a bit on opening and seemed very uncomfortable on stage, rather odd for a lawyer. On the issues he was more correct but you have to be able to make the case to people. That’s a skill he can develop but if Flanagan keeps showing up and manages to make credible explanation and presentations it will be harder for him.

This more than anything illustrates why Flanagan’s presence was smart! Rather than avoiding the Tea Party in fear she confronts it directly. Were all her answers good enough? Likely not but you can’t beat something with nothing. She is an experienced pol and a personable lady. There is no reason why she shouldn’t make a good impression on the people she represents.

If what you believe is right it can stand up to argument. Liberals in fear of the tea party have conceded that argument. If they follow the example of Flanagan for good or ill that might change.

I’ll have Jen Benson and Kurt Hayes up later tonight

Tornado watch and Severe Thunderstorm Warning …

Posted: June 5, 2010 by datechguy in local stuff, tech
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in the area. Tornado activity is not something you see often around here and the storm track indicates it should miss here but if it changes direction blogging might be interupted.

If you are in the path of this storm I suggest in addition to seeking shelter unplug your pc etc. If you have a guarantee on your surge protector that is good, but not having to make the claim and having a working PC…that’s better

The Massachusetts Senate learns how to count

Posted: May 28, 2010 by datechguy in opinion/news
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It is not the same as it actually passing or being signed by the Gov, but it’s a start:

The measure, which passed on a 28-10 vote as an amendment to the budget, would bar the state from doing business with any company found to break federal laws barring illegal immigrant hiring. It would also toughen penalties for creating or using fake identification documents, and explicitly deny in-state college tuition for illegal immigrants.

The amendment would also require the state’s public health insurance program to verify residency through the Department of Homeland Security, and would require the state to give legal residents priority for subsidized housing.

Hotair asks some political questions:

Assuming it passes the Massachusetts house, does Deval Patrick dare veto it? He’ll want to, of course, but he’s up for reelection this year and 84 percent support ain’t beanbag.

Since the Mass House isn’t as contested as it should be they might just not pass it, but then again maybe they know the difference between 300 & 10,000.

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