Can the Democrats stop the second Tea Party?
- 2-19-2010
- Categorized in: Editorial
By David Grossman
The message that Massachusetts voters sent to Washington last month has caused a number of incumbent Democratic candidates to resign their seat. A national wave of anti Obama politics is now sweeping the nation and the mid term elections are not too far away.
But how does that affect us here in Lunenburg?
Tom Mason, a Democratic selectman has decided not to run. Please read his letter on the next page. Perhaps the Scott Brown election had nothing to with Mr. Mason’s decision, but local voters and taxpayers may see more Democrats leaving office and more Republicans taking their place.
Last week, Kurt Hayes announced that he would run for the 37th Middlesex State representative district, the seat currently held by Lunenburg’s Jennifer Benson. Mr. Hayes submitted a press release early last week and we ran the announcement in last week’s paper. Before deadline we called Jennifer Benson’s office to see if she was going to run again, giving the incumbent a window to submit a formal announcement. We strive to be a fair and balanced newspaper. We left a message for Ms. Benson’s press liaison, but did not hear back from the Benson headquarters.
After deadline last week we noticed that Ms. Benson had posted a comment on her facebook page which indicated that she had decided to run again. Is this laissez-faire politics or what?
The Chairman of the Commonwealth’s Republican Party, Jennifer Nassour, visited our office in January. She has some exciting new ideas and a fresh perspective.
From where I sit, things do not look good for any Democrat. The health care bill suffered a mortal wound since the party no longer has 60 seats in Washington.
Earlier this week, Senator Kennedy’s son, Patrick, decided not to run. No more Kennedys in office? Is the party in ruins? If the gridlock continues in Washington and if the job situation doesn’t improve, I think that a lot of Democrats are going to get swept out of Congress and local Democrats will get swept out of Beacon Hill.
On the local level, our town caucus will be held on March 15. We will publish a list of vacant positions in next week’s paper. If you are even thinking about running for a local town position, please attend the caucus. Whether you are Democrat, Republican or Independent, this town needs your help.
Dave, appreciated reading your interesting comments about Nat'l and town govt in the Ledger.
Changes have and will continue to take place for both political party's -as you clearly pointed out with The Tea Party Activists, Democrats and Republicans all having a chance to offer their views on issues.
Unfortunately, the Incumbent Democrats and some Republicans who have failed to represent the citizens of their States are in trouble -as The Tea party Activists are pointing out.
There is nothing better in society than to suggest a good cleaning is necessary to improve on the failings of bad or elitist leadership.
The Start occurred with Senator Scott Brown's Election in Washington and will continue this November.
Hold onto to your hats folks, you haven't seen anything yet !!
I am a pure independent but am appalled that a state rep from the town of lunenburg doesn't feel the need to tell the townsfolk that she is running for reelection. As a voter, I like to feel important. Thanks Dave for pointing out how little she cares about local voters.