If he has been truly involved, then he should know that be giving money to people is endorsing their policies. As we all know Gov. Patrick is trying place a new fee on drivers for how many miles they drive. By supporting Deval, Howes needs to take responsibility for these type of bad ideas.

We don't need another go along to get along Senator. We need leadership! That's why I am supporting Sandi Martinez. Her only priority will be fighting for us not compromising our prorities.

Mr Howes no disrespect but I have been a democrat my whole life yet you flip flopped from Democrate to republican to independnt o conveniently republican just before this election? Which way do you go? One day a democrat the next a republican? My only problem with you is the other candidates, including the democrats are comfortable with their party, not changing for their own personal gain. I respect that you answered my comments, thank you.

Mr. Bohnwagner,
There is nothing "convenient" about running for elective office as a Republican in Massachusetts. It is not yet clear to me how anyone personally "gains" from being a Republican. The Republican label makes the job of being elected in MA exponentially harder. I, like Ronald Reagan and many Americans, have changed my political registration in search of a way to remain engaged & involved in our civic life. The increasing polarity of our current choices – Democrat and Republican – have left me and the majority of the voters in the Commonwealth and around the Nation feeling left out. We are told we do not fit because we are “not true conservatives” or “true Progressives”. Since when does access to our political system require a "purity filter"?
Thank you for sharing your views and engaging is this discussion with me. I hope you will give my candidacy a second look.

jtalexander:

The 3rd Middlesex is an extremely liberal district. A Republican has a major disadvantage here. Add to that the power of incumbency, and you have a near impossible task. But Sandi is a tough, determined woman, not easily deterred. Far from being a "joke", I see her persistence as admirable. Now that the seat is open, the odds are a little better for both her and Greg. But whoever prevails in the Republican primary will still be the clear underdog in the general election.

Alan,

Three defeats is a hint. She has crossed the line from determined to obsessed. By the way incumbents get beaten all the time. She is a one issue candidate and has nor credibility as far as I am concerned.

JT:

Go ahead and name me Democratic incumbents who have been defeated by Republican challengers in recent years. And the very few MA districts that lean conservative (or at least centrist) don't count. It will be an awfully short list.

Alan,

So what, if there is a list, then somoeone wins. I would not vote for someone who has one issue and has not shown the ability to think about anything else but say over and over again, cut taxes. That is simplistic and the reason she could not win. The bottom line is by the third time, she had name recognition and still was soundly defeated. I am actually a republican, but can not vote for her.

JT Interestin analogy. Although i never agree with any political person entirely I have to say I will not vote Democrat and I have been a democrat my whole life. Obama and Patrick are ruining this country we need more independent and republican candidates who stick to the issues. We are in deep trouble it will take this country a decade to reverse the turmoil. This race will be won by a republican because both candidates are strong and the democrats will be business as usual. If Greg can persuade the independents and republicans he is still not a democrat he might pull it off otherwise it will be Ms Martinez and all the democrats are in trouble. Look at some of the other R candidates running very good for the government and us the taxpayers. This race is about jobs jobs jobs and about getting our country back, we nned to unite as Americans and ignore other countries until we can help our own seniors, children and workers. Go Bless America

I'm following this thread, but not your logic. The idea that President Obama and Gov. Patrick are "ruining this country" is complete GOP hooey---Bush and his cronies made a complete mess of things---racked up huge deficits fighting two undeclared wars---Voters on both sides agree on that---And since 2008, McConnell, DeMint and the rest of the other beltway have done nothing---absolutely nothing---to clean up the mess they created.
As for Gov Patrick, have you noticed that the state has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the Nation....not to mention the lowest divorce and obesity rates.....If this is ruinous, I'm hoping to be "ruined" a bit more....Bring it on.

Sally,

How many centuries must roll by before you and Obama stopping blaming current problems on the GOP?

Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III

Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III

Centuries?--Centuries---Huh?---Are you for real?
Let's just go back to 2000, you know, when we had a surplus and decent prosperous country....You know, before two wars funded by 5 tax cuts and the worst Presidential administration---Democrat or Republican---of the century....
You are of course entitled to your own opinion---just not your own facts and reality....Honestly, take your research beyond Fox News....or is that your only news source?

Mitchell Friedman

Ronald Reagan did not blame all his problems on Jimmy Carter. He set about to fix 'em, Mitchell. Obama had control of the House and Senate for two years...yet was unable to implement changes to bring the country forward. (Repeat - Democrats controlled the executive and legislative branches of government until the 2010 mid-term election.)

His signature legislative achievement is so controversial it's constitutionally is being tested. Obama is headed for an unenviable record as President - no surprise to many who considered him unqualified for the task. He is a marvelous tele-prompted speaker, but no leader.

Note there is no defense of Bush Two here. Many are unhappy with his letting spending get out of hand. That's why the Tea Party movement exists.

Finally I'm very sorry to hear that your family and friends have prohibited you from watching Fox News. There may be an old television somewhere in the basement... and you don't have to tell them. Just talk about NPR.

Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III

Mr. Levy:

I am not affiliated with any Tea Party but my understanding is that the "Tea Partyists" are well aware of "St. Ronnies" tax increases. They are also well aware that Pres. Bush II, Clinton & Obama have done nothing to manage spending, limit the size and scope of the federal government or maturely address the fact that the United States is fundamentally broke. While it is clear that self-identified "Tea Partiers" bring their own unique personalities into the public arena, they share with many of us the frustration that the Republican / Democrat paradigm is failing us. More importantly, the "Tea Party" voters are not accepting the rampant voter apathy and they want to return America to fiscal health.