Editor's Note: This is a weekly series focusing on the 2010 campaign for Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill. The primary is Sept. 14. The general election is Nov. 2.
Republican state senate candidate Patrick Rahilly is calling on opponent Jamison Tomasek to reveal details of his economic plan for Lawrence.
Rahilly and Tomasek will face off in the Sept. 14 Republican primary in the 2nd Essex and Middlesex District.
"Mr. Tomasek is showing a lack of leadership by touting the fact that he is a CPA and that he has a fix-all economic plan for Lawrence, but refuses to share it with the public," Rahilly said in a statement released last week.
Rahilly said Tomasek has "done a good job of pointing out problems but has yet to put forth an idea to solve any of them."
Tomasek, however, said his opponent's comments are misguided, as he has been very clear about his plans for dealing with Lawrence's financial problems.
"Perhaps if he had attended any of the multiple neighborhood association meetings I spoke at, he would have his answer," he said.
To begin addressing the problem, Tomasek said he is proposing a moratorium on affordable housing in Lawrence, like the recently approved Malden Mills project. He said that project would bring an additional 300 residents to the city and 150 children to the schools.
He also said the city should explore diverting grants like the $2.6 million coming to the city for the Spickett River Greenway toward more critical needs like public safety, and said the state needs to do more to assist the city in collecting back taxes.
Weaver questions Afghanistan deployment
Tom Weaver, one of the four Republican candidates for the 5th Congressional District seat held by Democrat Niki Tsongas, issued a press release last week commenting on the departure of U.S. combat troops from Iraq.
As a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a veteran, he said he understands that there are times when "we must put our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and moms and dads into harm's way," in service of their country.
But he said that shouldn't be done unless four conditions are met: the cause must be vital to our national interest, a commitment is made to allow the troops to win, the cause is supported by the American people and Congress, and there is no other choice.
Initially, Weaver said those conditions were met in sending troops to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan. But now, he said he's not so sure.
"Does the existence of Taliban in a remote section of Afghanistan affect our national interest?" he asked. "It was announced that a surge was required in Afghanistan, as it worked in Iraq. Can armored groups operate on goat paths high in the mountains? Micromanagement, similar to the Vietnam conflict, is not the answer. Many people, including myself, believe that the mission has changed. It has evolved into a mission which uses Special Forces on an as needed basis. And perhaps the remaining resources could be used elsewhere, for instance, on the southern border."
Andover selectmen back state senate, house choices
Democrat Jack Wilson, running for the 2nd Essex and Middlesex state senate seat, has received the backing of Andover Selectman Mary Lyman.
Lyman said that retiring state Sen. Susan Tucker has represented Andover well during her time in office, and Wilson will carry on Tucker's legacy and keep Andover's voice strong in the state senate.
In the meantime, Andover Selectman Brian Major is supporting Republican James Lyons in his effort to unseat incumbent Barbara L'Italien, D-Andover for the 18th Essex House seat.
DiNuccio opens campaign headquarters
The Committee to Elect Al DiNuccio will host a grand opening ceremony at its campaign headquarters on Sept. 4, at 11 a.m., at 5 Pelham St. in Methuen, opposite the fire station at Five Corners. DiNuccio, a Republican, is running for the 15th Essex House seat. Voters are welcome to drop by to meet him in person.
The DiNuccio campaign also recently launched a website, dinuccio.com, which allows visitors to review the candidate's background and informs voters about how they can contact him. He can be contacted at al@dinuccio.com or by calling 978-360-1298.
Patrick responds to Baker TV ad
Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker's second TV ad hit the airwaves last week.
"I spent the last 30 years of my life fixing things that are broken, holding people accountable and getting things done," Baker says in the ad. "Right now, under this administration, state government is not working."
The head of "this administration," Gov. Deval Patrick, was quick to respond to Baker's ad.
"Once again in his new TV ad, we see how Republican Charles Baker is hiding from who he really is, the architect of the Big Dig financing scheme we are still paying for today, and a former health insurance CEO who oversaw a triple digit increase in premiums for small businesses and working families," Sydney Asbury, Patrick's campaign manager, said.
in a press release. "Baker's new ad fall flat when it comes to informing voters about his record."
Word games
The Baker campaign issued a press release last week declaring Monday "Registry Relief Day," and offering ways to pass the time for people waiting in RMV lines.
In an effort to point out how waiting times at the RMV have increased dramatically following branch closures in 2008, his campaign workers handed out crossword puzzles and refreshments to people waiting in line at several Registry offices across the state.
The crossword puzzle was aimed at highlighting Patrick's four years in office. One of the clues was "This has doubled since Patrick took office," with the answer being, "Unemployment." Another clue was "Patrick raised this tax by 25 percent." The answer? "Sales."
To do the crossword puzzle online or to download a printable version of the questions and answers, go to charliebaker2010.com/RMVpuzzle.php
Ready to rally
A pre-primary rally for Sal Tabit, Republican candidate for the 17th Essex House seat, is scheduled for Sept. 9.
The event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at Palmer's Restaurant and Tavern, 18 Elm Square.
Suggested donations are $25 and $50.
