Greater Boston Tea Party News September 2012
By: Christine Morabito – September, 6, 2012
With only 8+ weeks to go until the General Election, it’s likely you are spending a good deal of time following news and reports from the campaign trail. Are you focused on federal office elections or are you taking the time to get involved in state races as well? TODAY, Thursday, September 6th, is Primary Election Day here in MA. Polls are open from 7:00AM – 8:00PM. To find your polling location, visit the Secretary of State website. If you haven’t already volunteered to staff a polling location as an observer or sign holder, contact a campaign NOW to do so or just show up and help! While you’re at it, book yourself as a volunteer for the General Election on November 6th!
GBTP will be having modified poll watcher trainings at all of our meetings between now and the general election. Here is a link to the Election Day Legal Summary.
Here are two great websites to visit for candidate information –
- Citizens for Limited Taxation features a MA Legislative Report Card as well as a copy of their Taxpayer Protection Pledge
- Americans for Tax Reform features a federal Taxpayer Protection Pledge
- RedMassGroup features news and commentary on policy, politics, politicians in MA and beyond
If you have a site that is your go to source for reliable candidate information, let us know. Our Legislative Candidate Questionnaires, both State and Federal, will debut this month!
True The Vote Update: Thanks to all who signed up for the MA team. I know you’ve been been patiently waiting for the databases to be available so we can get to work. It’s now looking doubtful that we will have them available in time for the election on Nov. 6. In my conversations with True The Vote staff, they are working very hard to make these available to us, but are first concentrating on the battleground states. If you’ve been following their press coverage, you’ve seen that they are submitting challenges like crazy in other states. Don’t lose heart. Even if we can’t make any progress before this election cycle, the True The Vote work happens year-round.
Last week, the Republican National Committee held its convention in Tampa. No doubt most of you watched some of the speeches. Some of you may have been there in person. If you are so inclined, forward to us an essay or article (750 words max) with your thoughts. You could write on one specific speech or topic or your impressions of the overall event. Many of us will probably follow the Democrat National Committee convention in Charlotte. Again, send us your thoughts. We can publish your essays on our website! CSPAN has most of the speeches available for viewing online – minus th e commentary!
Other news and opportunities –
If you have not yet seen “2016: Obama’s America”, you may want to do so before it leaves the theaters. The movie is doing extremely well for a documentary – and a Conservative one at that! It started out in one theater in Houston in July and hit 1747 theaters by Labor Day. It is expanding by another 250 theaters this weekend! Find it at a theater near you at www.2016themovie.com. Our own Michael Isenberg has written a great review.
Many of us have taken advantage of the Hillsdale College Constitution 101 course. Now they are out with a new online learning adventure: “The Progressive Rejection of the Founding and the Rise of Bureaucratic Despotism”
The course covers the historical roots and principles of progressivism; its rejection of America’s founding principles and Constitution; its political successes in the New Deal, the Great Society, and in recent years; the ongoing political debate between progressives and conservatives; and the chance of a constitutional revival. Register here.
The Leadership Institute has been training and educating conservative political activists for decades. They will be hosting a GOTV Seminar in Westborough, MA on September 13th. This workshop will help you develop a systematic plan to get the most out of online, phone, and door-to-door voter contact. You will also learn how to plan ahead for early and absentee voters for your cause. The workshop will also focus on organizing voter registration drives. You will learn how to target voters, organize your GOTV team, and get voters to the polls. Register here.
The Greater Boston Tea Party has always operated on a bare bones budget. We feel your “extra” money is better spent supporting candidates. However, we occasionally ask our supporters for donations so we can continue to operate. If you can spare $5 or $10 this month, please go to https://www.geticontribute.com/gbtp. We are still an all volunteer organization operating as a non-profit 501(c)(3). While contributions are not currently tax deductible, no monies raised go towards candidates or other policy or issue based organizations. All funds go towards educational initiatives, whether that is printing promotional materials, voter guides, producing rallies and protests or day to day cost of doing business. Please consider a donation!
September Calendar
***All of our September meetings will feature Paul Craney of Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. He will enlighten us about the following:
1. Influence of unions in Massachusetts elections and how they have been operating like Super PACs for many elections.
2. Updates from the legislature on economic and good government issues.
3. Good questions to ask candidates seeking office this November.
Please join us!
Monday, September 10th 7:00 – 9:00 PM Catherine White’s Constitution Study Group – 155 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford
- You can find out more at Catherine’s website.
Tuesday, September 11th 7:00 – 9:00 PM Medford – South Medford Community Room at Engine 5, 0 Medford Street, Medford
Thursday, September 13th, 7:30 – 9:30 PM Boston – Lir Irish Pub, 903 Boylston Street, Boston
Tuesday, September 18th 7:00 – 9:00PM – Halfway Cafe, 200 South Franklin Street, Franklin
- (This meeting will also feature Poll Watcher Training with Holly Robichaud. Please come early (especially if you plan on eating) so we can get started promptly at 7 p.m. Paul Craney (see above) will follow.
Wednesday, September 19th 7:00 – 9:00 PM – Merrimack Valley Tea Party Meeting – VFW, 32 Park Street, N Andover
- With special guest Rob Eno of Red Mass Group
Tuesday, September 25th 7:00 – 9:00PM – Tahana Chinese Restaurant 60 Oakland Street, Mansfield
Please visit our website for these and other events around the state. www.greaterbostonteaparty.com.