Candidates: 2008 Archives

Don Howell, our Republican candidate for State Representative from the Massachusetts Fourth Barnstable District on Cape Cod, is debating his Democratic opponent Ms.Sarah Peake of Provincetown at the Nauset Regional Middle School in Orleans, Massachusetts at 7 p.m. tonight. Don invites his supporters and all undecideds to attend. .

Don has released his first ad of this campaign.

Sunday's Republican Roundup at Chatham's Wayside Inn was a resounding success. It drew the largest gathering in years. The enthusiastic crowd cheered repeatedly as McCain Palin spokeman Plymouth County Sherrif Joseph D. McDonald, Jr. spoke of John McCain's courage and service to his country and the electrifying effect of Sarah Palin's address to the Republican National Convention. He concluded by movingly detailing the injuries suffered by McCain during his five plus years in a Vietnam prison, noting that today not only can't McCain use a computer keyboard but he cannot lift his arm to salute the country and flag that he loves. "I'd rather have as president someone who wants to but can't salute his country's flag than somebody who can't be bothered to do so."

A dedicated volunteer from Truro spoke for Jeff Beatty, who sent his regrets because he was campaigning in Western Massachusetts. His report was of excellent crowds and repeated expressions from Democrats as well as independents that Kerry is just out of touch and doesn't relate to them. Beatty, who cannot match Kerry's huge advertising budget, is seeking multiple debates with Kerry, but Kerry so far has only agreed to one, clearly fearing head-on encounters with Beatty. People are mobilizing and alerady 4,000 are working to help Jeff Beatty defeat John Kerry.

Don Howell reported that he is getting an excellent reception in his contest for state representative as he has toured the Fourth Barnstable District. The most compelling issue on Cape Cod is homeowners' insurance, something his Democratic opponent has not lifted a finger about during her two years on Beacon Hill, preferring instead to focus on her favorite special interest rather than the major concern of her constituents.

Anastasia Walsh Perrino, a lawyer with experience in private practice as well as service in the Barnstable Registry of Probate, thanked those assembled for their support in her primary victory, then asked all to continue to work with her as she now faces a long-time Democratic state representative who many believe is seeking to "retire" to the Registry of Probate for more pension benefits and and a shorter commute to work. His "speciality" in the legislature was tourism, certainly not something to equip him to deal with the sensitive problems of families that come before the Registry.

Rounding out the program were the two excellent Republican candidates for County Commissioner, Since there are two open seats, both can be elected. Ric Barros of Barnstable has covered the country from one end to the other, just recently being in Falmouth where he grew up on his family's cranberry bogs. His dynamic presentation brought out frequent applause.

Brad Crowell's familiy has been on Cape Cod for generations. He therefore is confident that his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be living on Cape Cod long after his public service is over. He wants them to have the same wonderful Cape Cod that we enjoy. As chairman of the Cape Cod Commission he compiled a sensitive environmental record that earned praise from all parties. He closed by noting that some folks say he's "cheap." Well, he says, I am and I will take that attitude into the office serving the people of Barnstable County.

A special tribute was given to Mary LeClair, retiring after 30 years of service to Barnstable County, most recently as vice-chair of the Barnstable County Commission. Notable guests were chairmen of the several Repubican town committees of the Lower Cape and former state representative Shirley Gomes.

The event was sponsored by the Lower Cape Republican Council under the able leadership of Don Howell, now the Republican candidate for state representative for the Fourth Barnstable District.

It was announced that an area campaign office will be opening shortly at Skaket Corner in Orleans in the closed bank building by the Hearth & Kettle.

McCain Palin signs are in great demand and shipment from printers has been delayed, but quantities are expected to arrive this week in Chatham and other towns.

Thiose attending left with a reinforced determination to help elect these capable, dedicated Republicans to office.

Everyone is invited to the Chatham Wayside Inn this Sunday afternoon, September 21, from 3 to 5, to hear and speak to representatives of John McCain and Sarah Palin and the Republican candidates for U.S. Senate, state representative and Barnstable county offices. Click here for details.

Food, music, campaign stuff, a fun time for all.

Tickets may be purchased at the door. $30 to support the Republican campaign.