Or can he?
A broken clock is still right twice a day. A blind squirrel will still find a nut occasionally. According to the Legislature’s Democratic Caucus, not so Governor Patrick at least as far as the budget goes.
My campaign’s Research Director and I just finished reviewing the Legislative Record of roll call votes since 2007. Over that time, Governor Patrick has issued over 150 budget related vetoes reducing or eliminating line items.
My opponent for State Representative in the Eighth Suffolk, Representative Martha “Marty” Walz has voted in support of sustaining the Governor’s budget vetoes, a fellow Democrat…NEVER!
Now I can understand that she always voted against Governor Romney’s budget vetoes. I could understand if she only voted to sustain Governor Patrick’s vetoes 25, 50 or maybe 75 times but never? Not once in 150+ opportunities?
Massachusetts has a budget crisis. Reasonable people can argue whether it is because of reduced revenues or excessive spending but I believe it is hard to argue that Governor Patrick has never had an idea regarding cutting spending that was worthy of Representative Walz’s support.
Why are you running for State Representative? Are you running to support the Governor or to represent your district? It’s hard to support the Governor’s vetos when he doesn’t practice what he preaches; ie with 6 deputies (6-figure salaries) at the DOT (Romney had 3) and his history of such fine, well-compensated knucklehead appointments, and the less-than-transparent nonsense with the Gloucester Charter School then perhaps the State Rep doesn’t have faith in his judgment?
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p>This seems to be a silly, made up argument. Go find a real issue, because otherwise it appears like you’re running for Chief Cheerleader instead of State Rep.
In answer to your first question, I am running for State Representative because I know that; 1) we have to have a state government that supports small business and entrepreneurs to grow and create jobs; 2) radically restructure how we deliver government services; and 3) bring balance to the legislature so that the office of Governor is again relevant in the budget making process.
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p>Regarding your other points, if I had cherry-picked one or two of the incumbent’s votes I think you would be better positioned to call mine a “silly, made-up argument”. As it is I pointed out that she has never voted to uphold a single Patrick veto.
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p>Are you arguing that because Governor Patrick has failed in certain areas he has never had a good idea regarding cutting spending? Facing a $2.5 billion deficit next year I believe we need to look at spending reductions and efficiencies wherever we can find them.
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p>As a Republican I am certainly not a cheer leader for Governor Patrick and I am glad to see that you point out that in at least one area he fares poorly in comparison to Governor Romney.
You’re actually going to argue that your opponent didn’t support the Governor? You’re going to have to spend so much time explaining THAT one…people with be scratching their head wondering what the hell you were talking about.
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p>So – a little advice. If you want to differentiate yourself as the right choice – give people a reason why you’re the right choice. This “she didn’t support the Governor” rubbish isn’t going to have wings.
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