High Noon in Holyoke, Massachusetts
It’s been years since I was a candidate or worked on a campaign, but I know what they look like. I don’t recall seeing a Republican one in this part of the country that bore any resemblance to what Republican Senate candidate Scott Brown has created in Massachusetts. I stopped at his headquarters in down-on-its-luck Holyoke today. I thought I might have stumbled into a union phone bank by mistake.
Two dozen volunteers were on the phones. The reason politicians have to hire phone banks is that it’s easier to raise money that it is to get supporters to make phone calls, considered by even the most devoted activists to be the worst task in politics. Not in Holyoke. Two dozen volunteers were on the phones, others who showed up earlier had been trained, given lists, and sent home to call because the headquarters was full. Brown addressed more than 100 volunteers there early in the day. He went on to West Springfield, the volunteers took prime voter lists and hit doors in the Pioneer Valley towns along the Connecticut River.
Saturday brought busloads of volunteers from New York and New Jersey. The low-ceiling building is a political hive. They’ve distributed 3,000 lawn signs since Friday. Republicans are thin on the ground in this part of the Bay State.
Conor Maguire, the campaign’s Western Massachusetts regional coordinator, rarely leaves his desk near the doorway. He should keep a journal because there’s something in the air. It’s hard for any Republican to win any statewide race in Massachusetts, but I don’t recall this kind of enthusiasm for the successful Weld, Cellucci, and Romney campaigns.
Be mindful that anecdotes are just that. Here’s mine. A guy showed up at the headquarters to make a contribution and get a lawn sign. Martha Coakley volunteers had appeared at his Springfield home an hour before. That lit his fuse. He went online, got the address of the headquarters, and drove to Holyoke. He’d had enough. The guy couldn’t be a Republican because there aren’t any in Springfield.
The headquarters has been open for 4 weeks, which is one week more than Coakley’s devoted to the campaign against Brown. 
12 comments
Great post. Loved the anecdote. Go Brown Go !
When is the swearing-in of Senator Scott Brown?
I would like to come up to Massachusetts to stimulate its economy on that day.
I believe this is why my Old School Yellow Dog Democrat southern Grandad voted for Reagan. Some Carter dweeb showed up at his door, with some sort of mealy-mouthed schpiel….
I’m in Arizona, but people all over the country are watching and energized by this race. The nation is keeping its fingers crossed for Scott Brown!
When Scott wins hands down tomorrow, I have a question for Washington: ?
I’m in Arizona, but people all over the country are watching and energized by this race. The nation is keeping its fingers crossed for Scott Brown! When he wins, I have a question for Washington: Can you hear us NOW?
When Scott wins hands down tomorrow, I have a question for Washington: ?
somebody grab me a cell sample from Scott, so we can clone him: California could use a Senate candidate like him too.
Honestly, I’m just flabbergasted that the HQ building in Holyoke hasn’t been fire bombed yet by the “Tolerant and Compassionate” lefties of Massachusetts…
Kevin,
Kudos! I smile when I see thoughtful, clear reporting by a blogger. Kudos, and I’ll add you to my bloglist when I have time to catch up.
Personally, I hope Scott Brown walks away with the election.
– Oldhardhead
And its sweeping the nation
Gee, hard work DOES get you somewhere!
Go Scott Brown!!! Come on Massachusetts, don’t let the rest of our great country down. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Our hopes and prayers are with you. DO IT!!!
[…] the polls are all trending in Brown’s direction, the simple fact is a lot of voters do not pay attention to elections or make up their minds until […]
Great blog. Can Washington hear us NOW indeed! Let’s fire up our own state of CT ~ come November it’s time for OUR change.
Scott Brown is only the beginning! I want my country back!