I attended the Middlesex County Republican and had a couple observations. I have never gone to a political convention of any kind. The organization was a little iffy, with a supposed scheduling conflict with a school play in the auditorium early on but that was settled. The actual votes took far too long, testing everyone's patience. Being involved in the political process should not be such a hassle. In the future, the Republican Party of Middlesex should try to make the process more delegate-friendly. There were also sound and lighting issues, which I guess are not really big deal.
Speeches from Anna Little and Shannon Wright for the 6th Congressional District were strong. Unfortunately Republicans don't have much hope at defeating Pallone in the 6th. Diane Gooch was energetic in her speech but it was not very smooth. I Forget the other guy's name, he sounded like a quality guy but not a Congressman. Wright is a great speaker but I don't think she is qualified to be a Representative either. State Legislature would be a good place for her perhaps or maybe private sector for a while.
Sam Thompson's defense of Scott Sipprelle was inappropriate and a buzzkill. He sounded angry and bitter. He does not inspire much enthusiasm, only frustration. Scott Sipprelle and Mike Halfacre gave good speeches. Halfacre repeated himself on his record as Mayor but other than that he was strong. He paused for applause a bit too much. Sipprelle used his serious tone, with a steady buildup to a strong finish. He did not deliver a speech to get get loud applause. He had a message he wanted to deliver. He has more qualities of an executive/leader type, not a politician. A quality I highly value and would be a great change of pace against Holt. He also stated he would challenge Holt to a debate. If Holt refused (which he obviously would), Sipprelle promised to saturate the airwaves and TV with campaign ads.
Leonard Lance is unimpressive. His odd hand and arm motions, strange pitch changes, and smug look on his face after the speech was troublesome. He seemed to be manufacturing the enthusiasm and trying to illicit applause rather than actually say anything substantive. His vote for cap-and-trade was not addressed.
The master of ceremonies was a sleepy old man that did not seem aware of what was going on in the auditorium at times. In the future, The Republicans of Middlesex ought to pick a person with a bit more wit, energy, and voice for that role. Overall a fun time. An interesting process.
Sipprelle crushed Halfacre, which should probably lead to Halfacre's withdrawal from the race. He can't raise money, he can't campaign, and he clearly lacks grassroots support outside of his little town. Sipprelle won 10 of the 13 towns. Diane Gooch won the endorsement of the Convention, but Little took a small bite out of her dominance I think with her speech. Lance was endorsed again because his challenger did not show up, he sent an aide instead.
I think it was a good Convention overall. They have some things to work on thats for sure though. I am a supporter of Sipprelle so was glad to see the 220-134 ass-whooping he gave Halfacre. I hope Halfacre decides to withdraw gracefully rather than drag out a negative campaign for an election he cannot win. He seems better suited to the State Legislature or perhaps remain mayor of Fairhaven. He has a pretty good record there.
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