Bennett's Blog

Renee Sherwood looks to oust Cynthia Stead as top Cape GOP Woman.

Breaking News:  Hyannis-  The Cape Cod Times announced at 11:17 this morning that due to the election between Cynthia Stead and Sherwood, Stead will be stripped of her Bi-Weekly Column until after the February 5th, 2008 Showdown.  According to a phone message from Bill Mills, member of the Cape Cod Times Editorial Board, to ensure fairness and objectivity, Stead will be discontinued as a "stringer writer" until after the GOP State Committee Election.  

Peter Porcupine may come acroper of another female pol 

On February 5th, 2008, the GOP voters of the Cape and Islands will go to the polls and vote to decide who they want as their GOP State Committee Woman.  This year voters will decide whether they support embattled GOP operative and current incumbent Cynthia Stead of Dennis, or the Vice President of the Cape Cod Republican Club, Renee Sherwood of Barnstable.  Let's look at the tale of the tapes: 

The incumbant Cynthia Stead (she insisted we not use her campaign sie photo so we used file photo on right) is a long-time Cape Cod GOP operative who had at one time worked for both former Cape Cod State Representatives Tom George and Shirley Gomes as their legislative aide.  She was first elected State Committeewoman in 2004.  However in this upcoming February 5th 2008 Presidential Primary,  Stead faces the fight of her political life. 

Breaking GOP's 11th Commandment 

Ever since becoming State Committeewoman, Stead has been marred with controversy.   Among criticisms of Stead, former supporters accuse her of divisiveness, polarization, being disingenuous, and nastiness among fellow Republicans.  Among the many criticisms that Stead has received heat for has been her use of the pseudonym "Peter Porcupine" to author unfair and scandalous charges against her opponents all over the internet and the world of "blogging."

Stead made it her mission to reveal to the public Maloy's personal business which enabled a "whisper campaign" to begin which defeated his candidacy.As Peter Porcupine, Stead has repeatedly ripped apart fellow Republicans for political gain.  Additionally, Stead is accused of abusing her power as a columnist for the Cape Cod Times.  Whether the allegations of him were true or not,  Stead is also credited with destroying any hope that the GOP could keep Shirley Gomes seat when Stead outed fellow GOP State Representative nominee Aaron Maloy's sexual preference in her column in the Cape Cod Times immediately following his September 19th 2006 Primary victory.  Instead of discussing the issues behind his candidacy, Stead made it her mission to reveal to the public Maloy's personal business which enabled a "whisper campaign" to begin which defeated his candidacy.

It is also a violation of a journalism ethic to allow a political candidate to write a column for the "newspaper of record" in any area. 

Sherwood instead because Stead is dead

The movement to oust Stead is very strong and her former supporters have declared mutiny against her.  Of those supporting her opponent include both of Stead's former bosses: Representatives Tom George and Shirley Gomes who both believe that Stead's "reign of terror" has been detrimental to the development of the GOP on Cape Cod. 

Also, Stead's own Town GOP committee in Dennis is supporting her opponent.  The following is a list of local Cape Cod GOP Heavyweights who look to oust Stead and have signed on in support for Renee Sherwood on February 5th, 2008:

• Representative Thomas George, (Ret.)
• Representative Shirley Gomes, (Ret.)
• Robert Dwyer, State Committee, (Ret.)
• Will Crocker, Former Candidate, State Rep.
• Joe Bunce, Vice Chair & Former Chairman Dennis Town Committee
• Robert Chamberlain, Chairman Dennis Town Committee
• Carol Mitchell, Former Chair Dennis Town Committee
• Richard W. Neitz, NEITZ Real Estate
• Mallory Hatfield, M.D.
• Judy Crocker

The next State Committeewoman for Cape Cod 

Other than serving as the Vice President of the largest GOP organization on the Cape and Island's , Renee Sherwood (on right) has been heavily involved in many other ways.  She has served on the following boards:

• Eagle Scout Board of Review (mother of three Eagle Scouts)
• Board of directors, Cape Cod Council of Boy Scouts of America
• Board of directors, Cape & Islands Chapter of American Red Cross
• Vice President, Cape Cod Republican Club
• Publicity chairman, Barnstable Republican Town Committee
• Board of Directors, West Barnstable Civic Association
• Volunteer with Cape Cod Healthcare
• Barnstable Public Schools Education Foundation
  

This contest for the top GOP woman's position for the Cape and Islands will be a blockbuster match-up on February 5th, 2008.   It will be on this date, when the Cape and Island's GOP voters decide whether politically, "Stead is dead" by electing Sherwood, or whether she will be forgiven for her deeds of public mistrust and deception.

For more information on Renee Sherwood's campaign click on this link.
For infomation regarding Cynthia Stead or Peter Porcupine click on this link.
For Aaron Maloy's election day blast at Stead, click on this link.
For Mass Resistence's outing of Stead/Porcupine, click this link.
For MediaNation and another outing, click this link.
For the outing by Massachusetts Liberals, click this link.

27 comments »

Bennett addresses College Student Activists

Press Release: This past Veteran's Day, Massachusetts Politician and former Nantucket Selectman and County Commissioner Doug Bennett addressed College students from across Massachusetts gathered at Boston University for "The Race to 2008," an activist training seminar put together by the Massachusetts College Democrats and College Republicans to get their campuses active and energized about the social and political issues from now until November 2008.  "The Race to 2008" took place last weekend in Boston from November 10th and 11th. Among the impressive array of speakers included Arshad Hasan, the Executive Director for Democracy for America, Elie Wiesel, the Nobel Laureate and Holocaust Survivor, and U.S. Senator John Kerry. Prior to the conference, Kerry said, "Americans have a right and responsibility to speak up, speak out, and get involved in our own democracy.  From the fight over the war in Vietnam, to the civil rights movement, to the environmental movement, again and again, students have been the first to take a stand and in doing so write history of our country." Senator Kerry spoke during the opening remarks, Bennett who was a late addition to the group of speakers spoke during the closing remarks. Bennett said, "Franklin Delano Roosevelt said in 1933, "There is nothing to fear, but fear itself."  I say that this is true today.  It's time for a new generation to step up and that generation is us, the September 11th Generation.  As our parents dealt with the Assassination of President Kennedy, and our grandparents had World War II, our generation witnessed the world change on September 11th, 2001."  Bennett later urged the students that the way that for this change to come about the "September 11th Generation" must begin "1. Running for political office, and 2. Recruit new voters."

The following is Bennett's Veteran's Day Address at "Race to 2008."

Franklin Delano Roosevelt said in 1933, "There is nothing to fear, but fear itself."  I say that this is true today.  It's time for a new generation to step up and that generation is us, the September 11^th Generation.  As our parents dealt with the Assassination of President Kennedy, and our grandparents had World War II, our generation witnessed the world change on September 11^th, 2001.

 

This event has made our generation see that along with the fact that our parents, the baby boomers who are retiring, that people our age have begun to feel the pains of our economic reality.  Our education costs are skyrocketing, rent no matter where you live in Massachusetts is soaring, and additionally, it is tough to find good paying jobs to match our abilities.  Internationally, we have World War taking place all across the globe, and it is our generation whose blood spills on the deserts of Iraq and on the mountain summits in Afghanistan.

This is why I ask all of you to take charge of our government, whether it's locally, throughout our commonwealth, or even nationally...We, the September 11^th Generation need to: 1. Run for Office, and 2. Recruit more people from our generation to vote.

In the November 6^th, Boston elections only 13.5% of the voters came to the polls in New England's biggest city.  Very few people between ages 18-40 voted.  This is an amazing statistic for the fact that 1 out of every 3 Boston Residents is between 18-30 years old.

However, we can change this and for our generation to begin taking charge of our government, I again say that we must run for office and we must recruit new voters so that issues that our important to us can be addressed whether its: 1. War and Peace on this Planet, 2. the Environment, 3. Jobs, 4. Equal Rights for All, and 5.Affordabilty in Massachusetts.

So I conclude like Winston Churchill by saying: "Come, then, lets us go forward together, with our united strength!"  

Leave a comment »

Nantucket Film Fest on YouTube

This past June 2007, Doug Bennett and Surfside Productuions owner Scott Capizzo shot and produced Nantucket Film Fest:The Movie. During the 12 Annual island festival, Bennett and Capizzo featured and interviewed some of Hollywood's major stars and media giants from NBC Ceo and President Bob Wright andNBC Evening Anchor Brian Williams, Academy Award Winning Director Robert Benton, Legendary Comedian Ann Meara, Martha's Vineyard's own Peter Farrelly who is famous for directing and producing blockbuster comedy hits like Something about Mary, Dumb and Dumber, and Stuck on You.  These are just a few of the stars that appear in this island film. So please click on the following link to watch part 1 of the Nantucket Film Fest Movie: http://youtube.com/watch?v=jaEXszMJA4A and then part 2 to watch the conclusion: http://youtube.com/watch?v=gpW7WMMRNfs

2 comments »

Watch Part 2 of the Chris Matthew's Interview

Bennett does Matthews - Part 2
Who will be America's next President?

Last week you watched part 1 of the interview of Chris Mathews of MSNBC's Hardball when he sat down with Massachusetts politician and Former Selectman and County Commissioner Doug Bennett to discuss National politics, the 2008 Presidential Race, and Nantucket.

This week watch the conclusion of their interview where Chris Matthews gives his opinion about what the Democrats and Republicans look for in a leader and who Matthews predicrs will be our next President.

Click on the video screen on right or the link for PART 2 of the interview.

1 comment »

Bennett throws hardballs at Chris Matthews: Part 1

Bennett interviews the "Hardball man" on Nantucket TV 

Chris Mathews of MSNBC's Hardball sat down with Massachusetts politician and Former Selectman and County Commissioner Doug Bennett for a two part 20 minute interview about National politics, the 2008 Presidential Race, and Nantucket.

Click on the video screen on right or the link here to watch PART 1 of the interview.

Part 2 of the interview will be broadcasted here on CapeCodToday next Sunday October 21st:

3 comments »

Bennett emerging as a leading activist for MassGOP

Former Nantucket Selectman and County Commissioner seen emerging as a central player for the Massachusetts Republicans.

NANTUCKET- Over the past 6 months, Doug Bennett has emerged as one of the top leaders for Massachusetts' opposition minority party, the Republicans.

Bennett, who managed Westwood GOP candidate Doug Obey in an effort which successfully defeated former Kennedy intern and former Tom Reilly Chief of Staff Stephen Billifer in the 11th Norfolk state Representative election this past May 15th, 2007, is seen to be emerging into a central role for the Massachusetts Republican Party.

Since leaving office this past April, Bennett has now served as a campaign manager for the GOP in two special elections, has helped reorganize the Boston City Republicans over the last several months and also the Nantucket Republican Town Committee this past August 21st at Kitty Murtagh's.  Most recently, Bennett was unanimously elected as the 3rd highest ranking official of the Massachusetts Federation of Young Republicans on September 29th.  Bennett will serve as Secretary of State for the organization until Spring 2009 with the duty of marketing and branding the Young Republicans state-wide.

Bennett served as Selectman and County Commissioner for Nantucket from April 2004-April 2007.  For more information contact 774-236-1453.

2 comments »

SSA should be regulated by Islanders not the State

Island Shipping News
Patrick flip-flops on SSA regs

As a former selectman and county commissioner for Nantucket, I am coming out on record that state Rep. Matt Patrick is wrong for pushing for legislation that would put the Steamship Authority under jurisdiction of the state's Executive Office of Transportation.

Mr. Patrick is flip-flopping on original legislation he supported that exempted the Steamship Authority from EOT jurisdiction in 2004. If his new legislation passes on Beacon Hill, then the people of the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket will lose control over the statutory regulatory body that has allowed us islanders control over our commerce with the mainland. We must not allow state government to take our rightful powers.

Rep. Patrick's district is not even affected by the Steamship Authority. He should instead worry about his own constituents and allow the islanders to govern ourselves.

16 comments »

What our local politicos are doing on the 4th of July...

According to Karen Jeffrey's author of the Cape Cod Times's Political Notes:

And how will you be spending your Fourth of July? Here's a sampling from our local politicos:

I'll be at the Nantucket Rotary — ah, it seems like only yesterday he was at Cape rotaries — waving to visitors and holding up a sign urging membership in the Republican Party. Bennett will spend this week knocking on the doors of the island's nearly 1,000 registered Republicans urging recommitment and reorganization of the local branch of the party.

Sen. Edward Kennedy - planning to spend the Fourth sailing, then visiting with children and grandchildren.

Sen. John Kerry will be out on the water, check out the fireworks, eat some clams, grill for the family, and generally be lazy.

State Rep. Matthew Patrick will march in the Bourne parade.

Mark Forest, aide to U.S. Rep. William Delahunt, said his boss was recipient of numerous parade invitations. The congressman had quite a full dance card last week with a series of committee and subcommittee hearings..

1st published 07/02/07, CCT here.

Leave a comment »

Nantucket Film Festival Begins Tomorrow

Jimmy Smits and me 

Local pol Doug Bennett is seen here with Jimmy Smits at last year's festival.Beginning tomorrow June 13th, and running through Sunday June 17th, Nantucket will host the 12th Annual Independent Film Festival. This year's festival opens with "Evening,"  a romantic drama starring Glenn Close, Vanessa Redgrave, and Meryl Streep. Oscar winning Screenwriter/ Director/ and Producer Robert Benton whose repertoire includes "Kramer Vs. Kramer," "Superman," and "Bonnie and Clyde," will be honored by NBC with the 2007 NBC Universal Screenwriter's Tribute at the Festival.

Many famous Hollywood actors are set to appear on the island this weekend. Local Nantucket Blogger/Pol Doug Bennett will be interviewing all your favorite stars. For more information on the film festival keep checking for updates on Bennett's Blog.

1 comment »

Bennett leads GOP to victory in 1st Round

Running and politicing 

Only one day after running the Boston Marathon with his Fiance,  former Selectman Doug Bennett, the Campaign Director of Westwood Republican Doug Obey (both shown on right), led his candidate to a big victory in the April 17th GOP Primary for the 11th Norfolk Representative seat.  Obey won with 67% of the vote over Republican State Committeeman and Dedham Finance Committee member William McKinney in a big upset. 

Obey goes on to face two Dedham opponents in the general election on May 15th: 1. Democrat Stephen Bilifer: former chief of staff of Former Attorney General Tom Reilly; and 2. Independent Paul McMurtry, a popular Dedham businessman who has publicly stated that he will caucus with the Democrats if elected.   

According to Bennett, "The Massachusetts GOP has a great opportunity to begin turning our fortunes around.  We (the Obey Campaign) have launched a massive grassroots door to door operation, and I'm going to do everything I possibly can to lead us to victory." 

2 comments »