TakeMassActtion

2007-06-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

Constitutional Convention

June 14, 2007

The morning of the Constitutional Convention, the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry sponsored an Interfaith service followed by a march across Boston Common to the State House. Throughout the day, supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage demonstrated in front of the State House. There were rallies inside and outside the building after the vote to protect marriage equality.

Visit TakeMassAction.com for more information.

Click here to see pictures from the Constitutional Convention.

Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry Interfaith Service before the Constitutional Convention

RCFM Starts Marching to the State House

RCFM Marching Across Boston Common Being Welcomed by Pro-Equality Demonstrators at the State House

Singing on the Steps of the State House

Pro-Equality Demonstrators Outside the State House

Anti-Gay Marriage Protesters

This is What Equality Looks Like

Constitutional Conventions Begins - Time to Vote

Crowd Cheers as Senator Morrissey Votes No

Hundreds of Pro-Equality Supporters Erupt with Joy as the Vote is Announced and the Anti-gay Marriage Amendment is Defeated

Governor Deval Patrick Speaks After the Vote

House Speaker Sal DiMasi Speaks After the Vote

Governor Deval Patrick "Equality"

Pro-Equality Supporters Sing Star-Spangled Banner After Winning the Vote

Governor Deval Patrick Speaks at the Rally Outside the State House

Click here to see pictures from the Constitutional Convention.

2007-06-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

Constitutional Convention

June 14, 2007

There was a small vigil on the steps of the State House the night before the Constitutional Convention. In the morning, the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry led an Interfaith service followed by a march across Boston Common to the State House. Throughout the day, supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage demonstrated in front of the State House. There were rallies inside and outside the building after the vote to protect marriage equality.

Visit TakeMassAction.com for more information.

(Click on any photo to make it larger.)

Click here to see videos from the Constitutional Convention.

(Photos 47-53, 57, 65-67 credit: Merfy)

Click here to see videos from the Constitutional Convention.

2007-06-10T19:09:00.001-07:00

Dyke March 2007
Click on any photo to make it larger.
(Videos at the bottom)

2007-06-09T21:13:00.001-07:00

Boston Pride 2007
Click on any photo to make it larger.

2007-06-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

2007-05-21T09:38:00.001-07:00

2007-05-21T08:26:00.001-07:00

2007-05-21T07:24:00.001-07:00

2007-05-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

2007-02-28T12:31:00.000-08:00

Protest Pictures

2006-11-19T14:10:00.000-08:00

Protest against Mitt Romney's anti-gay rally.
Click on any photo to make it larger.
(Go here to watch the videos)

Richard boos Mitt Romney

Our State House was covered with bigots

MassResistance hates Romney too!

This guy is very angry that he lost

Amy "Miss MassResistance" and Brian Camenker

Kris Mineau, President of Mass Family Institute

Amy taking my picture

Brian taking my picture (they love me)

Brain Camenker of MassResistance

Marriage = one bathroom sign man + one bathroom sign woman

Vote on Civil Rights?

Mitt's last stand

Patriotic kiss

More signs

Love is....

Thank you Massachusetts!

Hey Mitt

Mirror

Let the people vote...on civil rights?

This woman is pissed at me because she can't vote on my rights

Rainbow flags!

Hatred is ugly!

(Go here to watch the videos)

Rally on Sunday

2006-10-11T13:49:00.001-07:00

The Family Research Council will be holding their gay bashing event, "Liberty Sunday" on October 15th at Tremont Temple. This event will include a national broadcast from Boston to homes all across America.

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, had this to say about Massachusetts:
"This is the source of the problem...this is the origin of the immediate threat of same-sex marriage to the nation.”

In the anti-gay promotion video for the event, Perkins and a few bay state conservatives take aim at the LGBT community. They don't just want to end same-sex marriage, they want to destroy our community and send us all back into the closet.

Mitt Romney's wife will be speaking at the event. She will be introducing a video featuring him and other local politicians talking about “how same-sex marriage and how the homosexual agenda has impacted religious liberties in Massachusetts and around the country”.

QueerToday is reporting that the LGBT community and allies will be holding a peaceful prayer vigil and rally across the street from the Tremont Temple "Liberty Sunday" event. Senator Jarrett Barrios will join local clergy, activists, and community members at the event.

Pray Vigil and Rally
6:30PM
Tremont Temple
88 Tremont Street
Boston

The event is being organized by the Religious Coalition for Freedom to Marry and the Arlington Street Church's Social Action Committee. There will be a few speakers to rally the crowd outside. Boston has a long history of standing up against oppression. We must continue that tradition by attending the rally this Sunday. Be there at 6:30pm and bring your friends. Let's show the radical right how we do it in Massachusetts.

Donate to Deval

2006-10-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

Donate to Deval’s campaign today using his “GLBT for Deval” page.
This way he knows that the money being donated is from the gay community. Deval supports our community; let's make sure he knows that our community supports him.

There is a reception for Deval hosted by friends and members of the LGBT community with an introduction by special guest speaker Congressman Barney Frank. Donate to Deval today and attend the event on October 12th.

Thank You

2006-09-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you for signing up to receive TakeMassAction Email Alerts!

Go back to our home page here.

Boston Area

2006-09-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

If you live in the Boston area and have transportation I encourage you to travel to one of the nearby campaigns listed here. Equal rights are worth a short drive. You can even enjoy that fall foliage during the 30 minute drive to protect LGBT equality.

If you live in the Boston area and do not have transportation I encourage you to visit MassEquality Headquarters. MassEquality is involved in campaigns for pro-equality candidates all across the state. Come in and help out.

MassEquality Headquaters:
11 Beacon Street
Suite 1125
Boston, MA 02108
617-878-2300

Central Massachusetts

2006-09-29T15:40:00.000-07:00

House - 37th Middlesex (Acton, Boxborough, Harvard, Lunenburg, Shirley)
James Eldridge (D) - incumbent
Kevin Hayes (R) - challenger
Campaign website: www.RepEldridge.com
Campaign phone number: 508-274-0055

James Eldridge has been an outspoken supporter of LGBT rights from his first day in office. He has been a leader in the movement for marriage equality. His opponent is already attacking him for his strong support of LGBT rights. Please contact the Eldridge campaign to find out what you can do to help James get re-elected.

House - 10th Worcester (Milford, Mendon, Hopedale)
John Fernandes (D)
Robert Burns (R)
Campaign website: www.JohnFernandes.org
Campaign phone number: 508-473-3063

This seat was represented by Marie Parente. She just lost in the Democratic primary to John Fernandes. Marie was a leading opponent of LGBT rights for 20 years. She has opposed basic civil rights for gays and lesbians, adoption rights, and marriage rights. Her loss is a huge gain for the gay community. Now we need to make sure that John Fernandes beats his Republican opponent in November. John has pledged to protect equal marriage rights for gay and lesbians. Please contact the Fernandes campaign to find out what you can do to help John get elected.

Cape Cod

2006-09-29T14:50:00.001-07:00

House - 1st Barnstable (Brewster, Dennis, Yarmouth)
Cleon Turner (D) - incumbent
Dick Neitz (R) - challenger
Campaign website: www.CleonTurner06.com
Campaign phone number: 508-362-1696

Cleon Turner is a true believer in equality for LGBT people. He has fought for LGBT issues in and out of office. Cleon is currently serving his first term at the State House. His opponent is the same man who ran against him two years ago. His opponent is very anti-gay and has compared having a relationship with someone of the same sex to having a relationship with "a cat or a dog". Please contact the Turner campaign to find out what you can do to help Cleon get re-elected.

House - 4th Barnstable (Chatham, Eastham, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet)
Sarah Peake (D)
Aaron Malloy (R)
Campaign website: www.SarahPeake.org
Campaign phone number: 508-487-5694

This seat was represented by Shirley Gomes, a Republican who is retiring this year. Shirley is an opponent of LGBT rights. Sarah Peake is a Selectman in Provincetown. She is an out lesbian. If elected, Sarah would fight hard for the LGBT community. Her opponent is also openly gay. Sadly though, he opposes equal rights for LGBT people. Please contact the Peake campaign to find out what you can do to help Sarah get elected.

Western Massachusetts

2006-09-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

House - 3rd Hampden (Agawam, Southwick, Russell, Granville, Springfield)
Rosemary Sandlin (D)
Robert Magovern (R)
Owen Broadhurst (J)
Campaign website: www.RoseSandlin.com
Campaign phone number: 413-786-7600

This seat was represented by Daniel Keenan, a Democrat who is retiring this year. Daniel was an outspoken opponent of LGBT rights. We need to make sure Rosemary Sandlin is elected in November. She would be an excellent legislator and friend to the gay community. After all, she has two gay sons. Her Republican opponent is against LGBT equality, and is praised by the anti-gay group MassResistance. Her green-rainbow party opponent is a champion of LGBT rights. He is openly gay and a strong supporter of equal marriage rights. Check out his website for more information. Please contact the Sandlin campaign to find out what you can do to help Rosemary get elected.

South of Boston

2006-09-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

House - 12th Bristol (New Bedford, Middleborough, Lakeville, Freetown)
Steve Canessa (D) - incumbent
Mark Howlend (U) - challenger
Campaign website: www.SteveCanessa.com
Campaign phone number:

Steve Canessa has only been in office for two years. He beat Mark Howlend in the Democratic primary two years ago. Now Mark is trying to get his seat back by running as an independent. Steve is in his early 20s and has been a strong supporter of equal marriage rights. Please contact the Canessa campaign to find out what you can do to help Steve get re-elected.

House - 7th Plymouth (Abington, East Bridgewater, Whitman)
Allen McCarthy (D)
Andrew Burbine (R)
Campaign website: www.AllenMcCarthy.com
Campaign phone number: 781-447-1004

This seat was represented by Kathy Teehan, a Democrat who is retiring this year. Kathy was a tireless advocate of LGBT rights. She has endorsed Allen McCathy to replace her. Allan has pledged to carry on Kathy's legacy of being a strong champion of LGBT rights. Please contact the McCarthy campaign to find out what you can do to help Allan get elected.

House - 1st Bristol (Foxborough, Mansfield, Norton)
Claire Naughton (D)
Jay Barrows (R)
Campaign website: www.ClaireNaughton.com
Campaign phone number: 508-339-9800

This seat was represented by Virginia Coppola, a Republican who is retiring this year. Virginia is an opponent of LGBT rights. She was elected after her husband died last year. Claire Naughton was a school teacher for 31 years. She is a staunch supporter of LGBT rights. She has this to say on her website: "Claire supports the ruling of the Supreme Judicial Court expanding marriage rights to all couples. Claire will oppose any effort to write discrimination into our State Constitution." Please contact the Naughton campaign to find out what you can do to help Claire get elected.

House - 4th Bristol (Rehoboth, Seekonk, Swansea)
Steve D'Amico (D)
Steve Howitt (R)
Campaign website: www.SDamico.com
Campaign phone number: 508-336-9192

This seat was represented by Phil Travis, a Democrat who is retiring this year. Phil Travis was the leader of the anti-gay rights movement in the legislature. Steve D'Amico supports LGBT equality in every way. It would be huge for him to take over this seat. His opponent has flip-flopped in the issue of same-sex marriage. At first he was for marriage equality, now he is against it. Please contact the D'Amico campaign to find out what you can do to help Steve get elected.

House - 10th Worcester (Milford, Mendon, Hopedale)
John Fernandes (D)
Robert Burns (R)
Campaign website: www.JohnFernandes.org
Campaign phone number: 508-473-3063

This seat was represented by Marie Parente. She just lost in the Democratic primary to John Fernandes. Marie was a leading opponent of LGBT rights for 20 years. She has opposed basic civil rights for gays and lesbians, adoption rights, and marriage rights. Her loss is a huge gain for the gay community. Now we need to make sure that John Fernandes beats his Republican opponent in November. John has pledged to protect equal marriage rights for gay and lesbians. Please contact the Fernandes campaign to find out what you can do to help John get elected.

North of Boston

2006-09-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

House - 18th Essex (Andover, Boxford, Haverhill)
Barbara L'Italien (D) - incumbent
Lawrence Brennan (R) - challenger
Campaign website: www.BarbaraLItalien.com
Campaign phone number: 978-409-1818

Barbara L'Italien is one of the most dedicated leaders we have in the campaign to protect LGBT rights in Massachusetts. She is an ally and a true friend to the LGBT community. Her opponent is attacking her for her outspoken support of LGBT issues. He calls her strong leadership in the fight for marriage equality a "disgrace". Barbara's opponent is getting very nasty in his attacks on her. An example of this is in addition to his own website, he also has a website at www.BeatBarb.com. Please contact the L'Italien campaign to find out what you can do to help Barbara get re-elected.

House - 37th Middlesex (Acton, Boxborough, Harvard, Lunenburg, Shirley)
James Eldridge (D) - incumbent
Kevin Hayes (R) - challenger
Campaign website: www.RepEldridge.com
Campaign phone number: 508-274-0055

James Eldridge has been an outspoken supporter of LGBT rights from his first day in office. He has been a leader in the movement for marriage equality. His opponent is already attacking him for his strong support of LGBT rights. Please contact the Eldridge campaign to find out what you can do to help James get re-elected.

2006 Campaigns

2006-09-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

South of Boston

North of Boston

Central Massachusetts

House - 10th Worcester (Milford, Mendon, Hopedale)
John Fernandes (D)
Robert Burns (R)
Campaign website: www.JohnFernandes.org
Campaign phone number: 508-473-3063

This seat was represented by Marie Parente. She just lost in the Democratic primary to John Fernandes. Marie was a leading opponent of LGBT rights for 20 years. She has opposed basic civil rights for gays and lesbians, adoption rights, and marriage rights. Her loss is a huge gain for the gay community. Now we need to make sure that John Fernandes beats his Republican opponent in November. John has pledged to protect equal marriage rights for gay and lesbians. Please contact the Fernandes campaign to find out what you can do to help John get elected.

Cape Cod

House - 4th Barnstable (Chatham, Eastham, Orleans, Provincetown, Truro, Wellfleet)
Sarah Peake (D)
Aaron Malloy (R)
Campaign website: www.SarahPeake.org
Campaign phone number: 508-487-5694

This seat was represented by Shirley Gomes, a Republican who is retiring this year. Shirley is an opponent of LGBT rights. Sarah Peake is a Selectman in Provincetown. She is an out lesbian. If elected, Sarah would fight hard for the LGBT community. Her opponent is also openly gay. Sadly though, he opposes equal rights for LGBT people. Please contact the Peake campaign to find out what you can do to help Sarah get elected.

Western Massachusetts

House - 3rd Hampden (Agawam, Southwick, Russell, Granville, Springfield)
Rosemary Sandlin (D)
Robert Magovern (R)
Owen Broadhurst (J)
Campaign website: www.RoseSandlin.com
Campaign phone number: 413-786-7600

This seat was represented by Daniel Keenan, a Democrat who is retiring this year. Daniel was an outspoken opponent of LGBT rights. We need to make sure Rosemary Sandlin is elected in November. She would be an excellent legislator and friend to the gay community. After all, she has two gay sons. Her Republican opponent is against LGBT equality, and is praised by the anti-gay group MassResistance. Her green-rainbow party opponent is a champion of LGBT rights. He is openly gay and a strong supporter of equal marriage rights. Check out his website for more information. Please contact the Sandlin campaign to find out what you can do to help Rosemary get elected.

Primary Election Results and Analysis

2006-09-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

This is my analysis of the primary elections. I have used the same format as the MassResistance election analysis to make it easy to compare. I am only analyzing the primary races here. (Green means they are pro-gay rights. Red means they are anti-gay rights.) The projected winners are who I thought would win. Under that is the actual winners.

INCUMBENTS challenged in primaries (14 races):
If the incumbent rep is good and they were re-elected I will call it a "save". If the incumbent rep is good and they lost to a bad candidate I will call it a "lost". If the incumbent rep is bad and they lost to a good candidate I will call it a "pick-up". If the incumbent rep is bad and they were re-elected I will call it as "no change".

House - 12th Essex (Peabody)
D - Joyce Spiliotis, 85 Gardner St., Peabody
D - Sean R. Fitzgerald, 6 Elaine Ave., Peabody
Projected Winner: Joyce Spiliotis - NO CHANGE
Actual Winner: Joyce Spiliotis - NO CHANGE

House - 5th Suffolk (Boston/Dorchester)
D - Marie St. Fleur, 45 Hartford St., Boston
D - Severiano Cruz, 38 Dacia St., Boston
D - Roy Owens, 6 Woodville St., Boston
Projected Winner: Marie St. Fleur - SAVE
Actual Winner: Marie St. Fleur - SAVE

House - 10th Worcester (Milford/Mendon/Hopedale)
D - Marie J. Parente, 13 Reagan Rd., Milford
D - John V. Fernandes, 320 Purchase St., Milford
Projected Winner: Marie Parente - NO CHANGE
Actual Winner: John Fernandes - PICK UP (This is HUGE! At first Fernandes said that he wanted to "let the people vote" on marriage. But he recently stated that he believes that same-sex couples deserve the right to marry and that he will vote against any amendment to the constitution that would deny those rights. Marie Perente has in office for 20 years. She has been one of the gay community's biggest opponents on every issue we have faced. The anti-gay groups must be crying over her lost!)

House - 12th Norfolk (Norwood/Walpole)
D - John H. Rogers, 194 Plantation Cir., Norwood
D - Leah C. O'Leary, 13 Devon Rd., Norwood
Projected Winner: John Rogers - SAVE
Actual Winner: John Rogers - SAVE

House - 11th Hampden (Springfield)
D - Benjamin Swan, 837 State St., Springfield
D - Larry Lawson, 484 Hancock St., Springfield
D - Norman W. Oliver, 377 St. James Ave., Springfield
Projected Winner: Ben Swan - SAVE
Actual Winner: Ben Swan - SAVE

House - 13th Bristol (New Bedford)
D - Antonio F.D. Cabral, 212 Maple St., New Bedford
D - Brian K. Gomes, 66 Clara St., New Bedford
Projected Winner: Antonio Cabral - SAVE
Actual Winner: Antonio Cabral - SAVE

House - 16th Worcester (Worcester)
D - John P. Fresolo, 25 Dolly Dr., Worcester
D - Melissa J. Murgo, 179 Delmont Ave., Worcester
Projected Winner: John Fresolo - NO CHANGE
Actual Winner: John Fresolo - NO CHANGE

House - 8th Worcester (Webster/Uxbridge/Dudly)
D - Paul Kujawski, 71 Klebart Ave., Webster
D - Mark G. Dowgiewicz, 16 Reid Smith Cove Rd., Webster
Projected Winner: Paul Kujawski - NO CHANGE
Actual Winner: Paul Kujawski - NO CHANGE

House - 9th Essex (Lynn/Saugus/Lynnfield)
D - Mark V. Falzone, 9 Broadway, Saugus
D - Sean P. Grant, 485 Central St., Saugus
Projected Winner: Mark Falzone - SAVE
Actual Winner: Mark Falzone - SAVE (Mark beat his opponent with 60% of the vote. MassResistance had sent out a mailing for the anti-gay challenger. But, once again, MassResistance has lost!)

House - 7th Bristol (Fall River)
D - Robert Correia, 1290 Plymouth Ave., Fall River
D - Kevin Aguiar, 48 Coral St., Fall River
D - John J. Rodrigues, 36 Lenox St., Fall River
Projected Winner: Robert Correia - NO CHANGE
Actual Winner: Robert Correia - NO CHANGE

House - 4th Berkshire (Pittsfield/Lenox)
D - William "Smitty" Pignatelli, 339 Housatonic St., Lenox
D - Patrick Long, 84 Alford Rd., Great Barrington
Projected Winner: William “Smitty” Pignatelli - SAVE
Actual Winner: William “Smitty” Pignatelli - SAVE

Senate - First Worcester (Worcester/Boylston/Holden)
D - Harriette L. Chandler, 97 Aylesbury Rd., Worcester
D - Deirdre Healy, 963 Pleasant St., Worcester
Projected Winner: Harriette Chandler - SAVE
Actual Winner: Harriette Chandler - SAVE

Senate - Fourth Middlesex (Arlington/Billerica/Burlington)
D - Robert A. Havern, III, 35 Bartlett Ave., Arlington
D - Joanna Gonsalves, 16 Lexington St., Woburn
Projected Winner: Robert Havern - SAVE
Actual Winner: Robert Havern - SAVE

Senate - Second Suffolk (Boston)
D - Dianne Wilkerson, Boston (write-in candidate)
D - Sonia Chang-Diaz, Boston (write-in candidate)
R and D - Samiyah Diaz, Boston (write-in candidate)
Projected Winner: Dianne Wilkerson - SAVE
Actual Winner: Dianne Wilkerson - SAVE

OPEN SEATS - Incumbents not running again (12 races):
This is where we really picked up some votes! I will mark the out-going reps as either red or green so you can see where we picked up votes. If the out-going rep is good and we elected a good candidate, I will call it a "save". If the out-going rep is good and we elected a bad candidate, I will call it a "lost". If the out-going rep is bad and we elected a good candidate to replace them, I will call it a "pick-up". If the out-going rep is bad and we elected another bad candidate, I will call it as "no change".

House - 15th Essex ( Methuen)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Arthur Broadhurst (D)
D - Linda Dean Campbell, 42 Sugar Pine Ln., Methuen
D - Edward F. Curran, 7 Cypress Ave., Methuen
D - Christopher DiBella, 4 Bumpy Ln., Methuen
D - Michael W. Hennessy, 9 Stevens St., Methuen
Projected Winner: Christopher DiBella - SAVE (Tough to call. I am hoping it is DiBella. My second guess would be Linda Dean Campbell)
Actual Winner: Linda Dean Campbell - LOST (This is a sad loss and very personal for me. I ran the DiBella GOTV campaign on election day. We got all of his votes out, but it just wasn't enough. We expected 4000 people to vote. Instead, there was record turnout in Methuen. 6000 people turned out to vote. We lost by 192 votes.)

House - 3rd Hampden (Agawam)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Daniel Keenan (D)
D - Carley R. Johnson, Jr., 135 Country Rd., Agawam
D - Joseph Mineo, 33 Maple Meadows Ln., Agawam
D - Rosemary Sandlin, 90 Granger Dr., Agawam
Projected Winner: Rosemary Sandlin - PICK-UP
Actual Winner: Rosemary Sandlin - PICK-UP

House - 28th Middlesex (Everett/Malden)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Ed Connolly - deceased (D)
D - Frank Nuzzo, Jr., 20 Evelyn Rd., Everett
D - Stephen Stat Smith, 53 Clarence St., Everett
D - Rosemary Miller (write-in candidate)
Projected Winner: Stat Smith - PICK-UP
Actual Winner: Stat Smith - PICK-UP

House - 6th Suffolk (Mattapan/Roxbury)
OUTGOING: Rep. Shirley Owens-Hicks (D)
D - Willie Mae Allen, 85 Deering Rd., Boston
D - William R. Celester, Sr., 115 Hazleton St., Boston
Projected Winner: I have no idea. They are both good on our issues. - PICK-UP
Actual Winner: Willie Mae Allen - PICK UP

House - 6th Worcester (Southbridge/Charlton/Spencer)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Mark Carron (D)
D - Geraldo Alicea, 13 Deer Run, Charlton
D - Patrick J. Driscoll, 35 Donnelly Rd., Spencer (openly gay)
D - Scott S. Lazo, 36 Ellis Rd., Southbridge
D - Joanne E. Powell, 15 Dodge Ln., Charlton
D - Karen A. Spiewak, 90 Osgood Rd., Charlton
Projected Winner: Joanne Powell - NO CHANGE (This one is very tough to call. I would love to see Pat Driscoll win, but his campaign is not very strong. I really hope that I am wrong about this one.)
Actual Winner: Geraldo Alicea - NO CHANGE (This was a surprise to me. Alicea has said that he wants the people to vote. But it is possible for us to change his vote. At least Powell didn't win. She was horrible. So this is not too bad)

House - 12th Hampden (Springfield/Wilbraham)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Gale Candaras (D)
D - Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., 44 South Shore Dr., Springfield
D - Jim Driscoll, East Longmeadow (write-in candidate)
Projected Winner: Angelo Puppolo - NO CHANGE (The write-in candidate does have a small chance here. If he turns his campaign around in the next two weeks we could see a pick-up. This is not likely though.)
Actual Winner: Angelo Puppolo - NO CHANGE

House - 3rd Worcester (Fitchburg)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Emile Goguen (D)
D - Stephen L. DiNatale, 150 Walton St., Fitchburg
D - David P. Leblanc, 30 Silver St., Fitchburg
D - Mary H. Whitney, 12 Pine St., Fitchburg
Projected Winner: Stephen DiNatale - PICK-UP
Actual Winner: Stephen DiNatale - PICK-UP

House - 1st Bristol (Foxborough/Mansfield/Norton)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Virginia Coppola (R)
D - Matthew J. Donovan, 101 M Chestnut St., Foxborough
D - Paul R. Feeney, 182 North St., Foxborough
D - Claire B. Naughton, 4 Everett Ln., Foxborough
Projected Winner: Clair Naughton - PICK UP
Actual Winner: Clair Naughton - PICK UP

House - 4th Barnstable (Cape Cod)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Shirley Gomes (R)
D - Ronald J. Bergstrom, 1347 Old Queen Anne Rd., Chatham
D - Raymond C. Gottwald, 38 Huckleberry Path, Harwich (openly gay)
D - Sarah K. Peake, 7 Center St., Provincetown (openly gay)
R - Andrew G. Buckley, 202 Lime Hill Rd., Chatham
R - Donald F. Howell, 14 Haskell Ln., Harwich
R - Aaron R. Maloy, 81A Finlay Rd., Orleans (openly gay)
Projected Winner in the Democratic Primary: Sarah Peake - PICK-UP
Projected Winner in the Republican Primary: Don Howell - PICK-UP (Howell is pro-equality and pro-choice. This race is very interesting. There are three openly gay candidates. However, one of the gay candidates is republican that is anti-gay, anti-equality and anti-choice.)
Actual Winner: Sarah Peake - PICK-UP
Actual Winner: Aaron Maloy - NO CHANGE (I am VERY surprised to see that Maloy won this race. He is openly gay and totally anti-gay. Now we will see the pro-gay lesbian Democrat face off against the openly gay anti-gay Republian. This is a crazy race! I am excited now though because I organize on Cape Cod and I will get to take down this gay-hating-gay. I am counting this one as a PICK-UP because Peake will beat Maloy in November.)

House - 4th Bristol (Rehoboth/Seekonk)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Philip Travis (D)
D - Nicholas D. Bernier, 494 Sharps Lot Rd., Swansea
D - Steven J. D'Amico, 81 Briarwood Dr., Seekonk
D - Robert A. Marquis, 298 Vinnicum Rd., Swansea
D - John W. Whelan, 15 Woodward Ave., Seekonk
Projected Winner: Steve D’Amico - PICK UP
Actual Winner: Steve D’Amico - PICK UP

Senate - Berkshire, Hampshire & Franklin (Pittsfield/North Adams)
OUTGOING: Sen. Andrea Nuciforo (D)
D - Benjamin Brackett Downing, 123 Pomeroy Ave., Pittsfield
D - Christopher Hodgkins, 100 Franklin St., Lee
D - Helen Sharron, 343 Huntington Rd., Worthington
D - Margaret Johnson Ware, 24 Moorland St., Williamstown
D - John T. Zelazo, 22 Summit Ave., Adams
Projected Winner: No matter who wins: - SAVE (I don't know anything about this race but I would like to see Christopher Hodgkins win.)
Actual Winner: Benjamin Brackett Downing - SAVE (This race was decided by just a couple hundred votes. I am very happy with the result. Benjamin will be great.)

Senate - First Hampden & Hampshire (Springfield/East Longmeadow)
OUT-GOING: Sen. Brian Lees (R)
D - Brian Michael Ashe, 107 Belleclaire Ave., Longmeadow
D - Rep. Gale D. Candaras, 643 Tinkham Rd., Wilbraham
D - Rosemarie Mazza-Moriarty, 95 Osborne Ter., Springfield
Projected Winner: Gale Candaras - LOSE (This is considered a lose because Candaras voted against us when she was in the House. However, we might be able to convince her to be with us in the future. Hopefully this will end up being a save.)
Actual Winner: Gale Candaras - LOST (Let's keep woring to bring Candaras over to our side.)

This is the result of the primary elections:

We SAVED 10 pro-equality incumbents
We saw NO CHANGE in 6 anti-equality seats
We PICKED-UP 8 pro-equality seats previously held by anti-equality reps (This is HUGE!)
We LOST 2 open-seats to an anti-equality candidates (who we might be able to switch!)

These numbers are only for the primary election. These could change after the general election.

This means that we have picked up 6 more votes to defeat the anti-gay constitutional amendement!

Pre-Primary Election Analysis

2006-09-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

This is my analysis of the primary races. I have used the same format as the MassResistance election analysis to make it easy to compare. I am only analyzing the primary races here. I will re-evaluate these races after the primary election. (Green means they are pro-gay rights. Red means they are anti-gay rights.) The projected winners are my own opinions and do not reflect the opinions of any organizations.

INCUMBENTS challenged in primaries (14 races):
If the incumbent rep is good and they are likely to be re-elected I will call it a "save". If the incumbent rep is good and they are likely to lose to a bad candidate I will call it a "lose". If the incumbent rep is bad and they are likely to lose to a good candidate I will call it a "pick-up". If the incumbent rep is bad and they are likely to be re-elected I will call it as "no change".

House - 12th Essex (Peabody)
D - Joyce Spiliotis, 85 Gardner St., Peabody
D - Sean R. Fitzgerald, 6 Elaine Ave., Peabody
Projected Winner: Joyce Spiliotis - NO CHANGE

House - 5th Suffolk (Boston/Dorchester)
D - Marie St. Fleur, 45 Hartford St., Boston
D - Severiano Cruz, 38 Dacia St., Boston
D - Roy Owens, 6 Woodville St., Boston
Projected Winner: Marie St. Fleur - SAVE

House - 10th Worcester (Milford/Mendon/Hopedale)
D - Marie J. Parente, 13 Reagan Rd., Milford
D - John V. Fernandes, 320 Purchase St., Milford
Projected Winner: Marie Parente - NO CHANGE

House - 12th Norfolk (Norwood/Walpole)
D - John H. Rogers, 194 Plantation Cir., Norwood
D - Leah C. O'Leary, 13 Devon Rd., Norwood
Projected Winner: John Rogers - SAVE (Even though Rogers now support marriage equality he is still not very queer friendly. I would love to see O'Leary win, but it just isn't going to happen.)

House - 11th Hampden (Springfield)
D - Benjamin Swan, 837 State St., Springfield
D - Larry Lawson, 484 Hancock St., Springfield
D - Norman W. Oliver, 377 St. James Ave., Springfield
Projected Winner: Ben Swan - SAVE

House - 13th Bristol (New Bedford)
D - Antonio F.D. Cabral, 212 Maple St., New Bedford
D - Brian K. Gomes, 66 Clara St., New Bedford
Projected Winner: Antonio Cabral - SAVE

House - 16th Worcester (Worcester)
D - John P. Fresolo, 25 Dolly Dr., Worcester
D - Melissa J. Murgo, 179 Delmont Ave., Worcester
Projected Winner: John Fresolo - NO CHANGE (I would love to be wrong about this one. If Melissa Murgo really works at it, she does have a chance here.)

House - 8th Worcester (Webster/Uxbridge/Dudly)
D - Paul Kujawski, 71 Klebart Ave., Webster
D - Mark G. Dowgiewicz, 16 Reid Smith Cove Rd., Webster
Projected Winner: Paul Kujawski - NO CHANGE

House - 9th Essex (Lynn/Saugus/Lynnfield)
D - Mark V. Falzone, 9 Broadway, Saugus
D - Sean P. Grant, 485 Central St., Saugus
Projected Winner: Mark Falzone - SAVE

House - 7th Bristol (Fall River)
D - Robert Correia, 1290 Plymouth Ave., Fall River
D - Kevin Aguiar, 48 Coral St., Fall River
D - John J. Rodrigues, 36 Lenox St., Fall River
Projected Winner: Robert Correia - NO CHANGE

House - 4th Berkshire (Pittsfield/Lenox)
D - William "Smitty" Pignatelli, 339 Housatonic St., Lenox
D - Patrick Long, 84 Alford Rd., Great Barrington
Projected Winner: William “Smitty” Pignatelli - SAVE

Senate - First Worcester (Worcester/Boylston/Holden)
D - Harriette L. Chandler, 97 Aylesbury Rd., Worcester
D - Deirdre Healy, 963 Pleasant St., Worcester
Projected Winner: Harriette Chandler - SAVE

Senate - Fourth Middlesex (Arlington/Billerica/Burlington)
D - Robert A. Havern, III, 35 Bartlett Ave., Arlington
D - Joanna Gonsalves, 16 Lexington St., Woburn
Projected Winner: Robert Havern - SAVE

Senate - Second Suffolk (Boston)
D - Dianne Wilkerson, Boston (write-in candidate)
D - Sonia Chang-Diaz, Boston (write-in candidate)
R and D - Samiyah Diaz, Boston (write-in candidate)
Projected Winner: Dianne Wilkerson - SAVE (This is a very interesting race. The incumbent, Dianne Wilkerson, did not collect enough signatures to get her name on the ballot. Her biggest opponent, Sonia Chang-Diaz, only decided to run for the seat when she saw that Wilkerson didn't get on the ballot. Therefore, all three candidates are waging sticker campaigns. To top it off, Samiyah is a Republican who already has her name on the Republican ballot. She is joining the other two candidates in the Democratic primary running a sticker campaign in hopes of getting her name in both the Republican and Democrat spot on the November ballot. Even though all cadidates are pro-equality, it is crucial that we protect Dianne as one of our greatest and most powerful allies in the State House.)

OPEN SEATS - Incumbents not running again (12 races):
This is where we can really pick up some votes. I will mark the out-going reps as either red or green so you can see where we have a chance up picking up votes. If the out-going rep is good and we will likely elect a good candidate, I will call it a "save". If the out-going rep is good and we will likely elect a bad candidate, I will call it a "lose". If the out-going rep is bad and we will likely elect a good candidate to replace them, I will call it a "pick-up". If the out-going rep is bad and we will likely elect another bad candidate, I will call it as "no change".

House - 15th Essex ( Methuen)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Arthur Broadhurst (D)
D - Linda Dean Campbell, 42 Sugar Pine Ln., Methuen
D - Edward F. Curran, 7 Cypress Ave., Methuen
D - Christopher DiBella, 4 Bumpy Ln., Methuen
D - Michael W. Hennessy, 9 Stevens St., Methuen
Projected Winner: Christopher DiBella - SAVE (Tough to call. I am hoping it is DiBella. My second guess would be Linda Dean Campbell)

House - 3rd Hampden (Agawam)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Daniel Keenan (D)
D - Carley R. Johnson, Jr., 135 Country Rd., Agawam
D - Joseph Mineo, 33 Maple Meadows Ln., Agawam
D - Rosemary Sandlin, 90 Granger Dr., Agawam
Projected Winner: Rosemary Sandlin - SAVE

House - 28th Middlesex (Everett/Malden)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Ed Connolly - deceased (D)
D - Frank Nuzzo, Jr., 20 Evelyn Rd., Everett
D - Stephen Stat Smith, 53 Clarence St., Everett
D - Rosemary Miller (write-in candidate)
Projected Winner: Stat Smith - PICK-UP

House - 6th Suffolk (Mattapan/Roxbury)
OUTGOING: Rep. Shirley Owens-Hicks (D)
D - Willie Mae Allen, 85 Deering Rd., Boston
D - William R. Celester, Sr., 115 Hazleton St., Boston
Projected Winner: I have no idea. They are both good on our issues. - PICK-UP

House - 6th Worcester (Southbridge/Charlton/Spencer)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Mark Carron (D)
D - Geraldo Alicea, 13 Deer Run, Charlton
D - Patrick J. Driscoll, 35 Donnelly Rd., Spencer (openly gay)
D - Scott S. Lazo, 36 Ellis Rd., Southbridge
D - Joanne E. Powell, 15 Dodge Ln., Charlton
D - Karen A. Spiewak, 90 Osgood Rd., Charlton
Projected Winner: Joanne Powell - NO CHANGE (This one is very tough to call. I would love to see Pat Driscoll win, but his campaign is not very strong. I really hope that I am wrong about this one.)

House - 12th Hampden (Springfield/Wilbraham)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Gale Candaras (D)
D - Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., 44 South Shore Dr., Springfield
D - Jim Driscoll, East Longmeadow (write-in candidate)
Projected Winner: Angelo Puppolo - NO CHANGE (The write-in candidate does have a small chance here. If he turns his campaign around in the next two weeks we could see a pick-up. This is not likely though.)

House - 3rd Worcester (Fitchburg)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Emile Goguen (D)
D - Stephen L. DiNatale, 150 Walton St., Fitchburg
D - David P. Leblanc, 30 Silver St., Fitchburg
D - Mary H. Whitney, 12 Pine St., Fitchburg
Projected Winner: Stephen DiNatale - PICK-UP

House - 1st Bristol (Foxboroug0h/Mansfield/Norton)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Virginia Coppola (R)
D - Matthew J. Donovan, 101 M Chestnut St., Foxborough
D - Paul R. Feeney, 182 North St., Foxborough
D - Claire B. Naughton, 4 Everett Ln., Foxborough
Projected Winner: Clair Naughton - PICK UP

House - 4th Barnstable (Cape Cod)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Shirley Gomes (R)
D - Ronald J. Bergstrom, 1347 Old Queen Anne Rd., Chatham
D - Raymond C. Gottwald, 38 Huckleberry Path, Harwich (openly gay)
D - Sarah K. Peake, 7 Center St., Provincetown (openly gay)
R - Andrew G. Buckley, 202 Lime Hill Rd., Chatham
R - Donald F. Howell, 14 Haskell Ln., Harwich
R - Aaron R. Maloy, 81A Finlay Rd., Orleans (openly gay)
Projected Winner in the Democratic Primary: Sarah Peake - PICK-UP
Projected Winner in the Republican Primary: Don Howell - PICK-UP (Howell is pro-equality and pro-choice. This race is very interesting. There are three openly gay candidates. However, one of the gay candidates is republican that is anti-gay, anti-equality and anti-choice.)

House - 4th Bristol (Rehoboth/Seekonk)
OUT-GOING: Rep. Philip Travis (D)
D - Nicholas D. Bernier, 494 Sharps Lot Rd., Swansea
D - Steven J. D'Amico, 81 Briarwood Dr., Seekonk
D - Robert A. Marquis, 298 Vinnicum Rd., Swansea
D - John W. Whelan, 15 Woodward Ave., Seekonk
Projected Winner: Steve D’Amico - PICK UP

Senate - Berkshire, Hampshire & Franklin (Pittsfield/North Adams)
OUTGOING: Sen. Andrea Nuciforo (D)
D - Benjamin Brackett Downing, 123 Pomeroy Ave., Pittsfield
D - Christopher Hodgkins, 100 Franklin St., Lee
D - Helen Sharron, 343 Huntington Rd., Worthington
D - Margaret Johnson Ware, 24 Moorland St., Williamstown
D - John T. Zelazo, 22 Summit Ave., Adams
Projected Winner: No matter who wins: - SAVE (I don't know anything about this race but I would like to see Christopher Hodgkins win.)

Senate - First Hampden & Hampshire (Springfield/East Longmeadow)
OUT-GOING: Sen. Brian Lees (R)
D - Brian Michael Ashe, 107 Belleclaire Ave., Longmeadow
D - Rep. Gale D. Candaras, 643 Tinkham Rd., Wilbraham
D - Rosemarie Mazza-Moriarty, 95 Osborne Ter., Springfield
Projected Winner: Gale Candaras - LOSE (This is considered a lose because Candaras voted against us when she was in the House. However, we might be able to convince her to be with us in the future. Hopefully this will end up being a save.)

The result of the primary races will look something like this:

We will SAVE 12 pro-equality incumbents
We will see NO CHANGE in 7 anti-equality seats
We will PICK-UP 6 pro-equality seats previously held by anti-equality reps (This is HUGE!)
We will likely LOSE 1 seat to an anti-equality legislator (who we might be able to switch!)

A few of the races listed above are too close to call, so I am making an educated guess. Of course the final numbers above are subject to change.

I will use this same page to evaluate the results of the primary election...so stay tuned!

The Homosexual Agenda:

2006-07-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

Roll Call

2006-07-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

This is the roll call for the final vote to override the governor's veto of the Commission for Gay and Lesbian Youth. Y = override governor's veto, N = sustain governor's veto, X = did not vote