He’ll Come When the Little People Deserve Him
Sometimes, when assessing the political field based on available information, a commentator rightly worries that he presumes too much. And sometimes the politicians are quick to add evidence that he does not. For example, in the midst of early bantering in the RIGOP primary for the first-district Congressional race, over early support for John Loughlin among local Republican groups, we get this from Brendan Doherty spokesman Dante Bellini:
Bellini said he saw no value in getting into “attack mode” this early. Bottom line, he said: “The colonel wants an opportunity to personally engage with these people and make a formal presentation to them, not a chitchat about coming to a fundraiser or a quick hello at a sparsely attended Republican get-together.”
One gets the impression that Mr. Doherty isn’t but so concerned with winning support among actual Republicans — at least those who might be said to be active. Even “sparsely attended” events present a good opportunity to persuade your ostensible base that you’re sincere, and not just looking for an easy route to a prominent job. Those few attendees tend to be the most active members of their parties (often elected officials) and proceed to spread out across the state and do such things as write letters and talk to the media.
This is a tricky slope for any Republican candidate. David Cicillini managed to beat John Loughlin,whose Republican friends didn’t help him enough to win the election, even against a vulnerable opponent.
You have to win the popularity contest before you can show exactly who you are and what you believe in.
The people here in question like to act like they’re important, but they don’t like to do much work. They don’t like to spend lots of time campaigning. They’re lazy.
They’re self-righteous, and self-important–legends in their own minds. How do I know? Because you guys never win elections.
The individuals supporting John Loughlin are the grass roots supporters. The ones who put up the signs, provide help at events and sign waves, and do most all of the campaign leg work. They are the ones who get Republican candidates elected in their cities and town They are supporting John because they have been given no reason to change and are fully aware of what John Loughlin stands for. David Cicilline won only because he lied about everything. He lied about Providence and he lied to our seniors. The individuals supporting Doherty are big money democrats who also supported Caprio and oh by the way, donated to Cicilline. Follow the money…
Rasputen you remind me of a certain woman from nothern Rhode Island who trashed the Republican party the entire time she was running for office as a Republican. This person continually pointed out that Republicans never win elections, yet won with the support of hard working Republicans. Your trail of negative comments are obvious as they are all statements that have come out of your mouth before. It is clear you have no loyalty to anyone and would throw anyone under a bus no matter who they were, even if they supported you! As for the first comment, David Cicilline wasn’t really vulnerable then, he is now, which is the only reason Doherty is in this race. ROOKIES
While John Loughlin is in Iraq defending our country, his supporters are here defending his honor. John Loughlin is the best man for the job.
This is an important seat for Rhode Island. We need someone with courage and conviction to make the decisions necessary to move forward. John Loughlin is a guy I trust to make those decisions. As of now, Brandon Doherty hasn’t shown me that strength yet. That’s why the Republicans of this state are behind John.
Rasputen..sounds like a hater, a hater of the military, a hater of the Republican Party, perhaps Rasputen only knows one way,and that is to hate.Wonder how many people hate Rasputen in his/hers immediate circle? Live by hate and Fall by hate.
I have been to 2 different events that Doherty spoke at, and at both all I have heard is talk about police work and Julio the truck driver from India. The same stories both times and nothing about a congressional run. In fact the second time I heard Doherty speak he used the same story and stated the individual was from Pakistan. So which is India or Pakistan? A couple of simple questions were asked and he clearly could not answer them. Mr. Doherty if you want to stand there and look good and be addressed by mindless voters you should be running as a Democrat. All you have done is open my eyes to the scam being perpetuated on the Republican party. You are as much a Republican as I am a police officer.
I constantly hear Moderates/Liberals, who hide as conservatives say; we must not get into “attack mode” this early, while they and their supporters do, and we must be bipartisan, and work together. Let me explain Bipartisanship to you. Bipartisanship is just like liberalism; it’s the most gutless choice you can make. What’s tough is standing on and for your principles, as John Loughlin has done, when he and they are under assault. That’s what’s hard. That’s what’s challenging. Bipartisanship is easy. You simply compromise part of what you believe to go along with people who want to destroy you and say, “Look at me. I can get along with the other side, John McCain, I could do that 25 times a day. We all could. That doesn’t take any effort, just like it doesn’t take any effort to be liberal.
Doherty!!!! LOL He’s a magician, now you see him now you don’t. Shows up at meetings and then disappears when the questions get tough! Talks Police talk, that’s all he knows and he is boring to listen to! Ever see his followers and supporters OMG!!!!!!! Republican sell outs! This guy is a Democrat and so are his Republican Sell out!!!!
While John Loughlin is fighting in Iraq, I am proud to stand behind him at home, anxiously awaiting his return. He earned my vote last election and has not veered from his values. Why would I desert him for the new kid on the block? With all due respect to Mr. Doherty, I find it questionable to run against a man of John Loughlin’s character when Mr. Doherty is clearly not ready to go to congress. It would be commendable of Mr. Doherty to graciously bow out of the race and fully support John Loughlin.
While John Loughlin is fighting in Iraq, I am proud to stand behind him at home, anxiously awaiting his return. He earned my vote last election and has not veered from his values. Why would I desert him for the new kid on the block? With all due respect to Mr. Doherty, I find it questionable to run against a man of John Loughlin’s character when Mr. Doherty is clearly not ready to go to congress. It would be commendable of Mr. Doherty to graciously bow out of the race and fully support John Loughlin.
While John Loughlin is fighting in Iraq, I am proud to stand behind him at home, anxiously awaiting his return. He earned my vote last election and has not veered from his values. Why would I desert him for the new kid on the block? With all due respect to Mr. Doherty, I find it questionable to run against a man of John Loughlin’s character when Mr. Doherty is clearly not ready to go to congress. It would be commendable of Mr. Doherty to graciously bow out of the race and fully support John Loughlin.
Sounds like John Loughlin has an active group of supporters waiting his return! Just wondering, is he “fighting” or working in Iraq?
@Michael…I’m sure it’s a vacation!!
What does it matter if he’s holding a gun or training troops? He’s serving our country!!!!! Show some respect!!!!
Desperate Doherty LOL all that money and no place to go! Hey Desperate Doherty advice, get out now while a few of us still respect you for being a good cop!
I have the utmost respect for people working and fighting in Iraq. I don’t have much tolerance for the Guy’s and Jack’s and Felix’s and Frankly Bold’s and Melissa’s and Tony V Middletown’s and Jayne’s who come out of the woodwork and fill a post with pro “their candidate” propaganda, true or not.
If you want to be taken seriously, show up now and then, not just when it suits your cause, or candidate.
Oh look, somebody from the Loughlin campaign figured out that this blog doesn’t require registration. Laying it on a little thick for your candidate, don’t you think? Two or three fake comments would have been sufficient.
If there is any room here to comment on the original posting by Justin Katz, I would like to point out that you have made a very astute observation. It seems the entire Doherty strategy is to raise a large amount of money and assume Loughlin will just throw in the towel when he returns. Doherty has had months to discuss issues, and approach Republicans and he has done little of both. I am happy to be part of a large group of Loughlin volunteers that have joined together to support John while he is in Iraq.
As a Proud supporter of John Loughlin, I am always reminded what loyalty is when I attend the Volunteer meetings with a large group which overfills the room of dedicated workers. I can’t thank them enough for their friendship and glad to call them my friends.
Those few attendees are, in fact, the grass roots of the party, the group that are Republicans because of a philosophy of conservatism, not just republicans-come-lately out of curiosity or, worse yet, looking for a job. It would serve Doherty well to have a solid consistent message and then share it with the grass roots to see if this is what they want in a congressman!
John Loughlin has asked me for my support. I understand Mr. Doherty has called several city and town chairs to ask for their support. My phone has yet to ring.
Smithfield is a good town for the GOP. Loughlin, Robitaille and Taylor all won here. Waillin and 2 GA races were within 5 points. We took 4 of 5 town council seats and have 2 of 5 on the School Committee. You would think Republican congressional candidates would reach out to us.
Only 1 has.
Phil Hirons, Jr.
Chair
Smithfield Republican Town Committee
WTF!!! Is this a pep rally?
Dan and Michael:
You guys both nailed it. First, when did John Loughlin join Seal Team Six? Look, it’s great that he’s willing to go over there and it sure isn’t the safest place in the world, but let’s cut the Captain America garbage will ya? Ever think maybe he’s doing the whole seven month tour to help fire up his base?
As for the other point, Loughlin seems to have an army of trolls that post the same crap on every site. Melissa . . . get a new line. We get you’re not a police officer.
I have lost a little respect for the Loughlin camp. Obviously, an email went out today telling people about Justin’s post and asked for support for Loughlin. Really? Is that what we’re at already? And those of you who are Republicans and ripping Doherty should be ashamed of yourselves. You are exactly what it wrong with the RI Republican party and what pushes people away.
I find it very funny that we’re talking about people not ready for Congress yet Michelle Bachmann and Rand Paul are there with no concept of macroeconomics or how laws get made.
You might want to go to the first two postings where the insults clearly started against Loughlin. You may also wish to read the insults ripping his military service as well. We have seen the same statements on other blogs and we are well aware who is behind them. What you are witnessing is called candidate support and loyalty for someone who has carried to water in this party for a long time. Yes support for a candidate you also once supported. The only individuals who should be ashamed of themselves are the few individuals who supported Loughlin in the past and bailed on him when he left for Iraq. To me that is not what the Republican Party stands for. Yes, the same John Loughlin that supported you. So just quit the higher and mightier than thou bull.
How in the world do you consider the first comment an insult? And where did anybody rip anybodies military service?
If I were to judge Mr. Loughlin by what is going on here, it would not be a favorable decision.
Of course, being a bit of a conspiracy theorist, I’m starting to think that this must be a counter insurgency perpetrated by the Doherty camp. Loughlin’s people cannot be this dumb.
“You may also wish to read the insults ripping his military service as well. We have seen the same statements on other blogs and we are well aware who is behind them.”
Ooh! A conspiracy.
Wow!, I guess there is nothing like bashing someone’s military record on VJ Day! Typical Liberal Doherty camp stuff!
This thread is a sorry display. The Loughlin staffers (or more likely, “staffer”) spamming up this thread with inane “military service” comments are an absolute disgrace. Alternatively, if this is a Doherty campaign trick, then he sure is quick to turn things dirty, and he may very well be the smartest politician in Rhode Island.
If you want to keep track Jack, negative and/or insulting posts:
Loughlin-0 Doherty-11
That includes the multiple posts by the morons that have never used this blog before and were unaware of the delay.
What you are seeing is a large group of Loughlin supporters, of which many have placed their real names supporting their candidate based on the Justin Katz blog and his particular comments. Interwoven are comments from a couple of Doherty supporters working to discredit anything posted in support of Loughlin. It’s really a shame.
I don’t trust people who bash the Military, being in the Army myself, I am offended by the Doherty camps foolishness on this thread! Have you nothing better to do? Don’t you fools have a job? I have been pushed in one direction with all of this and that is that I will now support Loughlin, are you happy with yourselves now? What A Joke! Babies!
Doherty QUIT NOW!
While I have the utmost respect for Mr. Doherty’s impeccable record as a public safety officer, & I’ve no doubt he is an upstanding and honorable citizen, my decision to offer my full support for John Loughlin is an easy one. Mr Loughlin has a PROVEN track record as a businessman, a soldier, and an outstanding member of his community. He has already served effectively and strongly as a legislator on Smith Hill. He has built and run a successful PRIVATE enterprise, creating REAL jobs(as compared to governemnt ones!). His constitutional & conservative stands on the issues are unambiguous, clear, and impossible to misunderstand, and his knowledge of those issues is complete and insightful. His integrity & sense of personal honor are unmatched. He has demonstrated his ability to generate broad-based & strong grassroots support, as evidenced by his efforts in 2010’s Congressional campaign. Despite an overwhelming disadvantage in money & resources, plus an opponent with the morality & integrity of a viper, Mr. Loughlin came within 6 points of winning his election. He is the obvious choice to represent the voters of CD1, & indeed ALL of Rhode Island(since his votes on the House floor will benefit the entire state).
Would Justin please just confirm what we already know already – that most or all of these “John Loughlin supporters” are really a single person spamming campaign talking points under different aliases?
I don’t what kind of comedy show this thread is. Here you have probably the most vulnerable Democratic House incumbent in the country (who would’ve been beaten last November by a Schneider/Machtley-type Republican), and you all seem bent on blowing it. Right now, I don’t see the side that loses the GOP House primary supporting the winner next November. It’s like watching the closer deliberately trying to blow a 10-run lead in the ninth inning.
It takes a united GOP to win in a state where it’s the minority party. I feel like I’m watching another bizarre act of self-destruction.
I think some folks in this thread are being a bit puritanical in their approach to politics. There’s nothing wrong with people coming out and saying they support candidate X over Y. The real problem is with people who would prefer a choice be made behind closed doors, without public or grass-root input, and then expect the rank and file of the party to simply fall into line.
Dan,
As much as it pains me to have to inform you that you don’t know what you are talking about, a great many of the people posting in this thread under first and last names are real, verifiable people.
You fools are trying to put my comments as a one person only post! Holy Jesus, really? My gosh, you really are losers! I moved to this State 10 years ago only to see it fall apart and your kind are behind that breakage! So all you have is a Flawed Speaker, void of any substance and you want to blame the “Loughlen Camp” for these comments, pitiful!
First of all, your name is “turd.” Think on that a moment and how it reflects on the person you are supporting.
Second of all, I’m not responsible for anything in Rhode Island. I was born in Rhode Island and as soon as I was old enough, I left to get a proper education. I came back to find a crumbling, corrupt, high-tax, nepotistic, jobless, unionized, progressive dystopia, with no credible opposition or hope of ever changing, so I left to find a better state that wasn’t completely screwed. All you are to the GA is the sum of your tax dollars – they don’t care if you wail and moan, they just want your money. The sooner you leave RI and deny them that, the sooner you’ll stop enabling those parasites.
Third, perhaps all of these newcomers truly are independent supporters of John Loughlin, but I hope for your candidate’s sake they are not, because you look like a bunch of borderline-illiterate, android lemmings cooing together over some guy’s military service. As many have already noted, it’s not a very flattering presentation.
“So all you have is a Flawed Speaker, void of any substance and you want to blame the “Loughlen Camp” for these comments, pitiful!”
Flawed Speaker? If you want to avoid sounding like a pompous ass, you could start by learning how to spell John Loughlin’s name. Now tell us who is void of substance.
Andrew, you’re correct in that there is nothing wrong with supporting your candidate. That’s the way it should be. Mike Puyana put it perfectly. No disrespect to Doherty but he sang the praises with valid points about Loughlin. That’s perfect. I get irritated when Republicans bash Republicans. Reagan’s 11th Commandment, anyone? Then again, many Republicans now weren’t Republicans then, so they may not be aware of it.
And I agree with bella. We need more people who put it out there like Mike Puyana. Let both candidates tell us where they stand on the issues, let them show their plans and then we pick the better candidate to get elected to the House. Then we can tear into Cicilline and his lies. Supporters of Loughlin or Doherty, don’t tear into the other candidate and be negative. One of them is going to win the primary and the last thing you want as a Republican is a severely wounded candidate taking on Cicilline who will simply jump on all the same points that were brought up to tear down the eventual Republican primary winner.
So keep it together, remember that you’re all on the same team and it’s Cicilline who deserves the venom.
We all need to support BRENDAN DOHERTY, he is as of now our best hope for the betterment of our State! He will and can help to bring our State and nation back from the edge.
OK this John Loughlin is quite the guy, but if he could not find a way to defeat the likes of a David Cicillini before, there is no logical reason on God’s-Green-Earth that we should think he could do so now! Loughlin is far more likely to do the same inadequate job that eared him his last loss on this second time around.
We can not continually elect glib tough, butter-would-not-melt-in-their-mouth types. These extreme libertines such as former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Rep. Cicillini & Sen. Whitehouse if re-elected would only perpetuate the present situation. Aren’t you getting tiered of all this, I know that I am.
Therefore, lets go with a proven,achiever! Let go with Brendan Doherty!!!!
Agreed Jeff
Another mailing list heard from…
Here we go again. Moving on…
Thank goodness I left RI. Look at the state of “the resistance.” Lost cause doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Doughboy is fried!
Looks like Napolitano is getting his love buddies involved here! Ha!