Mass GOP/Dems clash over convention

WWLP TV

Updated: Aug 27, 2012 6:08 PM

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) — Political scientists say national conventions tend to give presidential candidates a 5 to 6-point bump in approval ratings.  So Republicans back at home hope the convention will boost former Governor Mitt Romney’s favorability, which has lagged in the high 30s to mid 40s throughout his campaign.

“I would hope that he would show himself to be a little bit warmer and attractive to those people who feel he has detractions because he can really be a terrific guy,” state Senator Richard Ross (R-Wrentham).  “And we need some drastic action, I really do believe to turn the economy around, get jobs going, job growth and the economy going.”

Meanwhile, opponents are responding to the GOP convention by demonstrating outside Senator Scott Brown’s headquarters in Boston.  Progressive advocates delivered a package challenging Romney to release his tax returns and Brown to admit how closely he votes with the Republican party.

“We’re here to remind Massachusetts that Republican Scott Brown has repeatedly made it clear that Mitt Romney is the person he trusts most on the economy and that we can all expect that he’ll be a rubber stamp for a Romney-Ryan administration,” said ProgressMass spokesperson Mathew Helman.

The Brown campaign had no comment on the demonstration but they are looking forward to the convention.

"It's always a proud moment for Massachusetts when one of its own is nominated for president of the United States, whether it's a Democrat or a Republican.  Senator Brown will be attending the convention with other members of the delegation," said Brown campaign spokesperson Colin Reed.

Massachusetts is sending a delegation of 80 Republicans to the national convention in Tampa, including about half a dozen delegates from western Massachusetts.

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