At a time when a properly trained and funded chimpanzee could defeat any member of the area legislative delegation it appears as though our "good ole boys" are safe and snug as a bug in their cushy and well heeled positions for as long as they like.

With visions of pay raises, transgender bathroom bills and support for providing sanctuary to illegal aliens still fresh in my mind I had the audacity to believe that the Massachusetts GOP was busy concocting a plan to vanquish these out of touch  Democrats from power.  It is not to be.  It seems the Republican party is content with it's miniscule presence on Beacon Hill and non-existence in D.C.

At a time when Trump mania has swept the nation and Republicans are turning back Democrat gains at every level of government, Massachusetts Republicans are content to sit it out.  State GOP Party Chair Kirsten Hughes tells me she is willing to talk with anyone looking to challenge an entrenched local Democrat, provided they call her.

There is no plan to educate the public about the historic differences between the two parties or to actively recruit candidates and grow the GOP's influence.  Hughes says she's been here once and is willing to return if asked.  Veteran area Republicans shrug it off and attribute it to a lack of local interest.  Meanwhile, their area representative is more interesting in playing in the woods at King Richard's Faire or on a Disney Cruise.

As for helping Geoff Diehl in his potential quest to upend the Democrat Goliath, Elizabeth Warren...don't hold your breath.  Seems ole Geoff pissed off RINO Governor Charlie Baker by heading Trump's Massachusetts campaign last Fall and since Kirsten does the Baker-Boogie don't expect her to direct much assistance Diehl's way.  She says the RNC might get involved "if the race gets close."

It's sad that for a brief moment I actually thought recent events might overtake history and the tide could wash away the status quo.  But, alas reality returns and there is no light at the end of this tunnel as the opposition party in the state retreats back into the black hole of lethargy.

Editor's Note: Barry Richard is the afternoon host on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from Noon-3pm. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

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