The Senate began debating expanded gaming legislation on Monday.

Michael S. Gordon/The RepublicanMassachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick greets people at the Big E last week.

In his monthly radio interview on WTKK in Boston, Gov. Deval Patrick defended the process by which state leadership crafted the expanded gambling legislation that the Senate will debate later today.

The Senate began debating the measure, which would allow for three resort-style casinos — including one in Western Mass. — and a single slot parlor, on Monday. The Republican's Dan Ring has more »

Patrick rejected the notion that the presence of more casinos in New England would exacerbate gambling addiction problems in the Commonwealth.

"I think it’s an overstatement to say we are creating a problem and then funding a solution," Patrick said, noting that there are already casinos within an hour's drive of many Massachusetts towns. He also deflected criticism that the measure, which was ultimately defeated last year but speedily passed the House this year in a modified form, was not studied closely enough.

"I think it’s impossible to claim that an issue that’s been debated for five years, nine or more independent studies, hours of hearings, that it hasn’t been thoroughly vetted," Patrick said. "I think the fundamental issue that some have is over whether we should expand gaming. That’s a serious question and I think it’s getting a serious debate in the Legislature."

Opponents have long said that expanded gambling has not been studied thoroughly enough in Massachusetts, but have struggled to make their case against the well-funded pro-casino movement in the state.

"In the long term, the bill will only create more economic turbulence, more problems for families, and more new addiction than our state can afford," said Alison Digman, a member off the state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, during a protest of the bill earlier this month.

The Boston Globe reports that debate on the legislation could continue for as long as a week in the Senate, where there is more opposition to the measure.

Material from the State House News Service was used in this post

Centers in Shelburne Falls and Williamstown will remain open until further notice.

GREAT BARRINGTON - The Disaster Recovery Center at the Housatonic Community Center, 1064 Main St., set up in wake of Tropical Storm Irene, will close permanently at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

Two other centers, Green River Elementary School, 62 Meridian St., in Greenfield and the Pittsfield Public Library at 1 Wendell Ave., will close permanently on Oct. 1.

Irene dropped more than 10 inches of rain on an already saturated Western Massachusetts Aug. 27 and 28. The deluge pushed rivers over their banks causing serious damage, particularly in Berkshire and Franklin counties and hilltowns of Hampshire and Hampden counties.

After Saturday, applicants may go to either of the centers that continue to operate, Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice. They are: the Mohawk Trail Regional High School Finance Building, 26 Ashfield Road, in Shelburne Falls and the Developers Finance Building, 430 Main St. in Williamstown.

Representatives from FEMA, MEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies are available at these centers to explain disaster assistance programs. Anyone receiving a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan application can meet with a representative for answers to their questions and help filling out the loan application.

Applicants needing answers to their questions also may call FEMA’s toll-free helpline, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Individuals with a speech or hearing disability may call TTY 1-800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Help is also available 24 hours a day online at www.disasterassistance.gov or a using mobile device and going to m.fema.gov.

Federal disaster assistance can include grants for rental assistance and home repairs, low-interest disaster loans from the SBA to cover property losses and other programs to help recover from the effects of Irene.

A woman showed up at Mercy Medical Center for treatment of a gunshot wound to the arm around 10 p.m. Saturday, claiming she was shot during a celebrity boxing match at a downtown Springfield strip club. Police are investigating the matter.

AP file photoA woman claims she was shot during 'Octomom' Nadya Suleman's celebrity boxing match this past weekend at Springfield's Mardi Gras strip club. Police are investigating the incident, though they have expressed some skepticism about the injured woman's story.

SPRINGFIELD -- A woman claims she was shot in the arm while watching Nadya "Octomom" Suleman duke it out in a celebrity boxing match at the Mardi Gras strip club Saturday night, but city police have expressed skepticism about the woman's story.

Springfield Police Sgt. John M. Delaney said he could "verify that she was a victim," but he could not confirm whether she was shot inside or outside the Taylor Street nightclub.

"(Detectives) are getting video from the (club's) parking lot to see if they can verify if she was even there," Delaney said. "It remains under investigation."

Authorities said the woman showed up for treatment at Mercy Medical Center around 10 p.m. Saturday, but she apparently never called police or told anyone at the strip club that she had been shot.

Delaney said he found it unusual that the woman, whom police declined to identify, failed to alert officers stationed outside the club during the boxing event.

A person claiming to be a friend of the injured woman stated in a MassLive post that the shooting occurred during Saturday's celebrity boxing match featuring Suleman. The poster expressed concern that The Republican/MassLive had not reported on the incident, and in a later post agreed to ask the injured woman if she wanted to tell her story to a reporter. As of late Tuesday morning, however, neither the poster or the injured woman had contacted the newspaper.

Suleman gained widespread notoriety after giving birth to octuplets in 2009. The California mother came under fire because she was unemployed and already had a half-dozen children at the time of the octuplets' birth.

Management at the Mardi Gras did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. The Taylor Street club was the scene of January 2009 killing.

Celebrity boxing promoter Damon Feldman, in an August interview with The Republican, said he was flooded with emails from prospective opponents after announcing that Suleman would be the featured fighter at the Mardi Gras event.

“I got about 1,400 emails," Feldman said.

A portion of the event's proceeds were expected to help benefit ongoing tornado-relief efforts in Springfield, according to Feldman.

U.S. Postal Service abandoned its longstanding rule that stamps cannot feature people who are still alive and is asking the public for suggestions.

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Who would you put on a stamp? Charlie Sheen? Lady Gaga? Yourself?

Hoping to boost sagging revenue, the U.S. Postal Service on Monday abandoned its longstanding rule that stamps cannot feature people who are still alive and is asking the public for suggestions.

It's a first that means living sports stars, writers, artists and other prominent — or not-so-prominent — people could take their places in postal history next to the likes of George Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., and Marilyn Monroe.

"This change will enable us to pay tribute to individuals for their achievements while they are still alive to enjoy the honor," said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe.

But it seems to be at least as much about money as admiration.

For years, the post office has been facing severe financial problems due to the growing use of email. A burst of interest in stamp design and collecting — which the Postal Service is seeking to promote partly through social media — could bring in new dollars, since stamps that are collected rather than used for postage provide added revenue.

Poking fun at the Postal Service's money woes, Comedian Stephen Colbert has been pushing to become the first living person depicted on a government-issued stamp. His Comedy Central website proposes a "Farewell to Postage" stamp with a photo of him holding up a smartphone that shows an email telling the Postal Service "See Ya!"

Judging by initial public reaction in interviews Monday, Colbert faces competition.

Cyndi Scarlett, 54, of Alexandria, Va., who works in humanitarian development, touted her choice of Apple Inc. founder Steve Jobs to be the first living person on a stamp. Walking by a post office in downtown Washington, D.C., she cited his company's role in reshaping everyday life, from the ubiquitous Macintosh and iPod to the iPad.

"He has changed the face of technology in America," Scarlett said.

Elizabeth Saunders, 38, a former educator who lives in Washington, said she believe first lady Michelle Obama deserves the honor, pointing to her efforts in combating childhood obesity. Saunders said she was impressed when she recently saw the first lady on the TV show, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," building a house for a military family.

"She's just not afraid to get her hands dirty," Saunders said.

But Justin Pierce, a 29-year-old consultant from Arlington, Va., had a TV personality in mind for the first stamp: actor Charlie Sheen, who was fired from the show "Two and a Half Men" last season. "He's an American icon," Pierce said.

Other suggestions included evangelist Billy Graham, President Barack Obama, Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, actress Tyra Banks and Paralympic athlete Bonnie St. John.

Janice Myles, a paralegal from Washington, said her pick would be someone who epitomizes the everyday American — herself. "I'm spiritual, I have no criminal record. My only downfall is that I don't speak different languages. I don't judge people; I look at the facts," she said.

Since Jan. 1, 2007, the Postal Service has required that a person be deceased five years before appearing on a stamp. Before that, the rule was 10 years. Still, former presidents were remembered on stamps in the year following their deaths by tradition. And, more recently, people have been able to upload photos and design their own stamps for personal use through the U.S. mail.

The post office is inviting suggestions for new stamps through Facebook, Twitter, a Postal Service website and by mail to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, c/o Stamp Development, Room 3300, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20260-3501.

The advisory committee already receives as many as 40,000 suggestions for new stamps each year and culls them to about 50 finalists, which are sent to the postmaster general for a final decision.

People can view upcoming stamps on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, through Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website beyondtheperf.com/2012-preview. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service's online site for upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.

She has said she will not run for the office next year when the six-year term is on the ballot.

Patricia A. Plaza

BOSTON - Secretary of State William F. Galvin Tuesday appointed Patricia A. Plaza of Westhampton as Hampshire Register of Deeds to fill the unexpired term of Register Marianne L. Donohue, whose retirement is effective on Friday.

Plaza has been assistant Register of Deeds for the past 22 years.

She has said she will not run for the office next year when the six-year term is on the ballot.

Her term is due to end on Jan.4, 2013.

One of the victims had to be extricated from her car with the Jaws of Life

9-27-11 Springfield Firefighters work to free the driver of a Nissan Altima in front of 633 Liberty St . Springfield Fire Department photo by Dennis Leger

SPRINGFIELD – A two-car accident in the Liberty Heights neighborhood Tuesday morning sent three to the hospital, including a woman who had to be extricated from her car by firefighters with the Jaws of Life.

Fire Department spokesman Dennis G. Leger said the accident occurred shortly after 8:45 a.m. near 633 Liberty St.

Additional information was not immediately available.

The Massachusetts Association of Realtors reported that sales were up more than 17 percent, while median prices dropped about 4 percent to $315,000.

Associated Press photoThis Sept. 19, 2011 photo, shows a home with a for sale sign in front, in Newton, Mass. The number of Americans who bought previously occupied homes rose in August. But sales were driven by an increase in foreclosures, evidence the housing market remains weak. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

BOSTON – Sales of single-family homes in Massachusetts are on the rise as prices continue to fall.

The Massachusetts Association of Realtors reported Monday that sales were up more than 17 percent in August when compared to the year-ago month, while median prices dropped about 4 percent to $315,000. The organization’s president says sales are being driven by affordable prices and low interest rates.

The Boston-based Warren Group, a publisher of financial data, said sales were up 15 percent last month when compared to August 2010, while median prices fell just over 3 percent. The organization cautioned that August 2010 was the slowest August in two decades.

It was the second straight month for increased year-over-year sales.

Both groups reported an increase in condominium sales.

The organizations use slightly different calculation methods.

The warrants were obtained in 2010 for indecent assaults allegedly committed on three girls, police said.

Emiliano Santiago

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield detectives arrested a 42-year-old city man Tuesday morning on outstanding warrants for indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

Sgt. John M. Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said the warrants were obtained in 2010 from indecent assaults that the suspect allegedly committed on three girls.

The suspect, Emiliano Santiago, 42, of 12 Oakhurst St., was charged on ten counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. He was arrested about 6:30 a.m. by detectives Robert Bohl and Mike Goggin of the warrant apprehension unit.

The rebuilding effort is scheduled Oct. 1-5, targeting 25 homes in Springfield.

Photo by Michael S. Gordon / The RepublicanDelores Culp's home at 30 Amanda St. in Springfield is one of 25 tornado=-damaged properties that will be repaired by the local chapter of Rebuilding Together, beginning Oct. 1.

SPRINGFIELD – The local chapter of Rebuilding Together expects to have approximately 1,000 volunteers ready with their “hammers, nails and sweat,” beginning Saturday, to help with repairs and cleanup of 25 homes damaged in the June 1 tornadoes.

Representatives of the nonprofit organization, along with some of the volunteers and affected homeowners, and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno gathered at City Hall Monday, to announce details of the rebuilding effort that will target the houses and yards over a five day period, Saturday, Oct. 1, through Wednesday, Oct. 5.

Homeowners Annie Johnson of 412 Eastern Ave., and Delores Culp, of 30 Amanda St., said they are excited and thankful to be among residents who will benefit from the rebuilding effort.

Both of their homes were seriously damaged in the tornadoes, and the volunteers bring welcome help to their recovery, they said. Both have contractors and insurance, but volunteers will be doing some of the work.

“I feel great,” Johnson said. “This is a blessing for me.”

“I don’t know how to thank everyone who has been so helpful to me,” Culp said. “I just thank the Lord.”

Colleen Loveless, executive director of Rebuilding Together, said the tornadoes “left a devastating impact on so many people in Springfield.”

“Our goal is to help relieve some of the burden people face when home repairs fall outside insurance coverage or carries a high, unaffordable deductible,” Loveless said.

The organization provides repairs to the homes of low-income people including families with children, the elderly, military veterans and the disabled, with a goal of transforming neighborhoods.

The work will range from cleaning up yards to interior and exterior repairs to homes, Loveless said.

The upcoming “Funnel Your Energy for Rebuilding Together” effort in Springfield will include volunteers and donations from local and regional businesses. TD Bank and Hampden Bank are among the contributors to the volunteer effort, and TD Bank anticipates having 100 volunteers itself from around Massachusetts.

“We’re very excited,” said Louise Trottier, senior vice-president of TD Bank.

Thomas R. Burton, chief executive officer of Hampden Bank, said the bank provided a $100,000 donation the day after the tornado for relief efforts. At Monday’s press conference, the bank presented a new check for $10,000 to assist with the Rebuilding Together project.

Selectman George Archible said ramps at the skate park have been rebuilt.

File photo by Don Treeger / The RepublicanCasey A. Brown, who was 13 when this picture was taken, catches some air at the refurbished Belchertown Skate Park behind the police station in 2006. Selectmen recently voted to reopen the park after repairs were made.

BELCHERTOWN – The Board of Selectmen has expressed satisfaction that the skate park has been cleaned and made safe enough so it has been reopened after being closed for most of the summer.

“They did a wonderful job,” Selectman George D. Archible said. “They cleaned the place up, and they rebuilt all the ramps.”

Archible was referring to the youths who use the skate park behind the police station and to some of their parents, who constitute the Skate Park Committee.

The Board of Selectmen voted in May to close the skate park and as late as August it appeared that it would stay closed for the season and possibly for good.

In May, Town Administrator Gary L. Brougham reported observing benches at the park broken, ramps and jumps in bad repair and trash at the park.

Building Inspector Paul Adzima said in May it should be closed because of safety reasons.

Archible, who serves as the liaison between the Board of Selectmen and those who use the skate park, inspected it periodically and reported in July and then again in August that it was not fit to be reopened.

Given the lack of improvement between May and August, some selectmen raised questions about whether the park would reopen at all this season.

Unlike other parks in town, the skate park is not under the jurisdiction of the Recreation Department.

It was built in 2002 with $40,000 in private donations and the responsibility for maintaining it lies with the Skate Park Committee, an organization with a membership that has mostly been made up of parents of the youths who use the park.

Archible said the park was recently inspected again by Adzima who gave his blessing to allowing it to be reopened.

“I am very happy to see the place opened up,” Archible said, adding that he expects that those using the facility will keep it clean for the remainder of the season.

“I think the kids know they are being watched. They went without it all summer,” Archible said.

The selectmen have advised members of the Skate Park Committee to make contact with the Recreation Department and to seek funding for maintenance for future years.

Watch the complete extended interview with Ron Paul.

AP Photo/PictureGroupHost Jon Stewart and Republican presidential candidate, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, appear on set during Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2011 in New York City, in this photo released by PictureGroup.

Appearing on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) spoke about his candidacy for president and the relatively small amount of media attention his campaign has garnered despite a wide-ranging and passionate base of support.

In the 2011 Ames Straw Poll, a traditional campaign bellweather, Paul placed 2nd to Michele Bachmann with less than 1 percentage point separating the two. Yet he is rarely included in discussion of potential front-runners.

Explaining why he thinks the campaign doesn't receive the media attention of other candidates, Paul said:

"I think it's two things: I think one is, some people don't want to hear the message because it's a threat to them, because I'm a threat to the establishment. Some, though, they just flat-out don't understand what freedom is all about. They don't understand how the market works, and they don't care about monetary policy, and they think that we have to continue to fight wars. They don't understand the message, and I think that's the main reason why they are intimidated by me having a presence on the stage."

Watch the complete extended interview with Ron Paul below.

Part 1: "I think we very well could be, and most likely are, on the verge of an explosion of interest in this country."

Part 2: "I fear the war on drugs a lot more than I fear the drugs themselves. And I think drugs are horrible."

Part 3: "I think the environment would be better protected by strict property rights.... All you have to say is, 'You have no right to pollute your neighbor's property -- water, air or anything.'"

No injuries were reported in the blaze, reported late Tuesday morning, at 125 Granger St.

Republican file photo

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Arson & Bomb Squad continues to probe the cause of a kitchen fire that caused some $30,000 to $40,000 in damage to a Sixteen Acres home late Tuesday morning.

Fire Department spokesman Dennis G. Leger said the blaze at 12 Granger St. was reported at about 11:15 a.m.

Leger said nobody was home at the ranch-style home at the time of the blaze. It appears, however, that four people were living there. Neighbors did not know who the residents were, Leger said.

Firefighters rescued two pit bulls from the cellar. Leger said the blaze appears to have started near the stove.

City assessor records state the home is owned by Westfield resident John J. Sullivan. The property is assessed at $126,400.

Gulfstream is expected to announce whether it will expand in Westfield next week.

WESTFIELD - Local property tax incentives offered to Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. for expansion of corporate jet services and maintenance at Barnes Regional Airport were approved Tuesday by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development.

Also approved Tuesday were incentives aimed at attracting Seal Ryt, an Easthampton manufacturing firm, to Westfield and Armbrook Senior Living LLC which is planning a 107 unit complex for senior and assisted living at 551 North Rd.

Mayor Daniel M. Knapik, joined by other city officials at the state meeting, announced the approval. Gov. Deval L. Patrick has scheduled a formal announcement on the incentive package for Oct. 7. Gulfstream's announcement on whether it will expand in Westfield is expected next week.

Knapik credited the state's decision with helping the city pave the way for each of the three companies to expand and establish business operations in the city.

"The favorable vote is for three very good projects that hit the economic sweet spot for our city," said Knapik.

As for Gulfstream, which is also consiering airports in Wisconsin and Georgia for creations of a $20 million 100,000 square-foot service hangar, Knapik said "Westfield is awaiting their decision. But, this region not only offers Gulfstream a superior airport top operate from but a good pool of both apprentice as well as well-trained labor pool to draw from."

Ira P. Berman, senior vice president for administration and Gulfstream's general counsel, told the City Council last week a decision on Westfield will be made "shortly" after state approval of the incentive package.

Gulfstream owns property adjacent to Barnes Airport and has operated here for at least the past 10 years.

Gulfstream's expansion here will include a 50-year lease of about 11 acres of airport property for the maintenance and service hangar. The company will pay the airport an average of about $54,000 annually for the lease. The Airport Commission and City Council has also approved lease extensions for another 50 years.

Tax incentives will save the company an estimated $4.2 million over its first 15 years of operation and the city will receive an estimated $4 million in property taxes over the same period of time. At the end of the 15 years, taxes on the new hangar will be ab out $550,000 annually.

The city will also gain other revenue from the hangar operation, such as increased landing fees and fuel purchases at the airport.

Five-year tax incentives were approved for Seal Ryt and Armbrook projects.

Obituaries from The Republican today.

Alma E. Howlett

BRIMFIELD - Alma E. (Gouvin) Howlett, 93, of Holland Rd. passed away Sunday at home. She was born December 16, 1917 in Bondsville to the late Albert and Mary (Marcy) Gouvin. She worked in the Brimfield Elementary School cafeteria as a manager for 28 years while also working at the former Woodbine Country Store.

Obituaries from The Republican:

• Christmas, Mary Dorothy
  




• 
  Cohen, Florence
  



• 
  Denoncourt, Roland E.




• 
  Diaz, Ana Elba
  



• 
  Goodrich, Jacqueline C. (Hegarty)
  




• Howlett, Alma E. (Gouvin)
  




• 
  Michael, Julius S. "Mickey"
  



• 
  Moreau, Pearl A. (Trudell)




• 
  Morin, George A.
  



• 
  Pogoda, Stephen
  




• Rivers, Beatrice M. "Bea" (Allard)
  




• 
  Rossini, Orlando
  



• 
  Rufo, Loretta M. (Smith)




• 
  Stebbins, Nathan Thomas
  

The suspect, arrested at his home early Tuesday, used the bank's drive-up window, police said.

Republican file photo

Hampden Police DepartmentDean Christian

MONSON – A 46-year-old man, suspected of robbing the Monson Savings Bank in Hampden at gunpoint Monday night - via the drive-up window - was arrested at his home here early Tuesday.

The robbery at the Somers Road branch was reported about 6:45 p.m. A suspect at the drive-up window showed a small black handgun and demanded and received money, according to a release issued by Hampden police.

Shortly after reviewing surveillance footage, Hampden police and bank staff were able to identify a suspect. Hampden police, along with a state police detective, followed up on the lead and located the suspect’s car at the suspect’s home on 202 Silver St.

Hampden Police Chief Jeff Farnsworth told WWLP that the parked car had a handgun left on its front seat.

Dean Christian, of 202 Silver St., was arrested outside his home shortly after midnight. He was charged with armed robbery while masked, assault with a dangerous weapon and larceny over $250, police said.

Christian denied the charges at his arraignment Tuesday in Palmer District Court. He was ordered held in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or a $250,000 personal surety. He is due back in court for a pre-trial conference on Oct. 24.

Here are links to some of the most recent press releases issued by candidates in Western Massachusetts.

Click on the following links below to read some of the latest press releases from candidates in Western Massachusetts:

• Springfield Ward 8 City Council candidate Orlando Ramos calls for landlord registration ordinance


• Springfield City Councilor John Lysak establishes re-election campaign office in Indian Orchard


• Joseph Fountain, candidate for Springfield City Council, chastises New North Citizens Council


• Jonathan Tetherly, candidate for Chicopee School Committee, releases positions on budget, physical education and others


• Mayoral candidate Gregory Neffinger determined to put West Springfield residents back to work


• Chicopee Mayoral candidate Gary Lefebvre opposes casinos for his city

Baye was previously charged with nearly 40 crimes in connection with a rash of fires two years ago.

Anthony P. Baye

NORTHAMPTON - In a court proceeding that lasted only a minute, Anthony P. Baye pleaded innocent to six new felony charges.

Baye, 26, was previously charges with nearly 40 crimes in connection with a rash of fires on Dec. 27, 2009. The Northwesternm District Attorney's office recently brought six additional felony charges of lying to a police officer. The language relating to those charges technically comes under the heading of intimidating a witness.

Baye waived his appearance and was not in court for the arraignment.

Defense lawyers David P. Hoose and Thomas Lesser and proesecutor Brett Vottero agreed to personal recognizance, a technicality, since Baye is being held without right to bail on the other charges.

However, Hoose and Lesser quickly returned to court and asked Judge Daniel A. Ford to set bail at $100 on the new charges. By holding Baye on bail, he would get credit for time served for the new felony charges in the event that he is acquitted of the other charges.

Axelrod said the president would ultimately win re-election, in part because of the flawed field of Republican candidates.

Associated Pressn this June 21, 2011 file photo, David Axelrod speaks in Chicago. Axelrod, President Barack Obama's chief political adviser on Tuesday conceded that a dark cloud looms over the American economy and Obama's political future, describing the president's road to a second term in the White House as "a Titanic struggle."

MANCHESTER, N.H. — President Barack Obama's chief political adviser on Tuesday conceded that a dark cloud looms over the American economy and Obama's political future, describing the president's road to a second term in the White House as "a titanic struggle."

"We have the wind in our face because the American people have the wind in their faces," David Axelrod told an audience of New Hampshire politicians and business leaders. "So this is going to be a titanic struggle. But I firmly believe we're on the right side of the struggle."

But even as he acknowledged the stark political reality, Axelrod said the president would ultimately win re-election, in part because of the flawed field of Republican candidates. He characterized their plans to repair the nation's ailing economy as the same kind of deregulation and tax cuts that caused the downturn in the first place.

"This isn't new wine and old bottles. This is old wine and old bottles," Axelrod said.

He also assailed Republican contenders, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry, in an interview with The Associated Press.

Axelrod took issue with Romney's assertion that he's among the candidates with the least political experience in the Republican field. Romney held just one full term as governor but has run for higher office four times since 1994.

"I don't know how you define a professional politician, but running for office off and on for two decades seems to qualify," Axelrod said.

He also went after Perry.

"He holds up Texas as a model," Axelrod said. "You look at Texas and they have among the lowest wages in the country, the highest rate of uninsured people, some of the worst performance in their schools."

"I think most Americans will look at that and say, 'Why would we want to emulate that?" Axelrod added.

Obama's campaign has said that the 2012 election will be a "choice, not a referendum" on Obama, making clear they intend to draw sharp contrasts with whomever Republicans nominate next year. Democrats have begun raising questions about Romney and Perry's records both in and out of government, hoping to make the case that Obama would be best positioned to restore a middle class that has been battered by the economic downturn.

He refused to rule out whether Tea Party activists include a racist element.

Deval L. Patrick

BOSTON - Gov. Deval L. Patrick on Tuesday ripped “Tea Party behavior” in the U.S. Congress and refused to rule out whether Tea Party activists in America included a racist element.

“I don’t know,” Patrick said when pressed by Boston area radio station WTKK-FM host Jim Braude during an hour-long interview. “I've told you before that one of the curses of racism in this country is that you’re always asking yourself whether the stuff that goes wrong is on account of race. I hope it's not.”

Patrick ripped the Tea Party for what he said was a “singular focus” to bring down the Obama presidency.

“No matter who the president is at a time of crisis, our job as patriots is to come together and figure out how to help each other out of this time of crisis,” he said.

Patrick defended Obama from criticism that the president too easily capitulated to corporate interests, although he added he wished the president’s recent $447 billion jobs proposal “were bigger.”

“But it’s pretty big as it is,” he added.

Patrick said he counseled the president while he was crafting the so-called American Jobs Act to “put in things you really believe will make a difference in people’s lives.”

“If you really believe it, that will come through when you talk about it,” he said. “In addition to tangible results that people need in their life, they need to know that the president sees them and cares about them and is trying to help.”

Tea Party officials and activists have called for government at the state and federal levels to rein in spending.

Each candidate will have 15 minutes to give a speech, followed by a question-and-answer round with constituents.

View full size

EASTHAMPTON – In the run-up to the Nov. 8 election, voters will have a chance next month to ask the candidates about their plans for the future of the city.

The New City Neighborhood Association is sponsoring "Meet the Candidates" events every Thursday in October, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Apollo Grill in the Eastworks building at 116 Pleasant St.

Mayor Michael A. Tautznik is scheduled to participate on Oct. 6 and incumbent city councilors at-large Donald L. Cykowski and Joseph P. McCoy are set to share Oct. 13. At-large candidate Nathaniel P. Ziegler is scheduled for Oct. 20 and mayoral challenger Donald C. Emerson is expected to share Oct. 27 with at-large candidate and Planning Board member Chester A. Ogulewicz, Jr.

All precinct councilors are running unopposed for re-election and none are part of the series.

Each candidate will have 15 minutes to give a speech, followed by a question-and-answer round with constituents. The events will be recorded and shared on the neighborhood association’s Facebook page.

Anyone not able to attend can submit questions in advance to NewCityNA@gmail.com. The candidates will not be shown the questions beforehand, said Mary Westervelt, an organizer and founding member of the neighborhood association.

The neighborhood association has staged a fight against the proposed Parsons Village affordable housing development, packing Planning Board special permit hearings for six months. The permit was denied Sept. 13 and the developer, Valley Community Development Corp., said it will take court action to reverse the decision.

Westervelt said candidates could be asked about their stances on Parsons Village, but it will not be the focus.

“We really want to keep it on the macro level,” said Westervelt. She said the group is more “interested in learning their goals.”

The Parsons Village fight has given her insight into how the city government works, she said, and it’s imperfect.

“There’s a breakdown of some sort in communication between the constituents and our representatives,” she said. “There are a lot of committees, but there’s not a lot of conversation that is accessible to the average citizen ... so there is perhaps a lot of unnecessary strife.”

The group is non-partisan, she said, and will not endorse any candidates.

The Apollo Grill will have a cash bar, but no purchase is necessary to attend.