GOP goes for Meehan's spot

Chelmsford Republicans will concentrate their efforts on electing Jim Ogonowski to Congress as they attempt to rebuild the GOP in Massachusetts.

“We’re going to do everything we can to try to get some sense back in Washington,” said Paul Rigazio, treasurer of the Chelmsford Republican Town Committee. “I think the Republican party in Massachusetts and in Chelmsford has something to say.”

Ogonowski, a Dracut resident, has announced his candidacy for Marty Meehan’s old seat, the Massachusetts Fifth District. Meehan stepped down to become chancellor of UMass Lowell.

On Thursday, May 3, the Chelmsford Republican Town Committee held a small fundraiser at the Chelmsford Country Club to try to rally support for the party.

“We’re in such a minority, we have to do something about it,” said Chairman Richard Codling, of the Republican Town Committee.

Ogonowski’s campaign has gained priority among Chelmsford Republicans who have put aside the goal to win a seat for the town on Beacon Hill, said Rigazio. Chelmsford used to have a State Representative, before the area was redistricted a few years ago.

“That’s going to be our concern for the next couple of months,” said Rigazio.

An Air Force lieutenant colonel who plans to retire later this month, Ogonowski has had a busy schedule, meeting with Republican groups around the district.

“I’ve been greeted everywhere I go with overwhelming optimism and support,” Ogonowski said.

“It’s been something I’ve been very interested in for a long time,” said Ogonowski. “I’ve been watching from the sidelines.”

About 40 people showed up to the country club event, according to people who were there, including Peter Torkildsen, chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party.

“He was very impressive. He’s a very enthusiastic, alive individual,” Rigazio said.

Ogonowski believes in small government, he said, and counts four former Presidents among his heroes: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.

He will campaign on two major issues, overhauling the tax code and building clean energy, said Valerie Smith, his campaign manager.

“Oh my God. We are overtaxed to the nth degree,” said Ogonowski. “My platform is, no more taxes. The tax code is way to complex.”

The government should give incentives to homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient, Ogonowski said.

Ogonowski will speak more freely about the war, after he retires from the Air Force, Smith said.

“He has too much respect for the Commander in Chief to talk about that strategy,” Smith said.

Ogonowski believes he has a chance at winning a seat in the United States House of Representatives, he said.

“Look at the numbers. This district is more ‘New Hampshire South,’ than it is Massachusetts,” Ogonowski said. “Chelmsford is a great Republican town.”

Andy Metzger can be reached at ametzger@cnc.com or at 978-371-5745.