Just got an email announcing that Michael Dukakis will be endorsing Mike Capuano tomorrow. I had heard that he was going to be staying officially neutral. I didn’t understand why (it isn’t like he’s the sitting governor), but I guess as it comes down to the wire he realized it was too important. Text of the email is below:
Dear Friend,
Tomorrow, I am formally endorsing Mike Capuano for US Senate during the Brookline Open Mike at the Washington Square Tavern, 714 Washington Street at 3:30pm.
I have known Mike Capuano ever since I met him as a young staffer at the State House. I watched him grow and develop into one of the best mayors in the Commonwealth and I have worked closely with him since his election to Congress.
I hope that you can join us for this event. Please visit http://mikecapuano.com/page/ev… to RSVP.
Mike’s passion for public service and his dedication to his constituents are obvious. But it is his courage and his conviction on the important issues of the time that impress me most of all.
He was one of the few dissenting voices in Congress to vote against the invasion of Iraq. He has raised important questions about our role in Afghanistan. He was committed to decent and affordable health care for all Americans when the issue seemed to have faded from the national radar screen. And, he understands as well or better than anyone in the Congress how important it is that we put our unemployed building trades workers to work rebuilding our crumbling transportation infrastructure and building a first class national rail passenger system.
We lost an extraordinary public servant when we lost Ted Kennedy. Filling his shoes in the United States Senate will take somebody who has many of his special qualities — a deep commitment to the welfare of ordinary Americans; the courage of his convictions; and at the same time the political skills to craft solutions to our problems that can work and win the support they need in the Congress of the United States.
Mike Capuano is that person.
I am proud to join Kitty in announcing my strong endorsement of his candidacy. I urge all of my fellow Massachusetts Democrats to support him on December 8th, and I will do everything I can between now and then to help him win the nomination and go on to victory in January.
Please join me as I announce my endorsement of Mike Capuano for US Senate. Visit http://mikecapuano.com/page/ev… to RSVP today!
Thank you,
Michael S. Dukakis
Discuss
32 Comments . Comments are closed.Boston.com just picked up the story
and points out that this is the first time since leaving office almost 20 years ago, that Dukakis has endorsed any Democrat in a statewide MA primary.
http://www.boston.com/news/loc...
That really underscores the importance of the race in the former Governor's eyes.
Unintended consequences?
Mike Dukakis also, for the first time since leaving office, appeared at Brookline Town Meeting and spoke in support of a warrant article (and received a very warm welcome, I might add).
Perhaps the Paul Kirk episode (and the rather shabby treatment he received) catalyzed him to re-engage in local politics. I have a hard time identifying anyone else in Massachusetts who has demonstrated such life-long passion for health care and public transportation as Mike Dukakis.
This endorsement is big news for Mike Capuano. I suspect it has also not escaped the attention of Governor Patrick.
An energized and engaged Mike Dukakis could make for a very interesting 2010 campaign season.
Thank you , Michael
It's great to see Michael out there in this important race. If I had not already neem supporting Mike Capuano, the Dukakis endorsement would have clinched it! Thank you, Michael! Kate
I just got a robo-call from Dukakis
announcing the endorsement - nice touch.
He also invited us all to the "Open Mike" tomorrow in Brookline.
I might just go. Anyone else going?
Thank you, Michael Dukakis!
I'll be there
As a side note, the owner of the Washington Square Tavern is a cyclist and, more importantly, supportive of bicycling issues.
I wish I could be there
It's a five minute walk from my house, and I know the owner and the restaurant.
Sadly, family dynamics make it impossible for me to attend. I would love my three children to have a chance to meet Mike Dukakis and Mike Capuano, but it isn't in the cards. Oh well.
BrooklineTom is a liar
or defies the laws of the universe.
I saw him at the event -- with family in tow. :)
I found a wormhole at Park & Auburn Street
Actually, we were able to reschedule a North Shore engagement the kids had later in the evening, they really wanted to go (as did I).
I'm really glad I was able to be there, it was a great afternoon. My guys were really glad they came.
I like Mike x2.
Thank you Mike (x2)
When will the public realize just how unproven
Martha Coakley is as a legislator?
Not too late, I hope.
Feels undeniable to me that Capuano has some solid momentum right now. I get the feeling that her momentum, on the other hand, has really stalled. Probably because people have started to realize that, while she's very smart, she's not nearly the most qualified for the position. I just hope there's enough time left.
Unproven?
Ted Kennedy was also unproven as a legislator.
We know how Ted got elected
Martha's opponent is a six-term US Congressman. She has less than 3 years experience in state wide office and has never legislated at any level.
I'll stick with my assessment, "When will the public realize just how unproven Martha Coakley is as a legislator?"
Michael Dukakis endorsement
Hi All:
I received that robo call earlier from Governor Dukakis today as well. I am glad to be a supporter also, but it is difficult to make public meetings with twin two and a half year old sons. I wish that I could attend, it would be nice to see him again.
Respectfully Submitted, Sincerely, Wayne J. Wilson, Jr. Roslindale
Dukakis to Endorse Capuano for Massachusetts Senate
more experience Capuano has (which his opponents do not)
link
"Coakley less well-traveled, Capuano goes mostly on policy-oriented jaunts"
same article
"... The world is global." - Steve Pagliuca
Coakley said she believes she is prepared to face foreign policy questions
same article:
earlier:
the next day, October 26, 2009:
Closing the gap...
This race is really heating up. Capuano has been steadily gaining momentum as voters learn more and more about the race and the various candidates. I think Coakley's early lead (a product of simple name-recognition) led her to become a little too complacent. While she was suffering from front-runner syndrome (dodging questions, talking around answers, and ignoring the blogs), Mike was out engaging the public, meeting with voters, and racking up high-profile endorsements.
Add Dukakis' endorsement (a very impressive one, from a man who's dedicated his life to public service) to the top of the pile. Nancy Pelosi, Diane Patrick, almost all of the Congressmen from Massachusetts, a whole host of State Senators and Representatives and 20 Massachusetts Mayors all deciding to throw their weight behind Mike? Definitely more than a fluke. That's a decidedly strong showing of support from liberal stalwarts and champions of progressive values.
Things are looking good for Capuano! Looks like this underdog has a shot!
The Globe endorsed Alan Khazei
He's for Charter Schools and Merit Pay for teachers tied to students scores on standardized tests.
The Globe is also for Merit Pay and Charter Schools.
I'm not a bit surprised.
Are these issues
that a US Senator would deal with?
You bet.
Huge federal overlay for education these days, especially where funding is concerned. It's a fair question vis-a-vis casinos, but education? Absolutely.
Capuano to receive Dukakis endorsement; candidates campaigning
embed pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://www.necn.com/avp32.swf?
or9tCGBds;m8t}#D@7i,MUZ-da9DMrBXjMg-W2}l{La.(fnS^.gk3$U.O3^$7#UsS.xE7?{cu_zN?{0PFhFiQBn.?pMbgvp_&<^!R_B$xCsO*B^jSbXeuKvsHV>dL1}pysH-9BbBi*lG/ds#fXU]WD_(zFS)_/RIm{b9u-WZkmk6|b5?n>2-o<|Qk*ipgT$8x ;vT65FR9g*;A&*]HV8$4zjut$4_A8!]o6J!Ul!Z2gmI WFI[:)y3_=SYWTma,R^jAey8g]N#!Y}GR)0H1KTQ?N5g]Fu5SQa" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" width="320" height="240"Unbiased site?
I thought bluemassgroup was supposed to be a neutral site and am surprised at all the Capuano posters on it.
You can post your opinion too.
Write a diary.
The site is unbiased...
...it's all those opinionated people who write on it that's causing the problem. Including those of us who were here long before the special election began.
Duke
thats what this site is for. its a place for fellow DEMs to speak about how they feel! and on this story DUKE is a fantastic endorsement pickup hes a state wide official and believes Cappy will do the best job state wide.
Unbiased Mike Dukakis?
I thought Mike Dukakis was supposed to be a neutral Democrat and am surprised at the Mike Dukakis endorsement.
Question?
when you say neutral Democrat what do you mean?
To clarify:
Blue Mass Group is not an "unbiased site," except in the sense that we welcome all viewpoints here. There happen to be a lot of Capuano supporters who are active contributors, which explains why you're reading a lot of pro-Capuano comments. The Editors of the site have not yet publicly endorsed, but expect to do so as soon as one of them gets off his a$$ and finishes the endorsement. [slinks away in shame]
Lovely image
David slinking away in shame, I mean, not being unbiased.
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