Some quick thoughts on something I know you’ve been discussing here today, Setti’s decision to end his campaign for the Senate.
First, I know it was a tough decision, but Setti showed a lot of guts and determination when he put himself on the line as a candidate in the first place, and he showed equal judgment, class, and sense of purpose in the way he ended that campaign today. People run for all kinds of different reasons, but I think all of us who ever have taken that plunge have huge respect afterwards for just what a commitment it is, and what it requires of your family, your friends, and those closest to you. We ought to thank folks who climb into the arena.
Second, just something about Setti because we’ve traveled a lot of miles together: He’s a special guy, who comes from a special family. I’ve seen him tested in life, in ways people know about and in ways Setti to his great credit doesn’t talk about much, but every time he’s been tested he’s demonstrated character, loyalty, and integrity. He’s got one hell of a “compass,” and if you knew his Dad then you know one of the reasons why.
Third, I can tell you that Setti cares deeply about Newton and his work as Mayor. He’s sat in the armchair in my office and talked to me about what it’s like to be Mayor and he just lights up talking about Newton in a way that frankly is more powerful than me just reciting his record. He’ll keep doing that job with all the heart, fire, leadership, pride, and energy that defines him.
Lastly, a lot of endings can be beginnings. In 1970, I pulled out of a race for Congress and backed Father Drinan instead because the cause was bigger than me, and in 1972 I ran in Lowell and got blistered and battered and knocked on my butt and man did I learn some lessons from it. Some people thought my career had ended before it began. But I put my head down and I did a job I came to love as Prosecutor in Middlesex County. Years later, I got another chance at elected office and I was a better candidate and better public person for lessons learned early. I don’t know what Setti’s future holds — that’s up to Setti and Tassy and life itself — but I know he’s an enormously talented, capable person — the sky’s always been the limit for Setti, and trust me, today it still is.
but I begin to imagine him everytime I see the Police Action League certificate posted behind the Subway sandwiches counter subsumed into the store I work in.
Anyway, I did not need a compass to attend his Framingham meet-and-greet arranged at a home a few minutes from my Wal-mart. I also heard him in Worcester (Coral Seafood). I agree with him when he affirmed that health care is a right, not to be regarded as only a privilege in our country. Setti Warren warned us that our Affordable Care Attack is under attack. (We have yet to see if our US Supreme Court upholds it.) Setti Warren really thought of ways to have our Medicare program save us money, perhaps similar to what Medicaid already may be doing, by negotiating for drug prices. Like other Democrat public servants, Setti Warren believes that it should be the outcomes of our health as patients, rather than the mere number of medical procedures we undergo, that determines the value of our health care.
I agree, I think it took guts to jump into the race when it was wide open, and the Dems really needed some strong candidates to get into the ring against the Unbeatable Unsinkable Everyone Loves Him Scott Brown. Given his position, family situation, and so forth, I think it was more a sacrifice for Setti than overweening ambition. It would have been a very tough race for him on a number of levels, although I think he would have been a pretty good candidate.
Anyway, back to Newton and resume-polishing, which is better for everyone. I appreciate his willingness to jump in when we needed him, though.
Thanks to Senator Kerry for his beautiful statement, full of heart and life wisdom. My best to Setti, a fine person who conducted his campaign with class; there is a good career ahead for him.
I know that “class” likely will turn into one of the nastier words in the upcoming campaign, but I wanted to give a tip of the hat to Senator Kerry for a very classy gesture to Mayor Warren. I wish we all remembered that real people engage in real politics and it’s nice to recognize the humanity of our collective endeavor. Nicely said Senator.