From the State House News Service:
GALVIN ELECTION UPDATE? – Three-term Secretary of State William Galvin, the state’s top elections overseer and chief public information officer, has long hosted pre-election day previews to talk about election issues, races or questions that are expected to draw out voters, and enrollment trends. Galvin declined to hold such a press conference before primary day. On Friday, his spokesman declined to return phone calls inquiring about a potential availability on Monday.
This on the heels of the sham “debate” and his hiding out in the “debate” room while the media waited outside.
From the Lowell Sun:
Hoping for reaction from Galvin, a Sun reporter waited unsuccessfully for 35 minutes for the secretary to emerge.
Accountability, anyone?.
Was it Paul Sullivan?
Her, and Chris Scott, are my fave people there.
I’ve got to admit, Galvin’s ducking of questions is becoming a standing joke. Note how this Stein press release from yesterday sticks the fork in again:
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PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 5th, 2006
Contact: Jill Stein, 617-852-4727
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Jill Stein to Visit High School Civics Class Spurned by Galvin
– Says Young People Are Critical to Reviving Democracy.
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Accepting an invitation to appear before a Charlestown High School civics class on Monday, Jill Stein declared “The young voters of tomorrow are key to revitalizing democracy in Massachusetts. They are a major priority of my agenda for Secretary of State.”
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Steven Berbeco’s AP Government class, after studying political parties, had extended an invitation to Jill Stein and current Secretary of State Bill Galvin to appear jointly at Charlestown High School Monday morning. After first telling the class that Secretary Galvin was amenable to a debate, the Galvin campaign called back to inform them that the Secretary was extremely busy and would not attend. Later, commenting to the Boston Globe on the invitation, Galvin said “We can’t run off to every civics class, and say, ‘Gee, let’s have a debate'”.
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Galvin, who for eight months had spurned all candidate debates and forums, finally agreed to a five minute debate hosted by political analyst Jon Keller. Stein, who has appeared at forums across the state without meeting Galvin face-to-face, reluctantly agreed to the inadequate five-minute format (which was stretched to 16 minutes once it began).
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Noting that revitalizing democracy has been a theme of her campaign, Stein lamented the effect of the Secretary’s avoidance of public forums over the past few months, including two hosted by high schools. “We need to show current and future voters that office holders are interested in their opinions and are ready and willing to answer their questions. The message Secretary Galvin has been sending is that incumbents don’t have to answer questions, and don’t have time to spend with voters. Its an unfortunate message from the official who is responsible for encouraging voter participation.”
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Stein said she looked forward to addressing Mr. Berbeco’s class, noting that their disappointment upon learning of the Secretary’s refusal may well turn into a civics lesson they’ll never forget. Mr. Berbeco’s class has kept the invitation to both candidates on the table, as well as an invitation to the press. Dr. Stein will join the class at 11 AM.