As shocking as this may sound Bean in the Burbs continues her less than objective “analysis” of this race.
Pat Natale did indeed go negative at the forum, however, it is important to note that, despite BITB’s best efforts to report, he went after my voting record and Marzilli’s as well. As BITB will recall Jim and I both took an opportunity to share with the audience an explanation of our own voting records (my average voting record per session over the past 11 years is 95%) and I pointed out that clearly Natale has nothing postive to say about himself and why he should be a senator.
Also, there was no “testy” moment between Natale and myself despite BITB’s suggestion to the contrary. I have stated from the start of this campaign that I am asking voters to vote for me on election day rather than not voting for one of my opponents.
With regard to Deb’s observation on my ability to think on my feet, (I, I……ahhh, umm, I don’t…umm, agree with……her) I respectfully suggest her objecttivity is extremely questionable at this point of the campaign. Most people following this race on BMG know she is an ardent JM supporter.
I do agree with Deb that this race has been hard fought and has focused on the issues (for the most part). I look forward to the final week of the primary campaign.
Best regards
Charley Murphy
State Representative
21st Middlesex District
State Senate Candidate
4th Middlesex District
There’s a detailed and impartial description of the candidate forum on YourArlington.com.
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The testy little exchange began with a question (and a diatribe) by Murphy supporter Joe Daly, which was directed at Natale and Donnelly. The curious thing about this race is that the anti-Marzilli faction in Arlington is divided among themselves, and they are going after each other.
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Meanwhile, the other hostile question, directed at Murphy, came from a Woburn resident.
And, in case ANYONE did not know I am a James Marzilli supporter, let me disclose that again! I said this on August 17, 2007 when I posted that Senator Havern would be resigning, and several times since.
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That all being said, I tried to convey my impressions, including that I thought Brion Cangiamilla, the lone Republican candidate presented well, and would fight hard for the seat no matter which of the Democratic contenders win the primary.
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So, Charlie, again, I loved your humerous post and appreciate that you remembered whom I told you I would support when we spoke in Lexington on October 13th – put I have also posted my personal choice on this blog several times…and am glad you reminded everyone!
All I did was share some impressions from the event, which have been corroborated by other posters and by the YourArlington.com article.
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I wonder what makes Rep. Murphy feel like he needs to attack my objectivity and my post – its focus was on Natale’s negativity.
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Shocking as it may seem, Rep. Murphy seems to be the one who lacks objectivity and awareness of how some of his exchanges with Natale came across to the audience.
I admit I wasn’t there but when I read the post on the dabate, I thought to myself -gee I heard that both Jim Marzilli and Charlie Murphy were hit on attendance. And the post only mentioned Murphy . . . I don’t expect bloggers who are pro- a candidate to be objective but I don’r expect them to be defensive when it is pointed out.
I’ve heard there was an attack piece from Natale that went after Murphy and Marzilli, but I didn’t get that mailing and haven’t seen it myself. My impression of the interaction at the debate was that Rep. Natale and Rep. Murphy, and their supporters in the audience, “got into it” much more with each other than with Rep. Marzilli. I didn’t make a transcript of the event, but others who were there had the same impression, and the article cited above also goes into some supporting detail.
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Rep. Murphy certainly has no claims himself to objectivity as a commenter here – after all he is trying to secure a promotion and a raise from this race. I post here to share information I think may be of interest. I get nothing from any candidate’s victory besides the satisfaction of seeing the best guy or gal win. I will donate to, or volunteer for, candidates I think merit it, but I’m not anybody’s staffer and I don’t make my living from anything related to politics.
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I’ve found some of Rep. Murphy’s comments on my posts here bordering on unsenatorial. If he wins, I’m his constituent – I would think a more savvy politician would be looking past the primary and avoiding getting into further unnecessary testy exchanges, rather than going out of his way to provoke them on blogs.
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I think I recall from one of your previous posts that your knowledge of Rep. Murphy comes from one brief recent conversation, and that you are supporting Donnelly?
The Lowell Sun ran an article on the attack piece.
I mentioned that I had never met Rep. Murphy prior to an hour long interview with the Boston Labor Council and then another 35 minute candidate event with Labor a week or so later.
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I don’t live in the District Bean and I wouldn’t dispute that your opinions and positions are based in solid belief and your experience. I respect that you have strong opinions and the smarts to debate/defend them.
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I am working my ass off for Donnolly. As a union guy, I love Donnolly’s blue collar roots and up from the ranks experience. I have gained respect and a liking for Rep. Murphy as the campaign goes on – even while calling to task some of his campaign literature. He has been willing to engage on BMG – he earns points with me for that alone.
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For my money the more savvy politician focuses on winning the primary and rebuilding the bridges when in office. If Rep. Murphy becomes Senator Murphy, I am willing to guess your phone calls get returned ASAP.